Content distribution device, content distribution method, and content distribution program

Abstract

To provide a content distribution apparatus suitable for the case where content is divided into a plurality of sub blocks to each of which a right holder is set.SOLUTION: A content acquisition unit 23 extracts a sub block having an evaluation value equal to or larger than a threshold, in content managed by a content asset management apparatus 1, in association with evaluation values, for each sub block, and acquires the extracted sub block as distribution data. A distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution data to be distributed to a user terminal of a user when the user pays a fee for receiving distribution of the extracted sub block.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution device, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program. [Background technology]

[0002] Taking a musical piece as an example of content, when a lyricist and composer create a piece of music, the lyricist and composer are the authors of that piece of music and hold the copyright. Content may be divided into multiple blocks, and the property rights (copyright property rights) that are part of the copyright for each of the multiple blocks may be transferred to a third party by contract. Furthermore, in the case of content that is not a work of authorship, or in the case of content that is a work of authorship but in which the copyright (copyright property rights) is partially or entirely retained by the author, ownership of the divided blocks of content, or legal status equivalent to ownership (certain property rights), may be granted to a third party. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-189475 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to have a content asset management device, a content asset management method, a content asset management program, or a content distribution device, a content distribution method, or a content distribution program that is suitable when content is divided into multiple blocks and a rights holder is set for each block. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a content asset management device that manages content in which each divided block is associated with an evaluation value. When a user issues an instruction to distribute divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the content asset management device extracts one or more divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than the threshold and acquires the extracted divided blocks as data to be distributed. The content asset management device also includes a content acquisition unit that, when a user issues an instruction to distribute divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, extracts one or more divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than the threshold and acquires the extracted divided blocks as data to be distributed. The content asset management device also includes a distribution control unit that, when the user pays a usage fee for receiving the extracted divided blocks, controls the distribution of the data to be distributed to a user terminal of the user. The evaluation value is an aggregate evaluation value obtained by one or more evaluators evaluating one or more of the divided blocks and aggregating the evaluation values ​​for each of the divided blocks. A content distribution device is provided.

[0006] The present invention relates to a computer functioning as a content distribution server, in which, when a user instructs a content asset management device to distribute divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, from among a plurality of divided blocks obtained by dividing the content into a plurality of blocks and managing the divided blocks with evaluation values ​​corresponding to each divided block, the computer extracts one or more divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than the threshold from the content asset management device, acquires the extracted divided blocks as data for distribution, and controls the computer to distribute the data for distribution to a user terminal of the user when the user pays a usage fee for receiving the extracted divided blocks. The evaluation value is an aggregate evaluation value obtained by one or more evaluators evaluating one or more of the divided blocks and aggregating the evaluation values ​​for each of the divided blocks. A content distribution method is provided.

[0007] The present invention causes a computer functioning as a content distribution server to execute the steps of: when a user issues an instruction to distribute divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold from content, in which content is divided into a plurality of blocks and managed by a content asset management device with evaluation values ​​associated with each divided block; extracting one or more divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold from the content asset management device, and acquiring the extracted divided blocks as data to be distributed; and when the user pays a usage fee for receiving the distribution of the extracted divided blocks, controlling the distribution of the data to be distributed to a user terminal of the user. The evaluation value is an aggregate evaluation value obtained by one or more evaluators evaluating one or more of the divided blocks and aggregating the evaluation values ​​for each of the divided blocks. Provides content distribution programs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Contents of the present invention delivery Equipment, Content delivery Method, Content delivery According to the program, Only highly rated blocks that users want to use are delivered to users. It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a content distribution system including a content asset management device and a content distribution device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a piece of music divided into a plurality of divided blocks. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a content management table managed by the content asset management device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an evaluator management table managed by the content asset management device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the total evaluation value totaled for each divided block. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management device of the first embodiment, the content asset management method of the first embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the first embodiment causes a computer to execute. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a content management table created by the content asset management device of the second embodiment, in which the rights holder and evaluation value of each divided block are not yet recorded. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management device of the second embodiment, the content asset management method of the second embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the second embodiment causes a computer to execute. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution device of the third embodiment, the content distribution method of the third embodiment, and the processing that the content distribution program of the third embodiment causes a computer to execute. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the total evaluation values ​​that are individually totaled for each divided block, for each season, for each time period, and for each location. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the content asset management device of the third embodiment to generate the total evaluation values ​​that are individually totaled for each season, time period, and location shown in FIG. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution device of the third embodiment, the content distribution method of the third embodiment, and partial processing that the content distribution program of the third embodiment causes a computer to execute when using aggregated evaluation values ​​aggregated individually for each season, time period, and location as shown in Figure 10. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of distributing image information indicating the rights holders of divided blocks to users in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing how to set the rights holder of the content managed by the content asset management device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the content asset management method of the fifth embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the fifth embodiment causes a computer to execute. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a content management table in which distribution permission is set for each divided block, indicating whether or not the rights holder permits distribution. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution device of the sixth embodiment, the content distribution method of the sixth embodiment, and the partial processing that the content distribution program of the sixth embodiment causes a computer to execute when distributing content that includes a divided block that cannot be distributed. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution device of the sixth embodiment, the content distribution method of the sixth embodiment, and the partial processing that the content distribution program of the sixth embodiment causes a computer to execute when distributing content that includes a divided block that cannot be distributed, which differs from Figure 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a content management table in which a combination permission status is set for each divided block, indicating whether or not the rights holder permits the divided block to be combined with other divided blocks. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content distribution device of the sixth embodiment, the content distribution method of the sixth embodiment, and the partial processing that the content distribution program of the sixth embodiment causes a computer to execute when distributing content that includes divided blocks that cannot be combined. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management device of the seventh embodiment, the content asset management method of the seventh embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the seventh embodiment causes a computer to execute when a divided block is further divided. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management device of the seventh embodiment, the content asset management method of the seventh embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the seventh embodiment causes a computer to execute when a new element is added to content. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a content asset management device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management apparatus of the eighth embodiment, the content asset management method of the eighth embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the eighth embodiment causes a computer to execute. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a content management table in which a right holder, an agent acting on behalf of the right holder, and an evaluation value are recorded in association with each other for each divided block. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a content asset management device according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management apparatus of the ninth embodiment, the content asset management method of the ninth embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the ninth embodiment causes a computer to execute. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a content asset management device according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content asset management apparatus of the tenth embodiment, the content asset management method of the tenth embodiment, and the processing that the content asset management program of the tenth embodiment causes a computer to execute. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a content asset management device, a content asset management method, a content asset management program, or a content distribution device, a content distribution method, and a content distribution program according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] First, an example of the configuration of an overall content distribution system including a content asset management device and a content distribution device will be described using Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, the content distribution system includes a content asset management device 1, a content distribution device 2, an evaluator terminal 3, a rights holder terminal 4, a user terminal 5, and servers 6 and 7, all connected to a network 8. There may be two or more evaluator terminals 3, two or more rights holder terminals 4, and two or more user terminals 5. Servers having the same configuration as servers 6 and 7 may also be connected to network 8. Servers 6 and 7 are external servers provided external to content asset management device 1.

[0012] The content asset management device 1 includes a communication unit 10, a content storage unit 11, a block division unit 12, an electronic ledger management unit 13, an evaluation value aggregation unit 14, an evaluation value assignment unit 15, a notification unit 16, and a payment processing unit 17. The content asset management device 1 may include other components not shown in Fig. 1. The content distribution device 2 includes a communication unit 20, a distribution control unit 21, a data acquisition unit 22, a content acquisition unit 23, a notification unit 24, and a payment processing unit 25.

[0013] The evaluator terminal 3 comprises a communication unit 30, an operation unit 31, an evaluation value storage unit 32, and a payment processing unit 33. The rights holder terminal 4 comprises a communication unit 40, an operation unit 41, a payment processing unit 42, and a memory unit 43. The memory unit 43 stores divided block access codes. The user terminal 5 comprises a communication unit 50, an operation unit 51, a content playback unit 52, a content memory unit 53, and a payment processing unit 54. The servers 6 and 7 comprise communication units 60 and 70, and electronic bookkeeping units 61 and 71, respectively.

[0014] The content asset management device 1 may be a content asset management server that manages content assets. The content distribution device 2 may be a content distribution server that distributes content managed by and stored in the content asset management device 1. The content asset management device 1 and the content distribution device 2 may be integrated, and one server may function as both the content asset management device 1 and the content distribution device 2.

[0015] The content asset management device 1 may be configured with a computer and a non-transitory storage medium that stores a computer program (content asset management program). The computer may execute the content asset management program to functionally realize the communication unit 10 to payment processing unit 17 shown in FIG. 1. The content distribution device 2 may be configured with a computer and a non-transitory storage medium that stores a computer program (content distribution program). The computer may execute the content distribution program to functionally realize the communication unit 20 to payment processing unit 25 shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] First Embodiment The first embodiment is characterized by the basic configuration and operation of a content asset management device 1. The content asset management device 1, content distribution device 2, evaluator terminal 3, rights holder terminal 4, user terminal 5, and servers 6 and 7 are equipped with communication units 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70, respectively, and communicate with each other via a network 8. Typically, the network 8 is the Internet.

