Content playback device, content distribution system, control method and program

Abstract

A content reproducing device is provided that can appropriately reproduce content associated with a predetermined road. [Solution] The content playback device includes a content acquisition means that requests a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a specified road and acquires the content from the content distribution server, and a playback means that plays back the content acquired by the content acquisition means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of content distribution. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies for distributing content such as music and videos have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for selecting and distributing music according to music selection conditions for each driving environment set for each user. For example, classical music is selected when stuck in traffic, and folk songs are selected when driving on a highway. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-150176 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the user needs to set song selection conditions in advance.

[0005] The above is an example of a problem that the present invention aims to solve. A main object of the present invention is to provide a content playback device and the like that is capable of appropriately playing back content associated with a predetermined road. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In the invention described in the claims, the content playback device comprises a content acquisition means that requests a content distribution server to deliver content that is associated with a specified road and includes at least music, and acquires from the content distribution server images of the content and the music jackets included in the content, a playback means that plays the content acquired by the content acquisition means, and a display means that displays a map, wherein the display means displays the image of the jacket on a road on the map that corresponds to the content.

[0007] The invention described in the claims is a content distribution system having a content playback device and a content distribution server, wherein the content playback device comprises: a content acquisition means that requests the content distribution server to distribute content including at least music that is associated with a specified road, and acquires the content and images of the jackets of the music included in the content from the content distribution server; a playback means that plays the content acquired by the content acquisition means; and a display means that displays a map, wherein the display means displays the images of the jackets on roads on the map that correspond to the content, and the content distribution server comprises: a storage means that stores content in association with each road, and a content distribution means that reads out from the storage means content associated with the road in response to the request of the content playback device, and distributes the content and images of the jackets of the music included in the content to the content playback device.

[0008] In the invention described in the claims, the control method executed by the content playback device comprises a content acquisition process of requesting a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a specified road and including at least music, and acquiring images of the content and the jackets of the music included in the content from the content distribution server, a playback process of playing the content acquired by the content acquisition process, and a display process of displaying a map, wherein the display process displays the image of the jacket on a road on the map that corresponds to the content.

[0009] In the invention described in the claims, a program executed by a content playback device having a computer causes the computer to function as a content acquisition means that requests a content distribution server to distribute content that is associated with a specified road and includes at least music, and acquires from the content distribution server images of the content and the music jackets included in the content, a playback means that plays the content acquired by the content acquisition means, and a display means that displays a map, and the display means displays the image of the jacket on a road on the map that corresponds to the content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a music distribution system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] An example of current information and playback information is shown below. [Figure 3] 10 shows a process flow for playing music according to the road on which the vehicle is traveling. [Figure 4] 10 shows a processing flow for switching music data to be played back during playback of music data. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a music distribution system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a road traffic information generation process. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart of a distribution fee calculation process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a distribution song registration process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a distribution target designation process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a music distribution process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, a content playback device includes a content acquisition means that requests a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a specified road and acquires the content from the content distribution server, and a playback means that plays back the content acquired by the content acquisition means.

[0012] The content playback device requests a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a specific road, and then acquires and plays the content from the content distribution server, thereby enabling the content associated with the road to be appropriately played back.

[0013] In one aspect of the above content playback device, the device further includes a current location acquisition means for acquiring the current location of the mobile body, and the content acquisition means requests the content distribution server to distribute content associated with the road on which the mobile body is passing based on the current location.

[0014] According to this aspect, it is possible to appropriately play back content associated with the road on which the mobile body is passing. As a result, users of the content playback device can receive a variety of content while traveling. Furthermore, content providers (such as record companies) can provide content to many users, thereby improving the advertising effectiveness of the content.

[0015] In another aspect of the content playback device, the content playback device further includes a content identification information acquisition unit that acquires content identification information for identifying content associated with each of a plurality of roads near the current location, and a content identification information specification unit that specifies, from the content identification information acquired by the content identification information acquisition unit, content identification information corresponding to content associated with a road on which the mobile object is passing, and the content acquisition unit requests the content distribution server to distribute content corresponding to the content identification information specified by the content identification information specification unit, thereby enabling the content associated with the road on which the mobile object is passing to be appropriately acquired.

[0016] In another aspect of the content playback device, the content identification information specifying means specifies content identification information corresponding to content associated with a road on which the mobile body is passing while the playback means is playing back the content, and the content acquisition means, when the content identification information specified by the content identification information specifying means while the playback means is playing back the content differs from the content identification information corresponding to the content being played back, requests the content distribution server to deliver content corresponding to the content identification information specified by the content identification information specifying means and acquires the content from the content distribution server, and the playback means switches the content to be played back from the content being played back to the content acquired by the content acquisition means. This allows the content to be played back (content corresponding to the road on which the mobile body is passing) to be appropriately played back.

[0017] In one aspect of the content playback device, the content acquisition unit requests the content distribution server to distribute content associated with both the road on which the mobile object is traveling and the direction of travel of the mobile object, thereby enabling content corresponding to the direction of travel to be acquired.

[0018] Preferably, the content playback device may further include road identification means for identifying a road on which the mobile object is passing based on the current location. In this case, the content acquisition means uses the road identified by the road identification means to request a content distribution server to distribute content associated with the road.

[0019] In a preferred example, if the time it takes for the mobile object to pass through the road is longer than the playback time of the content associated with the road, the playback means may repeatedly play back the content, thereby allowing the user to watch the content multiple times after completing playback of one piece of content while passing through the road.

[0020] In a preferred example, a plurality of contents may be associated with the road, and if the time it takes for the mobile object to pass through the road is longer than the playback time of one of the contents associated with the road, the playback means may play the next content after the content, thereby allowing the mobile object to view a plurality of contents while passing through the road.

[0021] In a preferred example, the playback means may play the content to the end without stopping the playback of the content even if the time it takes for the moving object to pass through the road is shorter than the playback time of the content associated with the road, thereby allowing the user to watch the entire content.

[0022] In a preferred example, the content may have a playback time that corresponds to the time it takes for the mobile object to pass through the road associated with the content, thereby allowing the entire content to be appropriately played back while the mobile object is passing through the road.

[0023] In a preferred example, the content distribution server may further include a means for supplying information indicating that the content has been played back by the playback means to the content distribution server, thereby enabling the content distribution server to obtain the number of times the content has been played back, the viewing history, and the viewing rate.

[0024] In a preferred example, the information display device may further include a means for displaying information related to the content in addition to the road associated with the content, thereby allowing the user to easily understand the content associated with the road.

[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, the content distribution server comprises a storage means for storing content in association with each road, and a content distribution means for reading out from the storage means the content associated with the road in response to a request from the content playback device, and distributing the content to the content playback device.

