Content playback system, content playback method, and program

Abstract

We provide a content playback system that satisfies users' desire for personal access while allowing them to view high-quality content. [Solution] In the video content playback system SY, the mobile terminal 200 sends a user ID relating to the user who will play the video content and a media ID that can identify the content media M to the management server 100 to make an authentication request. When the management server 100 receives the authentication request from the mobile terminal 200, it determines whether the user and the content media M are linked, and if it determines that the user and the content media M are linked, it sends key information to the mobile terminal 200 that allows playback of the video content stored in the content media M connected to the mobile terminal 200. The mobile terminal 200 plays the video content based on the video content data recorded in the content media M, provided that it has received the key information from the management server 100.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content playback system, a content playback method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique in which a user uses a mobile terminal such as a smartphone possessed by the user to download large-capacity content such as a video from a distribution server and make it viewable.

[0003] In such a distribution technique, for example, there is a technique in which content is divided into a plurality of parts, sequentially distributed to a mobile terminal using a predetermined transfer technique, and combined in the mobile terminal to enable streaming playback by making the content viewable (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, before the content distribution technology was widely used, content stored on these media was viewed by using a dedicated playback device for media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and video tapes.

[0006] Such media, often housed in special packaging or containing exclusive content, can acquire unique value due to their rarity and other factors. While this can stimulate collectors' desire for possession, in recent years, as mentioned above, the development of technology for viewing content on mobile devices has rendered the media unnecessary. Furthermore, the manufacture and sale of playback devices for these older media have been steadily declining. Even if one possesses the media, obtaining a playback device can be difficult, leading to concerns that collectors' desire for possession will diminish and that this culture may fade away.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a content playback system, a content playback method, and a content playback program that allow users to view high-quality content while satisfying their desire for personal access. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is a content playback system comprising a portable recording medium pre-stored with content data capable of playing content, a portable terminal connectable to the recording medium, and a server device capable of communicating with the portable terminal via a network, The server device has a management means for managing user information that can identify a user and identification information that can identify the issued recording medium, The mobile terminal has a request means for making an authentication request by transmitting user information relating to the user who plays the content and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal to the server device. The server device, upon receiving the authentication request from the mobile terminal, includes a determination means that determines, based on the information managed by the management means, whether a user corresponding to the transmitted user information and a recording medium corresponding to the identification information are linked, and a playback permission information transmission means that, if the determination means determines that a user and a recording medium are linked, transmits playback permission information that permits playback of content based on content data stored in the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is characterized by having a playback means that enables content playback based on content data recorded on the recording medium, provided that it has received the playback permission information from the server device.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a content playback system described in claim 1, The mobile terminal has download request means that transmits request information to the server device requesting the download of a playback application program that reads content data stored on a recording medium connected to the mobile terminal and makes the content playable. The server device has program data transmission means that transmits the data of the playback application program to the mobile terminal based on the receipt of request information from the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is characterized in that it can perform content playback by the playback means by installing the playback application program based on the data of the playback application program transmitted from the server device.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is a content playback system described in claim 2, The content data stored on the recording medium is configured so that multiple encrypted segmented data can be virtually combined. The mobile terminal is characterized in that, based on the execution of the installed playback application program, it reads and decodes the multiple divided data stored on the recording medium in a predetermined order and virtually combines them to play back a single piece of content.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a content playback system described in claim 3, The mobile terminal is characterized in that it reads one of the multiple divided data from the recording medium, decodes it, and expands it into a working area, and is capable of playing content based on the expanded divided data, and is also configured to delete the divided data corresponding to the played portion from the working area.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a content playback system described in claim 1, When the mobile terminal is executing the playback application program, if predetermined authentication conditions are met, it sends user information and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal to the server device to make an authentication request. When the server device receives the authentication confirmation request from the mobile terminal, it determines, based on the information managed by the management means, whether the user corresponding to the transmitted user information and the recording medium corresponding to the identification information are linked, and if it determines that the user and the recording medium are linked, it transmits playback continuation permission information that permits the continuation of playback of content based on the content data stored in the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is characterized in that, on the condition that it receives the permission information to continue playback from the server device, it continues to play content based on the content data recorded on the recording medium.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is a content playback method that can be realized by a portable recording medium having content data on which content can be played back in advance stored, a portable terminal that can be connected to the recording medium, and a server device that can communicate with the portable terminal via a network, The server device includes a management step of linking user information that can identify a user with identification information that can identify the issued recording medium, A request step in which user information relating to the user who plays the content and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile device used by the user are transmitted from the mobile device to the server device to make an authentication request, When the server device receives the authentication request from the mobile terminal, it performs a determination step to determine whether the user corresponding to the transmitted user information and the recording medium corresponding to the identification information are linked, based on the information managed in the management step. If the determination step determines that a user and a recording medium are linked, the server device transmits playback permission information to the mobile terminal, which permits the playback of content based on content data stored on the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal. The system is characterized by including a playback step that enables playback of content based on content data recorded on the recording medium, provided that the mobile terminal has received the playback permission information from the server device.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is an application program for connecting a portable recording medium, which has content data on which content can be played back, to a mobile terminal, and for playing back the content on the mobile terminal, A request step involves sending user information relating to the user who will play the content, and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile device, to a network-connected server device to make an authentication request. A playback step of playing content based on content data recorded on the recording medium is executable on condition that playback permission information for permitting playback of content based on the content data stored in the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal is received from the server device.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content playback system, a content playback method, and a content playback program that can play high-quality content while satisfying the user's possessiveness.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the configuration of a video content playback system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a product management database, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a user management database, and (c) is a diagram for explaining the data configuration of a content medium. [Figure 4] It is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation for installing a video playback application program on a mobile terminal. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation for playing video content on a mobile terminal to which a content medium is connected. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart for explaining the content playback control process executed by the control unit of the mobile terminal. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart for explaining the video playback data generation process. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining the processing of a split video file during the playback of video content by a mobile terminal to which a content medium is connected. [Figure 9]This diagram shows a video playback application in operation. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates how video content is played by a video playback application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The following description will explain a video content playback system according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following description, components having the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the video content playback system SY according to this embodiment is configured to include, for example, a management server 100 owned by a content media distributor C, and one or more mobile terminals 200 connected to the management server 100 via a network N.