[0017] The content storage unit 11 stores one or more pieces of content. The content may be a piece of music, a movie, or a literary work such as a novel. The content is not limited to a literary work, and may be anything that can be divided into blocks. In the first embodiment, the content is a piece of music.

[0018] The block division unit 12 divides a piece of music stored in the content storage unit 11 into a plurality of blocks. As shown in Fig. 2, the block division unit 12 divides one piece of music into, for example, an intro, verse A1, bridge B1, chorus C1, verse A2, bridge B2, chorus C2, interlude, solo, chorus C3, and outro. Each block divided by the block division unit 12 into a piece of music is referred to as a divided block.

[0019] The block management codes for the intro, A-verse 1, B-verse 1, 1st chorus, A-verse 2, B-verse 2, 2nd chorus, interlude, solo, grand chorus, and outro are Itr, VA1, BB1, CC1, VA2, BB2, CC2, Itl, Sl, CC3, and Otr, respectively. The block management codes may be numeric strings or a mixture of numbers and letters.

[0020] The block division unit 12 dividing a song into multiple blocks does not necessarily mean dividing the song data into individual pieces of data such as intro, A-verse 1, B-verse 1, first chorus, A-verse 2, B-verse 2, second chorus, interlude, solo, grand chorus, and outro. The block division unit 12 dividing a song into multiple blocks may mean that the electronic bookkeeping unit 13, which will be described later, manages the song for each divided block, even if the song data is not actually divided into data for each divided block.

[0021] A plurality of evaluators evaluate one or more divided blocks using the evaluator terminal 3. The evaluation value assigning unit 15 assigns a share of the evaluation value to each evaluator in advance, and the evaluation value storage unit 32 of the evaluator terminal 3 stores the share of the evaluation value. The evaluation value indicates the evaluation for each divided block. For example, the evaluation value assigning unit 15 assigns 100 points as the evaluation value of each share to each evaluator. The evaluator selects one of the divided blocks using the operation unit 31 and assigns a desired evaluation value from the share of the evaluation value to the selected divided block. It is preferable that the evaluator terminal 3 is configured to play a song when the evaluator selects a divided block to which to assign a rating value.

[0022] The ownership of the song itself may be issued as a non-fungible token (NFT), and an evaluation value for each divided block may be associated with the NFT of the song. The content asset management device 1 may collect multiple evaluators for each song, and there are no limitations on how multiple evaluators are collected. Alternatively, the ownership of each divided block may be issued as an NFT, and an evaluation value may be associated with the NFT. In this case, each NFT for each divided block is associated with the original song.

[0023] The electronic ledger management unit 13 manages an electronic ledger including a content management table and an evaluator management table. FIG. 3 shows an example of the content management table. The content management table records, as content information, the song title, the song creator, the block management code of each divided block, and the rights holder of each divided block. An evaluation value is associated with each rights holder as additional content information. If the rights of any divided block have not been transferred from the creator to a third party, the creator may be recorded as the rights holder. Note that transfer includes assignment. The rights holder who is the assignee of the rights of any divided block may be determined by auction. In this case, the electronic ledger management unit 13 may record the time of determination, and the creator may be the rights holder before the recorded time, and the assignee may be the rights holder after the recorded time.

[0024] The evaluation value tallying unit 14 tallying the evaluation values ​​of one or more divided blocks in the plurality of divided blocks by multiple raters for each divided block to generate an aggregated evaluation value. The aggregated evaluation values ​​generated by the evaluation value tallying unit 14 are recorded as evaluation values ​​in the content management table. The aggregated evaluation value of each divided block may indicate the asset value of each divided block, or the aggregated evaluation value of the entire content, which is the sum of the aggregated evaluation values ​​of all divided blocks, may indicate the asset value of the content.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows an example of an evaluator management table. The evaluator management table records the evaluators who evaluated each divided block indicated by a block management code. The evaluator management table may also record evaluator account information to prevent fraudulent evaluations by the same person. The evaluator management table does not have to include song titles and creators. The content management table shown in FIG. 3 and the evaluator management table shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as a single table.

[0026] 5 shows an example of the total evaluation value totaled for each divided block by the evaluation value totaling unit 14. As described above, the total evaluation value of each divided block is recorded as an evaluation value in the content management table.

[0027] A user who wishes to use the entire song or any of its divided blocks can apply to the content distribution device 2 for use of the entire song or any of its divided blocks by operating the operation unit 51 of the user terminal 5. Use of a song includes receiving streaming distribution of the entire song or any of its divided blocks for playback on the user terminal 5, receiving provision of the entire song or any of its divided blocks for download to the user terminal 5, using the entire song or any of its divided blocks for advertising, using the entire song or any of its divided blocks as insert songs in a drama or the like, etc. Users can refer to the evaluation value for each divided block, and the usage fee for each divided block reflects the evaluation value.

[0028] The payment processing unit 54 of the user terminal 5 pays the usage fee for using the entire song or any of its divided blocks to the content distribution device 2 when the user operates the operation unit 51. The payment processing unit 25 of the content distribution device 2 receives the usage fee paid by the user. When the payment processing unit 25 receives the usage fee, the content acquisition unit 23 acquires, from the content asset management device 1, the entire song or any of its divided blocks, which has been requested for use and is stored in the content storage unit 11, as data to be distributed. The payment of the usage fee is not limited to a pay-as-you-go payment when the song or divided blocks are used, but may also be a fixed monthly payment including a subscription service.

[0029] The distribution control unit 21 distributes the distribution data acquired by the content acquisition unit 23 to the user terminal 5 via the network 8. The content playback unit 52 of the user terminal 5 plays the entire song or any of its divided blocks that have been distributed. The content storage unit 53 may download the entire song or any of its divided blocks that have been distributed.

[0030] The payment processor 25 transmits the usage fee to the payment processor 17 of the content asset management device 1 at an appropriate timing.

[0031] A user who wishes to use the entire song or any of its divided blocks may apply to the content asset management device 1 for use of the entire song or any of its divided blocks by operating the operation unit 51 of the user terminal 5. In this case, the payment processing unit 17 receives the usage fee paid by the user. The content asset management device 1 notifies the content distribution device 2 that the usage fee has been received, and the distribution control unit 21 distributes the distribution data acquired by the content acquisition unit 23 to the user terminal 5 via the network 8.

[0032] Multiple users pay a usage fee to the content distribution device 2 (or the content asset management device 1) for using the entire song or any of its divided blocks, and multiple user terminals 5 receive the distribution of the entire song or any of its divided blocks. The settlement processing unit 17 tallies the usage fees paid by users for each divided block. The usage fees for each divided block are recorded in an electronic ledger in the electronic ledger managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13.

[0033] The settlement processing unit 17 determines the payout amount based on the aggregated usage fees for each divided block. The settlement processing unit 17 may use the aggregated usage fees as the payout amount, or may use the aggregated usage fees minus necessary expenses as the payout amount. The usage fees when the entire song is used are distributed among all divided blocks and added to the usage fees for each divided block. In this case, it is preferable that the usage fees when the entire song is used are distributed according to the aggregated evaluation value of each divided block.

[0034] The settlement processing unit 17 refers to the content management table and the evaluator management table managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13, and distributes the dividend amount at least to the rights holders and evaluators of the used divided blocks. The dividend amount may be distributed equally to the evaluators, or the dividend amount may be distributed taking into account the degree of contribution to the promotion of the song based on the degree of evaluation or the order of evaluation, etc. The dividend amount may also be distributed only to the rights holders. The settlement processing unit 17 refers to the time of determination of the rights holder recorded in the electronic ledger management unit 13, and distributes the dividend amount to the creator before the transfer (assignment) of rights to the rights holder is confirmed, and to the transferred rights holder after the transfer is confirmed. The distributed dividend amount is also recorded in the electronic ledger managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13.

[0035] The operation of the content asset management device 1 and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0036] 6, when the process starts, each evaluator evaluates one or more divided blocks in step S1. Step S1 is a process executed on the evaluator terminal 3. The evaluation value tallying unit 14 of the content asset management device 1 tallys up the evaluation values ​​of each divided block in step S2. The payment processing unit 17 determines in step S3 whether or not a fee has been paid for using any of the divided blocks. If the fee has not been paid (NO), the payment processing unit 17 repeats the process of step S3.

[0037] If the usage fee has been paid in step S3 (YES), the settlement processing unit 17 tallies the usage fee for each divided block in step S4. The usage fees are added up and managed. In step S5, the settlement processing unit 17 determines the dividend rate for each divided block, and in step S6, determines the dividend rate between the rights holder and the evaluator. In step S7, the settlement processing unit 17 distributes the dividend amount to each rights holder and each evaluator, and the content asset management device 1 ends the processing. In step S7, the total dividend amount may be distributed at a predetermined period, or may be distributed at any timing to confirm the payment.