[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a content distribution system having a content playback device and a content distribution server, wherein the content playback device comprises: a content acquisition means for requesting the content distribution server to distribute content associated with a specified road and acquiring the content from the content distribution server; and a playback means for playing back the content acquired by the content acquisition means, and the content distribution server comprises: a storage means for storing content in association with each road; and a content distribution means for reading out from the storage means content associated with the road in response to the request from the content playback device and distributing the content to the content playback device.

[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, a control method executed by a content playback device includes a content acquisition step of requesting a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a specified road and acquiring the content from the content distribution server, and a playback step of playing back the content acquired by the content acquisition step.

[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, a program executed by a content playback device having a computer causes the computer to function as a content acquisition means that requests a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a specified road and acquires the content from the content distribution server, and a playback means that plays back the content acquired by the content acquisition means.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, a control method executed by a content distribution server includes a storage step of associating and storing content for each road, and a content distribution step of obtaining, from the content stored in the storage step, content associated with the road in response to a request from a content playback device, and distributing the content to the content playback device.

[0030] In another aspect of the present invention, a program executed by a content distribution server having a computer causes the computer to function as a storage means for storing content in association with each road, and a content distribution means for obtaining, from the content stored in the storage means, content associated with a road in response to a request from a content playback device, and distributing the content to the content playback device.

[0031] In another aspect of the present invention, a content distribution server includes a storage means for storing fee information for distributing content for each road in a storage unit in association with the fee information; a transmission means for transmitting information about the road and the fee information associated with the road from the storage unit to the content registration device in response to a request from the content registration device; a receiving means for receiving content identification information and information about the road to which the content is to be distributed, transmitted from the content registration device after the transmission means has transmitted the road information and the fee information associated with the road; and a registration means for registering the received content identification information in the storage unit in association with the received road information.

[0032] The content distribution server stores fee information for distributing content for each road in association with the road in a storage unit. Upon receiving a request from a content registration device, the content distribution server transmits road information and fee information associated with the road to the requesting content registration device. After transmitting the road information and fee information associated with the road by a transmission means, the content distribution server receives content identification information and information on the road to which the content is to be distributed, transmitted from the content registration device, and registers the content identification information in association with the road information in the storage unit. This allows content to be registered in association with roads in response to a request from the content registration device.

[0033] In one aspect of the content distribution server, the fee information is set according to the traffic volume of the corresponding road, thereby making it possible to adjust the content distribution fee according to the traffic volume of the road.

[0034] Another aspect of the content distribution server includes a distribution unit that distributes content to a terminal device based on a content distribution request that specifies a road, and the fee information is set according to the priority with which the distribution unit distributes content to the terminal device for the corresponding road. This makes it possible to adjust the content distribution fee according to the priority with which the content is distributed to the user.

[0035] Another aspect of the content distribution server includes a distribution unit that distributes content to a terminal device based on a content distribution request that specifies a road, and the fee information is set according to the distribution record of the distribution unit, thereby making it possible to adjust the content distribution fee according to the actual distribution record.

[0036] In a preferred example, the toll information is set for each direction of travel on the corresponding road. In another preferred example, the toll information is set to a different amount depending on at least one of the day of the week, time of day, weather, traffic volume, and traffic conditions.

[0037] In another aspect of the present invention, a control method executed by a content distribution server includes a storage step of storing fee information for distributing content for each road in a storage unit in association with the fee information, a transmission step of transmitting information about the road and the fee information associated with the road from the storage unit to the content registration device in response to a request from the content registration device, a reception step of receiving, after the road information and the fee information associated with the road have been transmitted in the transmission step, content identification information and information about the road along which the content is to be distributed, transmitted from the content registration device, and a registration step of registering the received content identification information in the storage unit in association with the received road information. This makes it possible to register content in association with roads in response to a request from the content registration device.

[0038] In another aspect of the present invention, a program executed by a content distribution server including a storage unit and a computer causes the computer to function as: storage means for storing in the storage unit toll information for distributing content for each road in association with the road information; transmission means for transmitting from the storage unit to the content registration device, information about the road and the toll information associated with the road, in response to a request from the content registration device; reception means for receiving, after the transmission means has transmitted the road information and the toll information associated with the road, content identification information and information about the road along which the content is to be distributed, transmitted from the content registration device; and registration means for registering in the storage unit the received content identification information in association with the received road information. By executing this program on a computer, a content distribution server can be realized. [Example]

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [1] First Example [System Configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a music distribution system 10 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the music distribution system 10 includes a terminal device 1 and a server device 2. The music distribution system 10 is preferably used so that the server device 2 distributes music to the terminal device 1 in response to a request from the terminal device 1. The music distribution system 10 corresponds to an example of a "content distribution system" in the present invention, the terminal device 1 corresponds to an example of a "content playback device" in the present invention, and the server device 2 corresponds to an example of a "content distribution server" in the present invention.

[0040] The terminal device 1 mainly includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a GPS receiver 14, a standalone positioning device 15, a display unit 16, and a speaker 17. The terminal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and used. For example, the terminal device 1 is a navigation device or a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone. Note that if the terminal device 1 is a mobile terminal device, the terminal device 1 does not need to include the standalone positioning device 15.

[0041] The storage unit 12 is configured with various types of memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk (not shown), and stores various control programs for controlling the terminal device 1 and provides a working area for the control unit 11. The storage unit 12 stores various data necessary for control and processing, which will be described later.

[0042] The communication unit 13 is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 2. For example, the communication unit 13 performs communication using a wireless communication system.

[0043] The GPS receiver 14 receives radio waves carrying downlink data including positioning data from multiple GPS satellites. The positioning data is used to detect the absolute position of the terminal device 1 (i.e., the current position of the vehicle) based on latitude and longitude information, etc.

[0044] The stand-alone positioning device 15 includes an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a distance sensor, and the like (not shown). The acceleration sensor is, for example, a piezoelectric element, and detects the acceleration of the vehicle and outputs acceleration data. The angular velocity sensor is, for example, a vibration gyroscope, and detects the angular velocity of the vehicle when the vehicle changes direction and outputs angular velocity data and relative direction data. The distance sensor measures vehicle speed pulses, which are pulse signals generated in response to the rotation of the vehicle's wheels.

[0045] The display unit 16 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays characters, images, etc. to the user of the terminal device 1. The display unit 16 may be configured with a touch panel, etc.

[0046] The speaker 17 outputs sound under the control of the control unit 11 .

[0047] The control unit 11 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and the like, and controls the entire terminal device 1. The control unit 11 corresponds to an example of the "content acquisition means," "playback means," "current location acquisition means," "content identification information acquisition means," "content identification information identification means," and "road identification means" of the present invention. The control performed by the control unit 11 will be described in detail later.

[0048] Next, the server device 2 mainly includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit .

[0049] The storage unit 22 is configured with various types of memory such as a ROM, RAM, and hard disk (not shown), and stores various control programs for controlling the server device 2, and provides a working area for the control unit 21. The storage unit 22 stores various data necessary for control and processing, which will be described later. The storage unit 22 corresponds to an example of the "storage means" in the present invention.

[0050] The communication unit 23 is configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 1.

[0051] The control unit 21 is configured with a CPU (not shown) and performs overall control of the server device 2. The control unit 21 corresponds to an example of the "content distribution means" in the present invention. The control performed by the control unit 21 will be described in detail later.

[0052] [Control Overview] Here, an overview of the control performed in the music distribution system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0053] First, the terminal device 1 determines the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle based on the output from the GPS receiver 14 and / or the autonomous positioning device 15, and transmits information including the current position and traveling direction (hereinafter referred to as "current information") to the server device 2. In this case, by transmitting the current information to the server device 2, the terminal device 1 requests the server device 2 to transmit information related to the playback of music (hereinafter referred to as "playback information") according to the current information. The playback information is information including road data indicating the road shape of each link, a road ID (an ID unique to each link) for identifying each link, and a music ID (an ID unique to each song) for identifying each song. Note that a link corresponds to a line object connecting two different intersections (nodes), and a link may be simply referred to as a road hereinafter.

[0054] On the other hand, the server device 2 stores music pieces in association with roads on a map. Specifically, the server device 2 associates road-related data with music piece-related data and stores them in the storage unit 22. In more detail, the server device 2 stores road IDs and road data in association with music piece IDs, music piece names, music piece data, playback start positions, and distribution target periods.

[0055] When the server device 2 receives the current information transmitted from the terminal device 1 as described above, it generates playback information corresponding to the current information. Specifically, the server device 2 first identifies a plurality of roads (hereinafter referred to as "neighboring roads") existing near the current location of the vehicle based on the current location and traveling direction included in the current information. The neighboring roads are roads existing around the vehicle, including the road on which the vehicle is traveling (more specifically, roads existing in the traveling direction). In other words, the neighboring roads correspond to a road network near the current location. In this case, the server device 2 reads out the road IDs and road data of each of the neighboring roads from the storage unit 22. The server device 2 also reads out the music IDs, music titles, and playback start positions associated with the road IDs and road data of each of the neighboring roads from the storage unit 22. The server device 2 then generates playback information by associating the read road IDs and road data with the music IDs, music titles, and playback start positions, and transmits the generated playback information to the terminal device 1. The server device 2 generates playback information for each of the plurality of roads (links) of the neighboring roads.

[0056] Next, the terminal device 1 performs map matching based on the playback information transmitted from the server device 2 as described above, thereby identifying the road on which the vehicle is traveling. Specifically, the terminal device 1 identifies the road ID of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, based on the road IDs and road data contained in the playback information for nearby roads and the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle. Then, the terminal device 1 identifies a song ID associated with the road ID based on the playback information, and transmits the identified song ID to the server device 2. In this case, the terminal device 1 transmits the song ID to the server device 2, thereby requesting the server device 2 to transmit song data corresponding to the song ID. The song data corresponds to playback data for one piece of music content (hereinafter, song data may be simply referred to as song).

[0057] Next, when the server device 2 receives the song ID transmitted from the terminal device 1 as described above, it reads out the song data corresponding to the song ID from the storage unit 22 and transmits the read song data to the terminal device 1. Then, the terminal device 1 plays back the song data transmitted from the server device 2. In this case, the terminal device 1 outputs the sound corresponding to the song data from the speaker 17.

[0058] 2 shows an example of the current information and playback information. As shown in FIG. 2(a), current information 100 includes current position 101 indicating the vehicle's position (latitude and longitude), vehicle traveling direction 102, for example, expressed as 360 degrees clockwise with north as 0 degrees, current time 103 indicating the time when terminal device 1 transmitted the current information to server device 2 (i.e., the time when terminal device 1 inquired of playback information from server device 2), and user ID 104 for identifying the user of terminal device 1 or terminal device 1 itself. Also, as shown in FIG. 2(b), playback information 200 includes road data 201 indicating the shape of roads (links) near the vehicle's current location, road ID 202 unique to each road (link), song ID 203 unique to each song, song name 204 indicating the name (title, etc.) of the song, and playback start position 205 indicating the time when playback of the song begins.

[0059] The road data 201 is data consisting of, for example, the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of multiple points located on one link. The road data 201 and the road ID 202 are data contained in general map data. The song ID 203 corresponds to an example of "content identification information" in the present invention.

[0060] [Processing flow] Next, a processing flow according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0061] 3 shows a process flow performed to have terminal device 1 play music that corresponds to the road on which the terminal device 1 is traveling. Specifically, in FIG. 3, the left side shows the flow of the process (music playback process) performed by terminal device 1, and the right side shows the flow of the process (playback information transmission process and music data transmission process) performed by server device 2. The music playback process is a process performed to play music on terminal device 1, and is repeatedly executed by control unit 11 in terminal device 1. The playback information transmission process is a process performed to transmit playback information from server device 2 to terminal device 1, and the music data transmission process is a process performed to transmit music data from server device 2 to terminal device 1. The playback information transmission process and music data transmission process are repeatedly executed by control unit 21 in server device 2.

[0062] First, in the terminal device 1, the control unit 11 generates current information (step S111). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines the current position of the vehicle based on the output from the GPS receiver 14 and / or the autonomous positioning device 15, and also determines the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the output from the autonomous positioning device 15. Then, the control unit 11 generates the current information by associating the determined current position and traveling direction with a current time acquired from a clock means (not shown in FIG. 1) that transmits time information within the terminal device 1, and a user ID acquired from the storage unit 12 or the like. Thereafter, the control unit 11 transmits the generated current information to the server device 2 via the communication unit 13 to request the server device 2 to transmit playback information corresponding to the generated current information (i.e., to inquire of the server device 2 about playback information corresponding to the current information) (step S112).

[0063] Next, in the server device 2, the communication unit 23 receives the current information transmitted from the terminal device 1 (step S211). Then, the control unit 21 generates playback information based on the current information received by the communication unit 23 (step S212). Specifically, the control unit 21 first identifies a plurality of roads (neighboring roads) existing near the current location of the vehicle based on the current location and traveling direction included in the current information. In this case, the control unit 21 reads out the road ID and road data of each of the neighboring roads from the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 also reads out the song ID, song name, and playback start position associated with the road ID and road data of each of the neighboring roads from the storage unit 22. Thereafter, the control unit 21 generates playback information by associating the read road ID and road data with the song ID, song name, and playback start position, and transmits the generated playback information to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23 (step S213). In this case, the control unit 21 generates and transmits playback information for the number of roads included in the neighboring roads.