[0019] The management server 100 includes, for example, a control unit 110, a communication unit 113, a product management information storage unit 120, a content data storage unit 130, a user information storage unit 140, and a program data storage unit 150.

[0020] The control unit 110 performs overall control of the management server 100 and is configured by electrically connecting the communication unit 113, product management information storage unit 120, content data storage unit 130, user information storage unit 140, and program data storage unit 150. The control unit 110 also includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 and memory 112, and reads the program stored in the program data storage unit 150, expands it into memory 112, and centrally controls the operation of each unit according to the expanded program. Alternatively, for example, the system may be configured to launch software such as SaaS (Software as a Service) that can be used by the user via a mobile terminal 200.

[0021] The communication unit 113 is configured to enable sending and receiving data with the mobile terminal 200 via the network N.

[0022] The product management information storage unit 120 has a product management database built in which, for example, content media M, which is a portable recording medium used for sale, is linked to the users who use it.

[0023] The content data storage unit 130 stores viewable content data such as videos. The content data is divided into multiple files and encrypted so that it can be viewed by a predetermined decryption means, and these files are virtually linked together. In addition, a content startup file, which enables the viewing of content such as videos by decrypting and virtually joining these divided files, is also stored in the content data storage unit 130 along with the divided content data. The divided files are encrypted in advance and stored in the content data storage unit 130, but they may also be encrypted when written to the content media M.

[0024] The user information storage unit 140 has a database built in it that manages information about users who have registered as members with content media distributor C.

[0025] The program data storage unit 150 stores program data for controlling the management server 110, and also stores an application program that can be downloaded to the mobile terminal 200 for viewing content based on content data stored on the connected content media M. The application program may also be configured to be downloadable via an external service provider.

[0026] The product management information storage unit 120, the content data storage unit 130, and the user information storage unit 140 are composed of read-write recording media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives), but the type of device is not limited to these. Furthermore, some of the storage areas may be read-only recording media such as ROMs (Read Only Memory).

[0027] Furthermore, the content media vendor is equipped with a data writing unit 160, which is electrically connected to the product management information storage unit 120 and the content data storage unit 130, and is also connectable to the content media M. The data writing unit 160 reads the files that have been divided and encrypted as described above from the content data storage unit 130 and writes them to the content media M. It also issues a unique media ID to identify the content media M and writes this media ID to the content media M. The data writing unit 160 also outputs information that can identify the media ID written to the content media M and the content (content title) stored in the content media M to the product management information storage unit 120. The product management information storage unit 120 records the information transmitted from the data writing unit 160 in the product management database. In this embodiment, the data writing unit 160 issues a media ID and writes it to the content media M, but the media ID may be written to the content media M in advance.

