JP2006155454A - Digital content providing system and providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform efficient distribution processing even when various different presentation environments exist.
When a provision request for content A is issued from a content request unit 210, a presentation environment in a content presentation unit 240 is notified. The item selection unit 130 recognizes the distribution data of the content A and the conversion software Y necessary for presentation in the notified presentation environment as essential items. These items are distributed from the item transmission unit 140 to the item reception unit 230 and stored in the item storage unit 260. The data conversion unit 250 converts the distribution data of the content A into the presentation data using the software Y, and gives it to the content presentation unit 240. Items in the item storage unit 260 can be delivered to another client device. Since the information indicating the existing item for each client device is notified to the server device 100, duplicate distribution does not occur.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital content providing system and a providing method, and more particularly, to a technology for efficiently providing digital content from a server device to client devices of various configurations using a network.

  With the spread of communication environments corresponding to broadband on the Internet, various digital contents have been provided via networks. Recently, a server device that distributes digital contents has prepared a wide variety of digital contents such as character data, music data, image data, and video data, and the client device that receives these distributions has also prepared. There are various types such as personal computers, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

  As described above, when the configurations of the client devices on the receiving side are diverse, the digital content presentation environment also differs for each client device. For example, the presentation environment such as the size of the display screen, the processing speed of moving image display, and the performance of speakers differs significantly between the case where the client device is a personal computer and the case of a mobile phone. For this reason, there are many cases in which different digital contents are prepared and dealt with on the server device side according to the type of the client device.

Also, in Patent Document 1 below, when there is a digital content distribution request from the client device to the server device, the server device acquires information related to the type of client device serving as a distribution destination, and the type Accordingly, a technique is disclosed in which content data is converted into a data format corresponding to the client device and distributed.
JP 2001-242786 A

  As described above, the types of client devices that receive digital content from the server device are diverse, including personal computers, mobile phones, and PDAs, and the digital content presentation environment varies depending on the type of device and the model number. For example, when content is presented using a personal computer, the presentation environment differs depending on the application software used. Also, in the case of presenting content using a mobile phone, the presentation environment will be different if the carrier providing the mobile phone service is different. Furthermore, there is a demand for changing the presentation environment according to the personal circumstances of the user. For example, if the user is an elderly person or a low vision person, he / she will want to receive presentation of content in an environment with large display characters.

  In this way, the presentation environment on the user side varies depending on the type of client device, and also varies depending on the personal circumstances of the user. Conventionally, in order to deal with such a wide variety of presentation environments, digital content distributed on the server side is selected, or the data format of content data is converted as in the invention according to Patent Document 1 described above. Thus, consideration has been given to distributing content data in a format suitable for the presentation environment of the distribution destination.

  However, in such a conventional distribution method, there is a problem that efficient distribution cannot be performed because it is necessary to distribute content data of different formats each time the presentation environment is different. In particular, in the future, it is expected that the same user will use digital content by using multiple different client devices such as mobile phones and personal computers. Different presentation environments will have different formats. Operation that redistributes content data is not preferable.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a digital content providing system and a providing method capable of efficient content distribution processing even when various different content presentation environments exist.

(1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital content providing system including a server device that distributes digital content and a client device that presents the distributed digital content to a user.
The server device
A distribution data storage unit for storing distribution data for digital content;
A conversion software storage unit that stores a plurality of conversion software used for converting distribution data into presentation data suitable for a specific presentation environment according to different presentation environments;
In response to a provision request from the client device, a necessary item is selected as a transmission target item from the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit and the software stored in the conversion software storage unit. An item selector,
An item transmission unit for transmitting the selected transmission target item to the client device,
The client device has
An item receiving unit for receiving an item transmitted from the server device;
An item storage for storing received items;
A content request for transmitting the environment information indicating the digital content presentation environment in the client device and the existing item information indicating the item stored in the item storage unit to the server device and requesting the provision of the desired digital content And
A data conversion unit that converts the distribution data stored in the item storage unit into data for presentation using the conversion software stored in the item storage unit;
A content presentation unit that presents the converted presentation data to the user in a presentation environment;
When there is a request for provision of desired digital content from the content requesting unit, the item selection unit performs conversion according to distribution data for the digital content and environmental information included in the provisioning request. The conversion software necessary for the item is recognized as an essential item, and among the essential items, an item not included in the existing item information is selected as a transmission target item.

(2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first aspect described above,
The client device is further provided with an item delivery unit that executes item delivery with another client device, and a desired item is delivered from the item storage unit of one client device to the item storage unit of another client device. It can be done.

(3) According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first or second aspect described above,
The distribution data storage unit stores a plurality of types of distribution data corresponding to different presentation environments for the same digital content,
The item selection unit recognizes the distribution data according to the environmental information included in the provision request as an essential item.

(4) According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first to third aspects described above,
The server device stores the presentation processing software used by the client device,
It is possible to store the presentation processing software in the item storage unit in the client device, the content presentation unit performs the presentation processing using the presentation processing software,
When the existing item information does not include the presentation processing software, the item selection unit selects the presentation processing software as a transmission target item.

(5) According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first to fourth aspects described above,
The content request unit transmits a list of file names of each item stored in the item storage unit to the server as existing item information.

(6) According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first to fifth aspects described above,
In the delivery data storage unit, data consisting of digital contents structured by metadata is prepared as delivery data,
In the conversion software storage unit, conversion software consisting of data defining the data structure or display layout is prepared.

(7) According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first to sixth aspects described above,
The presentation unit information related to the hardware or software of the content presentation unit is used as environment information.

(8) According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first to sixth aspects described above,
The client device is further provided with a personal information storage unit for storing personal information of a user who is presented with digital contents, and this personal information is used as environmental information.

(9) According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the eighth aspect described above,
It is possible to store information related to the user's age as personal information in the personal information storage unit so that the digital content is presented in a different manner depending on the user's age group in the conversion software storage unit for each age group. Store different conversion software,
The item selection unit recognizes essential items based on information about age.

(10) According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the eighth aspect described above,
In the personal information storage section, information related to the user's language can be stored as personal information,
In the conversion software storage section, store the conversion software used to translate the distribution data into different languages,
The item selection unit recognizes the essential item based on the information about the language used.

(11) An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the digital content providing system according to the tenth aspect described above,
In the conversion software storage unit, a translation engine or a translation dictionary is stored as conversion software.

(12) According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing system according to the first to eighth aspects described above,
Prepare digital contents with metadata indicating different importance for each part in the distribution data storage,
Conversion software for conversion is prepared by extracting only a portion to which metadata indicating a specific importance is added in the conversion software storage unit.

  (13) According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a server device or a client device that is a component of the digital content providing system according to the first to twelfth aspects is provided independently. is there.

  (14) According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to function as a server device or a client device that is a constituent element of the digital content providing system according to the first to twelfth aspects is provided alone. It is a thing.