[0038] As described above, a song is divided into multiple blocks, each of which has a rights holder, and each block is rated by an evaluation value (aggregate evaluation value). With the above configuration and operation, the content asset management device 1 can distribute income from the use of the song to each rights holder and each evaluator.

[0039] Incidentally, it is necessary to prevent tampering with the electronic ledger managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13. As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic ledger is preferably managed by a blockchain including the electronic ledger management unit 13 of the content asset management device 1 and the electronic ledger management units 61 and 71 of the servers 6 and 7.

[0040] According to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to perform suitable asset management of content when content is divided into a plurality of division blocks and a rights holder is set for each division block.

[0041] Second Embodiment The second embodiment is characterized by the configuration and operation of the content asset management device 1 when new content is stored in the content storage unit 11 of the content asset management device 1. In the second embodiment, descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. When new content is stored in the content storage unit 11, the block division unit 12 divides the stored content into multiple blocks to generate multiple divided blocks.

[0042] If the content is a piece of music, the block dividing unit 12 may divide the piece of music into multiple blocks at positions where the melody of the music changes, as described above. If the content is a movie, the block dividing unit 12 may divide the movie into multiple blocks at each position where a scene changes. If the content is a literary work, the block dividing unit 12 may divide the literary work into any divisible unit, such as a chapter or section, or a sentence, word, or character.

[0043] The electronic ledger management unit 13 creates a content management table for recording the rights holder and the evaluation value in association with each other for each divided block among the plurality of divided blocks. As shown in FIG. 7, at the time the content management table is created, the rights holder and evaluation value of each divided block are not recorded. As described above, the creator may be recorded as the rights holder of each divided block. The electronic ledger management unit 13 manages an electronic ledger including at least the content management table.

[0044] The evaluation value assigning unit 15 assigns evaluation value shares to multiple evaluators who evaluate one or more divided blocks among the multiple divided blocks. Once the assigned evaluation value shares are stored in the evaluation value storage unit 32 of the evaluator terminal 3, the evaluators can evaluate the divided blocks. If one or more evaluators among the multiple evaluators evaluate one or more divided blocks, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 tallys up the evaluation values ​​for each divided block to generate an aggregated evaluation value.

[0045] The electronic ledger management unit 13 records the aggregated evaluation value generated by the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 for each divided block in the content management table shown in Fig. 7. Content information may be managed on a blockchain, and the history of all divided parts may be maintained.

[0046] The operation of the content asset management device 1 and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. The flowchart shown in Fig. 8 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0047] 8, when the process starts, the content storage unit 11 of the content asset management device 1 determines in step S21 whether or not there has been a request to store new content. The person requesting the storage of new content may be, for example, the creator of the content. If there has been no request to store new content (NO), the content storage unit 11 repeats the process of step S21. If there has been a request to store new content (YES), the content storage unit 11 stores the new content in the content storage unit 11 in step S22.

[0048] In step S23, the block dividing unit 12 divides the new content into multiple blocks. The block dividing unit 12 may determine how to divide the content depending on the category of the content. In step S24, the electronic bookkeeping unit 13 creates and stores a content management table such as that shown in Fig. 7. In step S25, the evaluation value assigning unit 15 assigns evaluation value shares to multiple raters.

[0049] In step S26, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 determines whether the evaluator has rated the divided block. If the evaluator has not rated the divided block (NO), the evaluation value tallying unit 14 repeats the process of step S26. If the evaluator has rated the divided block (YES), the evaluation value tallying unit 14 tally the evaluation values ​​for each divided block in step S27 to generate a total evaluation value. In step S28, the electronic ledger management unit 13 records the total evaluation value for each divided block in the content management table, and the content asset management device 1 ends the process.

[0050] As described above, the content asset management device 1 is configured such that the electronic book management unit 13 creates a new content management table every time the content storage unit 11 stores new content.

[0051] According to the second embodiment described above, when a new rights holder is set for each divided block or when an aggregate evaluation value is generated, it is possible to record these. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to perform suitable content asset management when content is divided into multiple divided blocks and a rights holder is set for each divided block.

[0052] Third Embodiment The third embodiment is characterized by a preferable configuration and operation of the content distribution device 2. In the third embodiment, explanations of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. In the third embodiment, the content is a song. Assume that a user issues an instruction to the content distribution device 2 via the user terminal 5 to distribute divided blocks of a certain song that have an evaluation value (aggregate evaluation value) equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The communication unit 20 acquires the instruction to distribute from the user terminal 5.

[0053] The data acquisition unit 22 acquires the aggregated evaluation value of each divided block from the content management table of the specified song managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13. The data acquisition unit 22 extracts the block management code of the divided block having a high aggregated evaluation value that is equal to or greater than a specified threshold.

[0054] The data acquisition unit 22 may acquire the song title. The data acquisition unit 22 may acquire the song title and the rights holder of each divided block. The data acquisition unit 22 may acquire the song title, creator, and rights holder of each divided block.

[0055] The content acquisition unit 23 extracts one or more divided blocks corresponding to the block management code of the extracted divided block having a highly rated aggregated evaluation value from the content storage unit 11 of the content asset management device 1, and acquires the distribution data of the extracted divided blocks.

[0056] The payment processing unit 25 receives the usage fee when the user pays the usage fee. The payment processing unit 25 transmits all or part of the received usage fee to the content asset management device 1. As in the above, the payment processing unit 17 of the content asset management device 1 may receive the usage fee and notify the content distribution device 2 that the usage fee has been paid to the content distribution device 2. The distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution of the distribution data of the extracted divided blocks to the user.

[0057] A user may use the user terminal 5 to instruct the content distribution device 2 to distribute the entirety of a certain song. The data acquisition unit 22 acquires the song name from the content management table of the specified song managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13. The data acquisition unit 22 may acquire the song name and creator. The data acquisition unit 22 may acquire the song name and the rights holder of each divided block. The data acquisition unit 22 may acquire the song name, creator, and rights holder of each divided block.

[0058] The content acquisition unit 23 acquires distribution data for the entire song from the content storage unit 11 of the content asset management device 1. The payment processing unit 25 receives the usage fee when the user pays the usage fee for receiving distribution of the entire song. The payment processing unit 25 transmits all or part of the received usage fee to the content asset management device 1. Similarly, the payment processing unit 17 of the content asset management device 1 may receive the usage fee and notify the content distribution device 2 that the usage fee has been paid to the content distribution device 2. The distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution of the distribution data for the entire song to the user.

[0059] 9, the operation of the content distribution device 2 and the content distribution method executed by the content distribution device 2 will be described. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the processing that a content distribution program stored in the content distribution device 2 causes a computer to execute.

[0060] 9, when the process starts, the communication unit 20 determines in step S301 whether or not an instruction to play back a highly rated divided block has been given by the user. If an instruction to distribute a highly rated divided block has been given (YES), the data acquisition unit 22 acquires the aggregated evaluation value of each divided block from the content asset management device 1 in step S302. The content acquisition unit 23 acquires distribution data of the highly rated divided block from the content asset management device 1 in step S303.

[0061] In step S304, the payment processing unit 25 determines whether the user has paid the usage fee. If the user has paid the usage fee (YES), in step S305 the distribution control unit 21 distributes the distribution data of the divided blocks to the user, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. If the user has not paid the usage fee in step S304 (NO), the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. The payment processing unit 25 transmits the usage fee to the content asset management device 1 at an appropriate time.

[0062] If an instruction to distribute highly rated divided blocks has not been given in step S301 (NO), the communication unit 20 determines in step S311 whether or not an instruction to distribute the entire song has been given from the user. If an instruction to play the entire song has been given (YES), the data acquisition unit 22 acquires data related to the song from the content asset management device 1 in step S312. The content acquisition unit 23 acquires data for distribution of the entire song from the content asset management device 1 in step S313.

[0063] In step S314, the payment processing unit 25 determines whether the user has paid the usage fee. If the user has paid the usage fee (YES), in step S315 the distribution control unit 21 distributes the distribution data of the entire song to the user, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. If no instruction to play the entire song is given in step S311 (NO), or if the user has not paid the usage fee in step S314 (NO), the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. The payment processing unit 25 transmits the usage fee to the content asset management device 1 at an appropriate time.

[0064] According to the third embodiment described above, the content distribution device 2 can distribute to a user only the highly rated divided blocks that the user wants to use. Also, if the user wants to use the entire song, the content distribution device 2 can distribute the entire song to the user.

[0065] The third embodiment may be further configured as follows: The segment blocks that a user wants to use may vary depending on the season, time of day, and location of the user when the user wishes to receive the segment blocks. It is desirable to deliver the most appropriate, highly rated segment blocks depending on at least one of the season, time of day, and location when the user wishes to receive the segment blocks.

[0066] Therefore, it is preferable that the evaluation value tallying unit 14 generates the aggregated evaluation value as follows: The evaluation value tallying unit 14 tally, for each divided block, the evaluation values ​​obtained by multiple raters evaluating one or more divided blocks in the multiple divided blocks. At this time, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 generates an individual aggregated evaluation value according to at least one of the season, time of day, and location when the raters evaluate the divided blocks.