[0028] Furthermore, content media vendor C owns an online store S and, upon request from a user, receives payment in exchange for shipping content media M containing content data to a shipping address specified by the user. In this embodiment, content media vendor C sells content media M directly to the user, but other sales methods are also possible. For example, content media M containing content data could be wholesaled to retail stores, and users could purchase it directly from those stores. Alternatively, content media M could be wholesaled to other e-commerce businesses, making it possible to purchase content media M through those e-commerce businesses.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the data writing unit 160 writes the media ID to the content media M, reads the content data and content startup file stored in the content data storage unit 130 and writes them to the content media M, and manages them in association with the product management database of the product management information storage unit 120. However, the content media distributor C may not issue the media ID or hold the content data, but instead, for example, download the content data and content startup file along with the media ID from an external distributor that distributes the content data, and store this downloaded data in the content media M. In this case, image files, document files, etc., other than videos related to the content data may also be downloaded together with the content data and written to the content media M. Alternatively, the media ID, content data, and content startup file may be downloaded from an external distributor, and the content media distributor C may link them together and then store them in the content media M.

[0030] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 200 shown in Figure 1 will be described. Note that the specifications of the mobile terminal 200 vary depending on the manufacturer and model, so it may have configurations other than those shown in Figure 2, or some configurations may have different functions or may not have certain functions. However, here we will only describe the main configurations of the mobile terminal 200 necessary for enjoying the services according to this embodiment, and other configurations will not be illustrated or described.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the mobile terminal 200 is configured to include, for example, a control unit 210, an operation unit 211, a display unit 212, an audio output unit 213, an imaging unit 214, a data communication unit 215, a call unit 216, a storage unit 217, and an I / F 218.

[0032] The control unit 210 performs overall control of the mobile terminal 200 and includes a CPU 210a and a memory 210b. The CPU 210a reads the program stored in the storage unit 217, loads it into the memory 210b, and centrally controls the operation of each part according to the loaded program.

[0033] The operation unit 211 is composed of, for example, buttons or a touch panel, and outputs an input signal to the control unit 210 when an operation is performed. The display unit 212 functions as an interface for displaying images to the user. The audio output unit 213 is composed of, for example, a speaker, and has the function of outputting sound. The imaging unit 214 captures an object to be imaged based on user operation, converts it into image data, and outputs it to the control unit 301.

[0034] The data communication unit 215 enables data communication with, for example, the management server 100 of content media vendor C via network N. The call unit 216 connects to a telephone line (not shown) to enable communication with the other party. The call function may also be provided to the data communication unit 215. The storage unit 217 is composed of, for example, a read / write semiconductor memory and stores programs for the overall control of the mobile terminal 200, application programs downloaded from external sources, etc. The input / output unit 218 inputs and outputs information from external devices, etc., via an external terminal. The external terminal can be of any standard; for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or Lightning standards can be applied. In this embodiment, the input / output unit 218 is configured to enable connection between the mobile terminal 200 and the content media M.

[0035] Next, referring to Figure 3(a), the data structure of the product management database stored in the product management information storage unit 120 of the management server 100 of content media distributor C will be described. The product management database shown in Figure 3(a) allows for the registration of linked content media M issued by content media distributor C, the stored content, and user information.

[0036] More specifically, in the product management database shown in Figure 3(a), each content media M stores a unique identification information called a media ID, the title of the stored content, the user ID of the user registered to exclusively use the content media M, the user registration date indicating the date of registration, and the expiration date as the exclusive use period for the content media M. When a user connects their content media M to a mobile terminal 200 and views the content on the mobile terminal 200, the mobile terminal 200 requests user authentication from the management server 100. The management server 100 then refers to the product management database stored in the product management information storage unit 120 to determine whether the user who made the request is associated with the content media M to be used. If it is determined that the user is associated with the content media M, the management server 100 sends key information to the mobile terminal 200 to authorize the use of the content stored on the content media M by the user's mobile terminal 200. When the mobile terminal 200 receives this key information, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 accesses the content media M, reads the content data of the stored content, and expands it, enabling viewing of the content. In this embodiment, as configured as described above, resale of the content media M can be suppressed, making content playback management easier. In this embodiment, one video content is stored in one content media M, but two or more video content may be stored. In addition, bonus footage may be stored along with the video content, or other types of files such as images and electronic publications may be stored. Furthermore, to provide added value to users who purchase the content media M, for example, poster images, wallpapers, electronic brochures such as video materials related to the content stored in the content media M, stamp images usable on social media, music, and other audio content may be stored.