(15) According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content providing method of providing digital content to the second client device after providing the digital content from the server device to the first client device,
Providing the server device with digital content distribution data and conversion software used to convert the distribution data into presentation data suitable for various presentation environments;
Transmitting the first environment information indicating the digital content presentation environment in the first client device from the first client device to the server device, and requesting the provision of the desired digital content;
Necessary for converting the distribution data for the requested digital content and converting the distribution data into presentation data suitable for the presentation environment in the first client device in response to a provision request from the first client device. Transmitting the first conversion software to the first client device from the server device;
In the first client device, the first conversion software is used to convert the distribution data into the first presentation data and present it,
Passing the distribution data and, if necessary, a part or all of the first conversion software from the first client device to the second client device;
Second environment information indicating a digital content presentation environment in the second client device from the second client device to the server device, existing item information indicating an item transmitted from the first client device, Sending a request for provision of desired digital content;
Necessary for converting the distribution data for the requested digital content and the distribution data into presentation data suitable for the presentation environment in the second client device in response to a provision request from the second client device Recognizing the second conversion software as an indispensable item, and transmitting, out of the indispensable items, an item not included in the existing item information from the server device to the second client device;
In the second client device, the second conversion software is used to convert the distribution data into the second presentation data and present it,
Is to do.

  According to the digital content providing system and the providing method according to the present invention, the distribution data to be the main body of the digital content from the server device to the client device is matched to the presentation environment in the client device. Conversion software for converting into presentation data is distributed. Moreover, since the existing item information is transmitted from the client device to the server device together with the environment information indicating the presentation environment, only the items not included in the existing item information are distributed to the client device on the server device side. Therefore, even if the content presentation environment on the client side is various, efficient content distribution processing can be performed.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments.

<<< §1. Basic configuration of system according to the present invention >>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a digital content providing system according to the present invention. As illustrated, this system includes a server device 100 that distributes digital content and a client device 200 that presents the distributed digital content to a user. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, a system using one server device and one client device is shown. However, in practice, data from one server device to a large number of client devices can be transmitted. Can be delivered. A device used as a client device has various hardware configurations such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a PDA, and even if the client device has the same hardware configuration, installed software If the wear differs, the client device has a substantially different configuration.

  The server apparatus 100 and the client apparatus 200 are connected via a network, and requests from the client apparatus 200 to the server apparatus 100 and distribution from the server apparatus 100 to the client apparatus 200 are performed via this network. In practice, it is common to connect the server device 100 and the client device 200 via the Internet. Of course, the network connecting the two is not limited to the Internet. When a mobile phone is used as the client device 200, a network using a mobile communication network of a communication company is used for a part or all of the client device 200.

  The server device 100 is provided with a distribution data storage unit 110, a conversion software storage unit 120, an item selection unit 130, and an item transmission unit 140. However, each of these constituent elements represents each function of the server apparatus 100 as an independent constituent element. Actually, each of these constituent elements is the hardware of the computer constituting the server apparatus 100. It will be realized by combination with software. In practice, the server apparatus 100 can be realized by incorporating a dedicated program into a general-purpose server computer.

  The distribution data storage unit 110 stores distribution data that should be the main body of the digital content. In the figure, a state in which distribution data for three types of contents A, B, and C is stored is shown. The digital content to be distributed is, for example, text data provided as an electronic book, audio data provided as music content, image data provided as photo content, video data provided as movie content, etc. It doesn't matter.

  In the conversion software storage unit 120, conversion software used to convert these distribution data into presentation data suitable for a specific presentation environment on the client device side (refers to programs and data used for conversion). ) Is stored. In the figure, a state in which three types of conversion software X, Y, and Z are stored is shown. As described above, in practice, digital content is distributed from the server device to a large number of client devices. However, since the presentation environment differs depending on each client device, the conversion software storage unit 120 is used. A plurality of types of conversion software are prepared according to these different presentation environments. In the present application, each piece of distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit 110 and each piece of conversion software stored in the conversion software storage unit 120 are referred to as “items”. In the drawing, these items are indicated by rounded blocks.

  The item selection unit 130 is necessary from the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit 110 and the software stored in the conversion software storage unit 120 in response to a provision request from the client device 200. The item transmission unit 140 has a function of transmitting the selected transmission target item to the client device 200 via a network such as the Internet.

  On the other hand, the client device 200 is provided with a content request unit 210, a personal information storage unit 220, an item reception unit 230, a content presentation unit 240, a data conversion unit 250, and an item storage unit 260. However, each of these constituent elements is also an expression of individual functions of the client device 200 as independent constituent elements. Actually, each of these constituent elements includes a personal computer, a mobile phone, This is realized by a combination of hardware and software of a device such as a PDA. In practice, the client device 200 can be realized by incorporating a dedicated program into a general-purpose personal computer, mobile phone, PDA, or other device.

  The content request unit 210 is a component that makes a request for providing desired digital content to the server apparatus 100. For example, a request for providing “content A” is requested via a network such as the Internet. It is transmitted to the server apparatus 100.

  The personal information storage unit 220 is a component that stores personal information regarding a user who uses the client device 200. The personal information stored here is information such as the user's age and language used, as will be described later, and is one of the factors that determine the presentation environment in the client device 200. The user performs an operation of inputting his / her own personal information into the personal information storage unit 220 using the input device of the client device 200.

  The item receiving unit 230 has a function of receiving the item transmitted from the item transmitting unit 140 via the network, that is, the digital content in the form of distribution data and the conversion software, and stores the item. The unit 260 has a function of storing the received item. In the illustrated example, a state in which the content A in the form of distribution data and the conversion software Y are stored in the item storage unit 260 is shown.

  The data conversion unit 250 performs processing for converting the distribution data stored in the item storage unit 260 into presentation data using the conversion software stored in the item storage unit 260, and the content presentation unit 240 shows a user the content converted into the format of the data for presentation to a user in a predetermined presentation environment. The specific configuration of the content presentation unit 240 varies depending on the content to be presented. For example, when using content consisting of character data and content consisting of image data, such as an electronic book, the content presentation unit 240 is configured by a liquid crystal display device or software that drives the content display unit 240, and displays the display screen to the user. The content will be presented above. When using music content, the content presentation unit 240 is configured by a speaker and software that drives the speaker, and presents the content in the form of presenting sound to the user. Furthermore, when using moving image data such as movie content, a content presentation unit 240 including both a liquid crystal display device and a speaker is used.

  However, the presentation environment in the content presentation unit 240 varies for each client device 200. For example, even when presenting content consisting of character data such as an electronic book, when a personal computer is used as a client device, a presentation environment using a wide display screen can be obtained. When used as a presentation, the area of the display screen is considerably limited. The presentation environment in the content presentation unit 240 is not determined only by such hardware environment, but also depends on the software constituting the content presentation unit 240. For example, when presenting music content, moving image content, etc., the content presentation unit 240 is configured using an application program corresponding to a specific format, so that different presentation environments are constructed according to the application program used. Will be.

  Here, information regarding hardware or software constituting the content presentation unit 240 is referred to as “presentation unit information”. This presentation unit information is given to the content request unit 210, incorporated into a part of the provision request, and transmitted to the item selection unit 130 on the server device 100 side. In addition to the presentation unit information, the content request unit 210 is provided with personal information stored in the personal information storage unit 220 and existing item information indicating the existing items stored in the item storage unit 260. It is done. Eventually, the content request unit 210 is provided with three types of information: presentation unit information, personal information, and existing item information. These pieces of information are incorporated into a part of the provision request, and the item selection unit 130. Will be sent to.

  Here, of the three types of information, the presentation unit information and the personal information are referred to as “environment information”. This environment information can be said to be information indicating the digital content presentation environment in the content presentation unit 240, but the “presentation environment” here is determined depending on the hardware and software configuration of the content presentation unit 240. Not only the environment (the environment indicated by the presentation unit information) but also the environment determined depending on the user's personal information stored in the personal information storage unit 220 is included.