[0064] Next, in the terminal device 1, the communication unit 13 receives the playback information transmitted from the server device 2 (step S113). Then, the control unit 11 performs map matching to identify the road on which the vehicle is traveling based on the playback information (step S114). Specifically, the control unit 11 identifies the road ID of the road on which the vehicle is traveling based on the road IDs and road data included in the playback information for nearby roads and the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle. For example, the control unit 11 identifies road data including position coordinates that are the same as or significantly close to the position coordinates corresponding to the current position, and identifies the road ID corresponding to the road data. In this case, the control unit 11 identifies the road ID according to the traveling direction of the vehicle. Thereafter, the control unit 11 further identifies a music ID associated with the road ID identified in step S114 based on the playback information, and transmits the identified music ID to the server device 2 via the communication unit 13 (step S115). The control unit 11 transmits the identified song ID to the server device 2 to request the server device 2 to transmit song data corresponding to the identified song ID.

[0065] Next, in the server device 2, the communication unit 23 receives the song ID transmitted from the terminal device 1 (step S221). Then, the control unit 21 reads out the song data corresponding to the song ID received by the communication unit 23 from the storage unit 22, and transmits the read song data to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23 (step S222).

[0066] Next, in the terminal device 1, the communication unit 13 receives the music data transmitted from the server device 2 (step S116). Then, the control unit 11 plays the music data received by the communication unit 13 (step S117). In this case, the control unit 11 controls the speaker 17 to output audio corresponding to the music data.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows a processing flow performed to switch music data to be played back during playback of music data. Specifically, in Fig. 4, the left side shows a flow of processing (music switching processing) performed by the terminal device 1, and the right side shows a flow of processing (music data transmission processing) performed by the server device 2. The music switching processing is processing performed to switch music data to be played back by the terminal device 1, and is repeatedly executed by the control unit 11 in the terminal device 1. The music data transmission processing is the same as that shown in Fig. 3, and a description thereof will be omitted here as appropriate.

[0068] First, in the terminal device 1, the control unit 11 acquires the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle (step S121). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines the current position of the vehicle based on the output from the GPS receiver 14 and / or the autonomous positioning device 15, and also determines the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the output from the autonomous positioning device 15. Then, the control unit 11 performs map matching based on the playback information acquired in step S113 of FIG. 3 to identify the road on which the vehicle is traveling (step S122). Specifically, the control unit 11 identifies the road ID of the road on which the vehicle is traveling based on the road IDs and road data included in the multiple pieces of playback information about nearby roads acquired in step S113 and the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle acquired in step S121. In this case, the control unit 11 identifies the road ID according to the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0069] Next, the control unit 11 further identifies the song ID associated with the road ID identified in step S122 based on the playback information acquired in step S113 (step S123). That is, the control unit 11 identifies the song ID of the song to be played back depending on the road currently being traveled. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the song ID identified in step S123 is different from the song ID of the currently played back song data (identified in step S115 of FIG. 3) (step S124). Here, the control unit 11 determines whether the currently played back song data should be switched.

[0070] If the song ID identified in step S123 matches the song ID of the currently played song data (step S124: No), the process returns to step S121. In this case, the currently played song data is not switched.

[0071] On the other hand, if the song ID identified in step S123 is different from the song ID of the song data currently being played back (step S124: Yes), the process proceeds to step S125. In this case, the process from step S125 onward is performed to switch the song data currently being played back. Specifically, the control unit 11 first transmits the song ID identified in step S123 to the server device 2 via the communication unit 13 (step S125). That is, the control unit 11 transmits the song ID corresponding to the song data to be played back to the server device 2 to request the server device 2 to transmit the song data. Then, in the server device 2, the communication unit 23 receives the song ID transmitted from the terminal device 1 (step S221), and the control unit 21 reads out the song data corresponding to the song ID from the storage unit 22 and transmits the read-out song data to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23 (step S222).

[0072] Next, in the terminal device 1, the communication unit 13 receives the music data transmitted from the server device 2 (step S126). Then, the control unit 11 plays the music data received by the communication unit 13 (step S127). In other words, the control unit 11 switches the music data to be played.

[0073] [Actions and Effects of this Example] According to the present embodiment described above, music is associated with each road and stored in the server device 2, and music that corresponds to the road being traveled is delivered to the terminal device 1 for playback. This allows the user of the terminal device 1 to listen to a variety of music while traveling. This also allows music businesses such as record companies to have more people listen to their music. This makes it possible to improve the advertising effectiveness of music.

[0074] [Variations] The following describes suitable modifications to the above-described embodiment. The following modifications can be applied to the above-described embodiment in any combination.

[0075] (Variation 1) In another example, when the server device 2 transmits playback information or music data to the terminal device 1, the server device 2 may transmit the artist name, a purchase link (the address of the site where the music can be purchased), lyrics, release date, etc. together with the playback information or music data.

[0076] In yet another example, when the server device 2 transmits playback information or music data to the terminal device 1, the server device 2 may transmit the jacket photo of the music, the melody, etc. together with the playback information or the music data. In this case, the terminal device 1 may display the jacket photo on the corresponding road on the map screen displayed on the display unit 16, or may display the corresponding road in a color that corresponds to the melody, etc. Note that the jacket photo, the melody, etc. correspond to examples of "information related to the content" in the present invention.

[0077] (Variation 2) In another example, if the travel time of a road is longer than the playback time of a piece of music associated with the road (the playback time of one piece of music), the terminal device 1 may repeatedly play back the piece of music, that is, may perform loop playback.

[0078] In yet another example, if the travel time of a road is longer than the playback time of a song associated with the road (playback time of one song), the terminal device 1 may play the next song after the playback of the song has finished. In this case, the server device 2 may associate two or more songs with the road and transmit song data for the two or more songs to the terminal device 1.

[0079] In yet another example, if the travel time of a road is shorter than the playback time of a song associated with the road (the playback time of one song), the terminal device 1 may play the song to the end without stopping the playback of the song midway. In other words, the song may be played until the end.

[0080] (Variation 3) In another example, the terminal device 1 may be configured so that the song being played can be immediately purchased. In this case, the terminal device 1 may be provided with a UI (User Interface) for purchase.

[0081] (Variation 4) In another example, when a song is played on the terminal device 1, information indicating that fact may be transmitted to the server device 2. Based on the transmitted information, the server device 2 can obtain the number of times the song has been played, the viewing history, and the viewing rate.

[0082] In yet another example, if the terminal device 1 is configured to allow songs to be purchased, when a song is purchased on the terminal device 1, information indicating this may be transmitted to the server device 2. Based on the transmitted information, the server device 2 can obtain the number of song purchases, purchase history, and purchase rate.

[0083] (Variation 5) In another example, a song with a playback time corresponding to the travel time of the road may be associated with the road, and the playback time may be determined based on statistical information about the travel time of the road, taking into account various conditions such as traffic congestion.