[0037] Next, referring to Figure 3(b), the data structure of the user management database stored in the user information storage unit 140 of the management server 100 of content media distributor C will be described. The user management database shown in Figure 3(b) stores data of users who have registered to view content stored on content media M issued by content media distributor C.

[0038] More specifically, the user management database shown in Figure 3(b) stores an arbitrary username set by the user, a user ID that can identify the user, a password set by the user for user authentication, and email delivery information that identifies the type of information to be sent to the user via email. In this embodiment, the user ID is an email address for sending various information via email, but it may be any other identification information. Also, in this embodiment, an email address is stored as the identification information to identify the user, but other information may also be stored, for example, information that can identify a phone number may be stored. This could, for example, be used for authentication to enhance security. Email delivery information may include, for example, information about the lineup of new content or discount information. When a user purchases content media M and uses it for the first time, the user information stored in the user management database is linked to the media ID of content media M stored in the product management database. As a result, only the user linked to the content media M can use it, meaning that the content media M cannot be used by other users.

[0039] Next, referring to Figure 3(c), we will explain the data structure of the content media M in which the content data is stored.

[0040] Content media M stores a media ID, which is a unique ID; multiple encrypted video files, which are created by dividing the video data constituting one piece of content into several parts; and a video playback program for virtually combining these video files and playing them seamlessly. The video file format applicable to this embodiment can be any known format, such as MP4 or MOV. In this case, a single video file may be created in a predetermined format before splitting, and then this file may be split into multiple files; or the split files may be created by converting them to a predetermined format. Furthermore, thumbnail images corresponding to each of the multiple video files, or to some of the files, may be stored.

[0041] Next, referring to Figure 4, we will explain the process of installing a video playback application program on the mobile terminal 200.

[0042] First, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 determines whether or not to install the video playback application program according to this embodiment (step S11). That is, it determines whether or not to install the video playback application program based on a request from the user using the mobile terminal 200.

[0043] If the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 determines that it is time to install the video playback application program (step S11; Yes), it sends a request to the management server 100 to download the video playback application program from the management server 100 (step S12).

[0044] Upon receiving a request from the mobile terminal 200 to send a video playback application program, the control unit 110 of the management server 100 reads the video playback application program from the program data storage unit 150 and sends it to the mobile terminal 200 (step S13).

[0045] When the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 receives a video playback application program from the management server 100, it performs installation to configure the program to be able to play video content (step S14). On the other hand, if the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 does not determine in step S11 to install the video playback application program (step S11; No), it terminates this process.

[0046] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain the operation for playing video content on the mobile terminal 200 to which the content media M is connected.

[0047] First, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 starts the video playback application that was installed in the manner shown in Figure 4 (step S21). Next, it determines whether or not user registration with content media vendor C has been completed (step S22). If user registration has been completed (step S22; Yes), the control unit 210 executes the process of step S26, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the control unit 210 does not determine that user registration has been completed (step S22; No), it sends user information relating to the user who connects content media M to the mobile terminal 200 and watches video content to the management server 100 (step S23).

[0048] When the control unit 110 of the management server 100 receives user information from the mobile terminal 200, it performs a process to register the received user information in the user management database of the user information storage unit 140 (step S24). Once the registration of the user information is complete, the management server 100 sends a registration completion notification to the mobile terminal 200 indicating that the registration has been completed.

[0049] When the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 receives a registration completion notification from the management server 100, it displays on the display unit 212 that user information registration has been completed (step S25). Subsequently, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 displays on the display unit 212 a video explaining how to use the installed video playback application.

[0050] Subsequently, when the content media M is connected to the mobile terminal 200 via the input / output unit 218, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 sends information to the management server 100 to obtain key information regarding viewing the video content (step S27). More specifically, if the connected content media M and the user are not yet linked (first use), the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 makes a matching request to the management server 100, sending the user ID and the media ID stored in the content media M to link the connected content media M with the user information of the user using it. At this time, it is possible to set whether the linking period is unlimited or finite (setting an expiration date). When the expiration date has passed, the linking of the content media M and the user is released, and a matching request is made again. In this case, it is also possible to restrict the linking of the same content media M to the same user. Furthermore, if the connected content media M and the user are already linked and registered in the product management database of the product management information storage unit 120, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 transmits the connected content media M and the user ID of the user using it, and makes a user authentication request to obtain authentication by comparing it with the information registered in the product management database. Even if the device from which the user authentication request is sent is different, as long as the user ID and the media ID of the content media M connected to the sending device are linked, the device can play the video content. In this embodiment, the user authentication request is made when the video playback application is started and the content media M is connected to the mobile terminal 200, but the timing of the user authentication request is not limited to this, and for example, the user authentication request may be made when the video is played. Also, login authentication to the management server 100 and user authentication to confirm the linking of the user ID and media ID may be performed separately.In this case, the timing of login authentication and user authentication can be set to any desired timing. For example, login authentication may be performed when the video playback application is launched, and user authentication may be performed when the video is played.