  Eventually, the provision request transmitted from the content request unit 210 to the item selection unit 130 includes environment information (presentation unit information + personal information) and existing item information in an instruction to request provision of specific content. become. Therefore, the item selection unit 130 that has received such a provision request not only recognizes what content the provision request has been issued, but also how the content presentation unit 240 in the client device 200 that has issued the provision request performs. It is configured by simple hardware and software, and it is possible to recognize what personal information the user has and what items are stored in the item storage unit 260.

  When there is a request for provision of desired digital content from the content requesting unit 210, the item selection unit 130 performs a process of selecting an essential item necessary for responding to the provision request. First, an item that has been requested to be provided out of the contents stored in the distribution data storage unit 110 is selected as an essential item. For example, when there is a provision request for the content A, the content A stored in the distribution data storage unit 110 in the distribution data format is selected as an essential item.

  The other item selected as the essential item is the conversion software in the conversion software storage unit 120. That is, the conversion software necessary for performing conversion according to the environment information (presentation unit information + personal information) included in the provision request is selected as an essential item. As described above, the environment information includes the presentation unit information indicating the hardware and software configuration of the content presentation unit 240 and the personal information stored in the personal information storage unit 220. Based on the above, in order to present content in the presenting environment, it is determined what type of presentation data should be converted to the distribution data, and conversion software for performing such conversion Will be selected as a required item. For practical use, what conversion software should be selected as an indispensable item for what environmental information is prepared in the form of a correspondence table or the like in the item selection unit 130, and this correspondence table is prepared. It is only necessary to refer to a specific conversion software as an essential item by referring to it.

  However, not all of the essential items selected in this way are necessarily transmitted from the item transmission unit 140. The item selection part 130 performs the process which selects the item which is not contained in the existing item information among the essential items selected as mentioned above as a transmission object item. Thus, the item finally selected as the transmission target item is transmitted from the item transmission unit 140 to the item reception unit 230. In other words, even if the item is recognized as an essential item, the item included in the existing item information is not selected as the transmission target item. By performing such an operation, it is possible to prevent an item already existing in the item storage unit 260 on the client device 200 side from being duplicately transmitted, and an efficient distribution process becomes possible.

  As the existing item information, any form of information may be used as long as it is information that can identify an item stored in the item storage unit 260. In general, It is sufficient to transmit the list of file names of each item stored in the item storage unit 260 to the server apparatus 100 side as existing item information. The item selection unit 130 can refer to the list of file names and perform a process of selecting only items not listed in the list as transmission target items.

<<< §2. Basic operation of the system according to the present invention >>
The specific content providing process by the system shown in FIG. 1 is performed through the following process, for example. Here, a case where a user uses content for the first time using a personal computer that functions as the client device 200 is considered. In this personal computer, specific hardware H and software S constituting the content presentation unit 240 are incorporated. This user performs an operation of inputting his / her personal information in the personal information storage unit 220 in advance. Here, it is assumed that the user inputs an age of “65 years old” as personal information. Subsequently, the user performs an operation input for issuing a desired content request to the content request unit 210. Here, it is assumed that a request for content A is made. At this time, it is assumed that no items are stored in the item storage unit 260 yet.

In this case, a provision request including the following information is transmitted from the content request unit 210 to the server apparatus 100 side.
Target of provision: Content A
Environmental information: Hardware H, Software S (Presentation section information)
Age 65 (personal information)
Existing item information: None

  Upon receiving such a request for provision, the item selection unit 130 recognizes the presentation environment on the client device 200 side, and selects conversion software for performing conversion to presentation data suitable for the presentation environment. Here, the content presentation unit 240 constituted by “hardware H” and “software S” is suitable for performing display according to the age of 65 years old (for example, display for old age with characters larger than usual). Assume that the software for converting to the presentation data is prepared as the conversion software Y in the conversion software storage unit 120. In this case, the item selection unit 130 recognizes the content A (distribution data format) in the distribution data storage unit 110 as an essential item, and based on the environment information, the item selection unit 130 stores the content A in the conversion software storage unit 120. The conversion software Y is recognized as an essential item. In the above example, since the existing item information is “none”, the item selection unit 130 eventually converts the content A (distribution data) and the conversion software Y into the final transmission target item. These items to be transmitted are transmitted from the item transmission unit 140 to the client device 200.

  The item thus transmitted is received by the item receiving unit 230 and stored in the item storage unit 260. The state shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 shows the state at this time. The data conversion unit 250 executes processing for converting the distribution data of the content A stored in the item storage unit 260 into presentation data using the conversion software Y. As described above, the conversion software Y is the presentation data suitable for displaying the content according to the age of 65 on the content presentation unit 240 constituted by “hardware H” and “software S”. Therefore, the data for presentation of the content A obtained after the conversion is suitable for the presentation environment in the content presentation unit 240 and is presented to a user who is 65 years old. It is suitable for doing. Thus, the user can receive the presentation of the content A using the client device 200 in an ideal environment.

Now, assume that this user makes a request for another content B this time. In this case, as shown in the figure, since the content A (data for distribution) and the conversion software Y are stored in the item storage unit 260, the content request unit 210 transfers the next to the server device 100 side. A provision request including such information is transmitted.
Target of provision: Content B
Environmental information: Hardware H, Software S (Presentation section information)
Age 65 (personal information)
Existing item information: Content A, Conversion software Y

  Upon receiving such a request for provision, the item selection unit 130 recognizes the content B (distribution data) in the distribution data storage unit 110 as an essential item, and converts the conversion software in the conversion software storage unit 120. The wear Y is recognized as an essential item. However, since the existing item information is “content A, conversion software Y”, the item selection unit 130 eventually selects only the content B (distribution data) as the final transmission target item. Thus, the content B (distribution data) is transmitted from the item transmission unit 140 to the client device 200.

  The content B (delivery data) transmitted in this way is received by the item receiving unit 230 and stored in the item storage unit 260. The data conversion unit 250 executes processing for converting the distribution data of content B stored in the item storage unit 260 into presentation data using the conversion software Y. Thus, the presentation data for the content B obtained after the conversion is presented to the user in an ideal environment.

  As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, after the conversion software Y for a specific presentation environment is transmitted to the client device 200, as long as the presentation in the same presentation environment is performed, the conversion software is newly added. Need not be sent. Thereafter, since it is sufficient to distribute only necessary contents in the form of distribution data, the processing load on the server device 100 side is reduced, and the communication capacity on the network is also reduced. Thus, efficient distribution processing becomes possible.

<<< §3. Delivery of items between client devices >>
The present invention is further enhanced by developing the embodiment as shown in FIG. The system shown in FIG. 2 is obtained by further adding an item delivery unit 270 to the client device 200 in the system shown in FIG. Other components are the same as those of the system shown in FIG.

  The item delivery unit 270 is a component that executes delivery of items in the item storage unit 260 with another client device (not shown). Via the item delivery unit 270, a desired item can be delivered from the item storage unit of one client device to the item storage unit of another client device.

  Since the items stored in the item storage unit 260 are digital information such as programs and data, the item delivery unit 270 may be any means having such a digital information delivery function. It may be configured by means. For example, it may be constituted by a delivery means using a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory as an intermediary, or may be constituted by a wired or wireless information transmission means. Since such various information transmission means between devices such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a PDA are known, a description of a specific configuration of the item delivery unit 270 is omitted here.

  If the system shown in FIG. 2 is used, the content can be used more efficiently by the user performing an item transfer operation between the client apparatuses. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of such a usage pattern, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an item delivery process in such a usage pattern. As shown in FIG. 4, in this usage mode, two client apparatuses 201 and 202 are required. After providing digital content from the server apparatus 100 to the first client apparatus 201, digital contents (first The content provided to the client apparatus 201 may be the same as or different from the content provided to the second client apparatus 201).