[0084] (Variation 6) In the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 1 performs map matching, but in another example, the server device 2 may perform map matching instead of the terminal device 1. In that case, the server device 2 may identify the road ID of the road on which the vehicle is traveling based on the road IDs and road data contained in the multiple pieces of playback information about nearby roads, and the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0085] (Variation 7) In the above embodiment, music corresponding to the direction of travel is acquired, but the direction of travel need not be used. In other words, music corresponding only to the road on which the vehicle is traveling may be acquired without taking the direction of travel into consideration. In this case, the same music will be acquired regardless of the direction of travel on the road.

[0086] (Variation 8) Although the above embodiment uses only one server device 2 (see FIG. 1), the present invention can also be applied to a server system consisting of multiple server devices. In this case, the server device that transmits the playback information and the server device that transmits the music data may be separate.

[0087] (Variation 9) The present invention is not limited to application to a terminal device 1 used in a vehicle. In other words, the present invention is not limited to application to a case where the terminal device 1 is used inside a vehicle. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a case where a user uses the terminal device 1 (corresponding to a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone) while walking. In that case, it is sufficient to play music associated with the road on which the user is walking. For this reason, the "moving object" in the present invention includes not only a vehicle but also a pedestrian.

[0088] The present invention is also applicable to a general PC (Personal Computer). That is, the present invention is applicable to a PC (including a tablet PC) instead of the above-described terminal device 1. In that case, for example, a map screen may be displayed on the PC, and music associated with a road selected by the user on the map screen may be played.

[0089] (Variation 10) The present invention is not limited to application to music (songs) but can be applied to various types of content, for example, video content.

[0090] [2] Second Example Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is a music distribution system including a user terminal device 1, a server device 2, and a distributor terminal 3 of a distributor (content provider) that provides music data.

[0091] [System Configuration] 5 shows the configuration of a music distribution system 50 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the music distribution system 50 includes a terminal device 1, a server device 2, and a distributor terminal 3. The configuration of the terminal device 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0092] The distributor terminal 3 is a terminal used by the distributor when registering music distribution conditions with the server device 2, and is configured by a normal personal computer (PC) or the like. That is, the distributor terminal 3 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input device, display device, etc. (not shown), and communicates with the server device 2 via a network.

[0093] The configuration of the server device 2 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, as shown in the figure, the server device 2 of the second embodiment has various databases (hereinafter, "database" will be referred to as "DB") in the storage unit 22. Specifically, the storage unit 22 has a road DB 221, a traffic statistics information DB 222, a traffic volume information DB 223, a billing information DB 224, a distribution management DB 225, a music DB 226, and a music metadata DB 227.

[0094] The road DB 221 stores road data (map data). The road data includes data on nodes and links that make up a road network. A node corresponds to an intersection, and a link corresponds to a road.

[0095] The traffic statistics information DB 222 stores traffic statistics information. The traffic statistics information is generated based on travel information (positioning data) acquired from a large number of vehicles, and is information that associates a user ID, travel time, travel duration, travel direction, etc. with each road.

[0096] The traffic volume information DB 223 stores traffic volume information. The traffic volume information is generated based on traffic statistics information and indicates the traffic volume for each road within a certain period of time. Specifically, the traffic volume information includes the number of vehicles traveling on each road within a certain period of time, the number of users, the average travel time, etc.

[0097] The billing information DB 224 stores a distribution fee for each road as billing information. The distribution fee indicates the fee that the operator of the server device 2 charges a music distributor when providing a song to a user on a certain road. The distribution fee is determined based on factors such as the traffic volume on the road, and details of this will be described later.

[0098] The distribution management DB 225 stores information about the distribution of music on each road, specifically, distribution condition information and distribution record information. The distribution condition information is set for each road and indicates the conditions for distributing music. For example, the distribution condition information includes, for a certain road, the ID of the music to be distributed, the day of the week, time period, weather, and other conditions for distributing the music. On the other hand, the distribution record information is information that indicates, for each road, the distribution history of music to terminal devices 1 that actually traveled on that road. For example, the distribution record information includes the date and time when music was distributed on a certain road, the number of times, the ID or user ID of the terminal device 1 to which the music was distributed, etc.

[0099] The song DB 226 stores song data, i.e., music data of the songs themselves. The song data is stored in association with a song ID, which is song identification information. The song data is in a data format such as Wave, MP3, or m4a.

[0100] The music metadata DB 227 stores metadata related to music, including the artist name, genre, album name, track number, track title, disc number, and release year of the music.

[0101] In the above configuration, the communication unit 23 of the server device 2 is an example of the transmitting means and receiving means of the present invention, and the control unit 21 is an example of the storing means, registering means, and distributing means of the present invention.

[0102] [Control Overview] Next, an overview of the control will be described. In this embodiment, first, the operator of the server device 2 determines the amount (distribution fee) to be charged to the distributor when distributing music for each road. At this time, the server device 2 collects vehicle driving information (positioning data) from many terminal devices 1 and calculates the traffic volume for each road. Then, the server device 2 determines the distribution fee for each road using a calculation method that takes the traffic volume into consideration. The determined distribution fee is stored in the billing information DB 224.

[0103] Next, the distributor operates the distributor terminal 3 to register the songs to be distributed to the user and the metadata of those songs. The songs and song metadata are stored in the song DB 226 and song metadata DB 227 in the server device 2, respectively.

[0104] Next, the distributor operates the distributor terminal 3 to register distribution conditions in the server device 2. Specifically, the distributor sets the music to be distributed to users for each road. If necessary, the distributor also sets conditions such as the day of the week, time period, and weather for distributing the music. The set distribution conditions are stored in the distribution management DB 225 of the server 2.

[0105] Once preparations for music distribution are completed in this manner, the music set for that road is distributed every time the terminal device 1 travels along that road. Thus, the user can listen to the music set for that road while traveling along the road. Note that "distribution" here refers to so-called streaming distribution, in which the terminal device 1 plays music data while receiving it partially from the server device 2. Unlike so-called download distribution, the music data is not retained in the memory of the terminal device 1 when playback is completed.

[0106] [Processing flow] Each process will be described in detail below.

[0107] (Road traffic information generation process) First, the road traffic information generation process will be described. The road traffic information generation process is a process for generating road traffic information based on driving information (positioning data) collected from multiple terminal devices 1. The road traffic information generation process includes a positioning data recording process, a data communication process, and a traffic information generation process.

[0108] 6 is a flowchart of the positioning data recording process, data communication process, and traffic information generation process. These processes are executed by the terminal device 1 and the server device 2. Specifically, the control unit 11 of the terminal device 1 and the control unit 21 of the server device 2 execute programs prepared in advance, respectively, to realize the processes.