[0067] FIG. 10 shows an example of the aggregated evaluation values ​​aggregated by the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 for each divided block, by season, by time period, and by location. In the example shown in FIG. 10, there are four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter; two time periods: morning and afternoon; and two locations: region R1 and region R2. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter are March to May, June to August, September to November, and December to February, respectively, but the division of seasons is arbitrary. Time periods or locations may also be divided into three or more regions. The regions dividing locations may be countries, states in the United States, or prefectures in Japan.

[0068] The content management table stores, as an aggregated evaluation value corresponding to each divided block, aggregated evaluation values ​​individually aggregated for each season, time period, and location shown in Fig. 10. That is, the electronic ledger management unit 13 of the content asset management device 1 manages auxiliary information indicating the evaluation conditions, which are at least one of the season, time period, and location, when each of the multiple raters evaluated one or more divided blocks in the multiple divided blocks. The electronic ledger management unit 13 manages the aggregated evaluation value, which is an aggregation of the evaluation values ​​for each evaluation condition, as an evaluation value for each divided block.

[0069] When a user instructs the content acquisition unit 23 to distribute highly rated divided blocks having evaluation values ​​equal to or greater than a threshold, the content acquisition unit 23 extracts one or more divided blocks having evaluation values ​​equal to or greater than the threshold based on the aggregate evaluation values ​​for each evaluation condition. Specifically, when the evaluation condition is season, the content acquisition unit 23 extracts divided blocks based on the aggregate evaluation values ​​for the season corresponding to the season in which the user instructs the distribution of the divided blocks.

[0070] As an example, if the threshold is set to 45, if the season in which the user instructs the split blocks to be delivered is spring, only the second chorus will be extracted; if the season is summer or autumn, the second chorus and the final chorus will be extracted; and if the season is winter, only the second chorus will be extracted.

[0071] When the evaluation condition is a time period, the content acquisition unit 23 extracts divided blocks based on the aggregated evaluation value for the time period corresponding to the time period when the user instructed to distribute the divided blocks. When the evaluation condition is a location, the content acquisition unit 23 extracts divided blocks based on the aggregated evaluation value for the location corresponding to the location when the user instructed to distribute the divided blocks.

[0072] The aggregated evaluation values ​​aggregated separately for each season, time period, and location shown in FIG. 10 can be generated by the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 executing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, when the process starts, the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 classifies the evaluation dates on which the raters evaluated the divided blocks into multiple seasons in step S321. In step S322, the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 classifies the evaluation times on which the raters evaluated the divided blocks into multiple time periods. In step S323, the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 separates the evaluation locations on which the raters evaluated the divided blocks into multiple regions.

[0073] The order of steps S321, S322, and S323 is arbitrary. The evaluation location in step S323 can be roughly determined by using a location information service based on the IP address of the evaluator terminal 3, wireless LAN base station information, etc.

[0074] The evaluation value aggregation unit 14 generates an aggregate evaluation value by aggregating the evaluation values ​​by season in step S324, generates an aggregate evaluation value by aggregating the evaluation values ​​by time period in step S325, and generates an aggregate evaluation value by aggregating the evaluation values ​​by region in step S326. The electronic ledger management unit 13 sets each aggregate evaluation value in the content management table in step S327.

[0075] As described above, if highly rated divided blocks are extracted using aggregated evaluation values ​​individually aggregated for each time period and location, steps S331 to S337 shown in FIG. 12 can be added between steps S302 and S303 shown in FIG. 9.

[0076] 12, in step S331, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 determines whether or not the setting is such that the aggregated evaluation values ​​for each season are used. If the setting is such that the aggregated evaluation values ​​for each season are used (YES), in step S332 the evaluation value tallying unit 14 selects the seasonal aggregated evaluation value to use based on the delivery request date on which the user requested delivery of the divided block. If the setting is not such that the aggregated evaluation values ​​for each season are used (NO), in step S333 the evaluation value tallying unit 14 determines whether or not the setting is such that the aggregated evaluation values ​​for each time period are used.

[0077] If the setting is to use the aggregated evaluation value for each time period in step S333 (YES), the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 selects the aggregated evaluation value for the time period to be used based on the delivery request time when the user requested delivery of the divided block in step S334. If the setting is not to use the aggregated evaluation value for each time period (NO), the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 determines in step S335 whether the setting is to use the aggregated evaluation value for each region.

[0078] If the setting in step S335 is to use the aggregated evaluation value for each region (YES), then in step S336 the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 selects an aggregated evaluation value for the region to use based on the location of the user. The location of the user can be roughly determined from the IP address of the user terminal 5, wireless LAN base station information, etc. If the setting is not to use the aggregated evaluation value for each region (NO), then in step S337 the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 selects the overall aggregated evaluation value shown in FIG. 5, which does not distinguish between seasons, time periods, or regions.

[0079] 5 or the aggregated evaluation value for each evaluation condition shown in Fig. 10, the content distribution device 2 is preferably configured as follows: After the content distribution device 2 distributes distribution data for a divided block or an entire song to the user terminal 5, the content distribution device 2 distributes information about the distributed divided block to the user terminal 5.

[0080] When a user instructs the distribution of a divided block or the entire song, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires data indicating the rights holder of each divided block from the content asset management device 1. The content acquisition unit 23 acquires distribution data for one or more divided blocks. The distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution of the distribution data to the user terminal 5.

[0081] When the distribution control unit 21 completes the distribution of the data for distribution, the data acquisition unit 22 generates image information that collectively indicates the rights holders of one or more divided blocks. The distribution control unit 21 controls the image information to be distributed to the user terminal 5.

[0082] It is not preferable for the distribution control unit 21 to distribute image information indicating the rights holders of each divided block to the user each time the distribution control unit 21 completes distribution of each divided block in one or more divided blocks. It is preferable for the distribution control unit 21 to distribute image information indicating the rights holders of one or more divided blocks collectively to the user.

[0083] The process of distributing image information indicating the rights holders of divided blocks to a user will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 13. In Fig. 13, when the process starts, the communication unit 20 determines in step S341 whether or not an instruction to distribute a song has been given by the user. If an instruction to distribute a song has not been given (NO), the communication unit 20 repeats the process of step S341.

[0084] If an instruction to distribute the music is given in step S341 (YES), the data acquisition unit 22 acquires information on the rights holders of each divided block in step S342. The distribution control unit 21 distributes the music to the user terminal 5 in step S343. The processing by the payment processing unit 25 is not shown in FIG. 13. The distribution control unit 21 determines whether the music distribution has ended in step S344. If the music distribution has not ended (NO), the distribution control unit 21 repeats the processing of step S344.

[0085] If the music distribution is completed in step S344 (YES), the data acquisition unit 22 generates image information collectively indicating the rights holders of each divided block in step S345. The distribution control unit 21 distributes the image information to the user terminal 5 in step S346, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. Step S345 may be inserted between step S342 and step S343. Furthermore, the information collectively indicating the rights holders of each divided block is not limited to an image format and may be in other data formats. For example, the distribution control unit 21 may distribute only information collectively indicating the rights holders of each divided block, and a display image may be generated on each user terminal 5.

[0086] <Fourth embodiment> The fourth embodiment is characterized by the way in which the rights holder of the content is set in the content asset management device 1. In the fourth embodiment, the description of the parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the content is a song. As shown in FIG. 14, one song is divided into five division blocks, and the rights holders of the five division blocks are T001 to T002. 05. In this way, one song is divided into multiple division blocks in the time direction, and a rights holder is set for each division block.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 14, the song includes four tracks: a vocal part, a bass guitar part, a keyboard part, and a drum part. Rights holder V001 is assigned to the vocal part, and rights holder B001 is assigned to the bass guitar part. Rights holder K001 is assigned to the keyboard part, and rights holder D001 is assigned to the drum part. In this way, a song has multiple tracks, each with its own rights holder.

[0088] The content management table records the rights holder for each divided block and each track. The electronic book management unit 13 manages the content management table in which the rights holder for each divided block and each track is recorded.

[0089] The settlement processing unit 17 tallies up, for each divided block, the usage fees paid by users when any of the divided blocks is used. The settlement processing unit 17 distributes a dividend amount based on the tallied usage fees for each divided block to at least the right holder of the used divided block and the right holder of the tracks included in the used divided block among the multiple tracks.

[0090] 14, assume that the hatched divided block, the rights of which are held by rights holder T002, is used. This divided block includes a vocal part, a bass guitar part, and a drum part, but does not include a keyboard part. In this case, the settlement processing unit 17 distributes the dividend amount based on the total usage fees for each divided block to rights holder T002 of the used divided block, rights holder V001 of the vocal part, rights holder B001 of the bass guitar part, and rights holder D001 of the drum part.

[0091] As in the first embodiment, the settlement processing unit 17 may further distribute the payout amount to the evaluators of the hatched divided blocks.

[0092] According to the fourth embodiment described above, it is possible to set a right holder for one piece of content two-dimensionally and distribute the dividend amount.

