Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and terminal device

Abstract

This enables effective restriction of access to content provided to users. [Solution] The information processing device 10 has a control unit 13. The control unit 13 stores the first content and the second content associated with the first content in storage, generates at least one management code for each first content, and when a user obtains the first content online using the first terminal device 20, associates the user's identification information with the management code of the obtained first content, receives a request for provision of the second content from the first terminal device 20, and if it determines that the user's identification information on the first terminal device 20 is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, it permits the provision of the second content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for processing contents including still images, moving images, and music as digital information have been generally known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information management method for managing contents composed of electronic data in a server connected to a network. In this information management method, the server determines an operation on the content by referring to an operation type, and automatically executes it through the processing of a program on the server. As an operation on the content, storing the content stored in a storage area in a personal storage area of a specific user is specified.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when an information processing apparatus including a server attempts to provide contents as digital information to at least one specific user in a limited manner, it is necessary to execute access restriction on the contents, such as permitting access to the contents from a predetermined user and denying access to the contents from other users. The information management method described in Patent Document 1 did not sufficiently consider such access restriction on the contents.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to enable effective execution of access restriction on contents provided to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of this disclosure is An information processing device having a control unit, which is communicatively connected to a terminal device of a user who wishes to receive content including the first content and the second content, The control unit, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage. For each of the aforementioned first contents, at least one management code is generated. When the user obtains the first content online using the terminal device, the user's identification information is associated with the management code of the obtained first content. When a request for the provision of the second content is received from the terminal device, and it is determined that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, permission is granted to provide the second content.

[0007] An information processing system according to one embodiment of this disclosure is The above information processing device and, The terminal device of the user who wishes to receive the content including the first content and the second content, It is equipped with.

[0008] An information processing method according to one embodiment of this disclosure is: An information processing method performed on an information processing device that is communicatively connected to a terminal device of a user who wishes to receive content including the first content and the second content, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage, To generate at least one management code for one of the first contents, When the user obtains the first content online using the terminal device, the user's identification information is associated with the management code of the obtained first content. When a request for the provision of the second content is received from the terminal device, and it is determined that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, permission is granted to provide the second content. Includes.

[0009] A terminal device that embodies one embodiment of the present disclosure is A user's terminal device that is communicably connected to an information processing device that provides content including first content and second content, and comprises a control unit, The control unit, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage, and the first content is retrieved online from the information processing device which has generated at least one management code for each of the first contents. A request for the provision of the second content is transmitted to the information processing device, which associates the user's identification information with the management code of the first content acquired by the terminal device. If the information processing device determines that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content which is associated with the second content, it grants permission to provide the second content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and terminal device according to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to effectively restrict access to content provided to users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a content providing service provided by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of each of the information processing device, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram for explaining a first example of an information processing method executed by the information processing system in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram for explaining a second example of an information processing method executed by the information processing system in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of card information generated by the information processing device 10 in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of owner information generated by the information processing device 10 in FIG. 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a content providing service provided by an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 1, an example of a content providing service provided by the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment will be mainly described.

[0014] For example, a user who wishes to receive content as digital information obtains a digital card online via a dedicated application or browser installed on the first terminal device 20 included in the information processing system 1. For example, a user may obtain a digital card online through a lottery known as a "gacha" on the application of the first terminal device 20. A user may also obtain a digital card online through purchase such as charging or using points on the application. The first terminal device 20 receives the digital card from the information processing device 10, which is communicably connected to the first terminal device 20, via streaming distribution or the like.

[0015] When a user obtains a digital card using the first terminal device 20, the information processing device 10 associates the user's identification information from the first terminal device 20 with the management code of the obtained digital card. As a result, the information processing device 10 grants the user, whose identification information is associated with the management code, access rights to the digital card via the first terminal device 20.

[0016] Users can collect digital cards using the first terminal device 20. Users can view a list of collected digital cards on a portfolio screen displayed on the first terminal device 20, as shown in Figure 1. Each digital card is further associated with content, including still images, the right to print still images, videos, audio, music, ebooks, electronic tickets, online streaming viewing tickets, merchandise, or the right to acquire items usable in online services such as games.

[0017] Users can also access content associated with a digital card by tapping a designated digital card displayed on the screen of the first terminal device 20. For example, users can access content such as videos associated with a digital card and receive the content via streaming or other means through the first terminal device 20 and the information processing device 10. Users can print out still images associated with a digital card using a designated printer via the first terminal device 20 and the information processing device 10, based on their right to print the still images. Users can also receive content such as goods associated with a digital card by applying for delivery to their registered address. As described above, users are also granted access rights to content associated with a digital card by the information processing device 10.

[0018] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The outline of the information processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described with reference to Figure 2. The information processing system 1 has an information processing device 10 and a first terminal device 20, as well as a second terminal device 30. In Figure 2, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, one each of the information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30 is shown, but the number of information processing devices 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30 in the information processing system 1 may be two or more.