  In the first client device 201 and the second client device 202 shown in FIG. 4, for convenience, only components necessary for the following description are shown as blocks, and the remaining components are not shown. However, in practice, the client apparatuses 201 and 202 shown in FIG. 4 have the same configuration as the client apparatus 200 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S1 of FIG. 3, on the server device 100 side, digital content distribution data and conversion software used to convert the distribution data into presentation data suitable for various presentation environments are provided. prepare. This is nothing but preparing the server apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

Next, in step S2, the first client device 201 transmits the first environment information indicating the digital content presentation environment in the first client device 201 and the existing item information to the server device 100. And requesting the provision of desired digital contents. This provision request includes, for example, the following information.
Target of provision: Content A
Environmental information: Hardware H1, Software S1 (Presentation section information)
Age 65 (personal information)
Existing item information: None

  In subsequent step S <b> 3, a predetermined item is transmitted from the server device 100 to the first client device 201 in response to the provision request from the first client device 201. That is, the distribution data for the requested digital content and the first conversion software necessary for converting the distribution data into the presentation data suitable for the presentation environment in the first client device 201. , The data is transmitted from the server device 100 to the first client device 201. In the case of the above example, the content A (distribution data) and the first conversion software Y are transmitted from the server device 100 to the first client device 201.

  The first client device 201 shown in the upper part of FIG. 4 shows a state when the content A (distribution data) and the first conversion software Y are received from the server device 100, and the item In the storage unit 261, a state in which these two items are stored is shown.

  In step S4, in the first client device 201 in such a state, the first conversion software Y is used to convert the distribution data of the content A into the first presentation data and present it. Processing is performed. That is, the data conversion unit 251 uses the conversion software Y to convert the content A in the distribution data format into the content A (first presentation data) in the presentation data format and present the content. Processing to be given to the unit 241 is performed. As described above, the presentation data converted using the conversion software Y has a form suitable for the presentation environment in the content presentation unit 241. Thus, this user can use the content A on the first client device 201.

  Now, suppose that the user wants to use the same content A using the second client device 202. For example, when the first client device 201 is a mobile phone and the second client device 202 is a personal computer, the user likes the content of the content A distributed to the mobile phone 201 and has a larger display screen. It is no wonder that he wants to enjoy the same content A at 202.

  In such a case, in the embodiment shown here, first, as shown in step S5, a necessary item transfer operation may be performed from the first client device 201 to the second client device 202. In the example shown in FIG. 4, all the contents (content A (distribution data) and conversion software Y) stored in the item storage unit 261 are delivered from the item delivery unit 271 to the item delivery unit 272. Yes.

  However, in the example shown here, delivery of the content A (distribution data) is meaningful, but delivery of the conversion software Y is meaningless. This is because the conversion software Y is software for performing conversion processing according to the presentation environment in the first client device 201 (mobile phone), and depends on the presentation environment in the second client device 202 (personal computer). This is because the conversion software Y cannot be used for the conversion processing. Therefore, originally, the item to be transferred from the first client device 201 to the second client device 202 is only the content A (distribution data). However, when an item is delivered by the user himself / herself, in general, it is often difficult to determine which item should be delivered. Therefore, as shown in the example in FIG. There is no problem even if all the items are transferred to the item storage unit 262. Such a delivery operation can actually be executed as an operation of copying all the files in the item storage unit 261 into the item storage unit 262.

  Of course, if it can be determined whether or not the conversion software stored on the first client device 201 side can be effectively used on the second client device 202 side, the first client device 201 can be determined. It is not necessary to hand over all of the conversion software stored on the side, so only some of the conversion software that can be used effectively may be handed over selectively. If there is no possible conversion software, the conversion software may not be transferred at all. However, in practice, it is difficult for the user to make such a determination. Therefore, in order to perform selective delivery of conversion software, information is exchanged between the delivery destination and the delivery source. It is preferable that dedicated software that automatically recognizes conversion software that can be used effectively is incorporated in the item delivery unit 271 and the item delivery unit 272.

Subsequently, in step S6, the second client device 202 sends the server device 100 the second environment information indicating the digital content presentation environment in the second client device 202, and the first client device 201. The existing item information indicating the transmitted item is transmitted, and a request for providing the desired digital content is made. This provision request includes, for example, the following information.
Target of provision: Content A
Environmental information: Hardware H2, Software S2 (Presentation section information)
Age 65 (personal information)
Existing item information: Content A, Conversion software Y

  In subsequent step S <b> 7, a predetermined item is transmitted from the server device 100 to the second client device 202 in response to the provision request from the second client device 202. That is, distribution data for the requested digital content, and second conversion software necessary for converting the distribution data into presentation data suitable for the presentation environment in the second client device 202, Are recognized as essential items, and among the essential items, items not included in the existing item information are transmitted from the server device 100 to the second client device 202.

  In the case of the above-described example, if the software for performing the conversion suitable for the presentation environment of the content presentation unit 242 is the second conversion software Z, the item selection unit 130 selects the content A and the first However, since the content A is included in the existing item information, only the second conversion software Z is transferred from the server device 100 to the second item. Is transmitted to the client apparatus 202.

  The second client device 202 shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 shows a state when the second conversion software Z is received from the server device 100. The item storage unit 261 includes a first client device 202. A state in which conversion software Z distributed from the server apparatus 100 is stored in addition to the content A (distribution data) and conversion software Y delivered from the client apparatus 201 side is shown.

  In the final step S8, the second client device 202 in such a state uses the second conversion software Z to convert the distribution data of the content A into the second presentation data. Processing to present is performed. That is, the data conversion unit 252 uses the conversion software Z to convert the content A in the distribution data format into the content A (second presentation data) in the presentation data format and present the content. Processing to be given to the unit 242 is performed. As described above, the presentation data converted using the conversion software Z has a form suitable for the presentation environment in the content presentation unit 242.

  In this way, if a function for transferring items between client devices is added, after passing necessary items between different client devices, such as from a mobile phone to a personal computer, Since only the items necessary for the presentation environment in the client device need be distributed from the server device 100, efficient content distribution processing can be performed even when a plurality of client devices having different presentation environments are used.

<<< §4. Specific Embodiment >>>
So far, the basic concept of the present invention has been described based on some embodiments, but here, more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described here is an example in which a server device that distributes electronic books is used as the server device 100. In the case of an electronic book, the digital content to be distributed is document data composed mainly of character strings. As such document data format, XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format is widely used. The XML format is basically data consisting of character strings, but the structure of individual character strings can be defined by adding metadata as tags. As a format for structuring digital content with metadata as described above, SGML, MPEG7, and the like are known in addition to XML.

  On the other hand, on the Internet, HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) format is widely used as a format for describing document data, and many Web pages on the Internet are described in HTML format (Web pages for mobile phones). In many cases, a format such as cHTML is used, but here, for convenience of explanation, these variants are also referred to as an HTML format). The Web browser functions as a content presentation unit that presents digital content described in the HTML format. However, since digital contents described in the XML format cannot be displayed correctly on a Web browser as they are, in order to display them correctly on the Web browser, the XML format content data is converted into HTML format content data. Processing to convert is performed.