[0093] Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment is characterized by the configuration and operation of the content asset management device 1 when the rights to one of the divided blocks are transferred to a new rights holder. In the fifth embodiment, descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. The memory unit 43 of the rights holder terminal 4 stores a divided block access code, and the rights holder can notify the transfer of the rights holder managed by the content asset management device 1 by operating the operation unit 41.

[0094] When the electronic ledger management unit 13 receives notification of the transfer of the rights holder, the electronic ledger management unit 13 updates the rights holder of the divided blocks transferred to the new rights holder in the content management table to the new rights holder. The evaluation value aggregation unit 14 obtains information from the previous rights holder regarding the consideration when the divided blocks are transferred to the new rights holder. The value of the transferred divided blocks may fluctuate when the divided blocks are transferred to the new rights holder. The value of the divided blocks may increase or decrease.

[0095] When the value of the divided blocks transferred to the new rights holder changes, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 reevaluates the aggregated evaluation values ​​of the divided blocks transferred to the new rights holder to generate new aggregated evaluation values. In addition, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 reevaluates the aggregated evaluation values ​​of each divided block other than the divided block transferred to the new rights holder among the multiple divided blocks to generate new aggregated evaluation values.

[0096] The evaluation value tallying unit 14 increases the total evaluation value of the divided block transferred to the new right holder and the total evaluation value of each divided block other than the divided block transferred to the new right holder at the same rate.

[0097] The electronic bookkeeping unit 13 updates the total evaluation value of each divided block re-evaluated by the evaluation value totalizing unit 14 to a new total evaluation value.

[0098] 15, the operation of the content asset management device 1 and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1 will be described. The flowchart shown in Fig. 15 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0099] 15, when processing starts, the electronic ledger management unit 13 determines in step S51 whether the rights holder of any divided block has been transferred. If the rights holder of any divided block has not been transferred (NO), the electronic ledger management unit 13 repeats the processing of step S51. If the rights holder of any divided block has been transferred (YES), the electronic ledger management unit 13 updates the rights holder of the divided block that has been transferred to the new rights holder in the content management table to the new rights holder in step S52.

[0100] In step S53, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 acquires information regarding the compensation when the divided blocks are transferred to the new rights holder. In step S54, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 reevaluates the aggregated evaluation values ​​of the divided blocks transferred to the new rights holder. The evaluation value tallying unit 14 may reevaluate the aggregated evaluation values ​​only when the value of the transferred divided blocks increases. In step S55, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 reevaluates the aggregated evaluation values ​​of each divided block other than the divided block transferred to the new rights holder.

[0101] In step S56, the electronic ledger management unit 13 updates the aggregated evaluation value of each divided block in the content management table to the new aggregated evaluation value re-evaluated by the evaluation value aggregation unit 14, and the content asset management device 1 ends the processing.

[0102] The electronic bookkeeping unit 13 may execute step S52 after step S55. Steps S52 and S56 may be executed simultaneously, step S56 may be executed after step S52, or step S52 may be executed after step S56.

[0103] According to the fifth embodiment described above, when a divided block is transferred to a new rights holder and the value of the divided block changes, the aggregated evaluation value of the divided block transferred to the new rights holder and each divided block other than the transferred divided block can be reevaluated and updated to a new aggregated evaluation value.

[0104] Sixth Embodiment The sixth embodiment is characterized by the configuration and operation of the content distribution device 2 when a distribution or editing restriction is imposed on any of the multiple divided blocks. In the sixth embodiment, descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. As shown in Fig. 16, the content management table sets distribution permission / non-permission for each divided block as a distribution restriction, indicating whether the rights holder permits distribution. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the rights holder of the second chorus has set distribution as not permitted.

[0105] When instructed by a user to distribute content, the data acquisition unit 22 acquires data indicating whether distribution is possible for each divided block from the content asset management device 1. When the content includes a divided block that cannot be distributed, the notification unit 24 inquires of the user whether the content includes a divided block that cannot be distributed and whether the user is willing to allow the content to be distributed with the divided block that cannot be distributed removed.

[0106] The content acquisition unit 23 acquires distribution data of divided blocks excluding divided blocks that cannot be distributed from the content asset management device 1. Assume that the user responds to the notification unit 24 that they allow the content to be distributed excluding divided blocks that cannot be distributed. Also assume that the fee for receiving the content distribution has been paid to the payment processing unit 25. The distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution of the distribution data of the divided blocks excluding divided blocks that cannot be distributed, acquired by the content acquisition unit, to the user terminal 5.

[0107] The delivery control unit 21 preferably performs a fade-out process on the divided block immediately before the divided block that cannot be delivered, and a fade-in process on the divided block immediately after the divided block that cannot be delivered. The delivery control unit 21 may simply perform a fade-out process on the divided block immediately before the divided block that cannot be delivered.

[0108] The delivery control unit 21 may control the delivery of content in a state in which undeliverable divided blocks have been replaced with other divided blocks. In this case, the notification unit 24 may also inquire of the user as to whether or not to allow the undeliverable divided blocks to be replaced with other divided blocks.

[0109] 17 and 18, the operation of the content distribution device 2 when distributing content including divided blocks that cannot be distributed, and the content distribution method executed by the content distribution device 2 will be described. The flowcharts shown in Figures 17 and 18 correspond to the processing that a content distribution program stored in the content distribution device 2 causes a computer to execute. In Figures 17 and 18, the content is a song.

[0110] 17, when the processing starts, the communication unit 20 determines in step S601 whether or not an instruction to distribute a song has been given by the user. If an instruction to distribute a song has not been given (NO), the communication unit 20 repeats the processing of step S601. If an instruction to distribute a song has been given in step S601 (YES), the data acquisition unit 22 determines in step S602 whether or not the song includes any divided blocks that cannot be distributed. If the song includes any divided blocks that cannot be distributed (YES), the notification unit 24 inquires from the user in step S603 whether or not the song to be distributed includes divided blocks that cannot be distributed and whether or not the user is willing to allow the song to be distributed with the divided blocks that cannot be distributed removed.

[0111] In step S604, the notification unit 24 determines whether an acceptance response has been made. If an acceptance response has been made (YES), the payment processing unit 25 determines in step S605 whether the user has paid the usage fee. If the user has paid the usage fee (YES), in step S606, the distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution of the music distribution data in a state where the division blocks that cannot be distributed and that have been acquired by the content acquisition unit 23 have been removed, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing.

[0112] If an acceptance response is not made in step S604 (NO), or if the user does not pay the usage fee in step S605 (NO), the content distribution device 2 ends the process.

[0113] If the song does not include any divided blocks that cannot be distributed in step S602 (NO), the payment processing unit 25 determines in step S607 whether the user has paid the usage fee. The usage fee may be different depending on whether the song includes divided blocks that cannot be distributed or not. If the user has paid the usage fee (YES), in step S608, the distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution of the entire song data acquired by the content acquisition unit 23, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing.

[0114] In FIG. 17, the settlement processing unit 25 also transmits the usage fee to the content asset management device 1 at an appropriate timing.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 18, steps S603 to S606 shown in Fig. 17 may be replaced with steps S611 to S616. In Fig. 18, in step S611, the notification unit 24 inquires of the user whether or not the user wishes to replace undeliverable divided blocks with similar divided blocks and deliver them. In step S612, the notification unit 24 determines whether or not the desired answer has been given.

[0116] If the desired answer is given in step S612 (YES), the settlement processing unit 25 determines in step S613 whether the user has paid the usage fee. If the user has paid the usage fee (YES), the distribution control unit 21 controls in step S614 to distribute the distribution data of the music in which the distribution-prohibited divided blocks acquired by the content acquisition unit 23 have been replaced with other divided blocks, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. If the user has not paid the usage fee in step S613 (NO), the content distribution device 2 ends the processing.

[0117] If it is not possible to distribute the split block of the second chorus as shown in Figure 16, the distribution control unit 21 controls in step S614 to distribute distribution data of a song in which the split block of the second chorus has been replaced with a split block of the first chorus that is similar to the second chorus.

[0118] If the desired response is not given in step S612 (NO), the settlement processing unit 25 determines in step S615 whether the user has paid the usage fee. If the user has paid the usage fee (YES), the distribution control unit 21 controls in step S616 to distribute the distribution data of the music excluding the divided blocks that cannot be distributed and that have been acquired by the content acquisition unit 23, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. If the user has not paid the usage fee in step S615 (NO), the content distribution device 2 ends the processing.

[0119] In FIG. 18, the settlement processing unit 25 also transmits the usage fee to the content asset management device 1 at an appropriate timing.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 19, the content management table sets a combination permission status indicating whether the rights holder allows each divided block to be combined with other divided blocks as a restriction on editing. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the rights holder of the chorus has set it to not allow combination with other divided blocks.