[0109] First, the terminal device 1 performs a positioning data recording process. The terminal device 1 generates positioning data including the current position based on the outputs of the GPS receiver 14 and the autonomous positioning device 15, and stores the data in the internal storage unit 12 (step S131). Specifically, the terminal device 1 stores the latitude and longitude of the vehicle's current position, the direction of travel, and the current time as positioning data at regular intervals. Next, the terminal device 1 determines whether a recording stop condition is met (step S132). An example of a recording stop condition is when the vehicle has stopped. The terminal device 1 continues recording the positioning data until the recording stop condition is met, and when the recording stop condition is met (step S132: Yes), the terminal device 1 ends the positioning data recording process.

[0110] Next, the terminal device 1 and the server device 2 perform data communication processing. First, the terminal device 1 reads out the positioning data stored in the storage unit 12 in the positioning data recording processing, and transmits it to the server device 2 together with the user ID of the terminal device 1 (step S133). The server device 2 receives the positioning data from the terminal device 1 and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 22 (step S231). This completes the data communication processing.

[0111] Next, the server device 2 performs a traffic information generation process. First, the server device 2 performs link matching using the temporarily stored positioning data and road data (step S232). That is, the server device 2 refers to the road DB 221 and identifies the road and traveling direction indicated by the positioning data based on the latitude, longitude, and traveling direction included in the positioning data. The server device 2 performs this process for a large number of positioning data acquired from a plurality of terminal devices 1. Then, based on the processing result of step S232, the server device 2 calculates the user ID of the terminal device 1, the traveling time, the traveling duration, and the traveling direction for each road, and stores these as traffic statistical information in the traffic statistical information DB 222 (step S233). This completes the traffic information generation process. Through the traffic information generation process, traffic statistical information for each road is obtained based on the positioning data from the terminal devices 1 installed in a large number of vehicles. Specifically, the traffic volume (number of traveling vehicles), traveling direction, traveling speed, etc. for each road at a certain time are obtained.

[0112] (Distribution fee calculation process) Next, the distribution fee calculation process will be described. The distribution fee calculation process is a process for determining the distribution fee for a song for each road based on traffic volume, etc. The distribution fee calculation process includes a traffic volume calculation process and a distribution fee calculation process.

[0113] 7 is a flowchart of the traffic volume calculation process and the distribution fee calculation process. These processes are performed by the server device 2. Specifically, the processes are realized by the control unit 21 of the server device 2 executing a program prepared in advance.

[0114] First, the server device 2 reads out traffic statistics information from the traffic statistics information DB 222 and calculates the traffic volume for each road for a certain period (step S241). Specifically, the server device 2 calculates the traffic volume, such as the number of traveling vehicles, the number of users, and the average travel time (average speed). Then, the server device 2 stores the calculated traffic volume in the traffic volume information DB 223 (step S242). This completes the traffic volume calculation process.

[0115] Next, the server device 2 performs a distribution fee calculation process. The server device 2 reads traffic volume from the traffic volume information DB 223 and calculates a distribution fee for each road (step S243). The server device 2 determines a distribution fee for each road link and traveling direction, taking into consideration the traffic volume and the expected number of users to be distributed. Specifically, the server device 2 calculates the distribution fee using the following formula (1).

[0116]

number

[0117] The distribution fee "Ci" is set for each road (link) and each direction of travel. The basic discount rate "a" is applied to each distribution provider, each link, and each area for various reasons. When a=1, there is no discount, when a<1, the distribution fee is reduced, and when a>1, the distribution fee is increased. For example, if the distribution fee for a certain area is to be higher than the standard distribution fee, a>1 is set, and if it is to be lower, a<1 is set.

[0118] The traffic volume per unit time "Ti" uses the traffic volume for each road stored in the traffic volume information DB 223. The fee per unit traffic volume "V" is the unit fee per traffic volume, and is set, for example, as "X yen / 100 vehicles." The fixed cost "Bc" corresponds to the basic cost of operating the music distribution system, and is basically set at a fixed amount.

[0119] The success fee amount "α" is an amount equivalent to an incentive paid by the distributor to the operator of the server device 2 based on the actual performance of distributing songs. The success fee amount "α" can be a fixed amount or an amount set per song, for example, when the actual performance of distribution (number of songs distributed, number of users or number of terminals to which distribution is targeted) exceeds a predetermined number.

[0120] The server device 2 stores the calculated distribution fee for each road and each direction of travel in the billing information DB (step S244). This completes the distribution fee calculation process. Through the distribution fee calculation process, the distribution fee for the music is determined for each road and each direction of travel, and is prepared in the billing information DB 224.

[0121] (Distribution order processing) Next, the distribution order process will be described. The distribution order process is a process in which a distributor sets the songs to be distributed, the roads to which the songs will be distributed, and the distribution conditions. The distribution order process includes a distribution song registration process and a distribution target specification process.

[0122] 6 is a flowchart of the distribution song registration process. This process is executed by the distributor terminal 3 and the server device 2. Specifically, the process is realized by the CPU of the distributor terminal 3 and the control unit 21 of the server device 2 each executing a program prepared in advance.

[0123] First, when the distributor operates the distributor terminal 3 to select a song to be distributed, the distributor terminal 3 receives the selection and acquires song data from an internal database or the like (step S311). Next, the distributor terminal 3 acquires metadata of the selected song from an internal database or the like (step S312). Then, the distributor terminal 3 transmits the acquired song data and metadata to the server device 2 (step S313).

[0124] The server device 2 receives the song data and metadata from the distributor terminal 3 (step S251) and stores them in the song data DB 226 and song metadata DB 227, respectively (step S252). This completes the distribution song registration process. Through the distribution song registration process, the song data and metadata of the songs to be distributed are registered in the database of the server device 2.

[0125] 9 is a flowchart of the delivery target designation process, which is also executed by the delivery provider terminal 3 and the server device 2.

[0126] First, the distributor operates the distributor terminal 3 to make an inquiry to specify a distribution target (step S321). For example, the distributor accesses an online client system on the Web using the distributor terminal 3 to make an inquiry. When making an inquiry, the distributor specifies search conditions such as a song ID indicating the song to be distributed, a distribution fee, a location (area or road link), a direction of travel, and an expected number of distributions (number of users to whom the song is to be distributed). In other words, the distributor sends an inquiry including conditions that are considered suitable for distributing a certain song.

[0127] The server device 2 refers to the billing information DB 224, the map data DB 221, the distribution management DB 225, etc. to search for roads (links) that match the search criteria included in the inquiry, and transmits a list of roads that match the inquiry as the search results to the distributor terminal 3 (step S262). For example, if the distributor specifies a distribution fee, a list of roads to which music can be distributed for the specified distribution fee is provided. Also, if the distributor specifies an expected number of distributions, a list of roads from which the specified number of distributions can be expected is provided to the distributor based on the distribution record stored in the distribution management DB 225. This allows the distributor to search for roads to be the target of distribution from various perspectives.