[0019] Each of the information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30 is connected to a network 40, including, for example, a mobile communication network or the Internet, in a communicative manner. The information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30 are connected to each other in a communicative manner via the network 40.

[0020] The information processing device 10 includes, for example, one or multiple server devices capable of communicating with each other. The information processing device 10 is not limited to these and may include any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer), tablet PC, smartphone, or wearable device such as a smartwatch, or it may include other electronic devices dedicated to the information processing system 1. The information processing device 10 is used in cooperation with the first terminal device 20 and the second terminal device 30 to provide the above-described content provision service to the user of the first terminal device 20.

[0021] The first terminal device 20 includes, for example, any general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a tablet PC, or a PC. The first terminal device 20 includes, for example, an electronic device used by a user who wishes to receive content. The first terminal device 20 is not limited to these and may include one or more server devices that can communicate with each other and are used by the user, or it may include other electronic devices dedicated to the information processing system 1.

[0022] In this disclosure, “Content” includes the First Content and the Second Content associated with the First Content. The “First Content” includes, for example, the digital card described above. However, the “First Content” may also include any other content, such as still images, videos, or music.

[0023] "Second Content" includes, for example, still images associated with the aforementioned digital cards, the right to print still images, videos, audio, music, ebooks, electronic tickets such as live concert tickets, online streaming viewing tickets, merchandise, or the right to acquire items usable in online services such as games provided by external servers. For example, still images may include fan club membership cards, tour pamphlets, sheet music, CD (Compact Disc) jackets, or magazines. The right to print still images may include the right to print out still images at facilities equipped with printers, such as convenience stores. Videos may include music videos, live videos, making-of or rehearsal videos, or message videos. Audio may include message audio. Music may include song recordings or live recordings.

[0024] The second terminal device 30 includes any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC, tablet PC, smartphone, or wearable device such as a smartwatch. The second terminal device 30 includes, for example, an electronic device used by a provider that provides content to a user via the information processing device 10. The second terminal device 30 is not limited to these and may include one or more server devices that can communicate with each other used by the provider, or other electronic devices dedicated to the information processing system 1.

[0025] In one embodiment, the information processing device 10 is communicatively connected to a first terminal device 20 of a user who wishes to receive content including first content and second content. The user's first terminal device 20 is communicatively connected to the information processing device 10 that provides content including first content and second content. The information processing device 10 stores the first content and the second content associated with the first content, which are provided to a specific user via the first terminal device 20, in storage. In this disclosure, "storage" includes, for example, the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 10, as described later. However, storage may also include any storage medium of an external device that can be accessed in any way from the information processing device 10.

[0026] The information processing device 10 generates at least one management code for a first content. In this disclosure, “management code” includes, for example, the serial number of the digital card described above. However, “management code” may also include, for example, any string of characters that can manage a digital card according to the number of digital cards that the provider wishes to provide.

[0027] When a user obtains first content online using first terminal device 20, the information processing device 10 associates the user's identification information with the management code of the obtained first content. In this disclosure, "identification information" includes, for example, account information such as a username used to access the content provision service, which is pre-registered by the user on the application of first terminal device 20.

[0028] The information processing device 10 receives a request from the first terminal device 20 for the provision of the second content associated with the first content, and determines whether the user identification information of the first terminal device 20 is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content. If the information processing device 10 determines that the identification information is associated with the management code, it permits the provision of the second content to the user of the first terminal device 20.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30 as shown in Figure 2. The configuration of each device included in the information processing system 1 will be mainly explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0031] The communication unit 11 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 40. These communication interfaces support, but are not limited to, mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation), wired LAN (Local Area Network) standards, or wireless LAN standards. For example, the communication interface may also support short-range wireless communication standards. In one embodiment, the information processing device 10 is communicably connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits and receives various types of information via the network 40.

[0032] The storage unit 12 includes one or more memories. In this disclosure, “memory” includes, but is not limited to, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory. Each memory included in the storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information necessary to realize the operation of the information processing device 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store a system program, an application program, or embedded software. The storage unit 12 stores information obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10. The information stored in the storage unit 12 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 40 via, for example, the communication unit 11.

[0033] The storage unit 12 stores, for example, the first content and the second content. The storage unit 12 also stores, for example, a management database. In this disclosure, the “management database” includes, for example, owner information and card information, as described later.

[0034] The control unit 13 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. In this disclosure, "processor" refers to, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "Programmable circuit" refers to, but is not limited to, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). "Dedicated circuit" refers to, but is not limited to, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 13 is communicatively connected to each component constituting the information processing device 10 and controls the operation of the entire information processing device 10.

[0035] This section will primarily describe the configuration of the first terminal device 20 included in the information processing system 1. As shown in Figure 3, the first terminal device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0036] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 40. These communication interfaces support, but are not limited to, mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, wired LAN standards, or wireless LAN standards, and may support any communication standard. For example, the communication interface may also support short-range wireless communication standards. In one embodiment, the first terminal device 20 is communicably connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives various types of information via the network 40.