[0121] A user can instruct the delivery of combined content that combines two or more of the divided blocks. For example, the user may instruct the delivery of combined content that combines two or more divided blocks with the highest aggregated evaluation values, or may instruct the delivery of combined content that combines divided blocks with aggregated evaluation values ​​equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0122] When instructed to distribute combined content, the data acquisition unit 22 determines two or more divided blocks to be combined based on the aggregated evaluation values. The data acquisition unit 22 acquires the aggregated evaluation values ​​of the two or more divided blocks to be combined and data indicating whether they can be combined with other divided blocks from the content asset management device 1. The content acquisition unit 23 acquires distribution data of the two or more divided blocks to be combined from the content asset management device 1.

[0123] Assume that all divided blocks included in the combined content are permitted to be combined with other divided blocks, and the user has paid the usage fee for receiving the combined content. The distribution control unit 21 controls the distribution of the distribution data of two or more divided blocks acquired by the content acquisition unit 23 to the user terminal 5 as the combined content.

[0124] 20, we will explain the operation of the content distribution device 2 when distributing content including divided blocks that cannot be combined, and the content distribution method executed by the content distribution device 2. The flowchart shown in Fig. 20 corresponds to the processing that a content distribution program stored in the content distribution device 2 causes a computer to execute.

[0125] 20, when the process starts, the communication unit 20 determines in step S621 whether or not an instruction to distribute combined content has been given by the user. If an instruction to distribute combined content has not been given (NO), the communication unit 20 repeats the process of step S621.

[0126] If an instruction to distribute combined content is given in step S621 (YES), the data acquisition unit 22 determines a combination of two or more divided blocks in step S622. In step S623, the data acquisition unit 22 checks whether the rights holders of each divided block to be combined allow the divided block to be combined with other divided blocks. In step S624, the data acquisition unit 22 determines whether the rights holders of all divided blocks to be combined allow the divided block to be combined with other divided blocks.

[0127] If all rights holders permit the combination in step S624 (YES), the data acquisition unit 22 determines the evaluation value of the combined content based on the aggregate evaluation values ​​of the two or more divided blocks to be combined in step S625. The notification unit 24 notifies the user of the usage fee based on the evaluation value of the combined content in step S626. The evaluation value and usage fee of the combined content may be determined in advance, and steps S625 and S626 may be omitted.

[0128] In step S627, the settlement processing unit 25 determines whether the user has paid the usage fee. If the user has paid the usage fee (YES), in step S628, the distribution control unit 21 controls the content distribution device 2 to distribute the distribution data for the combined content acquired by the content acquisition unit 23, and the content distribution device 2 ends the processing. If the user has not paid the usage fee in step S627 (NO), the content distribution device 2 ends the processing.

[0129] If the rights holder of any of the divided blocks to be combined in step S624 does not permit the combination (NO), the notification unit 24 notifies the user in step S629 that the combined content cannot be distributed, and the content distribution device 2 terminates the processing.

[0130] In FIG. 20 as well, the settlement processing unit 25 transmits the usage fee to the content asset management device 1 at an appropriate timing.

[0131] According to the sixth embodiment described above, when restrictions regarding distribution or editing are imposed on any of the multiple divided blocks, it is possible to determine whether or not the content can be distributed, and to distribute the content to the user, depending on the imposed restrictions.

[0132] Seventh Embodiment The seventh embodiment is characterized by the configuration and operation of the content asset management device 1 when content is modified by re-dividing one of the multiple divided blocks or adding a new element to the content. In the seventh embodiment, descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. By operating the operation unit 41, the rights holder can notify the content asset management device 1 of the re-division of the divided blocks of the content managed by the content asset management device 1. The creator of the content or the rights holder of the divided blocks can add a new element to the content.

[0133] 1, the block division unit 12 accepts a request for re-division of any divided block by the rights holder of any divided block in any content stored in the content storage unit 11. When the block division unit 12 accepts a request for re-division of any divided block, the notification unit 16 refers to the content management table managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13 and notifies each rater of the divided block for which the request for re-division has been accepted that the divided block has been re-division. The notification unit 16 also notifies each rater of information indicating the position into which the divided block has been re-divisioned.

[0134] The block dividing unit 12 may be configured to play the divided blocks so that the rights holder can check the divided blocks in their divided state before officially accepting the request for re-division of the divided blocks from the rights holder. After the confirmation, if a command for re-division is given by the operation unit 41, the block dividing unit 12 officially accepts the request for re-division of the divided blocks.

[0135] When the block dividing unit 12 accepts the re-division of any divided block, the electronic ledger management unit 13 returns the evaluation value recorded in the content management table to each evaluator of the divided block for which the re-division has been accepted, and restores the evaluation value of the divided block for which the re-division has been accepted to the state before the evaluation. Alternatively, the notification unit 16 may notify each evaluator of the re-division, and the electronic ledger management unit 13 may reset the evaluation value to be distributed according to the length of the divided block.

[0136] Specifically, for example, assume that the evaluation values ​​of the first divided block and the second divided block before re-division are 100 and 120, respectively, and the first divided block is equally divided into 2 and the second divided block is equally divided into 12. In this case, the evaluation values ​​of the re-divided blocks obtained by dividing the first divided block into 2 may each be 50, and the evaluation values ​​of the re-divided blocks obtained by dividing the second divided block into 12 may each be 10. Of course, the evaluation values ​​may be reset in response to an instruction from the evaluator. When the evaluation values ​​are returned, the evaluation value storage unit 32 of the evaluator terminal 3 stores the returned evaluation values.

[0137] One of the evaluators to whom the evaluation values ​​have been returned evaluates two or more re-divided blocks obtained by further dividing the divided block, and sets an evaluation value for each of the re-divided blocks. The evaluation value aggregation unit 14 receives the evaluation values ​​of the re-divided blocks and generates an aggregate evaluation value for each of the re-divided blocks.

[0138] The electronic ledger management unit 13 replaces the divided block for which re-division has been accepted with two or more re-divided blocks, and updates the content management table so that the aggregated evaluation value generated by the evaluation value aggregation unit is recorded in association with each re-divided block.

[0139] One of the evaluators whose evaluation values ​​were returned may newly evaluate another divided block that is different from the two or more sub-divided blocks obtained by further dividing the divided block. In this case, the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 accepts the evaluation values ​​of the newly evaluated other divided blocks and generates an aggregated evaluation value for the other divided blocks. The electronic ledger management unit 13 replaces the divided block for which the re-division has been accepted with two or more sub-divided blocks, and updates the content management table so that the aggregated evaluation values ​​generated by the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 are recorded in association with the other divided blocks.

[0140] Suppose a new element is added to the content stored in the content storage unit 11. For example, if the stored content is only the first verse of a song, the added second verse is a new element, and the added interlude or introduction is also a new element. When a new element is added to the content, the block division unit 12 divides the added new element into one or more blocks to generate one or more additional divided blocks separate from the multiple divided blocks that have been generated in advance. In other words, if the new element is short, the new element may be treated as a single divided block.

[0141] The evaluation value assigning unit 15 assigns an additional evaluation value share associated with the addition of the new element to each of the multiple raters of the content to which the new element has been added, the raters being recorded in the rater management table.

[0142] When the evaluation value tallying unit 14 receives evaluation values ​​for the additional divided blocks from any of the raters, it tally the evaluation values ​​for each additional divided block to generate an aggregated evaluation value. The electronic bookkeeping unit 13 adds the additional divided block to the plurality of divided blocks generated in advance, and updates the content management table so that the aggregated evaluation value generated by the evaluation value tallying unit 14 is recorded in association with the additional divided block.

[0143] 21, we will explain the operation of the content asset management device 1 when a divided block is further divided, and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 21 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0144] 21, in step S701, the communication unit 10 determines whether or not an instruction to re-divide a divided block has been given by the rights holder. If an instruction to re-divide a divided block has not been given (NO), the communication unit 10 repeats the processing of step S701. If an instruction to re-divide a divided block has been given (YES), the block division unit 12 accepts the re-division of the divided block, and in step S702, the notification unit 16 notifies each evaluator of the divided block that the re-division has been accepted that the divided block has been re-divided.

[0145] In step S703, the electronic ledger management unit 13 returns the evaluation values ​​to each evaluator. In step S704, the evaluation value aggregation unit 14 accepts the evaluation values ​​of the re-divided blocks and generates an aggregated evaluation value for each re-divided block. In step S705, the electronic ledger management unit 13 replaces the divided blocks for which the re-division has been accepted with the re-divided blocks, updates the content management table to record the aggregated evaluation value for each re-divided block, and the content asset management device 1 ends the processing.

[0146] Now, suppose that after the evaluation values ​​are returned to each evaluator in step S703, any evaluator does not evaluate the re-divided block. In this case, the aggregate evaluation value of the entire divided block that has been re-divided will decrease compared to before the re-division. When the settlement processing unit 17 determines the payout amount based on the aggregated usage fees for each divided block, if the aggregate evaluation value has decreased, the payout amount may be determined based on the aggregate evaluation value before the re-division.

[0147] The system may be configured so that if the evaluator whose evaluation value has been returned evaluates a new divided block other than the divided block and the evaluation value of the divided block drops, the evaluation value assigned to the divided block can be returned to the evaluator.

[0148] 22, we will explain the operation of the content asset management device 1 when a new element is added to content, and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 22 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0149] 22, in step S711, the content storage unit 11 determines whether a new element has been added to the content. If a new element has not been added to the content (NO), the content storage unit 11 repeats the process of step S711. If a new element has been added to the content (YES), the block division unit 12 divides the new element into one or more divided blocks in step S712. The divided blocks into which the new element has been divided are additional divided blocks.

[0150] In step S713, the evaluation value assigning unit 15 assigns an additional evaluation value to each rater. In step S714, the evaluation value tallying unit 14 tally the evaluation values ​​for each additional divided block to generate an aggregated evaluation value. In step S715, the electronic bookkeeping unit 13 adds the additional divided block to the multiple divided blocks generated in advance, and updates the content management table so that the aggregated evaluation value is recorded in association with the additional divided block, and the content asset management device 1 ends the processing.

[0151] According to the seventh embodiment described above, when content is altered, it is possible to set a total evaluation value according to the state of the altered content.

[0152] Eighth Embodiment The eighth embodiment is characterized by the configuration and operation of the content asset management device 1 that respects the intentions of right holders other than those who have set distribution to be disabled, in order to prevent a decrease in the asset value of the content when some right holders have set distribution to be disabled as described in Fig. 16. In the eighth embodiment, descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 23, the content asset management device 1 of the eighth embodiment includes a usage permission determining unit 18 in addition to the components of the content asset management device 1 shown in Fig. 1. When a user applies to use one or more of the divided blocks, the notification unit 16 requests each right holder of the divided blocks whose use has been requested to vote on whether or not to permit their use. A request to use the entire content also corresponds to a request to use one or more divided blocks.

[0154] The usage permission determining unit 18 receives votes from each right holder regarding whether or not to permit usage. The usage permission determining unit 18 determines whether or not to permit usage based on the results of the votes. For example, the usage permission determining unit 18 may determine to permit usage if a majority of all right holders vote to permit usage, or may determine to permit usage if 80% or more of all right holders vote to permit usage. In this way, content usage will not be restricted by the wishes of only a small number of right holders who have set distribution as prohibited, and it is possible to avoid a decrease in the asset value of the content.

[0155] At this time, when the use permission determining unit 18 decides to permit use and the user pays the usage fee, the settlement processing unit 17 distributes the dividend amount based on the usage fee to the approving right holder who voted to permit use and the opposing right holder who voted to disallow use.

[0156] If the sum of the evaluation values ​​of the supporting rights holders is Ysum, the sum of the evaluation values ​​of the opposing rights holders is Nsum, the total usage fees paid by users is Call, and α is 0<α<1, then the dividend amount Cy to the supporting rights holders and the dividend amount Cn to the opposing rights holders should be determined as shown in the following formulas (1) and (2). Here, the total usage fees Call is used as the dividend amount. Cy=Call×(Ysum / (Ysum+Nsum))×(1-α) …(1) Cn=Call×((Nsum+α×Ysum) / (Ysum+Nsum)) …(2)

[0157] If the dividend amount Cy to the supporting right holders and the dividend amount Cn to the opposing right holders are determined according to formulas (1) and (2) and the dividend amount is distributed to the supporting right holders and opposing right holders, the dividend amount distributed per opposing right holder can be greater than the dividend amount distributed per supporting right holder.

[0158] However, since it is not desirable to distribute more dividends per dissenting right holder than per supporting right holder at every vote, it is better to set a smaller value for α for each vote. If α used at the first vote is α1, and α used at the nth vote (2 or more) is αn, it is better to decrease αn using equation (3). αn=α1 / (2 n ) …(3)

[0159] As a result, the payment processing unit 17 can distribute a larger dividend amount per opposing right holder than per supporting right holder at least in the first vote on whether to permit use. The payment processing unit 17 can distribute a smaller dividend amount per opposing right holder than per supporting right holder at each vote on whether to permit use from the second vote onward. Furthermore, the payment processing unit 17 may distribute the dividend amount per opposing right holder differently from the dividend amount per supporting right holder at least in the first vote on whether to permit use. For example, the payment processing unit 17 may distribute a larger dividend amount per supporting right holder than the dividend amount per opposing right holder. This can promote the use of content.

[0160] 24, we will explain the operation of the content asset management device 1 when an application for use of one or more divided blocks is made, and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 24 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0161] In step S81, the communication unit 10 determines whether an application for use of one or more divided blocks has been made. When an application for use of one or more divided blocks is made to the communication unit 20 of the content distribution device 2, the communication unit 10 simply receives a notification from the communication unit 20 that an application has been made. In step S82, the electronic book management unit 13 determines whether any of the rights holders of the one or more divided blocks for which use has been requested has set them as unavailable for distribution.

[0162] If there is no right holder that has set distribution as unavailable in step S82 (NO), the settlement processing unit 17 distributes the dividend amount based on the obtained usage fee to each right holder, and the content asset management device 1 ends the process. The settlement processing unit 17 may distribute the dividend amount equally to each right holder, or may distribute it according to the aggregate evaluation value of each divided block.

[0163] If there is a rights holder that has set distribution as not permitted in step S82 (YES), the notification unit 16 requests each rights holder to vote on whether or not to permit use in step S83. The usage permission determination unit 18 accepts votes from each rights holder in step S84. The usage permission determination unit 18 determines whether or not to permit use based on the voting results in step S85.

[0164] If use is permitted in step S85 (YES), the settlement processing unit 17 distributes the dividend amount based on the dividend amount calculation formulas such as formulas (1) to (3) to the approving right holder and the opposing right holder in step S86, and the content asset management device 1 ends the processing. If use is not permitted in step S85 (NO), the content asset management device 1 ends the processing.

[0165] According to the eighth embodiment described above, the use of content will no longer be restricted by the wishes of only a small number of rights holders who have set distribution to be unavailable, thereby preventing the asset value of the content from decreasing.

[0166] Ninth Embodiment The ninth embodiment is characterized by the configuration and operation of the content asset management device 1 that evaluates an agent when an agent is set for the rights holder of a divided block. In the ninth embodiment, explanations of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 25, the content management table managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13 records, for each divided block, the rights holder, the agent who represents the rights holder, and an evaluation value (aggregate evaluation value) in association with each other. There may be cases where an agent is not set for the rights holder of some divided blocks.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 26, the content asset management device 1 of the ninth embodiment includes an agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 and a transmission control unit 101 in addition to the components of the content asset management device 1 shown in FIG. 1. The agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 calculates an agent evaluation value for each agent based on the proportion of the total evaluation value, which is the sum of the evaluation values ​​of one or more divided blocks managed by each agent set in the content management table, to the total evaluation values ​​of all divided blocks included in the content. In other words, if there is an agent who represents the rights holders of all divided blocks in the content, that agent will have the largest agent evaluation value. The agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 calculates an agent evaluation value for each piece of content.

[0168] When multiple contents are stored in the content storage unit 11, the electronic ledger management unit 13 manages an electronic ledger including a content management table for each of the multiple contents. The agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 calculates a total agent evaluation value by adding up the agent evaluation values ​​calculated for each content for the same agent across the multiple contents.

[0169] The agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 preferably generates ranking data in which the total agent evaluation value for each agent is ranked. The transmission control unit 101 receives a request to transmit ranking data from a third party and controls the communication unit 10 to transmit the ranking data to the third party.

[0170] The agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 can calculate the agent evaluation value using, for example, equation (4). The total evaluation values ​​of all or some of the divided blocks in content K1 is P1, the share that is the proportion of the evaluation values ​​of the divided blocks managed by a certain agent D to the total P1 is β, and the power p of β is a number such that p>1, then the agent evaluation value Dk1 of agent D in content K1 can be obtained using equation (4). The share β is 0<β<1. Dk1=P1×β p …(4)

[0171] The power p in equation (4) may be set to an appropriate value such as 1.00001, 1.2, 2.0, etc. If the power p is set to a large value, the proxy evaluation value Dk1 will be a value that has a large influence on the occupancy rate β.

[0172] The agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 can calculate the total agent evaluation value using formula (5). If the agent evaluation value Dk2 of the same agent D in content K2 is Dk2, the agent evaluation value Dk3 of the same agent D in content K3, ..., the total agent evaluation value SUM(D) of agent D can be obtained using formula (5). SUM(D)=Dk1+Dk2+Dk3… …(5)

[0173] 27, we will explain the operation of the content asset management device 1 when a rights holder's agent is set in the content management table, and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 27 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0174] 27, when processing starts, the electronic ledger management unit 13 determines in step S91 whether or not an agent has been set for the rights holder. If an agent has not been set for the rights holder (NO), the content asset management device 1 terminates processing. If an agent has been set for the rights holder (YES), the agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 calculates an agent evaluation value for each piece of content in step S92. In step S93, the agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 calculates the total agent evaluation value for multiple pieces of content stored in the content storage unit 11.