[0051] When the control unit 110 of the management server 100 receives a matching request or a user authentication request from the mobile terminal 200, it executes the process in step S28 (step S28). Specifically, when it receives a matching request from the mobile terminal 200, it reads user information corresponding to the received user ID from the user information storage unit 140 and performs a matching process to update the product management database by linking it to the media ID registered in the product management database. Also, when the control unit 110 of the management server 100 receives a user authentication request from the mobile terminal 200, it refers to the product management database and performs user authentication to determine whether the transmitted user ID and media ID are linked.

[0052] When the control unit 110 of the management server 100 completes user authentication or matching, it sends key information to the mobile terminal 200 to allow viewing of the video content stored in the content media M. When the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 receives the key information from the management server 100, it executes content playback control processing to play the video content stored in the connected content media M (step S29). Details of the content playback control processing will be described later with reference to Figure 6. If user authentication fails, such as when the media ID and user ID do not match, the control unit of the management server 100 sends error information to the mobile terminal 200 instead of key information. When the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 receives error information from the management server 100, viewing of the video content is restricted and an error message is displayed on the display unit 212.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the content playback control process performed by the control unit 110 of the mobile terminal 200 will be described.

[0054] The control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 determines whether or not it has received key information from the management server 100 (step S101). If the control unit 210 determines that it has received key information (step S101; Yes), it executes a menu screen display process to display a menu screen for viewing video content on the display unit 212 (step S103).

[0055] The control unit 210 determines whether a content selection mode has been selected (step S105). Specifically, the control unit 210 determines whether a content selection mode for selecting video content from the menus displayed on the menu screen has been selected by the user through operation of the operation unit 211.

[0056] If the control unit 210 determines that the content selection mode has been selected (step S105; Yes), it executes a content startup file selection process that accepts the selection of video content stored in the content media M (step S107).

[0057] When the user selects video content to play, the control unit 210 executes a process to display the content playback menu screen on the display unit 212 (step S109). Specifically, the control unit 210 displays a content playback menu screen that allows the user to select playback modes, such as a "main feature playback" mode for watching the video content from the beginning, and a "bonus track playback" mode for playing bonus videos (bonus tracks), etc. In addition to the above, it may also be possible to display bonus content such as electronic brochures or bonus images.

[0058] Subsequently, the control unit 210 executes the video playback data generation process (step S111). As will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 7, the control unit 210 repeatedly reads encrypted segmented video files from the content media M, decrypts the read segmented video files, expands the data into memory 210b, and deletes the played files, based on the playback mode selected in step S109. In this embodiment, since multiple segmented video files are virtually combined, the video is played seamlessly based on the multiple segmented video files after the data is expanded into memory 210b.

[0059] Subsequently, the control unit 210 performs a video playback process (step S113) to play the video content based on the video data expanded in the memory 210b in step S111, and then terminates the content playback control process.

[0060] Furthermore, if the control unit 210 does not determine in step S105 that a content selection mode has been selected, that is, if another menu is selected (step S105), it executes control processing corresponding to the selected menu (step S113). Specifically, the control unit 210 executes an account information confirmation mode to query the management server 100 for the user's account information, a setting mode to configure various settings related to the playback of video content, and so on. After executing the processing in step S113, the control unit 210 terminates the content playback control processing.

[0061] Furthermore, if the control unit 210 does not determine in step S101 that it has received key information, that is, if it receives error information from the management server 100 indicating that the user ID and media ID are not associated (step S101; No), it executes a process to display an error indicating that the video content stored in the connected content media M cannot be viewed (step S115), and then terminates the content playback control process.

[0062] Next, the video playback data generation process, which is performed in step S111 of the content playback control process shown in Figure 6, will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0063] When the control unit 210 reads and starts a video playback program for playing video content from the content media M, it reads timeline information based on the selected playback mode (step S201). Specifically, the control unit 210 sets the address of the segmented video file to start reading based on the selected playback mode. After the segmented video file assigned to the address to be read has been read, the address of the next segmented video file to be read is set.