[0037] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores information necessary to realize the operation of the first terminal device 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, or embedded software. The storage unit 22 also stores information obtained through the operation of the first terminal device 20. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updateable with information obtained from the network 40 via, for example, the communication unit 21.

[0038] The input unit 23 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on user operations. These input interfaces include physical keys, capacitive keys, pointing devices such as mice, touchscreens integrated with the display of the output unit 24, imaging modules such as cameras, or microphones that accept audio input. The input unit 23 is not limited to these and may include any other input interfaces. Instead of being provided in the first terminal device 20, the input unit 23 may be connected to the first terminal device 20 as an external input device. Any connection method can be used, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or Bluetooth (Bluetooth).

[0039] The output unit 24 includes one or more output interfaces for outputting information to a user of the first terminal device 20. These output interfaces include a display for visually outputting information as an image, a speaker for audibly outputting information as sound, or a vibrator for tactilely outputting information as vibration. In this disclosure, "display" includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescent) display. Instead of being provided in the first terminal device 20, the output unit 24 may be connected to the first terminal device 20 as an external output device. Any connection method can be used, such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth®.

[0040] The control unit 25 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 25 is communicatively connected to each component constituting the first terminal device 20 and controls the operation of the entire first terminal device 20.

[0041] The configuration of the second terminal device 30 included in the information processing system 1 will be mainly described. As shown in Figure 3, the second terminal device 30 has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, an output unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0042] The communication unit 31 includes one or more communication interfaces connected to the network 40. These communication interfaces support, but are not limited to, mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, wired LAN standards, or wireless LAN standards, and may support any communication standard. For example, the communication interface may also support short-range wireless communication standards. In one embodiment, the second terminal device 30 is communicably connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits and receives various types of information via the network 40.

[0043] The storage unit 32 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 32 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores information necessary to realize the operation of the second terminal device 30. For example, the storage unit 32 may store system programs, application programs, or embedded software. The storage unit 32 also stores information obtained through the operation of the second terminal device 30. The information stored in the storage unit 32 may be updateable with information obtained from the network 40 via, for example, the communication unit 31.

[0044] The input unit 33 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on the provider's operation. These input interfaces include physical keys, capacitive keys, pointing devices such as mice, touchscreens integrated with the display of the output unit 34, imaging modules such as cameras, or microphones that accept voice input. The input unit 33 is not limited to these and may include any other input interfaces. Instead of being provided in the second terminal device 30, the input unit 33 may be connected to the second terminal device 30 as an external input device. Any connection method can be used, such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth®.

[0045] The output unit 34 includes one or more output interfaces for outputting information to a provider using the second terminal device 30. These output interfaces include a display for visually outputting information as an image, a speaker for audibly outputting information as sound, or a vibrator for tactilely outputting information as vibration. Instead of being integrated into the second terminal device 30, the output unit 34 may be connected to the second terminal device 30 as an external output device. Any connection method can be used, such as USB, HDMI®, or Bluetooth®.

[0046] The control unit 35 includes one or more processors, one or more programmable circuits, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The control unit 35 is communicatively connected to each component constituting the second terminal device 30 and controls the operation of the entire second terminal device 30.

[0047] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first example of an information processing method performed by the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 4, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment will be explained, and an overview of the operation of the entire information processing system 1 will be provided. The sequence diagram in Figure 4 illustrates the basic processing flow performed by the information processing device 10.

[0048] In step S101, the control unit 35 of the second terminal device 30 obtains, for example, the information information necessary for the information processing device 10 to generate a management code for the first content from the input unit 33 as input information entered by the provider via the input unit 33. In this disclosure, “information information” includes, for example, the content of the first and second content that the provider wishes to provide, and the number of copies of a first content to be provided, for example, the number of copies of a digital card to be provided. The number of copies of a first content to be provided corresponds, for example, to the number of access rights to the content granted to the user. The number of copies of a first content to be provided corresponds, for example, to the number of management codes.

[0049] In step S102, the control unit 35 of the second terminal device 30 provides the information processing device 10 with the information acquired in step S101. For example, the control unit 35 transmits the information to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 31 and the network 40. The control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives the information from the second terminal device 30 via the network 40 and the communication unit 11. As a result, the control unit 13 acquires the information acquired by the second terminal device 30 in step S101 from the second terminal device 30.

[0050] In step S103, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 stores the first content to be provided to a specific user via the first terminal device 20 and the second content associated with the first content in storage. For example, when the control unit 13 obtains content provision information from the second terminal device 30 in step S102, it stores the corresponding first content and second content in storage based on the obtained provision information.

[0051] In step S104, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 generates at least one management code for a first content. For example, the control unit 13 refers to the storage in which the content was stored in step S103 and generates at least one management code for a first content based on the provided information obtained in step S102. For example, the control unit 13 generates as many management codes for a first content as there are provided items included in the provided information. As a result, the control unit 13 generates card information. In this disclosure, "card information" includes, for example, the management code of the first content generated by the information processing device 10.