  In order to perform this format conversion, XSL (XML Stylesheet Language) conversion software is used. The process of converting XML format data to HTML format data is basically a process of replacing an arbitrary tag with a tag conforming to the HTML format, and XSL is data that describes the correspondence between the tags. It should be a table. Even if it is the same XML data, if it converts using different XSL, it will be converted into different HTML data. In other words, the XSL data functions as conversion software that determines the structure or display layout of document data described in the XML format.

  In order to perform such conversion, a program (conversion engine / conversion module) for performing conversion processing and data describing the correspondence between tags and the like are required. “Wear” means both the program and the data. For example, when data in XML format is converted into data in HTML format or the like, a module called “XSL processor” is used as the conversion processing program, and text data called “XSL” is used as the conversion processing data. The “XSL processor” converts XML format data into HTML format data while referring to “XSL”. In this case, the “conversion software” referred to in the present invention includes both “XSL processor” and “XSL”.

  In the specific embodiment shown here, in the system having the basic structure shown in FIG. 2, digital contents in the distribution data format in the distribution data storage unit 110 are prepared as document data in XML format and converted. XSL data suitable for various presentation environments is prepared as conversion software in the software storage unit 120. A more specific example of data prepared in the distribution data storage unit 110 and the conversion software storage unit 120 is shown in the block diagram of FIG.

  In the distribution data storage unit 110 shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, the distribution data of the contents A1, A2, B1, and B2 are shown. Here, the content A1 is document data describing an introductory sentence of the electronic book A, and the content A2 is document data serving as the text of the electronic book A. Similarly, the content B1 is document data in which an introduction sentence of the electronic book B is described, and the content B2 is document data that becomes the text of the electronic book B. Any of the distribution data is document data described in the XML format. The introductory text of the electronic book is short document data describing the title, list price, outline, etc. of the book, and the electronic book text is the document data that is the main body of the book. However, the electronic book introduction text is treated as an independent digital content in the form, as in the electronic book text. Therefore, a user who uses an electronic book first receives the distribution of each electronic book introduction text, presents it, considers it, and if there is a favorite electronic book, the distribution of the text of the electronic book is performed again. Receive this and present it for reading.

  On the other hand, in the conversion software storage unit 120 shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, two items are prepared as conversion software. The items shown on the left side of the figure are items that depend on the presentation unit information, and three types of personal computer XSL, mobile phone XSL, and PDA XSL are prepared. On the other hand, the items shown on the right side of the figure are items that depend on personal information, and three types of XSL for young people, XSL for ordinary people, and XSL for elderly people are prepared. As described above, when the data conversion unit 250 of the client device 200 converts XML format data into HTML format or the like, “XSL processor” (program) is required together with “XSL” (data) as conversion software. It is. In the following embodiment, an example in which an “XSL processor” is already prepared on the client device 200 side is shown. However, for practical purposes, an “XSL processor” is prepared in the conversion software storage unit 120. If necessary, it is preferable that this can be transmitted together with “XSL”.

  In addition, three types of conversion software X, Y, and Z are prepared in the conversion software storage unit 120 shown in FIG. A simple example in which only one conversion software is selected in accordance with the presentation environment has been shown, but in practice, it differs for each of a plurality of genres, as in the example shown in the lower part of FIG. It is preferable to prepare a conversion data (in this example, XSL data) and adopt a method of synthesizing specific conversion software by combining a plurality of data.

  For example, in the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, the item depending on the presentation unit information shown on the left side of the diagram is an item selected depending on the presentation unit information indicating the configuration of the content presentation unit 240, and the client device If the computer is a personal computer, the personal computer XSL is selected. If the mobile phone is a mobile phone XSL, the PDA XSL is selected. Of course, in fact, even if the same personal computer is used, different XSLs are prepared depending on the size of the display screen, and even if the same mobile phone is used, different XSLs are prepared depending on the telecommunications carriers that provide them. become.

  On the other hand, the items depending on the personal information shown on the right side of the figure are items selected depending on the personal information stored in the personal information storage unit 220. Here, an example using age information as personal information is shown. For example, in the personal information storage unit 220, a numerical value N indicating the age of each user is stored as personal information. If N ≦ 15, the young XSL is selected, and 15 <N <65. If a standard such as normal XSL is selected in the case, and old XSL is selected in the case of N ≧ 65, any one XSL is uniquely selected according to the age. be able to.

  In this example, the young XSL and the normal XSL are composed of data for performing tag conversion so that characters are displayed in a normal size, and the old XSL displays characters larger than usual. It consists of data for performing such tag conversion. In addition, XSL for normal use and XSL for old age are composed of data that ignores data with a tag indicating “ruby”, but XSL for young age is assigned a tag indicating “ruby”. The data consists of data that is converted to be displayed as ruby. Therefore, even if the document data in the original XML format is exactly the same, if converted to HTML format using XSL for young people and displayed, normal size characters will be displayed with ruby. When converted to HTML format using normal XSL, normal size characters will be displayed without ruby. When converted to HTML format using old XSL, Larger characters will be displayed without ruby.

  The item selection unit 130 uses two XSLs in the conversion software storage unit 120 as essential items based on the environment information (presentation unit information + personal information) included in the provision request transmitted from the content request unit 210. select. For example, when the presentation unit information indicates the presentation environment on the mobile phone and the personal information indicates the age of 65 years old, the combination of the mobile phone XSL and the old XSL is selected as an essential item. If these items are not included in the existing item information, these items are transmitted to the client device as transmission target items. On the client device side, processing for converting XML format distribution data into HTML format presentation data is executed based on the combination of the mobile phone XSL and the old age XSL.

  Next, a procedure for the user to actually use the desired digital content from the server apparatus 100 having the items shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, an example in which the user uses the mobile phone 203 as a client device will be described first. It is assumed that the age of this user is 30 years, and this age is input in advance in the personal information storage unit in the mobile phone 203.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an authentication card 301 (for example, a UIM card for a mobile phone) can be attached to the mobile phone 203. Based on the authentication information in the authentication card 301, the server apparatus 100 can authenticate that the user who issued the provision request is a legitimate user, and if necessary, billing processing according to the distributed content It can be performed. Since such authentication processing and billing processing are known techniques, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, it is assumed that the user has made a provision request for the content A1 shown in FIG. This is a request to read the introductory text of the electronic book A. As described above, this provision request includes environment information and existing item information. The environment information is based on presentation unit information (in this example, information indicating that the presentation environment is a mobile phone) and personal information (in this example, information indicating that the user's age is 30 years). Composed. In addition, if the item from the server apparatus 100 has not been distributed in the mobile phone 203 yet, the existing item information indicates “none”.

  Based on these pieces of information, the item selection unit 130 recognizes the content A1 distribution data, the mobile phone XSL, and the normal XSL as essential items from the items shown in FIG. Select as an item to send. As a result, these three items are distributed to the mobile phone 203. On the mobile phone 203 side, processing for converting the content A1 (XML format) in the form of distribution data into the content A1 (HTML format or the like) in the form of data for presentation using the XSL for mobile phones and the normal XSL. It is executed and presented on the display screen. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the book introduction sentence “Business management original theory fixed price: 3000 yen...” Relating to the electronic book A is displayed on the display screen in this way.

  Now, let us assume that the user who has read the book introduction text about the electronic book A wants to purchase the electronic book A and performs an operation of clicking the “Purchase” button on the display screen. This operation is a request for the text of the electronic book A, and a provision request for the content A2 shown in FIG. This provision request also includes environment information and existing item information. As in the previous case, the environment information is composed of presentation unit information indicating a presentation environment using a mobile phone and personal information indicating that the age is 30 years. On the other hand, as the existing item information, a list of three items of data for distribution of content A1, XSL for mobile phone, and XSL for normal use is transmitted.