[0128] When the distributor looks at the received list and specifies the roads to be distributed, distributor terminal 3 transmits the road specification to server device 2 (step S323). Server device 2 receives the specification of the roads to be distributed from distributor terminal 3 (step S263) and stores it in distribution management DB 225 (step S264). This ends the distribution target specification process.

[0129] In this way, the distribution target designation process sets the music to be distributed for each road and each direction of travel. When designating the distribution target, the distributor may also designate the day of the week, time period, weather, road conditions, and the like as distribution conditions. These are stored in the distribution management DB 225 as the distribution conditions for that music. For example, the distributor may set distribution conditions for music distribution on a specific road, such as only on Saturdays and Sundays, only during the daytime, only on sunny days, and when there is no traffic congestion.

[0130] (Music distribution processing) Next, the music distribution process will be described. The music distribution process is a process in which, while the terminal device 1 is traveling on a road, the server device 2 distributes music that is set for that road in response to a request from the terminal device 1.

[0131] 10 is a flowchart of the music distribution process. This process is executed by the terminal device 1 and the server device 2. Specifically, the process is realized by the control unit 11 of the terminal device 1 and the control unit 21 of the server device 2 executing a program prepared in advance.

[0132] First, the terminal device 1 acquires positioning data indicating the current position of the vehicle and transmits a music distribution request including the positioning data to the server device 2 (step S141). The server device 2 receives the music distribution request from the terminal device 1 and determines the road (link) on which the vehicle is currently traveling by referring to the road DB 221 based on the positioning data (step S271). Next, the server device 2 determines the music set for the road on which the vehicle is traveling by referring to the distribution management DB 225 (step S272), acquires the music data and metadata from the music DB 226 and the music metadata DB 227, respectively (step S273), and distributes them to the terminal device 1 (step S274).

[0133] The terminal device 1 receives the music data and metadata from the server device 2 and plays the music (step S142). At this time, the terminal device 1 displays the song title, artist name, etc. based on the received metadata. Next, the terminal device 1 determines whether the playback has stopped (step S143). The playback may stop, for example, when the user of the terminal device 1 stops the music playback. If the playback has stopped (step S143: Yes), the music distribution process ends. On the other hand, if the playback has not stopped (step S143: No), the process returns to step S141. Then, when the road on which the terminal device 1 is traveling changes, for example, when the terminal device 1 passes an intersection, the terminal device 1 transmits new positioning data to the server device (step S141). In this way, unless the user stops the playback, the positioning data is transmitted to the server device 2, and the music corresponding to the road on which the terminal device 1 is traveling is reproduced by the terminal device 1.

[0134] Furthermore, after delivering the music data and metadata to the terminal device 1 in step S274, the server device 2 stores the history of this as delivery record information in the delivery management DB 225 (step S275). Specifically, the server device 2 stores, as delivery record information, the date and time when the music and metadata were delivered, the link ID corresponding to the road, the music ID of the delivered music, the ID or user ID of the destination terminal device 1, etc. in the delivery management DB 225. This allows the server device 2 to accumulate actual delivery record information.

[0135] It is preferable that, while a song is being distributed, if the user of the terminal device 1 likes the song, the user can purchase the song. For example, when the user operates the terminal device 1 to input a purchase instruction, the instruction is transmitted to the server device 2. After the payment process is completed, the server device 2 transmits (downloads) the song data to the terminal device 1. This allows the user to purchase the song data and save it in the terminal device 1.

[0136] [Variations] Preferred modifications are shown below. The following modifications can be applied to the embodiment in any combination.

[0137] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, songs are registered in association with roads (links), and the songs are distributed when a vehicle equipped with terminal device 1 travels on the road. In this case, songs may be associated not only with the width of the road, but also with a range of a predetermined width centered on the road. For example, songs may be associated with an area having a width of 100 meters from the center of the road in a direction perpendicular to the road. In this case, song distribution can continue even if the vehicle deviates slightly from the road, for example, when the vehicle enters a facility along the road.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, music pieces are associated with roads (links), but instead of or in addition to that, music pieces may be registered in association with intersections (nodes), facilities, etc. Specifically, music pieces may be associated with a node corresponding to an intersection or a predetermined area (e.g., an area with a radius of 200 m) that includes a specific facility. In this case, music pieces are played when a vehicle equipped with the terminal device 1 enters that area.

[0139] Furthermore, while in the above embodiment, music is associated with roads on a road network, the present invention can also be applied to a railway network. In this case, stations in the railway network are considered as nodes, and the tracks between stations are considered as links, and music can be distributed by associating it with stations and the tracks between stations. Furthermore, links can be defined so that specific sections of a railway line are treated as a single link, rather than treating all the tracks between stations as separate links. For example, the entire Yamanote Line could be treated as a single link, or the Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-Yokohama could be treated as a single link. In this case, too, it is preferable to associate music with an area within a specific distance (e.g., within a 200-meter radius) around a station, and with an area within a specific distance (e.g., within 100 meters) from the tracks between stations.

[0140] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the distribution fee for a song is determined based on formula (1), but the distribution fee can also be adjusted based on various other information.

[0141] First, the distribution fee may be changed depending on the time of day. For example, a day may be divided into nighttime and daytime periods and different distribution fees may be set for each hour or every 30 minutes. In this case, a time-of-day discount rate "a1" may be introduced as the discount rate in equation (1), and the distribution fee may be calculated by multiplying the time-of-day discount rate "a1" by the basic discount rate "a."

[0142] Furthermore, a day may be divided into multiple time periods based on traffic volume information, and a different delivery fee may be set for each time period. For example, a day may be divided into three time periods based on traffic statistics information: high traffic volume, normal traffic volume, and low traffic volume, and different delivery fees may be set for each time period. In this case, a traffic volume discount rate "a2" may be introduced as the discount rate in equation (1), and the delivery fee may be calculated by multiplying the basic discount rate "a" by the traffic volume discount rate "a2" that varies for each time period classified according to the amount of traffic volume. The process of analyzing traffic statistics information and classifying time periods based on traffic volume may be performed automatically using a known clustering method such as the k-mins algorithm.

[0143] The distribution fee may also be changed based on actual traffic conditions. Specifically, the distribution fee may be changed based on traffic statistics information, such as the time required to travel one road link (the time required to pass through), the time spent stopping, and the time spent waiting at traffic lights. As a result, for example, a road link that takes a long time to pass through can be deemed suitable for playing music, and the distribution fee can be increased. Also, a road link with many stopped vehicles can be deemed more likely to lead to music purchases, as there is more time for users to operate the terminal device 1 to purchase the music. In this case, a traffic condition discount rate "a3" can be introduced as the discount rate in equation (1), and the distribution fee can be calculated by multiplying the basic discount rate "a" by the traffic condition discount rate "a3".