[0052] In step S105, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 provides the first content online to the first terminal device 20 used by the user. As a result, the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20 acquires the first content online from the information processing device 10. For example, the control unit 25 accepts an application operation of the first terminal device 20 using the input unit 23 by a user who wants to receive the content as digital information, and acquires the first content online.

[0053] For example, the control unit 25 may acquire the first content online when it receives input from a user performing a lottery, known as a gacha, on the application of the first terminal device 20 via the input unit 23. The control unit 25 may also acquire the first content online when it receives input from a user performing a purchase, such as charging or using points, on the application of the first terminal device 20 via the input unit 23. The control unit 25 receives the first content from an information processing device 10 that is communicatively connected to the first terminal device 20, such as through streaming distribution.

[0054] In step S106, when the user obtains the first content online using the first terminal device 20 in step S105, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 associates the user's identification information with the management code of the obtained first content. As a result, the control unit 13 grants the user who has the identification information associated with the management code access rights to the content via the first terminal device 20.

[0055] In step S107, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 provides the second terminal device 30 with owner information updated in accordance with the granting of access rights to the content in step S106. For example, the control unit 13 transmits the owner information to the second terminal device 30 via the communication unit 11 and the network 40. The control unit 35 of the second terminal device 30 receives the owner information from the information processing device 10 via the network 40 and the communication unit 31. As a result, the control unit 35 obtains the owner information updated in accordance with the granting of access rights to the content in step S106 from the information processing device 10. In this disclosure, “owner information” includes, for example, the management code of the first content and user identification information that are associated with each other in the information processing device 10.

[0056] In step S108, when access rights to content are granted to the user in step S106, the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20 displays a list of permitted first content on the output unit 24, for example, via streaming distribution through the information processing device 10. The control unit 25 receives input operations from the user via the input unit 23 to select a predetermined first content on the screen of the output unit 24 where the list of first content is displayed. The control unit 25 receives input operations from the user via the input unit 23 to receive second content based on the selected predetermined first content. The control unit 25 acquires the content of the user's input operations received by the input unit 23 as input information.

[0057] In step S109, the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20, having acquired input information in step S108, outputs a request to the information processing device 10 for the provision of a second content associated with a predetermined first content selected by the user. For example, the control unit 25 transmits the provision request to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 40. The control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives the provision request from the first terminal device 20 via the network 40 and the communication unit 11. As a result, the control unit 13 acquires the provision request from the first terminal device 20.

[0058] In step S110, when the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives a request for provision of the second content from the first terminal device 20 in step S109, it determines whether the user identification information of the first terminal device 20 is associated with the management code of the first content which is associated with the second content. If the control unit 13 determines in step S110 that the identification information is associated with the management code, it executes the process in step S111. On the other hand, if the control unit 13 determines in step S110 that the identification information is not associated with the management code, it refuses to provide the second content.

[0059] In step S111, if the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 determines in step S110 that the identification information is associated with the management code, it authorizes the provision of the second content. The control unit 13 provides the authorized second content to the user's first terminal device 20, for example, by streaming distribution, based on the content access rights granted to the user. The control unit 13 provides the authorized second content to the user by, for example, allowing the user to exercise the right to print the still image associated with the first content, and cooperating with the first terminal device 20 and the printer to print out the still image to the printer. The control unit 13 also provides the authorized second content to the user by, for example, executing a delivery process to deliver the goods associated with the first content to the user's registered address.

[0060] When the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20 receives permission from the information processing device 10 to provide the second content, it displays the permitted second content on the output unit 24, for example, via streaming distribution through the information processing device 10, based on the user's access rights to the content. The control unit 25 displays on the output unit 24, for example, an operation screen for printing out still images associated with the first content, or information necessary for printing, such as an issued ID and password, via the information processing device 10 and a printer, based on the right to print still images associated with the first content. The control unit 25 also displays on the output unit 24, for example, an application screen for having goods associated with the first content delivered to the user's registered address, or the delivery status after the application.

[0061] In step S112, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 provides the second terminal device 30 with usage logs for the second content of users who were authorized to receive the second content in step S111. For example, the control unit 13 transmits the usage logs to the second terminal device 30 via the communication unit 11 and the network 40. The control unit 35 of the second terminal device 30 receives the usage logs from the information processing device 10 via the network 40 and the communication unit 31. As a result, the control unit 35 acquires the usage logs from the information processing device 10.

[0062] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a second example of an information processing method performed by the information processing system 1 of Figure 1. Referring to Figure 5, we will mainly describe the process of changing the management code of the first content, which is primarily performed by the information processing device 10 according to one embodiment. The sequence diagram in Figure 5 illustrates the flow of the change process performed by the information processing device 10. In Figure 5, two users, including the first user and the second user, are assumed to be the targets of the change process of the management code of the first content. The first terminal device 20a is the first terminal device 20 of the first user. The first terminal device 20b is the first terminal device 20 of the second user.