  The item selection unit 130 recognizes the distribution data of the content A2, the XSL for mobile phone, and the XSL for normal use as essential items from the items shown in FIG. Since XSL for normal use and XSL for normal use are included in the list of existing item information, only the distribution data of content A2 is selected as the transmission target item. As a result, content A2 distribution data is newly distributed to the mobile phone 203. On the mobile phone 203 side, the content A2 (XML format) in the form of data for distribution is used as the content A2 (HTML format, etc.) in the form of data for presentation using the XSL for mobile phone and the normal XSL which are existing items. The process of converting to is executed and presented on the display screen. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the text of the electronic book A “The theory of management theory for understanding business management in modern times ...” is displayed on the display screen in this way.

  Next, suppose that the user who came home wants to read the text of the electronic book A using the personal computer 204 at home. In this case, first, as shown in FIG. 8, an operation of delivering items in the mobile phone 203 to the personal computer 204 is performed. This transfer operation can be performed as a file copy operation as described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, among the items in the mobile phone 203, only the delivery data for the content A2 and the normal XSL are the target items to be delivered, and the delivery data for the content A1 and the mobile phone XSL are the delivery target items. Not in. This is because the content A1 is an introductory sentence of the electronic book A, so that it is no longer necessary to read, and the mobile phone XSL cannot be used on the personal computer 204. Of course, when it is difficult to selectively deliver only necessary items in this way, there is no problem even if all items are delivered.

  In this way, when the necessary item delivery operation to the personal computer 204 is completed, the personal computer 204 issues a request to the server apparatus 100 to read the text of the electronic book A. Also in this case, the authentication work is performed by connecting the authentication card 301 to the personal computer 204 as necessary. The request from the personal computer 204 is a provision request for the content A2 shown in FIG. This provision request includes environmental information and existing item information. The current environment information is composed of presentation unit information indicating a presentation environment by a personal computer and personal information indicating that the age is 30 (the personal information similar to that of the mobile phone 203 is also included in the personal computer 204). ). On the other hand, as the existing item information, a list of two items, that is, the distribution data of the content A2 and the normal XSL is transmitted.

  Based on these pieces of information, the item selection unit 130 recognizes the distribution data of the content A2, the PC XSL, and the normal XSL as essential items from the items shown in FIG. Since the distribution data and the normal XSL are included in the list of existing item information, only the personal computer XSL is selected as the transmission target item. As a result, a new XSL for personal computer is distributed to the personal computer 204. On the personal computer 204 side, the content A2 (XML format) in the form of distribution data delivered from the mobile phone 203 is used using the personal computer XSL delivered from the server device 100 and the normal XSL delivered from the mobile phone 203. Then, the process of converting to the content A2 in the form of presentation data (HTML format or the like) is executed, and the presentation on the display screen is performed. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the text “The theory of management theory for understanding business management in the present time ...” of the electronic book A is displayed on the display screen in this way.

  The text of the electronic book A displayed on the screen of the mobile phone 203 in FIG. 7 and the text of the electronic book A displayed on the screen of the personal computer 204 in FIG. However, the display environment such as layout and character size is different.

  Next, suppose that the user wants his 65-year-old father to read the text of the electronic book A using the personal computer 204 at home. In this case, since the user who actually reads is the father of 65 years old, he wants to read the text of the electronic book A from the personal computer 204 to the server device 100 after correcting the personal information of the personal computer 204. Make a request to that effect. Also in this case, the authentication work is performed by connecting the authentication card 301 to the personal computer 204 as necessary. The request from the personal computer 204 is also a provision request for the content A2 shown in FIG. 5. The current environmental information included in the provision request includes presentation unit information indicating that the personal computer is presenting, and age information. It is comprised with the personal information which shows that it is 65 years old. On the other hand, as the existing item information, a list of three items, that is, data for distribution of content A2, normal XSL, and personal computer XSL is transmitted.

  Based on these pieces of information, the item selection unit 130 recognizes the distribution data of the content A2, the personal computer XSL, and the old age XSL as essential items from the items shown in FIG. Since the distribution data and the personal computer XSL are included in the existing item information list, only the old-age XSL is selected as the transmission target item. As a result, the old-age XSL is newly distributed to the personal computer 204. On the personal computer 204 side, the content A2 (HTML format) in the form of data for distribution is converted into the content A2 (HTML format in the form of data for presentation) using the old XSL and the existing personal computer XSL distributed from the server apparatus 100. Etc.) and the presentation on the display screen is performed. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the text of the electronic book A “The theory of business management understands business management in modern times ...” is displayed on the display screen in this way.

  The text of the electronic book A displayed on the screen of the personal computer 204 in FIG. 10 and the text of the electronic book A displayed on the screen of the personal computer 204 in FIG. 9 are both distributed data for the same content A2. The information is displayed based on the character size.

  In this way, information related to the user's age can be stored as personal information in the personal information storage unit on the client device side, and digital content is stored in the conversion software storage unit on the server device side according to the user's age group. As shown in different modes, different conversion software for each age group (in the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, XSL for young, XSL for normal, XSL for old age) is stored, and the item selection unit If the essential item is recognized based on the information on the age, the client device can present the content in a presentation environment suitable for the user's age.

  Note that the information that can be used as personal information in the present invention is not limited to age information, and any information can be used as long as it is personal information having a factor that affects the presentation environment. You can use it. For example, information related to the user's language can be used as personal information. In this case, the conversion software storage unit on the server device side stores the conversion software used for translating the distribution data into different languages, and the item selection unit provides information on the language used. The essential item may be recognized based on the above. More specifically, a translation engine or a translation dictionary is stored as conversion software in the conversion software storage unit, referring to personal information about the user's language, if necessary, A translation engine or a dictionary for translation related to a specific language may be recognized as an essential item.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which a translation engine for a specific language and a dictionary for translation are prepared as conversion software in the conversion software storage unit 120. In the example shown in the figure, a translation engine for Western languages and a translation engine for Chinese are prepared as translation engines (translation execution programs), and Japanese-English dictionary data, Japanese-German dictionary data, Japanese-French dictionary data, Dictionary data is prepared. Here, the translation engine for Western languages has a function to execute Japanese-English translation, Japanese-German translation, Japanese-French translation by using it in combination with Japanese-English dictionary data, Japanese-German dictionary data, and Japanese-French dictionary data. The translation engine has a function of executing Japanese-Chinese translation by using it in combination with Japanese-Chinese dictionary data.

  In the embodiment shown here, distribution data written in Japanese is prepared in the distribution data storage unit 110 of the server apparatus 100, and an environment indicating that the language used is “Japanese”. When the information is transmitted, it is only necessary to determine that the item for translation shown in FIG. 11 is unnecessary. When the environment information indicating the language used other than Japanese is transmitted, the translation item corresponding to the language used is translated. The item may be recognized as an essential item.

  For example, suppose as a continuation of the above example, the user wants a 30-year-old British friend to read the text of the electronic book A using the personal computer 204. In this case, since the user who actually performs the reading is an English person, the personal information of the personal computer 204 is corrected to the age “30 years old” and the language used “English”, and then the personal computer 204 sends the information to the server apparatus 100. On the other hand, a request to read the text of the electronic book A may be issued. The request from the personal computer 204 is also a provision request for the content A2 shown in FIG. 5. The current environment information included in the provision request includes the presentation unit information indicating that the personal computer presents the environment, the age “ 30-year-old ”and personal information indicating that the language used is“ English ”. On the other hand, as the existing item information, a list of four items of data A2 for distribution of content A, XSL for personal computer, XSL for normal use, and XSL for old age is transmitted.