[0144] Furthermore, the delivery fee may be changed depending on the weather on the day. For example, the delivery fee may be lower on rainy days and higher on sunny days. In this case, a weather discount rate "a4" is introduced as the discount rate in equation (1), and the delivery fee is calculated by multiplying the weather discount rate "a4" by the basic discount rate "a."

[0145] (Variation 3) Multiple songs may be associated with one road link. In this case, playback priorities for the multiple songs are defined. For example, for one road link, song A is associated with first priority, song B with second priority, and song C with third priority. In this case, when terminal device 1 enters that road link and requests a song, song A is delivered first, and if there is still time, song B is delivered, and if there is still time, song C is delivered.

[0146] When playback priority is introduced in this way, it is preferable to reflect the playback priority in the distribution fee for each song. In other words, the higher the playback priority, the higher the distribution fee paid by the distributor. This allows distributors to pay a higher distribution fee for songs they want to distribute preferentially, thereby increasing their playback priority. In this case, a playback priority discount rate "a5" is introduced as the discount rate in equation (1), and the distribution fee can be calculated by multiplying the playback priority discount rate "a5" by the basic discount rate a. For example, the playback priority discount rate for a song with the highest playback priority may be set to "a5 = 1.2," increasing the distribution fee by 20%.

[0147] (Variation 4) In the above embodiment, the success fee α in formula (1) is basically applied to all users in the same way. That is, the success fee α is determined according to the distribution record (number of songs, number of users, number of terminals) for all terminal devices 1. Alternatively, the success fee α may be determined based on the number of distributed songs purchased by users (number of purchased songs). Furthermore, the distribution record may be aggregated for users with specific attributes (age, gender, etc.), and the success fee α may be determined based on the distribution record.

[0148] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, the server device distributes song data and song metadata, but other information related to the song may also be distributed at the same time. For example, information such as the planned release date of an unreleased song, similar songs, and recommended songs may also be distributed at the same time.

[0149] (Variation 6) In the above embodiment, the server device 2 calculates traffic statistical information and traffic volume based on the positioning data received from the terminal device 1, but the server device 2 may also obtain traffic statistical information and traffic volume information from an external server, etc., and use them to determine the distribution fee.

[0150] (Variation 7) The present invention is not limited to application to music (songs) but can be applied to various types of content, for example, video content. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Terminal equipment 2. Server device 3. Distributor terminal 11, 21 Control unit 12, 22 Storage section 13, 23 Communications Department 14 GPS receiver 15 Standalone positioning device 16 Display section 17 Speaker 10, 50 Music distribution system 222 Traffic statistics information DB 223 Traffic information DB 224 Billing Information DB 225 Distribution Management DB

Claims

1. a content acquisition means for requesting a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a predetermined road and including at least music, and acquiring from the content distribution server images of the content and the music jackets included in the content; a playback means for playing back the content acquired by the content acquisition means; a display means for displaying a map; Equipped with The content playback device is characterized in that the display means displays the image of the jacket on a road corresponding to the content among roads on the map.

2. Further comprising a current position acquisition means for acquiring a current position of the mobile body, 2. The content playback device according to claim 1, wherein the content acquisition means requests the content distribution server to distribute content associated with a road on which the mobile body is passing, based on the current location.

3. a content identification information acquiring means for acquiring content identification information for identifying content associated with each of a plurality of roads in the vicinity of the current location; a content identification information specifying means for specifying, from the content identification information acquired by the content identification information acquiring means, content identification information corresponding to content associated with a road on which the mobile body is passing; Further provided with 3. The content playback device according to claim 2, wherein the content acquisition means requests the content distribution server to distribute the content corresponding to the content identification information identified by the content identification information identification means.

4. the content identification information specifying means specifies content identification information corresponding to content associated with a road on which the mobile object is passing during playback of the content by the playback means; when the content identification information specified by the content identification information specifying means during playback of the content by the playback means is different from the content identification information corresponding to the content being played back, the content acquisition means requests the content distribution server to deliver the content corresponding to the content identification information specified by the content identification information specifying means, and acquires the content from the content distribution server; 4. The content playback device according to claim 3, wherein the playback means switches the content to be played from the content being played back to the content acquired by the content acquisition means.

5. 5. The content playback device according to claim 2, wherein the content acquisition means requests the content distribution server to distribute content associated with both the road on which the mobile body is passing and the direction of travel of the mobile body.

6. 6. The content reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a road specifying unit that specifies a road on which the mobile object is passing based on the current position.

7. 7. The content playback device according to claim 2, wherein the playback means repeatedly plays back the content associated with the road if the time it takes for the moving object to pass through the road is longer than the playback time of the content associated with the road.

8. a plurality of contents are associated with the road; The content playback device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, when the time it takes for the moving object to pass through the road is longer than the playback time of one piece of content associated with the road, the playback means plays the next piece of content after that piece of content.

9. The content playback device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the playback means plays the content to the end without stopping the playback of the content midway, even if the time it takes for the moving object to pass through the road is shorter than the playback time of the content associated with the road.

10. 10. The content playback device according to claim 2, wherein the content has a playback time corresponding to a time during which the mobile object passes through a road associated with the content.

11. A content distribution system having a content playback device and a content distribution server, the content playback device, a content acquisition means for requesting the content distribution server to distribute content associated with a predetermined road and including at least music pieces, and acquiring the content and images of the jackets of the music pieces included in the content from the content distribution server; a playback means for playing back the content acquired by the content acquisition means; a display means for displaying a map; Equipped with the display means displays the image of the jacket on a road corresponding to the content among roads on the map; The content distribution server a storage means for storing content in association with each road; a content distribution means for reading out from the storage means content associated with a road in response to a request from the content reproduction device, and distributing the content and images of jackets of songs included in the content to the content reproduction device; A content distribution system comprising:

12. A control method executed by a content playback device, comprising: a content acquisition step of requesting a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a predetermined road and including at least music pieces, and acquiring, from the content distribution server, images of the content pieces and jackets of the music pieces included in the content pieces; a playback step of playing back the content acquired in the content acquisition step; a display step of displaying a map; Equipped with The control method is characterized in that the display step displays the image of the jacket on a road corresponding to the content among roads on the map.

13. A program executed by a content playback device having a computer, The computer a content acquisition means for requesting a content distribution server to distribute content associated with a predetermined road and including at least music pieces, and acquiring the content and images of the jackets of the music pieces included in the content from the content distribution server; a playback means for playing back the content acquired by the content acquisition means; a display means for displaying a map; It functions as The display means displays the image of the jacket on a road corresponding to the content among roads on the map.

Images