[0063] For example, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 changes the association between the management code and identification information based on a user's request to change the management code, received from the first terminal device 20. In this disclosure, “change request” includes, for example, a request to exchange the management code or a request to donate the management code. For example, an exchange request is a process executed from the first terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10 when a user wishes to exchange their first content for the first content of another user. For example, a donation request is a process executed from the first terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10 when a user wishes to donate their first content to another user.

[0064] In step S201, the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20a receives an input operation from the first user, who is inputting a request to change the management code of the first content, via the input unit 23. The control unit 25 acquires the content of the input operation from the first user received by the input unit 23 as input information.

[0065] In step S202, the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20a, having acquired input information in step S201, outputs a request to change the management code of the first content to the information processing device 10. For example, the control unit 25 transmits the change request to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 40. The control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives the change request from the first terminal device 20a via the network 40 and the communication unit 11. As a result, the control unit 13 acquires the change request from the first terminal device 20a.

[0066] In step S203, when the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives a request from the first user's first terminal device 20a in step S202 to change the first management code owned by the first user, it provides notification information to the second user's first terminal device 20b to confirm whether the change is approved or rejected. For example, the control unit 13 transmits the notification information to the first terminal device 20b via the communication unit 11 and the network 40. The control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20b receives the notification information from the information processing device 10 via the network 40 and the communication unit 21. As a result, the control unit 25 acquires the notification information from the information processing device 10.

[0067] For example, if the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives an exchange request from the first terminal device 20a of the first user in step S202 to exchange a first management code owned by the first user for a second management code owned by another second user, it provides first notification information to the first terminal device 20b of the second user to confirm whether the exchange is approved or not. For example, if the control unit 13 receives a gift request from the first terminal device 20a of the first user in step S202 to gift a first management code owned by the first user to another second user, it provides second notification information to the first terminal device 20b of the second user to confirm whether the gift is approved or not.

[0068] In step S204, the control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20b outputs the content of the notification information acquired in step S203 to the second user via the output unit 24. When the control unit 25 receives, for example, a selection operation by the second user approving a change to the management code of the first content via the input unit 23, it outputs information indicating that the operation has been approved to the information processing device 10. For example, the control unit 25 transmits this information to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 21 and the network 40. The control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives this information from the first terminal device 20b via the network 40 and the communication unit 11. As a result, the control unit 13 acquires this information from the first terminal device 20b.

[0069] In step S205, if the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives approval for the change from the second user's first terminal device 20b in step S204, it changes the association between the management code and the identification information. On the other hand, if the control unit 13 receives rejection of the change from the second user's first terminal device 20b in step S204, it maintains the association status without changing the association between the management code and the identification information.

[0070] For example, when the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 receives approval for the exchange from the second user's first terminal device 20b in step S204, it associates the first user's first identification information with the second user's second management code and associates the second user's second identification information with the first user's first management code. The control unit 13 then swaps the identification information associated with the first and second management codes. The first and second management codes may be generated for different first contents, or they may be generated for the same first content.

[0071] When the control unit 13 receives approval for the gift from the second user's first terminal device 20b in step S204, it associates the second user's second identification information with the first user's first management code and then disassociates the first user's first identification information from the first management code. The control unit 13 then changes the first identification information that was associated with the first management code to the second identification information.

[0072] In step S206, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 provides notification information to the first terminal device 20a as necessary, informing it of the result of the change processing in step S205. For example, the control unit 13 transmits the notification information to the first terminal device 20a via the communication unit 11 and the network 40. The control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20a receives the notification information from the information processing device 10 via the network 40 and the communication unit 21. As a result, the control unit 25 acquires the notification information from the information processing device 10.

[0073] In step S207, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 provides notification information to the first terminal device 20b as necessary, informing it of the result of the change processing in step S205. For example, the control unit 13 transmits the notification information to the first terminal device 20b via the communication unit 11 and the network 40. The control unit 25 of the first terminal device 20b receives the notification information from the information processing device 10 via the network 40 and the communication unit 21. As a result, the control unit 25 acquires the notification information from the information processing device 10.

[0074] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of card information generated by the information processing device 10 shown in Figure 3. Referring to Figure 6, we will mainly explain an example of card information generated by the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10.

[0075] The control unit 13 generates a management code for each first content, equal to the number of first content items provided in the information obtained from the second terminal device 30. In the card information shown in Figure 6, three or more management codes, including "aaaa" and "bbbb", are generated for the first content X. Similarly, three or more management codes, including "cccc" and "dddd", are generated for the first content Y.

[0076] The first content included in the card information in Figure 6 is not limited to X and Y, but may include one or more other different content in addition to X and Y. A management code may be generated for one or more other different content, similar to the first content X and Y.

[0077] The card information shown in Figure 6 includes identification information in addition to the management code of the first content. More specifically, the identification information "User 1" is added to the management code "bbbb" of the first content X. The identification information "User 2" is added to the management code "cccc" of the first content Y. The identification information "User 1" is added to the management code "dddd" of the first content Y. On the other hand, no identification information is associated with the management code "aaaa" of the first content X.

[0078] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of owner information generated by the information processing device 10 in Figure 3. Referring to Figure 7, we will mainly explain an example of owner information generated by the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10.

[0079] Each time access rights to content are granted, the control unit 13 updates the owner information in addition to the card information. More specifically, the control unit 13 newly associates the identification information of the user who has been granted access rights to the content with the corresponding first content and the management code of the first content.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 7, the corresponding first content and its management code are associated with the identification information in a manner consistent with the card information shown in Figure 6. For example, the management code "bbbb" for first content X is associated with the identification information "User 1". The management code "dddd" for first content Y is associated with the identification information "User 1". The management code "cccc" for first content Y is associated with the identification information "User 2".

[0081] The identification information included in the owner information in Figure 7 is not limited to "User 1" and "User 2," but may also include one or more other different identification information. Similar to the identification information "User 1" and "User 2," the other one or more different identification information may also be associated with the corresponding first content and the management code for the first content.

[0082] The control unit 13 receives a request for the provision of the second content from the first terminal device 20, and if it determines that the user identification information of the first terminal device 20 is associated with the management code of the first content which is associated with the second content, it permits the provision of the second content. For example, when the control unit 13 receives a request for the provision of the second content from the first terminal device 20, it refers to the owner information shown in Figure 7 and determines whether or not the user identification information is associated with the management code of the corresponding first content.

[0083] For example, regarding a request for the provision of second content, if the first content associated with the second content is X, and the user's identification information is "User 1", the control unit 13 determines, based on the owner information shown in Figure 7, that the identification information "User 1" is associated with the management code "bbbb" of the first content X. In this case, the control unit 13 permits the provision of the second content associated with the first content X. On the other hand, if the identification information "User 1" is not associated with the management code of the first content X, the control unit 13 refuses to provide the second content associated with the first content X.

[0084] In addition to the processes described above, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 10 may collaborate with an external server constituting the blockchain to convert the first content into an NFT (Non-Fungible Token). For example, the control unit 13 may manage the card information or owner information stored in the memory unit 12 of the information processing device 10 in synchronization with the external server on the blockchain side. For example, if the association between the management code and the identification information is changed based on the series of processes described in Figure 5, the information processing device 10 and the external server may change the card information or owner information in synchronization with each other.

[0085] According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to effectively restrict access to content provided to users. For example, by associating the user identification information of the first terminal device 20 with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, the information processing device 10 can ensure that only one user possessing that identification information can enjoy access to the content based on that management code. In this way, the information processing device 10 can manage access to the content from the first terminal device 20 based on the management code. In other words, the information processing device 10 can refuse access to the content based on identification information not associated with the management code. This suppresses unauthorized access to the content by users and protects the rights of content providers, such as copyright.

[0086] The information processing device 10 can limit the number of copies of the first content provided by managing access to the content based on a management code. Therefore, content providers can manage the provision of the first content based on the number they wish to provide. This improves the convenience of the information processing system 1 for providers.

[0087] On the other hand, limiting the number of copies of the first content increases its perceived scarcity value to users. Consequently, users' motivation to acquire the first content increases. As a result, if users are able to actually enjoy access to the highly scarce first content, their satisfaction with the content provision service using the information processing system 1 will improve.

[0088] The information processing device 10 can manage access to the second content from the first terminal device 20 based on the management code by determining whether the user's identification information is associated with a corresponding management code and permitting the provision of the second content. In other words, the information processing device 10 can refuse access to the second content based on identification information that is not associated with a management code. This suppresses unauthorized access to the second content by users and protects the rights of content providers, such as copyright.

[0089] The information processing device 10 provides the first content and the second content to the user via streaming or other means through the first terminal device 20, eliminating the need to store content data in the storage unit 22 of the first terminal device 20. Therefore, the increase in storage usage capacity on the user's first terminal device 20 is suppressed.

[0090] The information processing device 10 generates a management code for the first content based on the information provided by the second terminal device 30, allowing the provider to have the information processing device 10 generate management codes for the first content for the number of items they wish to provide. Therefore, the convenience of the information processing system 1 for the provider is improved.

[0091] By transmitting owner information from the information processing device 10 to the second terminal device 30, the provider can easily obtain information about users receiving their content. This improves the reliability of content provision services using the information processing system 1.

[0092] By having the information processing device 10 transmit usage logs of the second content to the second terminal device 30, the provider can easily understand to what extent a given user is using their content. This further improves the reliability of the content provision service using the information processing system 1.

[0093] The information processing device 10 changes the association between the management code and the identification information based on a user request to change the management code received from the first terminal device 20. This allows the user to change the state of the management code as desired via the information processing device 10.

[0094] For example, when the information processing device 10 receives an exchange request from the first user's first terminal device 20a to exchange a first management code owned by the first user for a second management code owned by another second user, it provides the second user's first terminal device 20b with first notification information confirming whether the exchange is approved or rejected. This allows the first user to communicate to the second user their desire to exchange, for example, a first content associated with a management code owned by the first user for another first content owned by the second user. The first user can also communicate to the second user their desire to exchange, for example, a management code for the same first content owned by the second user for another management code of the same first content owned by the second user.