  Based on these pieces of information, the item selection unit 130 selects a Western language translation engine and Japanese-English dictionary data as transmission target items from the items shown in FIG. As a result, these translation items are newly distributed to the personal computer 204. On the personal computer 204 side, the content A2 written in Japanese is translated into English using a Western translation engine and Japanese-English dictionary data, and then converted into an HTML format using personal computer XSL and normal XSL. Presentation on the display screen is performed. FIG. 12 shows a state where the translation of the text of the electronic book A is displayed on the display screen in this way.

<<< §5. Various modifications >>
Finally, some modifications of the present invention will be described.

(1) Distribution of software for presentation processing As described in the above embodiments, the content presentation unit 240 that presents content to the user includes an application for content presentation processing on hardware configuring the client device 200. Software is incorporated. In the description so far, it has been assumed that such presentation processing software has already been incorporated in the client device 200. However, the presentation processing software is transferred from the server device 100 side to the client device 200 side. It is also possible to perform an operation of delivering as one item.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a system configuration according to a modification for performing such an operation. The difference from the system shown in FIG. 1 is that the presentation processing software W used in the client device 200 is prepared on the server device 100 side, and the item selection unit 130 uses the presentation processing software W as an essential item. It is a point to handle as one of these. For example, as described above, when the server device 100 is configured by a server device that distributes an electronic book as digital content, presentation processing software W for the electronic book is prepared on the server device 100 side. become.

  Such presentation processing software W for an electronic book is generally called a viewer, and various types of viewers are used according to the format of the digital content. On the server device 100 side, presentation processing software W suitable for the digital content presentation processing prepared in the distribution data storage unit 110 may be prepared. Of course, depending on whether the client device 200 is a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a PDA, the operable presentation processing software varies. Therefore, in practice, it depends on the environment based on the hardware of the client device 200, the OS, and the like. It is preferable to prepare a plurality of types of presentation processing software W1, W2, W3.

  When there is a provision request for a predetermined content from the client device 200 side to the server device 100, a presentation for presenting the content by referring to a list of existing item information included in the provision request It is possible to recognize whether or not the processing software W exists on the client device 200 side. Therefore, if the necessary presentation processing software W does not exist on the client device 200 side, the item selection unit 130 may be added with a function of selecting this as a transmission target item. In this case, the presentation processing software W is transmitted from the item transmission unit 140 to the item reception unit 230 and stored in the item storage unit 260. FIG. 13 shows the state at this time.

  The content presentation unit 240 executes content presentation processing using the presentation processing software W stored in the item storage unit 260. Of course, the system shown in FIG. 2 can perform the same operation. In this case, the presentation processing software W can be transferred between different client apparatuses.

(2) Data for distribution according to presentation environment In the embodiments so far, the data for distribution of each content prepared in the data storage unit for distribution 110 is the data commonly used for all the client devices 200. It was. For example, in the system shown in FIG. 13, the distribution data for content A stored in the distribution data storage unit 110 is a PDA regardless of whether the client device 200 is a personal computer, a mobile phone, or the like. Is also commonly used data. In other words, the common distribution data is converted into presentation data using different conversion software, thereby adopting a technique adapted to various presentation environments.

  However, depending on the digital content, different distribution data may be prepared for each presentation environment. That is, a plurality of types of distribution data corresponding to different presentation environments are stored for the same digital content in the distribution data storage unit 110, and the item selection unit 130 is included in the provision request. If the specific distribution data is recognized as an essential item according to the existing environment information, different distribution data can be transmitted for each presentation environment.

  For example, in the case of content that includes images, prepare a large-sized image for a PC presentation environment, and prepare a small-sized image for a mobile phone presentation environment. In some cases, it is more efficient to change the image data to be distributed depending on whether the request is provided from the telephone. In such a case, it is preferable to prepare separate distribution data for each presentation environment.

(3) Software version check As already described, if the existing item information included in the provision request is configured by a list of file names of items existing in the item storage unit 260, the item selection unit 130 By referring to this list, it is possible to recognize an existing item on the client device 200 side. However, software is generally revised over time. Therefore, for practical use, it is preferable to put software version information together with the file name in this list. Then, the item selection unit 130 can check existing items including version information, and even if software with a specific file name exists, if the version is old, the new version Can be selected as an item to be sent. Of course, only the difference data from the new version can be used as the transmission target item as necessary.

  Alternatively, for an item that is updated at a relatively high frequency, an operation may be performed in which the item is always selected as a transmission target item without referring to the existing item information. For example, in the case of an item consisting of data such as a database whose contents are constantly updated or data on a modern term dictionary, the check whether or not the item is an existing item is omitted, and the item is always selected as a transmission target item every time. It is more efficient to use it.

(4) Delivery of recommended information etc. In the embodiment described so far, the example in which the requested content is always delivered in response to the provision request from the user side has been described, but from the viewpoint of commercial use, Regardless of the provision request from the user side, it is preferable to adopt an operation of distributing predetermined content as needed by voluntary judgment on the server device 100 side. For example, in a virtual store on the Web, a service that introduces recommended products (for example, products related to products purchased in the past) to the user based on the past usage history of the user who visited the store is performed. Yes.

  Of course, in the system according to the present invention, such recommended information can be distributed. In this case, predetermined content is automatically distributed automatically from the server device 100 to the client device 200.

(5) Digital copyright management In recent years, a mechanism for managing copyright in digital contents has become widespread. However, in implementing the present invention, such a mechanism for managing copyright is practically used. It is preferable to introduce. Specifically, a DRM (Digital Rights Management) function is implemented in each distribution data constituting digital content, and the content presentation unit 240 executes a legitimate content presentation process under the DRM function. What should I do? In the DRM mechanism that is generally used, if the same user is used, no new charge is generated even if the device that uses the content is different. There is no problem even if you do.

(6) Functions of conversion software In the embodiments described so far, format conversion, layout conversion, document style conversion are performed as specific processing for converting distribution data into presentation data by the conversion software. The conversion of the character size, the conversion of the language used (translation into other languages), the ruby acceptance / rejection decision, etc. are exemplified, but the conversion by the conversion software is basically presented to a specific client device or a specific user. As long as conversion according to the environment is possible, any processing may be performed.

  For example, as a conversion process to adapt to the presentation environment for young children, it is also possible to perform a process that replaces difficult idioms with plain spoken language (in this case, a idiom replacement engine and a dedicated dictionary are required) Become).

  In the case of image data, naturally, processing for changing the resolution in accordance with the display environment of the display may be considered.

  Alternatively, in the original document data, if metadata indicating the weight of each sentence is added as a tag, only important sentences are selected, and the rest is deleted. It is also possible to convert the original document into a document with only a summary part. Specifically, for each part of the original document data (for example, for each individual paragraph), metadata indicating the importance is added as a tag, and the conversion software is If the software that performs the conversion by extracting only the part to which the metadata indicating the specific importance is added is prepared, the extraction target changes depending on the conversion software to be used. Depending on the presentation environment on the client device side, it is possible to present the full text or present only the summary.