[0064] Next, the control unit 210 reads the segmented video files that are to be read (step S203). After that, the control unit 210 decodes the read segmented video files and converts them into video data (step S205), and then executes a video data expansion process to expand them into memory 210b (step S207).

[0065] Subsequently, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the file (video data) corresponding to the played video has been expanded (step S209). If the control unit 210 determines that the file corresponding to the played video has been expanded (step S209; Yes), it performs a played data deletion process to delete the played file and make space for a buffer to expand other segmented video files (step S211), and then terminates the video playback data generation process. On the other hand, if the control unit 210 does not determine that the file corresponding to the played video has been expanded (step S211; No), it terminates the video playback data generation process without performing the process in step S211.

[0066] The procedure for processing segmented video files when playing video content on a mobile terminal 200 connected to content media M in the video content playback system SY configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0067] When the "Main Playback" mode is selected and the video content is played from the beginning, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 first reads and starts the video playback program from the content media M (1), reads the first segmented video file to be played (segmented video file 1) from the content media M, decodes it, and then expands the data into memory 210b (2).

[0068] Subsequently, the control unit 210 plays the video corresponding to the split video file 1, reads the next split video file to be played (split video file 2) from the content media M, decodes it, and then expands the data into an empty buffer in memory 210b (3). At this time, since the video of split video file 1 is playing, the playback of the video of split video file 2 is in standby mode.

[0069] Subsequently, the control unit 210 reads the next segmented video file to be played (segmented video file 3) from the content media M, decodes it, and then expands the data into an empty buffer in memory 210b (4). At this time, since the video of segmented video file 1 is currently playing, the playback of the videos of segmented video file 2 and segmented video file 3 are both in standby mode.

[0070] Subsequently, the control unit 210 starts playing the video of segmented video file 2 when playback of the video of segmented video file 1 has finished. After that, it deletes the data of segmented video file 1, which has finished playing, from memory 210b. The control unit 210 also reads the segmented video file (segmented video file 4) that will be played after the video of segmented video file 3 from the content media M, decodes it, and then expands its data into an empty buffer in memory 210b (5). The data of segmented video file 4 is expanded into the buffer where the deleted data of segmented video file 1 is stored. At this time, since the video of segmented video file 2 is playing, playback of both the video of segmented video file 3 and the video of segmented video file 4 is in a standby state. In this embodiment, for example, memory 210b is allocated a buffer large enough to expand three segmented video files, but the number of segmented video files that can be expanded is not limited to three and can be set to an appropriate number. In this case, the size of the buffer in memory 210b that can expand the data of segmented video files is also set to an appropriate size.

[0071] Subsequently, since playback of the video in segmented video file 2 continues, playback of the videos in segmented video file 3 and segmented video file 4 are both in standby mode (6). After that, the video content is played by repeatedly reading, playing, and deleting the file data of the segmented video files from the content media M in the manner described above.

[0072] Next, an example of a display screen shown on the display unit 212 of a mobile terminal 200 to which content media M is connected, in the video content playback system SY configured as described above, will be explained with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0073] Figure 9(a) shows the icon AP of the video playback application according to this embodiment displayed on the display unit 212 of the mobile terminal 200. When the user touches the icon AP displayed on the display unit 212, the touch panel, which functions as an operation unit 211 superimposed on the display unit 212, responds and the video playback application is launched.

[0074] When an icon AP is touched, a prompt to connect a content media M (not shown) is displayed. When the user connects the content media M to the mobile terminal 200 accordingly, a user authentication screen as shown in Figure 9(b) is displayed. On the user authentication screen, for example, a prompt is displayed to enter a registered user ID and password that are registered in the user management database in the user information storage unit 140 of the management server 100. When the user enters the registered user ID and password, they send this information, along with the media ID recorded on the connected content media M, to the management server 100 to request user authentication.

[0075] Subsequently, user authentication is performed on the management server 100. If authentication is successful, key information is sent from the management server 100. Upon receiving this key information, the menu screen shown in Figure 9(c) is displayed on the display unit 212 of the mobile terminal 200. When the user touches the "Play Video" button on the menu screen displayed on the display unit 212, the touch panel, which functions as the operation unit 211, responds, and a screen for selecting the video content to watch is displayed (not shown in the illustration). After the user has selected the video content to watch, the content playback menu screen shown in Figure 10(a) is displayed. The content playback menu screen displays the title of the selected video content and a background image related to that video content. In addition, there is a "Main Feature" button for selecting the main feature playback mode to watch the video content from the beginning, and a "Bonus Track" button for selecting the bonus track playback mode to play the bonus content of that video content.

[0076] When a user touches the "Main Content" button on the content playback menu screen, the display unit 212 and the audio output unit 213 begin displaying the video content from the beginning and outputting audio, as shown in Figure 10(b). On the video content playback screen, for example, when a user touches the screen, a pause button, a fast-forward button, a rewind button, a playback bar indicating the progress of the video content, and a menu icon for accessing the menu are displayed at the bottom of the display screen, as shown in Figure 10(b). If no touch operation is performed for a predetermined period of time, these displays are erased and playback of the video content continues. The playback position of the currently playing video content can also be changed by swiping the playback bar.

[0077] On the other hand, if user authentication fails, the authentication error screen shown in Figure 10(c) is displayed, and the user is notified that it is not possible to play the video content stored on the connected content media M.

[0078] Thus, according to the video content playback system SY of this embodiment, since video content is stored in a physical medium, the content medium M, and made available for use by only one user, it is possible to satisfy the user's desire for exclusivity and provide new services. Furthermore, since viewing video content is not affected by network communication, it is possible to view high-quality video content. In addition, since video files can be read without relying on network communication, users can enjoy video content even more without worrying about communication charges or communication conditions, and without the hassle of searching for, for example, public Wi-Fi. Moreover, by controlling the number of content medium M sold, it is possible to control the distribution of the video content stored therein, thereby protecting copyright and increasing the value of the video content.

[0079] In this embodiment, copying from the content media M to the connected mobile terminal 200 is prevented, but copying to the mobile terminal 200 may be permitted. In this case, the image quality may be reduced.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the segmented video files stored on the content media M are encrypted and decrypted during playback of the video content to prevent file duplication. However, the files may not be encrypted.

[0081] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example of playing video content, it is also possible to play only video or only audio.

[0082] Furthermore, while smartphones, PCs (Personal Computers), and tablet devices are examples of devices applicable as mobile terminals in this embodiment, other devices may also be used as long as they are configured to play video content. For example, a dedicated playback device may be used.

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, the video content playback system SY comprises a content media M in which video content data capable of playback is pre-stored, a mobile terminal 200 that can be connected to the content media M, and a management server 100 that can communicate with the mobile terminal 200 via a network N. The management server 100 has a control unit 110 that manages by associating a user ID that can identify a user with a media ID that can identify the issued content media M. The mobile terminal 200 has a control unit 210, which sends a user ID relating to the user who will play the video content and a media ID that can identify the content media M connected to the mobile terminal 200 to the management server 100 to make an authentication request. When the control unit 110 of the management server 100 receives an authentication request from the mobile terminal 200, it determines, based on the managed information, whether the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID and the content media M corresponding to the media ID are associated. When the control unit 110 of the management server 100 determines that a user and content media M are linked, it transmits key information to the mobile terminal 200 that allows playback of video content based on the video content data stored in the content media M connected to the mobile terminal 200. The control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200, upon receiving the key information from the management server 100, enables playback of video content based on the video content data recorded on the content media M. As a result, users can enjoy high-quality content while satisfying their desire for personal use.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 can send application program download request information to the management server 100 requesting the download of a playback application program that reads video content data stored in the content media M connected to the mobile terminal 200 and enables content playback. Based on the receipt of the application program download request information from the mobile terminal 200, the control unit 110 of the management server 100 sends the playback application program data to the mobile terminal 200. The control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 can perform playback of the video content by installing the playback application program based on the playback application program data sent from the management server 100. As a result, the content can be played back appropriately.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the video content data stored in the content media M is configured so that multiple encrypted segmented data can be virtually combined. The mobile terminal 200, based on the execution of the installed playback application program, reads and decrypts the multiple segmented data stored in the content media M in a predetermined order and virtually combines them to play a single piece of content. This makes it possible to compact the workspace.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 is configured to read one of the multiple segmented data, decode it, and expand it into the work area, play the video content based on the expanded segmented video file data, and delete the segmented video file data corresponding to the played portion from the memory 210b. This makes it possible to make the work area more compact.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a predetermined authentication confirmation condition is met during the execution of a playback application program, the control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 sends a user ID and a media ID that can identify the content media M connected to the mobile terminal 200 to the management server 100 to make an authentication confirmation request. When the control unit 110 of the management server 100 receives the authentication confirmation request from the mobile terminal 200, it determines, based on the managed information, whether the user corresponding to the transmitted user ID and the content media M corresponding to the media ID are linked. If it determines that the user and the content media M are linked, it sends playback continuation permission information that permits the continuation of playback of the video content stored in the content media M connected to the mobile terminal 200. The control unit 210 of the mobile terminal 200 continues playback of the video content recorded on the content media M, provided that it has received the playback continuation permission information from the management server 100. As a result, by linking each recording medium to a user who can play the content, it becomes possible to properly manage content playback, for example, by deterring the resale of recording media.

[0088] It should be noted that the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects arising from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] SY Video Content Playback System M Content Media N Network 100 Management Servers 110 Control Unit 113 Communications Department 120 Product management information storage unit 140 User information storage unit 150 Program data storage unit 200 mobile devices 210 Control Unit 210b memory 211 Operation section 212 Display section 213 Audio output section 215 Data Communications Department 218 Input / output section

Claims

1. A content playback system comprising a portable recording medium pre-stored with content data capable of playing content, a portable terminal connectable to the recording medium, and a server device capable of communicating with the portable terminal via a network, The server device has a management means for managing user information that can identify a user and identification information that can identify the issued recording medium, The mobile terminal has a request means for making an authentication request by transmitting user information relating to the user who plays the content and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal to the server device. The server device, upon receiving the authentication request from the mobile terminal, includes a determination means that determines, based on the information managed by the management means, whether a user corresponding to the transmitted user information and a recording medium corresponding to the identification information are linked, and a playback permission information transmission means that, if the determination means determines that a user and a recording medium are linked, transmits playback permission information that permits playback of content based on content data stored in the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal. A content playback system characterized in that the mobile terminal has playback means that enables content playback based on content data recorded on the recording medium, on the condition that it has received the playback permission information from the server device.

2. The mobile terminal has download request means that transmits request information to the server device requesting the download of a playback application program that reads content data stored on a recording medium connected to the mobile terminal and makes the content playable. The server device has program data transmission means that transmits the data of the playback application program to the mobile terminal based on the receipt of request information from the mobile terminal. The content playback system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile terminal can perform content playback by the playback means by installing the playback application program based on the data of the playback application program transmitted from the server device.

3. The content data stored on the recording medium is configured so that multiple encrypted segmented data can be virtually combined. The content playback system according to claim 2, characterized in that the mobile terminal is able to play back a single piece of content by reading and decoding the plurality of divided data stored on the recording medium in a predetermined order and virtually combining them, based on the execution of the installed playback application program.

4. The content playback system according to claim 3, characterized in that the mobile terminal is configured to read one of the plurality of divided data from the recording medium, decode it and expand it into a working area, and play content based on the expanded divided data, and to delete the divided data corresponding to the played portion from the working area.

5. When the mobile terminal is executing the playback application program, if predetermined authentication conditions are met, it sends user information and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal to the server device to make an authentication request. When the server device receives the authentication confirmation request from the mobile terminal, it determines, based on the information managed by the management means, whether the user corresponding to the transmitted user information and the recording medium corresponding to the identification information are linked, and if it determines that the user and the recording medium are linked, it transmits playback continuation permission information that permits the continuation of playback of content based on the content data stored in the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal. The content playback system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile terminal continues to play content based on content data recorded on the recording medium, on the condition that it has received the permission information to continue playback from the server device.

6. A content playback method that can be realized using a portable recording medium pre-stored with content data capable of playing content, a mobile terminal connectable to the recording medium, and a server device that can communicate with the mobile terminal via a network, The server device includes a management step of linking user information that can identify a user with identification information that can identify the issued recording medium, A request step in which user information relating to the user who plays the content and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile device used by the user are transmitted from the mobile device to the server device to make an authentication request, When the server device receives the authentication request from the mobile terminal, it performs a determination step to determine whether the user corresponding to the transmitted user information and the recording medium corresponding to the identification information are linked, based on the information managed in the management step. If the determination step determines that a user and a recording medium are linked, the server device transmits playback permission information to the mobile terminal, which permits the playback of content based on content data stored on the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal. A content playback method comprising a playback step that enables content playback based on content data recorded on the recording medium, provided that the mobile terminal has received the playback permission information from the server device.

7. An application program for connecting a portable recording medium, which has content data that can be played back, pre-stored on it, to a mobile terminal, and for playing back the content on the mobile terminal, A request step involves sending user information relating to the user who will play the content, and identification information that can identify the recording medium connected to the mobile device, to a network-connected server device to make an authentication request. An application program capable of performing a playback step of playing content based on content data recorded on the recording medium, provided that it has received playback permission information from the server device that permits playback of content based on content data stored on the recording medium connected to the mobile terminal.

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