[0095] When the information processing device 10 receives an approval for the exchange from the second user's first terminal device 20b, it associates the first user's first identification information with the second management code and associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code. This makes it possible for the first user to exchange the first management code they owned for a second management code of another or identical first content owned by the second user.

[0096] For example, when the information processing device 10 receives a gift request from the first user's first terminal device 20a to gift a first management code owned by the first user to another second user, it provides the second user's first terminal device 20b with second notification information to confirm whether the gift is approved or rejected. This allows the first user to communicate to the second user their desire to gift the first content associated with the management code they own to the second user.

[0097] When the information processing device 10 receives approval for the gift from the second user's first terminal device 20b, it associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code and disassociates the first user's first identification information from the first management code. This makes it possible for the first user to gift the first management code that they owned to the second user.

[0098] The information processing device 10 works in cooperation with an external server that constitutes the blockchain to convert the first content into an NFT. This allows the information processing device 10 to restrict unauthorized copying or alteration of the first content as digital data, which is not intended by the provider. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can improve information security for the content and enhance the safety of the content provision service using the information processing system 1.

[0099] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each configuration or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple configurations or steps can be combined into one or divided into two.

[0100] For example, it is also possible to configure a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or computer to function as the information processing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content that realizes each function of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment is stored in the memory of the electronic device, and the processor of the electronic device reads and executes the program. Therefore, this disclosure can also be implemented as a program that can be executed by a processor.

[0101] Alternatively, the disclosure may also be realized as a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a program executable by one or more processors for causing an information processing device 10 or the like to perform each function according to one embodiment. It should be understood that these are also included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0102] For example, at least some of the processing operations performed in the information processing device 10 in the above-described embodiment may be performed in at least one of the first terminal device 20 and the second terminal device 30. At least some of the processing operations performed in at least one of the first terminal device 20 and the second terminal device 30 may be performed in the information processing device 10.

[0103] For example, in the information processing system 1, the content and management database may be stored in any storage medium of an external device that can be accessed from the information processing device 10 in any way, unlike the storage unit 12 of the information processing device 10. In this case, the information processing system 1 may further have one external device that is communicably connected to, for example, a network 40, in addition to the information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30. Furthermore, the content and management database may be stored separately in any storage medium of two different external devices. In this case, the information processing system 1 may further have two external devices that are communicably connected to, for example, a network 40, in addition to the information processing device 10, the first terminal device 20, and the second terminal device 30.

[0104] For example, the information processing device 10 may store at least one of the first content and the second content in the storage unit 22 of the first terminal device 20 by downloading it.

[0105] For example, the information processing device 10 does not need to transmit at least one of the owner information and the usage log of the second content to the second terminal device 30.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 10 was described as changing the association between the management code and identification information based on a user request to change the management code received from the first terminal device 20, but it is not limited to this. The information processing device 10 does not have to perform the process of changing the association between the management code and identification information without receiving a user request to change the management code.

[0107] In the embodiments described above, a change request includes, but is not limited to, a request to exchange a management code or a request to donate a management code. A change request may also include any other request that changes the association between the management code and the identification information in the information processing device 10. For example, a change request may include a request for a first user to receive a second management code owned by a second user.

[0108] In the above embodiment, when the information processing device 10 receives an exchange request from the first terminal device 20a of the first user to exchange a first management code owned by the first user for a second management code owned by another second user, it is explained that it provides first notification information to the first terminal device 20b of the second user to confirm whether the exchange is approved or not. However, the information processing device 10 is not limited to this. The information processing device 10 may perform an exchange process that associates the first user's first identification information with the second management code and associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code without providing the first notification information. The information processing device 10 may also perform the exchange process without receiving approval for the exchange from the first terminal device 20b of the second user.

[0109] In the above embodiment, when the information processing device 10 receives a gift request from the first user's first terminal device 20a to gift a first management code owned by the first user to another second user, it is explained that it provides second notification information to the second user's first terminal device 20b to confirm whether the gift is approved or rejected. However, the information processing device 10 is not limited to this. The information processing device 10 may perform a gift process that associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code and then disassociates the first user's first identification information from the first management code without providing the second notification information. The information processing device 10 may also perform the gift process without receiving approval for the gift from the second user's first terminal device 20b.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the information processing system 1 was described as having an information processing device 10, a first terminal device 20, and a second terminal device 30, but it is not limited to this. The information processing system 1 may have only the information processing device 10 and a first terminal device 20 for a user who wishes to receive content including the first content and the second content.

[0111] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Note 1] An information processing device having a control unit, which is communicatively connected to a terminal device of a user who wishes to receive content including the first content and the second content, The control unit, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage. For each of the aforementioned first contents, at least one management code is generated. When the user obtains the first content online using the terminal device, the user's identification information is associated with the management code of the obtained first content. When a request for the provision of the second content is received from the terminal device, and it is determined that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, permission is granted to provide the second content. Information processing device. [Note 2] The information processing device described in Appendix 1, The control unit changes the association between the management code and the identification information based on a request from the user to change the management code received from the terminal device. Information processing device. [Note 3] The information processing device described in Appendix 2, The aforementioned change request includes a request to replace the management code, When the control unit receives the exchange request from the first user's terminal device to exchange a first management code owned by the first user for a second management code owned by another second user, it provides the second user's terminal device with first notification information confirming whether the exchange is approved or not. Information processing device. [Note 4] The information processing device described in Appendix 3, When the control unit receives approval for the exchange from the second user's terminal device, it associates the first user's first identification information with the second management code, and associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code. Information processing device. [Note 5] An information processing device described in any one of the appendices 2 to 4, The aforementioned change request includes a request to grant the aforementioned management code, When the control unit receives a gift request from the first user's terminal device to gift a first management code owned by the first user to another second user, it provides the second user's terminal device with second notification information to confirm whether the gift is approved or rejected. Information processing device. [Note 6] The information processing device described in Appendix 5, When the control unit receives approval for the gift from the terminal device of the second user, it associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code and disassociates the first user's first identification information from the first management code. Information processing device. [Note 7] An information processing device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, The control unit cooperates with an external server constituting the blockchain to convert the first content into an NFT. Information processing device. [Note 8] An information processing device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, The terminal device of the user who wishes to receive the content including the first content and the second content, Equipped with, Information processing system. [Note 9] An information processing method performed on an information processing device that is communicatively connected to a terminal device of a user who wishes to receive content including the first content and the second content, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage, To generate at least one management code for one of the first contents, When the user obtains the first content online using the terminal device, the user's identification information is associated with the management code of the obtained first content. When a request for the provision of the second content is received from the terminal device, and it is determined that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, permission is granted to provide the second content. including, Information processing methods. [Note 10] A user's terminal device that is communicably connected to an information processing device that provides content including first content and second content, and comprises a control unit, The control unit, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage, and the first content is retrieved online from the information processing device which has generated at least one management code for each of the first contents. A request for the provision of the second content is transmitted to the information processing device, which associates the user's identification information with the management code of the first content acquired by the terminal device. If the information processing device determines that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, permission to provide the second content is granted. Terminal device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 20, 20a, 20b First terminal device 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Input section 24 Output section 25 Control Unit 30 Second Terminal Device 31 Communications Department 32 Storage section 33 Input section 34 Output section 35 Control Unit 40 Networks

Claims

1. An information processing device having a control unit, which is communicatively connected to a terminal device of a user who wishes to receive content including first content and second content, The control unit, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage. For each of the first contents, at least one management code is generated. When the user obtains the first content online using the terminal device, the user's identification information is associated with the management code of the obtained first content. When a request for the provision of the second content is received from the terminal device, and it is determined that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, permission is granted to provide the second content. Information processing device.

2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit changes the association between the management code and the identification information based on a request from the user to change the management code received from the terminal device. Information processing device.

3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The aforementioned change request includes a request to replace the management code, When the control unit receives an exchange request from the first user's terminal device to exchange a first management code owned by the first user for a second management code owned by another second user, it provides the second user's terminal device with first notification information confirming whether the exchange is approved or not. Information processing device.

4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 3, When the control unit receives approval for the exchange from the second user's terminal device, it associates the first user's first identification information with the second management code, and associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code. Information processing device.

5. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The aforementioned change request includes a request to grant the aforementioned management code, When the control unit receives a gift request from the first user's terminal device to gift a first management code owned by the first user to another second user, it provides the second user's terminal device with second notification information to confirm whether the gift is approved or rejected. Information processing device.

6. An information processing device according to claim 5, When the control unit receives approval for the gift from the second user's terminal device, it associates the second user's second identification information with the first management code and disassociates the first user's first identification information from the first management code. Information processing device.

7. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit cooperates with an external server constituting the blockchain to convert the first content into an NFT. Information processing device.

8. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The terminal device of the user who wishes to receive the content including the first content and the second content, Equipped with, Information processing system.

9. An information processing method performed on an information processing device that is communicatively connected to a terminal device of a user who wishes to receive content including the first content and the second content, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage, To generate at least one management code for one of the first contents, When the user acquires the first content online using the terminal device, the user's identification information is associated with the management code of the acquired first content. When a request for the provision of the second content is received from the terminal device, and it is determined that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, permission is granted to provide the second content. including, Information processing methods.

10. A user's terminal device that is communicably connected to an information processing device that provides content including first content and second content, and comprises a control unit, The control unit, The first content provided to a specific user via the terminal device and the second content associated with the first content are stored in storage, and the first content is retrieved online from the information processing device which has generated at least one management code for one of the first contents. A request for the provision of the second content is transmitted to the information processing device, which associates the user's identification information with the management code of the first content acquired by the terminal device. If the information processing device determines that the user identification information of the terminal device is associated with the management code of the first content associated with the second content, it grants permission to provide the second content. Terminal device.

Images