[0175] In step S94, the agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 generates ranking data for the agent. In step S95, the transmission control unit 101 determines whether a request to transmit ranking data has been made. If a request to transmit has not been made (NO), the transmission control unit 101 repeats the processing of step S95. If a request to transmit has been made (YES), in step S96, the transmission control unit 101 controls the communication unit 10 to transmit ranking data to the transmission requester, and the content asset management device 1 ends the processing.

[0176] The transmission control unit 101 may control the communication unit 10 to transmit the total proxy evaluation value to the transmission requester. The transmission control unit 101 may control the communication unit 10 to transmit the total proxy evaluation value and ranking data to the transmission requester.

[0177] In the ninth embodiment, the agent evaluation value calculation unit 19 calculates the total agent evaluation value of multiple contents stored in the content storage unit 11, but it is not limited to the total of multiple contents. Instead, it is also possible to calculate the average agent evaluation value (agent average evaluation value) of multiple contents for each agent and generate ranking data ranked by the average value. In this case, even if the number of contents managed is small, an agent who has contents with a large occupancy rate will be highly evaluated.

[0178] According to the ninth embodiment described above, a third party can know the ranking of the proxy. In the ninth embodiment, ranking data for the right holder may be generated in the same way as ranking data for the proxy is generated.

[0179] Tenth Embodiment The tenth embodiment is characterized by the configuration and operation of a content asset management device 1 that calculates the degree of difficulty of negotiating rights for content. In the tenth embodiment, explanations of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. For example, when there is a person who wishes to transfer the rights to all divided blocks of a certain piece of content, knowing whether negotiations for the transfer of the rights are easy or not provides useful information to the person wishing to transfer the rights.

[0180] As shown in Fig. 28, the content asset management device 1 of the tenth embodiment includes a negotiation difficulty calculation unit 102 and a transmission control unit 103 in addition to the components of the content asset management device 1 shown in Fig. 1. As in Fig. 25, the content management table managed by the electronic ledger management unit 13 records, for each divided block, the rights holder, the agent who represents the rights holder, and the evaluation value (aggregated evaluation value) in association with each other.

[0181] The negotiation difficulty calculation unit 102 calculates the negotiation difficulty for the rights of each content using at least one of the number of divided blocks of each content, the number of right holders, the sum of evaluation values ​​(aggregated evaluation values), the variance of evaluation values ​​(aggregated evaluation values), the number of agents, and the share β of evaluation values ​​per agent in the sum of evaluation values. The transmission control unit 103 receives a request from a third party to transmit the negotiation difficulty of each content among the multiple contents, and controls the communication unit 10 to transmit the negotiation difficulty of each content to the third party.

[0182] The negotiation difficulty calculation unit 102 can calculate the negotiation difficulty using, for example, formula (7). Formula (7) shows an example using a share β. If there are n agents D for a certain content, D1, D2, ..., Dn, and the share β of the aggregated evaluation value of each agent D is β1, β2, ..., βn, the negotiation difficulty DN can be obtained by formula (7). DN=β1 p +β2 p +…+βn p …(7)

[0183] The power p of β in equation (7) can be set to an appropriate value such as 1.00001, 1.2, or 2.0. If the power p is set to a large value, the negotiation difficulty DN will have a large effect on the occupancy rate β.

[0184] The fewer the content agents D are, the easier it is to negotiate for the transfer of the rights to that content. The negotiation difficulty DN obtained by equation (7) indicates that the larger the value, the easier the negotiation.

[0185] When generating a negotiation difficulty DN based on the number of divided blocks, number of rights holders, or number of agents for each content, the negotiation difficulty DN should indicate that the smaller the number of divided blocks, number of rights holders, or number of agents, the easier the negotiation.When generating a negotiation difficulty DN based on the sum or variance of the evaluation values ​​for each content, the negotiation difficulty DN should indicate that the smaller the sum or variance of the evaluation values, the easier the negotiation.

[0186] 29, we will explain the operation of the content asset management device 1 that calculates negotiation difficulty level, and the content asset management method executed by the content asset management device 1. The flowchart shown in Fig. 29 corresponds to the processing that a content asset management program stored in the content asset management device 1 causes a computer to execute.

[0187] 29, when processing starts, the electronic ledger management unit 13 determines in step S101 whether an agent has been set for the rights holder. If an agent has been set for the rights holder (YES), the negotiation difficulty calculation unit 102 calculates the negotiation difficulty for each piece of content based on the number of agents or the share of each agent in step S102. If an agent has not been set for the rights holder (NO), the negotiation difficulty calculation unit 102 calculates the negotiation difficulty for each piece of content based on the number of divided blocks, the number of rights holders, the sum of the evaluation values, or the variance of the evaluation values ​​in step S103.

[0188] In step S104, the transmission control unit 101 determines whether a request to transmit the negotiation difficulty level has been made. If a transmission request has not been made (NO), the transmission control unit 101 repeats the process of step S104. If a transmission request has been made (YES), in step S105, the transmission control unit 101 controls the communication unit 10 to transmit the negotiation difficulty level to the transmission requester, and the content asset management device 1 ends the process.

[0189] According to the tenth embodiment described above, a third party can know the negotiation difficulty of the agent, and when attempting to receive a transfer of rights to any content, the third party can select the content for which he or she wishes to receive a transfer of rights based on the negotiation difficulty.

[0190] The present invention is not limited to the first to tenth embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The first to tenth embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as no contradiction arises when combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] 1 Content asset management device 2 Content distribution device 3. Evaluator terminal 4 Rights holder terminal 5. User terminal 6,7 Server 8 Network 10,20,30,40,50,60,70 Communications Department 11 Content Storage Unit 12 Block division section 13,61,71 Electronic Bookkeeping Department 14 Evaluation value aggregation unit 15 Evaluation value assignment section 16,24 Notification Department 17, 25, 33, 42, 54 Payment processing unit 21 Distribution control section 22 Data Acquisition Section 23 Content Acquisition Department 31,41,51 Operation section 32 Evaluation value storage unit 43 Storage section 52 Content playback unit 53 Content storage unit

Claims

1. a content acquisition unit that, when a user issues an instruction to distribute divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, extracts one or more divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold from the content, the divided blocks being managed by a content asset management device with evaluation values ​​associated with each divided block; and acquires the extracted divided blocks as data to be distributed; a distribution control unit that controls the distribution of the distribution data to the user terminal of the user when the user pays a fee for receiving the distribution of the extracted divided blocks; Equipped with The evaluation value is an aggregate evaluation value obtained by one or more evaluators evaluating one or more of the divided blocks and aggregating the evaluation values ​​for each of the divided blocks. Content distribution device.

2. the content acquisition unit, when instructed by the user to distribute the entire content, acquires distribution data of the entire content from the content asset management device; The distribution control unit distributes distribution data of the entire content to the user terminal when the user pays a usage fee for receiving distribution of the entire content. The content distribution device according to claim 1 .

3. the content asset management device manages auxiliary information indicating evaluation conditions, which are at least one of season, time period, and location, when each of the one or more evaluators evaluated one or more divided blocks in the plurality of divided blocks, and manages an aggregate evaluation value obtained by aggregating the evaluation values ​​for each of the evaluation conditions indicated by the auxiliary information as an evaluation value for each of the divided blocks; When the user instructs the content acquisition unit to distribute divided blocks having evaluation values ​​equal to or greater than the threshold, the content acquisition unit extracts one or more divided blocks having evaluation values ​​equal to or greater than the threshold based on the aggregate evaluation values ​​for each evaluation condition.

3. The content distribution device according to claim 1.

4. the content asset management device manages rights holders for each of the divided blocks, a data acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the right holder of each divided block from the content asset management device when an instruction to distribute the divided blocks or the content is given by the user; After the content acquisition unit acquires distribution data of one or more divided blocks and the distribution control unit completes distribution of the distribution data, the distribution control unit distributes information collectively indicating the rights holders of the one or more divided blocks acquired by the data acquisition unit to the user terminal. The content distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A computer that functions as a content distribution server When a user instructs a content asset management device to distribute divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value from among the content, the content asset management device manages the divided blocks by associating an evaluation value with each divided block, and extracts one or more divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value from the content asset management device, and acquires the extracted divided blocks as data to be distributed; When the user pays the fee for receiving the extracted divided blocks, the distribution of the data for distribution is controlled to the user terminal of the user; The evaluation value is an aggregate evaluation value obtained by one or more evaluators evaluating one or more of the divided blocks and aggregating the evaluation values ​​for each of the divided blocks. Content delivery methods.

6. The computer that functions as the content distribution server a content asset management device that manages content in which each divided block is associated with an evaluation value, and when a user issues an instruction to distribute divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, extracts one or more divided blocks having an evaluation value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold from the content asset management device, and acquires the extracted divided blocks as data to be distributed; a step of controlling the distribution of the data for distribution to a user terminal of the user when the user pays a fee for receiving the distribution of the extracted divided blocks; Execute The evaluation value is an aggregate evaluation value obtained by one or more evaluators evaluating one or more of the divided blocks and aggregating the evaluation values ​​for each of the divided blocks. Content distribution program.

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