  For example, in the case of document data with the structure of large head, medium head, and body, add metadata of importance A for large head, importance B for medium head, and importance C for body text. There are three types of conversion software: finding XSL, summary XSL, and full text XSL. In the conversion using the finding XSL, only the importance level A is extracted. In the conversion using the summary XSL, the importance levels A and B are extracted, and in the conversion using the full text XSL. Make sure all parts are extracted. Then, for example, the client device selects the finding XSL for the mobile phone, selects the summary XSL for the PDA, and selects the full-text XSL for the personal computer. By sending the conversion software according to the environment, the mobile phone presents only the big find, the PDA presents the summary (large find and medium find), and the personal computer presents the full text. it can. Further, if personal information is stored in advance in the personal information storage unit 220 such as “I want to read only the big head”, “I want to read the summary”, or “I want to read the entire text”, this personal information It is also possible to select and transmit the finding XSL, the summarizing XSL, and the full-text XSL.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of basic embodiment of the provision system of the digital content based on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the development embodiment of the provision system of the digital content based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the utilization form of the system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the delivery process of the item in the usage type of the system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific example of data prepared in a distribution data storage unit 110 and a conversion software storage unit 120 in the system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of presenting a book introduction sentence regarding the electronic book A on the display screen of the mobile phone 203. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process of presenting the text of electronic book A on the display screen of mobile phone 203. It is a figure which shows the delivery work of the item from the mobile telephone 203 to the personal computer 204. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a process for presenting the text of electronic book A on the display screen of personal computer 204. It is a figure which shows the process which changes the user's age conditions and displays the text of the electronic book A on the display screen of the personal computer. It is a block diagram which shows the example which prepared the translation engine and translation dictionary for specific languages as conversion software in the conversion software storage part. It is a figure which shows the process of changing the user's use language into English and showing the translation of the electronic book A on the display screen of the personal computer 204. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the modification of the provision system of the digital content based on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Server apparatus 110 ... Distribution data storage part 120 ... Conversion software storage part 130 ... Item selection part 140 ... Item transmission part 200 ... Client apparatus 201 ... First client apparatus 202 ... Second client apparatus 203 ... Mobile Telephone 204 ... PC 210 ... Content request unit 220 ... Personal information storage unit 230 ... Item reception unit 240, 241,242 ... Content presentation unit 250,251,252 ... Data conversion unit 260,261,262 ... Item storage unit 270,272 , 273 ... Item delivery unit 301 ... Authentication cards A to C ... Digital contents S1 to S8 ... Each step W in the flowchart ... Presentation processing software XYZ ... Conversion software

Claims (15)

A digital content providing system including a server device that distributes digital content and a client device that presents the distributed digital content to a user,
In the server device,
A distribution data storage unit for storing distribution data for digital content;
A conversion software storage unit for storing a plurality of conversion software used for converting the distribution data into presentation data suitable for a specific presentation environment, according to different presentation environments;
In response to a provision request from the client device, a necessary item is transmitted from the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit and the software stored in the conversion software storage unit. An item selection section to select as,
An item transmission unit for transmitting the selected transmission target item to the client device,
The client device includes
An item receiving unit for receiving an item transmitted from the server device;
An item storage for storing received items;
Sending the environment information indicating the digital content presentation environment in the client device and the existing item information indicating the item stored in the item storage unit to the server device, and requesting the provision of the desired digital content A content requesting unit;
Using the conversion software stored in the item storage unit, a data conversion unit that converts the distribution data stored in the item storage unit into presentation data;
A content presentation unit that presents the converted presentation data to the user in the presentation environment;
When there is a provision request for a desired digital content from the content request unit, the item selection unit performs conversion according to the distribution data for the digital content and the environment information included in the provision request. The digital contents characterized by recognizing the conversion software necessary for the above as an essential item and performing processing for selecting an item that is not included in the existing item information as an item to be transmitted among the essential items Providing system. The digital content providing system according to claim 1,
The client device is further provided with an item delivery unit that executes item delivery with another client device, and a desired item is delivered from the item storage unit of one client device to the item storage unit of another client device. A digital content providing system characterized by being able to perform the above. The digital content providing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The distribution data storage unit stores a plurality of types of distribution data corresponding to different presentation environments for the same digital content,
A digital content providing system in which an item selection unit recognizes data for distribution according to environmental information included in a provision request as an essential item. The digital content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The server device stores the presentation processing software used by the client device,
The item storage unit in the client device can store the presentation processing software, and the content presentation unit performs the presentation processing using the presentation processing software.
The system for providing digital content, wherein the item selection unit selects the presentation processing software as a transmission target item when the existing item information does not include the presentation processing software. The digital content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A system for providing digital content, wherein the content request unit transmits a list of file names of each item stored in the item storage unit to the server as existing item information. In the digital content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Data consisting of digital contents structured by metadata is prepared as distribution data in the distribution data storage unit,
A system for providing digital contents, characterized in that conversion software comprising data defining the data structure or display layout is prepared in a conversion software storage unit. In the digital content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A system for providing digital content, characterized in that presentation unit information relating to hardware or software of a content presentation unit is used as environmental information. In the digital content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A system for providing digital content, further comprising a personal information storage unit for storing personal information of a user who is presented with the digital content in the client device, and using the personal information as environmental information. The digital content providing system according to claim 8,
For each age group, the personal information storage unit can store information related to the user's age as personal information, and the conversion software storage unit can present digital content in a different manner depending on the user's age group. Store different conversion software in
The digital content providing system, wherein the item selection unit recognizes an essential item based on the information about the age. The digital content providing system according to claim 8,
In the personal information storage section, information related to the user's language can be stored as personal information,
In the conversion software storage section, store the conversion software used to translate the distribution data into different languages,
The digital content providing system, wherein the item selection unit recognizes an essential item based on the information on the language used. The digital content providing system according to claim 10,
A system for providing digital content, wherein the conversion software storage unit stores a translation engine or a translation dictionary as the conversion software. The digital content providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
In the data storage unit for distribution, digital content with metadata indicating different importance for each part is prepared,
A system for providing digital content, characterized in that conversion software is provided for conversion by extracting only a part to which metadata indicating a specific importance is added in a conversion software storage unit.   A server device or a client device, which is a component of the digital content providing system according to claim 1.   A program that causes a computer to function as a server device or a client device that is a component of the digital content providing system according to claim 1. A digital content providing method for providing digital content to a second client device after providing digital content from a server device to the first client device,
Providing the server device with digital content distribution data and conversion software used to convert the distribution data into presentation data suitable for various presentation environments;
Transmitting first environment information indicating a digital content presentation environment in the first client device from the first client device to the server device, and requesting provision of desired digital content;
In response to a provision request from the first client device, the distribution data for the requested digital content and the distribution data are converted into presentation data suitable for the presentation environment in the first client device. Transmitting the first conversion software necessary for the transmission from the server device to the first client device;
In the first client device, using the first conversion software, converting the distribution data into first presentation data and presenting the data,
Passing the distribution data and, if necessary, part or all of the first conversion software from the first client device to the second client device;
Second environment information indicating a digital content presentation environment in the second client device to the server device from the second client device, and an existing item indicating the item transmitted from the first client device Sending item information and requesting provision of desired digital content;
In response to a provision request from the second client device, the distribution data for the requested digital content and the distribution data are converted into presentation data suitable for the presentation environment in the second client device. The second conversion software necessary for the client is recognized as an essential item, and among the essential items, an item not included in the existing item information is transmitted from the server device to the second client device. Stages,
In the second client device, using the second conversion software, converting the distribution data into second presentation data, and presenting the data,
A method for providing digital content, comprising: