JP2002185931A - Share server unit for broadcast data and display device for the unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a share server unit for broadcast data that can view a desired program at a desired time without imposing excessive load on a contractor. SOLUTION: The share server unit 102 includes a signal generating section 114 that converts a received program into broadcast data of a recordable signal form, a storage section 118 that stores at least newest broadcast data with a prescribed capacity among broadcast data outputted from the signal generating section 114, a control section 116 that controls storage of the broadcast data by the storage section 118, and controls the storage section 118 so as to reproduce and output optional data in the broadcast data stored in the storage section 118 in response to an instruction from a contract device 130 connected via communication media 122, 124, and a connection section 120 that optionally distributes either of an output of the signal generating section 114 and an output of the storage section 118 to the designated contract device 130 through the communication media 122, 124.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a broadcast data sharing server device for temporarily storing data broadcast regardless of whether it is wireless or wired, and redistributing the stored data to each subscriber. Broadcast data used in a relatively small area that temporarily stores ordinary broadcast (radio wave broadcast) information using satellite broadcasting and program data distributed using cable television and redistributes them to each home. And the management method of the shared server.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the modern society, it is possible to distribute information to each home in various communication modes. Communication media include VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (UltraHi Frequency).
gh Frequency), BS (Broadcast Satellite), CS
(Communications Satellite), CATV (Community
Antenna Television System).
Broadcast data such as a program is transmitted to each home via these many communication media. In each home, a program is viewed using a tuner or the like suitable for each communication medium.

[0003] Conventionally, however, these broadcasts are only broadcasted with bare hands on a predetermined timetable (program guide) except for a so-called video-on-demand service which is partially started. Therefore, each individual is watching a program that he / she wants to see by adjusting his / her life to the program guide.

On the other hand, the selling point of the above-mentioned video-on-demand service is that if the viewer requests it, the content is broadcast. However, in practice, since many users are directly connected to a server that provides this service, the selected program cannot always be viewed immediately. This is because there is a limit to the amount of programs that can be distributed at one time by one server, so that a process of distributing a corresponding program by grouping a plurality of identical requests is performed.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-163344 discloses that an intermediate server is prepared to solve such a problem. By preparing an intermediate server between the distribution server and each home, the data stored in the intermediate server can be sent directly from the intermediate server to the request source without accessing the distribution server. Can be sent to Therefore, each individual is more likely to immediately view the selected program.

[0006] However, such a service in which a program can be directly selected is still available only in a limited part. In an area where such services are not available, since the broadcast is performed according to a predetermined timetable, it is impossible for each individual to view a program that he / she wants to watch at his / her convenience.

An individually available solution to these problems is to use a video recorder. Video recording devices capable of recording video have already become widespread. By performing so-called answering machine recording, a program once recorded can be viewed later at a free time.

However, also in this case, it is necessary to check the program in advance and correctly reserve the answering machine recording.
Also, due to some unexpected situation, if the actual broadcast time differs from the previously announced program guide, the recording is not performed correctly. In addition, since a recording tape may run out of time, it is not always possible to reliably view a desired program by answering machine recording.

For this reason, the idea of a home server has recently been introduced and is being realized. One example of using a home server is as follows. A facility called a home server is installed in each home. The home server is provided with a recording device capable of constantly recording the currently broadcasted broadcast. A program requested by an individual in the home where the home server is installed is reproduced from the recording device, so that each individual can view his / her favorite program. For example, if the recording capacity of the recording device is large enough to record all the programs of all the channels of the BS broadcast for one week, each individual selects a favorite program from the BS broadcasts of the past week. You can watch it immediately.

A hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as "HDD") is most regarded as a recording device of a home server.
Call. ). The storage capacity per unit price of HDDs is increasing at a rate of nearly 1.5 times every year. Currently 4
Even a hard disk of 0 to 100 gigabytes (GB) can be obtained relatively easily. If this trend continues, 1
There is a high possibility that a terabyte (TB) HDD can be easily purchased. DVD with 1TB storage capacity
(Digital Video Disc) about 5 images
00 hours. Assuming that there is a broadcast of 20 hours a day per channel, it is possible to record all programs for one week or more for all three channels by using a 1 TB HDD.

However, VHF, UHF, CS, and C
Many channels are provided for broadcasting using ATV. Therefore, if you try to record all broadcasts,
For example, a recording device having a capacity of tens of TB is required even for recording for one week. It is thought that securing such a recording device will be possible in the distant future, but will be extremely difficult at the individual level in the near future. In particular, in view of the recording capacity of the current HDD drive, a very large number of HDD drives are required to realize a recording apparatus of the above-mentioned size, resulting in high cost, large equipment size, etc. Due to the above factors, it is almost impossible to provide inexpensive products that can be installed in each household one by one.

The problems that arise when a large number of HDDs need to be prepared are not limited to cost and size. There are a number of problems that must be overcome when used at home, such as the amount of power consumed, the amount of heat generated, and the maintenance for constant operation.

[0013]

Furthermore, not only technical problems with the recording device are obstacles. Institutional issues also exist. One is the complexity of contracts and billing schemes between broadcasters (broadcasting stations) and each home.

FIG. 42 shows the relationship between a broadcasting station and each home when one home server is installed in each home, assuming that the above technical problem of the home server has been solved. Show. With reference to FIG. 42, according to the contract form up to now, a contract is individually concluded between broadcast station 100 and home 1100 that contracts with each broadcast station 100 and watches a broadcast. Therefore, from the viewpoint of each home, payment is requested for the number of broadcast stations subscribed to, and the processing is complicated for each home. In addition, each broadcasting station needs to make a billing request to as many households as they have contracted. These are problems that need to be resolved early, especially considering that the number of broadcast stations may increase in the future.

Further, as shown in FIG.
In the case of 0, when receiving a radio broadcast other than a wired broadcast, a plurality of antennas must be prepared in accordance with the broadcast form at each broadcast station, since the frequency bands of the radio waves used are different. It is not desirable to impose such a burden on each household. Also, if a large number of antennas stand on the roof of each home, there is a problem that the scenery is damaged.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a broadcast data sharing server which enables each subscriber to easily view a desired program at a desired time without imposing an excessive burden on each subscriber. It is to provide a device.

Another object of the present invention is to make it easy for each contractor to view a desired program at a desired time without imposing an excessive burden on each contractor, and to provide an office work at each home. An object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast data sharing server device capable of preventing an increase in load.

Still another object of the present invention is to make it easy for each subscriber to view a desired program at a desired time without imposing an excessive burden on each subscriber, and to view as many programs as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide a broadcast data sharing server device that can be enabled.

[0019]

A broadcast data sharing server device according to the present invention is a broadcast data sharing server device which distributes broadcast data to a plurality of contract devices connected via a predetermined communication medium. Signal conversion means for converting a received program into broadcast data in a recordable signal format; and storing at least latest broadcast data of a predetermined capacity among broadcast data output by the signal conversion means. Storage means, and controlling the storage of broadcast data by the storage means, and in response to an instruction from any of the contracted equipment connected via the communication medium, stored in the storage means Control means for controlling the storage means so as to reproduce and output any one of the broadcast data, and broadcast data output by the signal conversion means and Any ones of output broadcast data of 憶 means, and a delivery means for delivering via the communication medium to any contractual device designated by said control means.

[0020] In the broadcast data sharing server device according to another aspect of the present invention, the signal conversion means further comprises:
Including means for converting the received stream data of the program from a plurality of stations into the broadcast data simultaneously and in parallel,
The storage unit includes a unit for storing broadcast data from a plurality of stations which are converted and output simultaneously and in parallel by the signal conversion unit, and the control unit is configured to control any of the contracted devices via the communication medium. Means for searching for broadcast data stored in the storage means which matches the information for search, and means for searching for information matching the information for search. Means for reproducing and outputting broadcast data from the storage means, and controlling the distribution means so as to distribute the broadcast data reproduced and output from the storage means to the contract device which has transmitted the information for search. Means for

According to the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further comprises:
Means for determining whether the broadcast data matching the information for search specifies a program currently being broadcast, and the information for search specifies a program currently being broadcast. The designated program, which has been converted into broadcast data by the signal converting means, is delivered to the contract device that has transmitted the information for search in response to the determination that the program is a program. Means for controlling the distribution means.

Here, the distribution means may include means for transmitting and receiving to and from the contract device by radio.
The signal conversion means may include a radio signal conversion means for receiving a radio program of only audio and converting the received radio program into broadcast data in a recordable signal format, and the signal conversion means May include radio signal conversion means for receiving a cable program and converting the received radio program into broadcast data in a recordable signal format.

In the broadcast data sharing server apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further determines whether broadcast data matching the search information can be distributed or not. In response to a determination that broadcast data matching the search information is not deliverable, the requested broadcast data is distributed to the contract device that has transmitted the search information. Means for transmitting a signal indicating that it is not possible via said distribution means.

Here, the broadcast data sharing server device is further connected to another broadcast data sharing server device and responds to the determination that the broadcast data matching the search information is not deliverable. Means for requesting the other broadcast data sharing server device to deliver broadcast data matching the information for search, and from the other broadcast data sharing server device, The apparatus may include means for receiving the distribution of the broadcast data matching the information and controlling the distribution apparatus to transmit the information for the search to the contracted equipment which has transmitted the information, and the control apparatus further includes a high viewing Specifying means for specifying broadcast data corresponding to the program for which the rate has been obtained and not stored in the storage means, and distributing the broadcast data specified by the specifying means to another broadcast source. Means and may further include for receiving a request to distribute the shared device data.

[0025] In the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further includes a schedule storage means for storing a predetermined program storage schedule, and the schedule storage means. Means for controlling the storage means so as to store the broadcast data according to the stored program storage schedule.

Here, the control means may further include a broadcast period determining means for determining a period during which the program received by the signal converting means is broadcast, and a broadcast period being determined by the broadcast period determining means. In the whole of the determined period, the program may include means for controlling the signal conversion means and the storage means so that the program is converted into broadcast data and stored in the storage means, and the control means Further, a program storage schedule receiving means for receiving a program storage schedule transmitted from an arbitrary contracted device, and a program storage schedule for storing the program storage schedule received by the program storage schedule storage means in the schedule storage means. Means may be included.

Alternatively, the control means may further include a distribution request receiving means for receiving a distribution request for broadcast data transmitted from an arbitrary contract device, and a distribution request received by the distribution request receiving means. Means for determining whether corresponding broadcast data is in the storage means,
In response to the determination that the broadcast data corresponding to the distribution request received by the distribution request receiving unit is not stored in the storage unit, a broadcast corresponding to the distribution request received by the distribution request receiving unit Schedule addition means for adding a schedule to the program storage schedule stored in the schedule storage means so as to receive and record a program corresponding to the data,
Further, the control means may include means for determining whether or not the broadcast data added to the program storage schedule by the schedule addition means has been distributed to a contract device.

Alternatively, the control means further includes means for receiving audience rating information of each program, and broadcast data to be stored by the storage means based on the received audience rating information of each program. Determining means for determining;
Means for changing the program storage schedule so as to store broadcast data corresponding to the program determined to be stored in the storage means by the determination means, The control means further comprises:
Means for receiving rating information of each program, and determining whether to delete broadcast data corresponding to each program from the program storage schedule according to the received rating information of each program. May be included in the program storage schedule, and the program determined to be deleted from the program storage schedule by the deletion determination unit may be included in the program storage schedule. Based on the distribution request of each program from the contract device, a rating calculator for calculating the rating of each program, and each of the broadcast data connected to the shared server of other broadcast data and calculated by the rating calculator. While transmitting the audience rating of the program to the shared server of the other broadcast data, the audience rating of each program calculated by the audience rating calculation means of the shared server of the other broadcast data is displayed. Means for transmitting, based on the rating of each program calculated by itself and the rating of each program received from the shared server of the other broadcast data, the rating of each program based on the distribution request is calculated. Means for calculating.

In the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores the broadcast data in units of programs, and the broadcast data sharing server device further stores the broadcast data in the broadcast data. When storing the data in the storage means, it is determined whether or not the amount of data stored in the storage means exceeds a predetermined upper limit.

Here, as the specific program unit, the broadcast data stored first in the broadcast data stored in the storage means or each program until the capacity for storing new broadcast data is obtained. Broadcast data stored in the storage means may be sequentially determined from the stored time and the most recently distributed time, whichever is newer and older, which is determined every time.

Here, the storage means is divided into a plurality of storage areas, and the control means includes a classification means for classifying the program according to a predetermined standard, and the plurality of storage areas according to the classification means. Means for selecting one of the areas to store the program, and the erasing means may include means for determining and erasing broadcast data to be erased for each of the storage areas.

[0032] In the broadcast data sharing server apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further stores a time at which the prohibition of erasure of the broadcast data stored in the storage means is released in units of programs. A deletion-permitted time storage means for comparing the current time with a time stored in the deletion-permitted time storage means at which the prohibition of deletion for each program is released, and comparing the broadcast corresponding to the program whose deletion is permitted. Means for erasing data from the storage means.

[0033] In a broadcast data sharing server apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores the broadcast data in program units, and the control means designates storage of each program. Request receiving means for receiving a request to perform from a contract device, and connected to the request receiving means and the storage means, wherein the storage means stores broadcast data corresponding to the requested program, and the stored program A contracted device storing means for storing the contracted device requested to store the broadcast data for each broadcast data stored in the storage, and the contracted device is connected to the storage and the contracted device storage, and is stored in the storage. Distribution for determining whether or not the broadcast data has been distributed to the contracted device that has requested to store the program corresponding to the broadcast data for each of the broadcast data obtained. Determining means, connected to the storage means and the distribution determining means, and in response to determining that the broadcast data has been distributed to the contract device that has requested to store a program corresponding to each broadcast data, Means for deleting broadcast data from the storage means.

[0034] In the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the storage means has a separate storage area for each of the contracted devices, and the control means further includes a storage device for each of the contracted devices. And means for controlling the storage means to store broadcast data corresponding to the program requested to be stored by the device in the individual storage area provided corresponding to the contract device.

[0035] A broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention further comprises: for each of the contract devices connected to the distribution means via the communication medium,
Includes means for charging a service fee based on the connection.

Here, the charging means includes, for each of the contracted devices, a counting means for counting one or both of the time and the number of times the broadcast data is distributed, and a function of the count value by the counting means. Means for charging each contracted device.

[0037] The broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention further stores, for each program corresponding to the broadcast data stored in the storage means, the number of times of distribution by the distribution means. Means.

[0038] In the broadcast data sharing server apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention, the billing means further comprises: a program for each program corresponding to the broadcast data stored in the storage means; Means for storing a number of times of distribution for storing the number of times of distribution, means for determining the number of times of distribution of the program being distributed to the contracted device, and a function of the number of distributions for the contracted device. Means for determining a charge for the program being distributed.

[0039] In the broadcast data sharing server apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further includes a control unit for determining a main part of the broadcast data program stored in the storage means and an advertisement unit. Means for controlling the distribution means so as to distribute only the main part of the requested broadcast data to the contracted device which has transmitted the request in response to a request from the contracted device.

[0040] In a broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further comprises:
Means for discriminating between the main part of the program of the broadcast data stored by the storage means and the advertisement section, and selection designation storage means for receiving and storing the selection designation of the presence or absence of the distribution of the advertisement from the contract device, In response to the request from the contracted device, based on the selection designation by the contracted device that has transmitted the request and stored in the selection designation storage means, only the main part of the broadcast data corresponding to the request, or the broadcast The information processing apparatus further includes means for controlling the distribution means so as to select any one of the main part of the data and the advertising part and distribute the selected part to the contracted device.

In the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control unit further includes a distribution count storage unit for storing the number of distributions to each of the contracted devices for each program; Means for discriminating between the main part of the program of the broadcast data stored in the storage means and the advertisement section; selection designation storage means for receiving and storing the selection designation of the presence or absence of the advertisement distribution from the contract device; Distribution number determination means for determining the number of distributions of the program in progress, and a contract which transmitted the request stored in the selection designation storage means in response to a request from the contract device. Either the main part of the broadcast data corresponding to the request, or the main part of the broadcast data and the advertisement unit, based on the selection designation by the device and the determination result by the distribution count determining unit. Select further comprising means for controlling said delivery means to deliver the agreement device.

Here, the shared server device further includes a charging unit for charging a service fee based on the connection to each of the contracted devices connected to the distribution unit via the communication medium; The charge rate changing means for changing the charge rate by the means based on the presence or absence of transmission of the advertisement unit may be included.

[0043] In the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further comprises a disabling designation reception receiving a designation for disabling the distribution of a specific program from each contracted device. Means for controlling the distribution means so as to prohibit the distribution of the specific program for a contract device for which the designation of disabling the distribution of the specific program has been received by the disabling designation receiving means. Further included.

Here, the specific program may be a program broadcast by a specific broadcast station, a program in a specific time zone, a program broadcast in a specific time zone, or any program to be broadcast. , And programs in a specific category can be used.

A display device according to still another aspect of the present invention receives broadcast data distribution from a broadcast data sharing server device that distributes broadcast data to a plurality of contracted devices connected via a predetermined communication medium. A display device for being connected to the shared server device via the communication medium, and determining means for determining whether or not broadcast data is distributed from the shared server; and Automatic display start means for automatically starting display of the broadcast data in response to the determination means determining that the broadcast data is distributed.

Here, the display device may further include means for enabling or disabling the operation of the automatic display starting means in response to an operation of the operator.

[0047] In the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further includes means for receiving a command for designating a time to start distribution of broadcast data from each of the contracted devices. And means for controlling the distribution means so as to start distribution of broadcast data to the contracted device at a designated time based on the command.

Here, the control means may further include means for receiving a command from each of the contracted devices for designating a time to start distribution of broadcast data to contracted devices other than the contracted device.

[0049] A broadcast data sharing server apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention further comprises a compression means for compressing broadcast data output from the signal conversion means according to a predetermined method and storing the compressed data in the storage means. And decompression means for decompressing the broadcast data stored in the storage means according to the predetermined method and providing the data to the distribution means.

Here, the compression means can compress the broadcast data according to a variable compression rate, and the control means determines the compression rate of the broadcast data by the compression means according to a predetermined criterion. Means for storing the time at which each broadcast data was initially stored in the storage means, and the control means for determining the compression ratio. May include means for determining the compression rate of each broadcast data as a function of the time each broadcast data was initially stored in said storage means, wherein said compression means comprises a variable compression rate Broadcast data can be compressed in accordance with the following. The control means includes means for receiving compression rate designation information designating a compression rate for each program from each of the contracted devices; And means for controlling the compression means to compress each program according to the set compression rate, and the compression means can compress broadcast data according to a variable compression rate. The control unit controls the compression unit to receive compression ratio designation information for designating a compression ratio for each program from each broadcast station, and to compress each program according to the received compression ratio. Means may further be included.

[0051] The broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention further compresses the broadcast data output from the signal conversion means at a variable compression rate according to a predetermined method, and stores the compressed data in the storage means. Compression means for storing, and decompression means for decompressing the broadcast data stored in the storage means according to the predetermined method and providing the data to the distribution means, the control means according to a predetermined standard Means for determining a compression ratio of broadcast data by the compression unit, wherein the distribution unit distributes broadcast data from the storage unit to the contract device based on a compression ratio at the time of storage by the compression unit. It further includes a charging unit for charging the distribution of the broadcast data to the contract device.

[0052] A broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention further includes means for storing predetermined inserted broadcast data, wherein the control means is adapted to broadcast broadcast data to a contract device. And means for controlling the distribution means so as to insert and distribute the inserted broadcast data.

In this case, the control means transmits the contracted device
Means for receiving a command indicating whether or not to distribute the insertion broadcast data, and for each of the contracted devices, according to whether or not to receive a command indicating whether to distribute the insertion broadcast data, And as a function of the number of times the insertion broadcast data is distributed to each of the contract devices by the distribution means,
The information processing apparatus may further include means for determining a billing amount for distribution of broadcast data to each of the contract devices.

In a broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the distribution means has a function of receiving broadcast data from each contracted device via the communication medium, and the storage means The distribution unit also stores broadcast data received from each contracted device, and the control unit also receives broadcast data received by the distribution unit and stored in the storage unit, in response to a distribution request from each contracted device. The distribution means is controlled to distribute.

Here, the control means includes: a distribution number counting means for counting the number of distributions of the broadcast data received from each contracted device; and a function of the count result by the distribution number counting means. Means for determining a payment amount to a provider of the broadcast data received from the mobile terminal.

[0056] In the broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention, the control means further comprises:
Including means for calculating the period stored in the storage means, the shared server device of the broadcast data,
A charging unit is included for calculating a charging as a function of a period stored in the storage unit for each broadcast data distributed by the distribution unit.

A broadcast data sharing server device according to still another aspect of the present invention further comprises:
Means for receiving an inquiry about a charge amount for delivery of specific broadcast data, and a contract which, in response to the inquiry, calculates a charge amount for delivery of the specific broadcast data and transmits the inquiry Means for replying to the device.

[0058]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The problem of is described further.

As described above, the current home server is:
It is assumed that they will be placed in each home. However, in this case, it is natural that each home always installs a recording-type home server, and each home always writes and holds the same data in the recording device of this home server.
This means that when a plurality of homes are viewed together, a copy of the same data is created for each home. Moreover, the majority of these copies are discarded without being used. This is a waste of the recording area and the recording operation.

Therefore, according to the present invention, one home server is installed not in each home but in each relatively small area.
Basically, the home server is shared by homes existing in the area. By sharing the home server in this way, the waste of creating a large number of data copies and discarding them without using them as described above is greatly reduced. By accessing this shared home server, each home can freely access and view any program for a certain period after the program is broadcast. Further, when there is a program that should be stored permanently, the program may be stored in each household. In this case, since only those that need to be stored need be stored, it can be realized by providing a relatively small home server in each home. Also, a conventional video recording device can be used. In addition, if the user accesses the shared home server, the programs broadcast during a certain period in the past can be viewed at any time, so that it is not necessary to record the answering machine.

Hereinafter, a system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Referring to FIG. 1, a system according to this embodiment includes a VHF,
It receives radio waves 104 from various radio broadcasting stations 100 such as UHF, BS, and CS, and broadcast data 112 from a cable broadcasting station (not shown), temporarily stores the broadcast data, and sends the broadcast data to a plurality of contracted homes 126. With the ability to distribute,
It includes a shared home server 102 shared by the plurality of homes 126.

The shared home server 102 includes various antennas 110 according to the broadcasting form of the various radio broadcasting stations 100.
A signal generation unit 114 for converting broadcast data carried by various radio waves received by the antenna 110 into a signal format that can be stored and distributed; and a compression unit that compresses the broadcast data output from the signal generation unit 114. FIFO
(First-In, First-Out, First-In-First-Out) system, and broadcast data expanded and output from the recording unit 118 as needed to each home via the cable 124 or the wireless 122. Connection unit 120 for distribution
And the signal generation unit 114, the recording unit 118, and the connection unit 12
And a control unit 116 for controlling 0.

In the system according to the present embodiment, the signal generation section 114 includes a VHF signal generation section 152, a UHF signal generation section 154, a BS signal generation section 156, a CS signal generation section 158, and a BS digital signal. Signal generation unit 160,
Terrestrial digital signal generator 162 and each CAT
CATV signal generators 164 to 164 provided for each V station
166.

The signal generators 152 to 166 have similar configurations, although the target signal sources are different. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the signal generator 156 for the BS includes a distributor 172 for distributing radio waves received by the BS antenna 110, and a converter 172 for converting the radio waves received from the distributor 172 into image signals. Multiple conversion units 174
And a plurality of encoders 176 for receiving the image signals output from the corresponding conversion units 174 and converting them into digital signals.

Referring to FIG. 1, recording section 118 converts the digital signal output from encoder 176 to an MPEG (Moving) signal.
Picture coding Experts Group) 1 or MPEG2
Compression unit 1 for compressing according to an encoding method such as
40, a plurality of large-capacity HDDs 142 for storing image signals compressed by the compression unit 140,
Decompressing unit 14 for decompressing the image signal read from D142 and outputting it to the connection unit 120 as reproduced broadcast data
4 is included.

The connection unit 120 can receive both the broadcast data from the signal generation unit 114 and the reproduction broadcast data from the decompression unit 144. Has a function to send data. How to distribute which method data to which home will be described later. Connection unit 120 and each home 126
Are connected by a cable 124 or a wireless communication 122. In the case of wired, the connection method is ATM (Asynch
ronous Transmission Mode), IEEE802.3, I
Any device, such as EEE1394, may be used as long as it has a capability of delivering necessary data. The same applies to the case of wireless communication. The signal transmitted to each home may be any signal as long as the signal can be received by the receiver, and may be a compressed signal.

Each home 126 has a display device 130 for displaying the transmitted image signal and an operation unit 134 operated when transmitting a program request signal to the control unit 116 of the shared server 102. Including. The display device 130 is
A terminal control device 132 for controlling communication with the server 102 is included.

The connection unit 120 connects each image signal to each home 12
6 individually. This distribution is performed by the control unit 116
Is performed according to the following operation. First, a request for a program is input using the operation unit 134, and the request is sent to the control unit 116 via the connection unit 120. Referring to FIG. 3, control unit 116 determines whether the program requested to be transmitted by this request is currently being broadcast (180). If it is currently being broadcast, the connection unit 120 is controlled to transmit the corresponding one of the broadcast data signals output from the signal generation unit 114 to the requested home 126 (190).

If the requested program is not currently being broadcast ("NO" in step 180), it is determined whether or not the program is recorded on HDD 142 (18).
2). If it is stored in the HDD 142, the recording unit 118 and the connection unit 12 extract the corresponding program from the recording unit 118, expand it, and transmit it to the corresponding home.
0 is controlled (186). The requested program is HDD14
If not, a signal indicating that fact is sent to the home (184). Thus, the control unit 116
In accordance with the control, appropriate broadcast data according to the request is distributed to each home.

The control section 116 constantly updates the program information (program table) currently being broadcast and the program information (program list) stored in the storage section 118 in order to enable the above control. keeping. The technology for distributing requested information to each home based on these information is a technology that has already been realized on video-on-demand such as CATV. The program table may be manually input.

The storing and erasing of a program in the storage unit 118 is performed by a FIFO method. The procedure is as follows.

Referring to FIG. 4, it is assumed that storage unit 118 has storage area 200 therein. Storage area 20
It is assumed that program A (202) is stored in 0. Further, it is assumed that there is a program B (204) to be stored (during broadcast). It is assumed that the broadcast of the program is performed in the order of program A (202) and program B (204) as shown here. As shown in FIG. 4A, first, the program A (202) is stored in the storage area 200, then the program B (204) is stored, and the programs C, D, and
It is assumed that E has been stored. Each time each program is stored, the position of the previously stored program is advanced in the storage area 200. When the program E is stored, the program A (202) is stored in the storage area 20.
It is assumed that it has reached the top of 0 (FIG. 4B). When the next program F (208) is further stored in this state, the program A (202) is stored in the storage area 2 as shown in FIG.
00 will be erased.

As an example, a specific description will be given assuming that the storage period is one week. For example, it is assumed that all programs of five channels in BS broadcasting are stored for 20 hours every day. M
After converting to PEG2, if the storage capacity required for the original broadcast data per hour is about 2 GB, then 2 GB × 20
Time x 5 channels x 7 days, required storage capacity is 1.4
It becomes TB. This level of storage capacity is sufficiently large for a shared server as in the present embodiment, regardless of the home server installed in each home. In addition,
When storing broadcast data in MPEG1, a smaller storage capacity is sufficient.

Here, it is assumed that there is a request from a certain household to view program C (210). The program input method here may be a program name, a channel number and time, or a code assigned to a program in advance.
What is necessary is just that the shared server can interpret and specify the program. This request is transmitted to control unit 116 via connection unit 120 in the present embodiment. An embodiment in which the data is directly transmitted to the control unit 116 is naturally conceivable.

In this case, while program C (210) is transmitted to this home, program C moves to area 212 of storage area 200 where the newest program is stored (FIG. 4).
(Change from (D) to FIG. 4 (E)). Accompanying this, programs DF
Are advanced by the size of the program C, respectively. Thereafter, when the program H (214) is recorded, the program D
(218) is deleted from the storage area 220. On the other hand, the program C (212) remains in the storage area 200. In other words, even if the program was broadcast earlier, a program requested to be viewed from a certain home will remain after the program broadcasted later and not requested to be viewed.

In FIG. 4F, the next program I (22)
When 0) is recorded, program E will be deleted instead.

By the above operation, those recorded earlier and not viewed are preferentially erased.

In this way, the following effects can be obtained.
It is considered that a program once requested to be viewed is likely to be requested to view again from another home or from the same home. As a result, in the case of performing control as in the present embodiment, a program with a higher viewing request is recorded for a longer time, and the storage unit can be used more effectively.

In this case, F in the storage unit 118
Regarding the method of storing and erasing in an IFO manner, the storage area occupied by the broadcast data of each program may be moved in the same manner as the storage and movement of data in the shift register, or the storage area of the broadcast data itself may be used. May not be moved, and only labeling in that order may be operated.

Now, in the system of the present embodiment, when broadcast data is recorded in the storage unit 118, MPEG1, M
Compressed data such as PEG2 is stored. in this case,
It is generally known that the higher the compression ratio, the lower the image quality during reproduction. However, if the quality of the original program is poor, instead of high-quality compression with a low compression ratio,
Even if recording is performed with a low-quality, high-compression rate, there is not much difference in the image quality during reproduction. If the compression ratio is high, a larger amount of broadcast data can be recorded. Therefore, in the system of the present embodiment, in order to make more effective use of the storage capacity of the storage unit 118, low-quality programs are recorded at a high compression rate.

The compression unit 140 shown in FIG. 1 performs the actual compression, and the expansion unit 144 expands the compressed broadcast data. Although the compression unit 140 and the decompression unit 144 are provided inside the storage unit 118 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and is provided outside the storage unit 118. Is also good.

Referring to FIG. 5, the processing of control of the compression ratio by control unit 116 will be described. On the shared server side, it is assumed that three types of classification, that is, whether the program has low image quality, high image quality, or neither, are known in advance. This classification is assumed to be distributed from each broadcasting station to the shared server as additional information attached to the program guide in advance, for example.

First, it is determined whether the program to be compressed has low image quality (230). If it is determined that the image quality is low, a compression process at a high compression ratio C3 is performed in step 238 (2
38). The compressed broadcast data is stored in the HDD 142.

If it is determined in step 230 that the program is not a low-quality program, it is determined whether the program is a high-quality program (232). Lowest compression ratio C for high quality programs
The compression is performed in step 1 (234), and the compressed broadcast data is stored in the HDD 142. If it is determined that the program is not a high-quality program, compression is performed at a compression ratio C2 (236), and the compressed broadcast data is stored in the HDD 142.

Here, it is assumed that the relationship of C1 <C2 <C3 holds between the compression ratios C1, C2 and C3. As a result, at the time of reproduction, the data compressed at the compression rate C1 is reproduced with the highest image quality, and then the compression rates are C2 and C3.

In the system of the present embodiment, three types of compression rates are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, two types of compression ratios may be used, or four or more types may be used. Further, it is not necessary that the classification of the image quality transmitted as the accompanying information of the program and the applied compression ratio have a one-to-one correspondence.

In the system of this embodiment, the compression ratio is changed depending on whether the program has high image quality. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the compression ratio may be changed depending on whether or not the quality of the program emphasizes the image quality. Apply a low compression ratio for programs that generally require high image quality, such as movie programs, and apply a high compression ratio when the image quality is not so demanding, such as news. Can be. By using such a method of determining the compression ratio, it is possible to store and distribute more programs with image quality suitable for the characteristics of each program by effectively using the limited storage capacity.

Using the shared server of this embodiment,
The following effects are further obtained. As shown in FIG.
In the case where there are a plurality of broadcasting stations 100 and programs are broadcast in different communication modes, conventionally, it was necessary to install an antenna corresponding to each communication mode in each home. However, according to the present invention, the reception of the broadcast is performed by the shared server. An antenna corresponding to each communication mode may be installed only in the shared server 102, and each home 126 may be connected to the home server 102 by a cable 124 or wirelessly. Therefore, it is not necessary to install an antenna corresponding to each communication mode in each home.

Further, according to the system of the present embodiment, the following efficient form can be adopted for the contract form between the broadcasting station and each home. Shared server 1
Since the operator 250 of the broadcast server 100 receives the information of the broadcasting station 100, a contract is required between the operator 250 of the shared server 102 and each broadcasting company of the broadcasting station 100. On the other hand, the operator 250 of the shared server 102 and each home 126
(Contractor) also has some kind of contract.

Here, the broadcasting station 100 and the shared server 102
As a contract with the operator 250, a contract including a contract with each contractor 126 is also included. Then, as a result, an individual contract between each broadcasting station and each home 126 becomes unnecessary. Each home has a shared server 102
It is only necessary to make a contract with the operator 250 collectively, which simplifies complicated payment processing with a large number of broadcasters.

[0091] The operator 250 of the shared server 102 establishes an agreement with each home 126 so as to obtain an amount larger than the sum of the amount paid in the contract with each broadcaster 100 and the total operating cost of the shared server 102. Profit can be raised by setting the contract amount. For each home, complicated processing of individual contracts with a large number of broadcasters can be simplified, and payment can be made collectively. In addition, since the services of various broadcasting stations can be received by the shared server 102, there is ample motivation to make such a contract. Also, each broadcasting station is likely to conclude such a contract similarly, because billing work for individual contractors and accounting processing associated with payment are reduced.

In order to realize such a system, a billing process is indispensable. FIG. 7 shows the contents of the charging process in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, in the system according to the present embodiment, a billing calculation is performed for each distribution of broadcast data. First, when there is a distribution request from the contractor's home (270), it is checked whether the requested program is being broadcast or stored and distribution is possible (272). If the program can be distributed, the program is distributed to the home of the subscriber who made the request (274), and charge calculation is performed (276). In this embodiment, each time one program is distributed, a fixed amount is added to the billing amount.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 272 that the program cannot be distributed, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the home of the requesting contractor (278), and the process ends.

By performing such a charging process,
For each contractor, charging can be performed according to the number of programs distributed.

In this example, a fixed amount is charged for each program distribution. However, the present invention is not limited to such a charging method. For example, a billing calculation may be performed such that a certain amount of money is added each time there is distribution for a certain time. In addition, the billing variant will be described later with reference to FIG.
6, and will be described with reference to FIGS.

The shared server according to the present embodiment provides the following advantages for each home.

[0097] Various antennas are not required, and the appearance of the house is not spoiled. Since programs on many channels can be viewed with one cable or wirelessly, there is no need to repeat antenna construction.

A program that has been broadcast for a certain period in the past can be watched at any time without installing a home server in each home.

Since there is no need to install a home server in each home, it is free from processing such as home server cost, installation area, electricity cost for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The same program can be watched at different times between homes connected to the same shared server. For example, when a user in a certain home gives an impression of a program to a family in another home, the family can request and view the same program from a shared server. As a result, communication between local households becomes active.

In each home, only a simple device for display is required, and an antenna, a tuner, and the like are not required.

Since the program can be viewed as far back as the broadcast time before a certain period, it is not necessary to record the answering machine, and a video recording device and a video tape for that purpose are not required.

The specific advantages provided by the common server 102 for the broadcasting station are as follows.

Since it is possible to know which programs have been watched individually and which programs have been requested for viewing at each home, the audience rating can be accurately grasped.

By obtaining statistical information on distributed broadcast data, the total audience rating of each program can be ascertained.

As described above, according to the shared server of this embodiment, it is possible to view a program broadcast in a certain period in the past at an arbitrary time in each home without installing a home server in each home. it can. Since the storage device of the server is shared by each home, the usage efficiency of the storage device is high. Since there is no need to install a home server in each home,
There is no fear that an excessive burden will be placed on each household. Also, it is only necessary to make a contract between the operator of the shared server and the broadcasting company, and between the operator of the shared server and each household (contractor), and it is not necessary for each broadcasting company and each household to make an individual contract. for that reason,
Each family is freed from the task of individually signing contracts with broadcasters and the task of paying individually. Further, each broadcaster can individually grasp the accurate audience rating and the total audience rating of the program, which is useful in negotiating contracts with sponsors and in formulating a program production policy. [Second Embodiment] In the system of the first embodiment, only one shared server is connected to each home. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such. For example, there may be a plurality of shared servers connected to each home. The system according to the second embodiment is of such a form.

Referring to FIG. 8, the system includes a plurality of shared servers 300, 302, and 304 having a function of receiving a program from broadcast station 100 and a CATV station (not shown) and distributing the program to homes 126, respectively. Including.

[0108] Shared server 300 has a function of receiving BS and CS broadcasts and distributing them to each home. Shared server 3
02 has a function of receiving VHF and UHF broadcasts and delivering them to each home. The shared server 304 has a function of receiving the BS digital broadcast and the terrestrial digital broadcast and distributing them to each home. That is, in the system of the present embodiment, a plurality of shared servers receive and distribute signals from mutually exclusive signal sources. As described above, since the shared servers only need to receive and distribute signals from the exclusive signal sources, the capacity of the receiver, storage device, and the like required by each shared server can be reduced. Also, since requests from each home are distributed among a plurality of shared servers, if it is assumed that the amount of program distribution requested from each home is the same as in the first embodiment, one shared server Per delivery is reduced. Alternatively, assuming that each shared server has the same scale as that of the first embodiment, it can be said that the amount that can be distributed as a whole increases.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, each home 126 is connected to three shared servers 300, 302 and 304. In such a case, the terminal control device 132 (see FIG. 1) provided in each home performs the following control. With reference to FIG. 9, the terminal control device 132 first operates the first shared server 300
Requesting the distribution of the program designated by the user (32
0). Based on the signal sent from the server, it is determined whether the program can be distributed from the first shared server 300 (322). If distribution is possible, the first shared server 3
This program is received from 0:00 (324), and the process ends.

When it is determined in step 322 that distribution from the first shared server 300 is impossible, a distribution request is transmitted to the second shared server 302 (330). Then, according to the signal sent from the second shared server 302, the program is transmitted to the second shared server 3.
It is determined from step 02 whether distribution is possible (332). If distribution is possible, the program is received from the second shared server 302 (334), and the process ends.

When it is determined in step 332 that distribution from the second shared server 302 is impossible, a distribution request is transmitted to the third shared server 304 (340). Then, the signal is transmitted from the third shared server 304 to the third shared server 3.
It is determined whether or not distribution is possible from 04 (342). If distribution is possible, the program is received from the third shared server 304 (344), and the process ends.

If it is determined in step 342 that distribution from the third shared server 304 is also impossible, a message indicating that the program cannot be received is displayed to the user (346), and processing is performed. To end. [Third Embodiment] In the system of the second embodiment, the load on each shared server is reduced. But,
Conversely, each home must connect to a plurality of shared servers, and as a result, the burden on each home may increase in comparison with the case of the first embodiment in terms of wiring work and the like. The system according to the third embodiment has a configuration capable of reducing such a burden on each home.

Referring to FIG. 10, the system according to the third embodiment exclusively receives broadcasts from broadcast station 100 and a CATV station (not shown), similarly to the system according to the second embodiment. A plurality of shared servers 350,
352 and 354 and a plurality of subscriber homes 126 each connected to one particular shared server by cable 370 or wireless communication 372.

The shared servers 350 and 352 are interconnected by some communication medium 360, the shared servers 350 and 354 are interconnected by a communication medium 362, and the shared servers 352 and 354 are interconnected by a communication medium 364.

As described above, when shared servers 350, 352 and 354 are connected to each other and can communicate with each other, each home 126 can connect to any one of the shared servers. You can also receive program distribution from.

For example, in FIG.
It is assumed that there is a distribution request of a certain program from No. 6 and the request is stored only in the third shared server 354. In this case, the program is distributed from the shared server 354 to the leftmost home 126 via the route 370 using the communication medium 362 and the cable 370 in FIG. The procedure for checking from which shared server the program can be distributed may be the same as that in the second embodiment, and therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

According to the system of the third embodiment, the number of connections between each home and the shared server is reduced, the number of cables required for connection is reduced, and the wiring required for wiring is reduced. The effect of reducing the number of works can be obtained. [Fourth Embodiment] In the systems of the first to third embodiments, it has been premised that the shared server records programs of all channels and all times. But,
Depending on the channel, there may be a time zone during which the program is not broadcast. In such a case, it is meaningless to record the broadcast data received on the channel in that time zone. Therefore, in the shared server of the system according to the fourth embodiment, for each channel, only a certain time zone of broadcasting is stored in advance as a storage time zone, and broadcast data is stored only in that time zone.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a broadcast time zone 394 of a certain channel (channels A, B, and C) 390. The horizontal axis 392 indicates time. Figure 1 for each channel
By performing recording on the shared server only during the broadcasting time period as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity of the storage unit required to accumulate all programs for a certain period.

Referring to FIG. 12, the processing performed by each shared server in this case has the following control structure.
First, it is determined whether or not the current time is a storage time zone corresponding to the scheduled broadcast time zone (400). If it is in the storage time zone, it is stored (402), and if it is not in the storage time zone, the storage is stopped (404). [Fifth Embodiment] In the system of the fourth embodiment, a storage time zone is stored in advance. However, it is also possible to determine from a received signal whether or not there is a broadcast on each channel. In the system according to the fifth embodiment, whether or not a program is being broadcast is determined from an actual received signal, and whether to store the program is determined in accordance with the result.

FIG. 13 shows a control structure of a process performed for each channel in each shared server in that case. Referring to FIG. 13, the shared server according to the present embodiment first determines from a received signal whether or not a program is being broadcast (410). If it is determined that the program is being broadcast, the program is stored (4
12) If not being broadcast, storage is stopped (414).

In the shared server of the fifth embodiment,
The same effect as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained. [Sixth Embodiment] In the first to fifth embodiments, it has been assumed that all programs of all channels for a certain period are accumulated. However, as a practical matter, it may be difficult to accumulate all programs for a certain period due to the limitation of the storage capacity of the storage unit 118. Further, among programs, there may be programs that are not viewed at all at homes connected to the shared server due to regional restrictions or time restrictions, or statistically.

In such a case, it is desirable not to store a part of all programs in terms of efficient use of the storage capacity of the storage unit 118. The system according to the sixth embodiment provides such a flexible storage method.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a stored program schedule. Referring to FIG. 14, for each channel (channels A, B, and C) 390, the broadcast time zone and its program contents are classified and stored as a schedule.
In FIG. 14, the horizontal axis 392 indicates time. For example, in the case of channel A, the broadcast time slot 420 is set to a recording time automatically added to the program recording schedule so that the same program of the next week is stored when the user has requested the program to be viewed but has not been stored. A band 422, a recording time period 424 added to the program recording schedule at the request of the user, a recording time period 426 preset as an initial setting, and a program automatically added to the program recording schedule according to the audience rating of the program. Recording time zone 428 and the other non-accumulated program time zones.

The recording time zone 426 is a so-called “golden time” from 18:00 to 22:00, and is a time zone where it is expected that there are many requests for program viewing.

By adding programs to the stored program list according to the demands of each home as indicated by the recording time zone 422, programs expected to be viewed at each home can be reliably stored.

As shown by the recording time zone 422, in the system according to the present embodiment, a viewing request is issued from each home as a program to be watched, but if the program is not recorded, the following is performed. Control for automatically adding the same program of the week to the program storage schedule is performed. By performing such a control, for example, when a viewing request is issued for the first time because the user wants to watch a certain program, even if the user cannot view the program for the first time, the user can view the program from the next time. Play. In addition, for a program that has been automatically added in this way, control is performed to automatically delete the program from the program storage schedule when there is no viewing request despite the fact that the program has been stored in the next week. By this automatic deletion, accumulation of programs that are not viewed can be stopped, and useless use of the storage capacity of the storage unit can be prevented.

The recording time zone 428 is automatically added to the program storage schedule according to the following conditions.

When a viewing request for a program with a particular performer in each household is frequently issued, other programs in which the performer appears are automatically added to the program storage schedule.

A program expected to have a high audience rating is automatically added to the program storage schedule in advance.

The viewer ratings of the programs being broadcast are totaled, and the programs with the higher viewer ratings are automatically added to the program storage schedule based on the total viewer ratings. The shared server distributes not only the stored program but also the program currently being broadcast, so that such ratings can be easily aggregated.

The nationwide broadcast of each program being broadcast
Alternatively, a program with a certain rating or higher is automatically added to the program storage schedule based on the regional rating.

FIG. 15 shows a control structure of a process for a schedule addition request in the shared server, and FIG. 16 shows a control structure of a process for automatically adding a program storage based on a viewing request. FIG. 17 shows a control structure for deletion, and FIG. 18 shows a control structure for processing for automatically adding a program with a high rating to the program storage schedule based on the rating.

Referring to FIG. 15, when a request for adding a program storage schedule is received (440), it is determined whether or not the program is already in the schedule (442). If the program is not in the schedule, the program is newly added and registered in the program storage schedule (444). If the program already exists in the schedule, the process ends without doing anything.

Referring to FIG. 16, upon receiving a distribution request from the home (460), it is determined whether or not the program is stored in the storage unit (462). If the program is stored, the program is distributed (464), and a billing process is performed (4).
66). If not stored, a signal indicating that fact is transmitted to the home (470), and the program is added to the program storage schedule as described above (47).
2).

As described above, by analyzing the intention of each home and automatically adding it to the program storage schedule, it is possible to generate a program storage schedule that accurately reflects the intention of each home. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the storage capacity of the storage unit while more accurately answering each household's intention.

Referring to FIG. 17, the process of automatically deleting the automatically added program from the program storage schedule is performed as follows. It is assumed that the shared server performs a process of adding the number of distributions each time the stored program is distributed to the home. First, a process for obtaining the number of distributions of the automatically added program (deletion candidate) is performed (500). As a result, if the number of distributions is 0, no one has viewed the program, and the program is deleted from the program storage schedule (504).

Referring to FIG. 18, for all programs,
Processing for determining whether to automatically add to the program storage schedule based on the audience rating will be described. First, get the index value indicating the first program, such as the program number,
The program to be processed is set as the first program (510). For the program corresponding to the index value, the audience rating data is obtained from its own total value or the audience rating published nationwide (512). It is determined whether or not the rating is equal to or higher than a reference value (514). If the value is equal to or more than the reference value, the program is automatically added to the program storage schedule.If the value is less than the reference value, the program is not added to the program storage schedule. The program is deleted (518).

Then, it is determined whether or not there is any remaining program (520). If there is any remaining program, the index value is advanced and the next program is processed (522).
After this processing is performed for this new program. If it is determined in step 520 that there is no remaining program, the process ends.

According to the system of this embodiment, a program is added to a program storage list according to requests from homes and results of analyzing the requests. Also, the program is added to the program storage list based on the audience rating. for that reason,
The storage capacity of the storage unit can be effectively used while accurately answering the demands of each household according to the demands of the households and the viewing tendency. [Seventh Embodiment] In the system according to the sixth embodiment, a program to be recorded is registered in a program storage schedule automatically or at home's request, and the program is stored according to the schedule. However, the effects described above are not necessarily obtained only when the program is stored according to the contents set in the program storage schedule in advance. In the system according to the seventh embodiment, a program is always stored in the storage unit 118 or another storage device, and a real-time audience rating of the program in a nationwide or in a certain region is equal to or more than a certain value. In such a case, the stored program is permanently stored. Otherwise, the program is deleted immediately after the end of the program.

By such control, it is determined whether or not to store the broadcasted program based on the actual, real-time audience rating without adding the program to the program storage schedule in advance. For this reason, it is possible to effectively predict and accumulate programs that are expected to have a viewing request from each home.

FIG. 19 shows a control structure of processing in the shared server of this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, the audience rating of the temporarily stored program is obtained (530). This rating is provided as real-time information by contracting with a service provider. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the obtained rating is equal to or less than a predetermined appropriate reference value for determining whether or not the program should be stored (532). If your rating is below the threshold,
The temporarily stored program is deleted (534). Otherwise, do nothing. That is, in this case, the temporarily stored program is stored as it is. [Eighth Embodiment] In the system of the seventh embodiment, according to the audience rating of a nationwide or regional program,
It was determined whether the temporarily stored program should be deleted or stored. However, the invention is not limited to such. For example, it is assumed that there are a plurality of shared servers, and each shared server distributes a similar program. In this case, the rating may be calculated based on the rating of each of the plurality of shared servers when determining whether to store the program. Then, for a program whose audience rating is equal to or higher than the reference value, the temporarily stored program is stored without being erased. When it is assumed that there are a plurality of shared servers, it is not necessary to temporarily store the program being broadcast in all the shared servers. A process for storing the program may be performed, and the program temporarily stored may be distributed and accumulated to each shared server when it is determined that the audience rating is high.

FIG. 20 shows a processing flow for calculating the audience rating, and FIG. 21 shows a processing flow for determining whether or not to receive distribution of a program from another shared server based on the audience rating.

Referring to FIG. 20, first, the audience rating in the shared server is obtained from another first shared server (54).
0). In the same manner, the audience rating of each shared server is obtained up to the Nth shared server (546). Finally, the total rating is calculated based on the obtained N pieces of rating data (548). In this case, the rating of the user may be included in the calculation of the rating.

Referring to FIG. 21, the audience rating is obtained as described above (560). It is determined whether this audience rating is equal to or higher than the reference value (562). If it is less than the reference value, do nothing.
If it is equal to or more than the reference value, it is determined whether or not the program in which the audience rating is recorded is already stored in itself (56).
4). If the data has been stored, the process ends. If not stored, another shared server is searched (56
6) It is determined whether the program is stored in another shared server (568). If there is a shared server storing the program, the program is received from the server (step 57).
0) End the process. If there is no shared server storing the program, the process ends.

As described above, by determining storage / discarding of a program based on the real-time audience rating of the program,
Programs that are expected to have a viewing request from each home can be stored in the server with a high probability. [Ninth Embodiment] In the shared server according to the above-described embodiments, a FIFO is used by using a storage area of a predetermined size.
Broadcast data was stored in a system. However, the method of deleting broadcast data in the present invention is not limited to such a method. In the system according to the ninth embodiment, a storage period or a deletion time is determined for each program, and the deletion of each program is controlled based on the storage period or the deletion time.

Referring to FIG. 22, this processing is performed as follows. First, an index value indicating a program to be processed is set as a value indicating the first program (580).
Subsequently, information on the time at which the program indicated by the index value should be deleted is obtained (582). This information
It is assumed that the value is stored in advance in the storage unit of the shared server as a value for each program.

In step 584, it is determined whether or not the deletion time of the program indicated by the index value has passed (5).
84) If the deletion time has elapsed, the program is deleted from the storage unit (586).

Further, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining program (588). If there is a remaining program, the index value is advanced to a value indicating the next program, and the control returns to step 582.
Thereafter, the processing of steps 582 to 588 (590) is repeated. If it is determined in step 588 that there is no remaining program, the process ends.

By doing so, there is an effect that the time at which a program is erased is clearly determined regardless of the size of the storage capacity of the storage unit, as compared with the case of erasing by the FIFO method. [Tenth Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the storage unit 118 is handled as one FIFO storage area as a whole. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the storage unit 118 may be divided into a plurality of storage areas and used separately.

Referring to FIG. 23, in the system according to the tenth embodiment, the storage area of the storage section includes a first storage area 560 and a second storage area 562. For each program, the first storage area 560 and the second storage area 56
2 is stored in advance. FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second program is
In the storage area 562 of the other programs B to F (572)
Is stored in the first storage area 560 in advance.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, program A (57
Since all programs other than 6) are stored in the first storage area 560, the program B (572) is deleted when the program G is stored, as shown in FIGS. You. The same applies to other programs. On the other hand, program A (57
Regarding 6), a second storage area 562 different from these is used.
At the time when the program B (572) is deleted. In other words, by performing such operations, if the number of programs assigned to a certain storage area is small, the program can be stored for a longer period than the programs assigned to other storage areas.

For example, only a certain drama is stored in second storage area 562, and all other programs are stored in first storage area 560. In this case, only the broadcast data of the drama series is stored in the second storage area for several weeks or more. Therefore, this serial drama can be watched collectively.

In performing such control, a program requested by a home may be stored in the second storage area 562. With such a setting, a program requested by each home can be recorded for a long time. In addition, if the requesting user finishes watching the program, the program can be erased so that the storage area can be effectively used.

By dividing the storage area and using the programs as in the system of the present embodiment, the period in which the programs are stored can be divided into a long term and a short term. Eleventh Embodiment As a modification of the tenth embodiment, a fixed storage area can be prepared for each home. FIG. 24 shows a schematic diagram of the storage area in that case.

Referring to FIG. 24, the storage area of the system of this embodiment includes a common storage area 600 and a plurality of dedicated storage areas 602 prepared for each home. The program 572 is stored in the common storage area 600 in FIFO.
It is stored in a manner. On the other hand, in the dedicated storage area 602,
Only the program requested by the corresponding home is stored.

As described above, if a dedicated storage area is provided for each home, the same effect as having a video recorder and a tape for each home can be obtained. In addition, since one storage area corresponds to one home, and the same storage area can be referred to from any display device in one home, a video recording device is provided for each room in the home. Is the same as preparing

Furthermore, if the storage area dedicated to a certain home can be accessed from another home, the same effect as renting a video tape owned by one home to another home can be obtained. Can be played.
Moreover, in the case of the present embodiment, there is no need to physically hand over the video tape, so that it is much easier than in the conventional method.

When a dedicated storage area is provided for each home as described above, the user of each home may explicitly instruct the deletion of a program, or automatically when the user of each home watches. The program may be deleted. When the data is automatically deleted, the storage area can be saved.

In the system of this embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a control structure of a program for realizing control for automatically deleting a program when a user in each household watches the program.
It is shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 25, first, a distribution request from each home is received (610). In response to the distribution request, the program is distributed to the home. In this case, the program is distributed to the home from the common storage area if the program is in the common storage area, and from the dedicated storage area if the program is in the dedicated storage area.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the distributed program is stored in a dedicated storage area (614). If it is not a dedicated storage area, the process ends. If it is a dedicated storage area, it is determined whether the viewed home is a home corresponding to the dedicated storage area (616), and if so, the program is deleted from the dedicated storage area. Otherwise, leave the program as is.

By providing a dedicated storage area for each home in the shared server as in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a video recording device for each home. In addition, if the home is connected to the same shared server, it is possible to view a program stored in a dedicated storage area for another home. [Twelfth Embodiment] A broadcast is a so-called advertisement (hereinafter referred to as "C
M ”. It is a matter of course that the medium is suitable for (1).
On the other hand, CMs may not be very welcomed depending on the program. Therefore, the shared server according to the twelfth embodiment can send a C
Provides a function to cut and distribute M. However, also in this case, the CM is not cut at all, but only under limited conditions. For example, it is assumed that the CM is not cut at the time of the first distribution of the program, and the CM is cut otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 26, first, it is determined whether or not the distribution of a program to be transmitted to a home is the first distribution to the home. With each distribution of each program to each home,
It is assumed that a function of counting the number of distributions of the program is provided in the shared server.

If the distribution is the first time, it is determined whether or not there is a CM cut request from the home of the distribution destination. If the CM cut request has been issued in advance, a program without CM is distributed ( 634) The process ends. If the CM cut request has not been issued, a program with CM is distributed (6
36) End the process.

If it is determined in step 630 that the delivery of this program to the home is not the second or subsequent delivery, that is, it is determined to be the first delivery, the program with CM is delivered and the process (636) is performed. finish.

By performing the above control, it is necessary for each home to watch the CM in the first distribution of the program, but it is possible to select whether to cut the CM in the second and subsequent distributions. Becomes

As described above, it is not possible to cut a CM during the first distribution, but it is possible to cut a CM while satisfying the request of the broadcasting station to broadcast the CM at a minimum by making it selectable from the second time. It can also respond to each household's request to view the completed program.

It should be noted that in this embodiment,
If the distribution of the program is performed not on the stored program but on the program being broadcast, it means that it is impossible to cut the CM in the first place. Since the second and subsequent distributions are always performed from the storage unit, the CM can always be cut when specified.

[0169] If circumstances permit, it is technically possible to operate the system such that the CM is cut even in the first delivery, as long as the delivery is from the storage unit.

[0170] It is also conceivable to operate such that the charged amount when viewing a program including a CM is smaller than the charged amount when viewing a program with a cut CM. In this case, it is possible to receive the CM distribution fee from the CM creator and use it for the reduction in billing. Conversely, the charge amount of the program in which the CM is cut is increased, and the difference is set to C
You may pay to the maker of M.

[0171] Where the content of the broadcast data is a CM,
As a method of determining whether it is other than that, conventionally, C
Since a method used in a video recording device having an M-cut function or the like can be used, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

In the system according to the present embodiment, the number of times of viewing for each program in each home is counted. Therefore, the shared server calculates the total audience rating for each program. Since the usual audience rating calculation is performed only for one broadcast, it is not possible to count a case where a video is recorded and viewed repeatedly at each home. On the other hand, in the system of the present embodiment, it is possible to grasp how many times each program has been viewed on the shared server, and calculate the audience rating including the number of times of re-viewing. [Thirteenth Embodiment] The number of broadcast channels increases,
Although being able to view programs of various contents is a benefit for the user, problems associated with it also arise. For example, a family with children may want to restrict the distribution of programs that they do not want to show to children. This embodiment and the fourteenth and first
The fifth embodiment relates to a shared server that enables such a distribution restriction.

In the shared server according to the thirteenth embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a distribution contract for each channel.
Distribution is restricted for channels for which there is no distribution contract.

Referring to FIG. 27, when there is a distribution request for a program of a certain channel, it is first determined whether or not there is a contract for that channel (65).
0). If there is no contract, a transmission refusal error message is transmitted to the home display device and displayed (6).
54). If there is a contract, the designated program is distributed to the home (652).

By restricting the distribution for each channel in this way, it is possible to prevent, for example, a channel having many programs that the child does not want to show at home from being viewed at home. In addition, by omitting from a contract in advance a pay channel for which the viewing of the program itself is payable, each home will not be able to view the contents of such a pay channel, and it will be necessary to pay a fee by watching it incorrectly. There is no danger. [Fourteenth Embodiment] In the system according to the fourteenth embodiment, the distribution can be restricted as in the thirteenth embodiment. In the system according to this embodiment, a time zone in which distribution is to be restricted is specified in advance at each home. For example, in a home where a child does not want to be watched until late at night, the late night may be subject to distribution restrictions.

Referring to FIG. 28, in this case, the shared server determines whether or not the time zone in which the distribution request is made is within the contract time (670). If it is outside the contract time, a delivery rejection error message is transmitted to the display device of the home and displayed (674). If it is within the contract time, the designated program is distributed to the home (672).

With such a shared server, in a home where children do not want to view late into the night, late-night viewing can be restricted to restrict children from late-night viewing. [Fifteenth Embodiment] In the system according to the fifteenth embodiment, it can be specified at home whether or not distribution is possible for each program. In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, first, it is determined whether or not the program requested to be distributed is a program that can be distributed (680). If it is specified that distribution is impossible, a distribution rejection error message is transmitted to the home display device and displayed (684). If distribution is possible, the designated program is distributed to the home (682).

By performing such control, it is possible to examine whether each child does not want to selectively show the program for each program in each home, and to set such that only the programs which the user does not want to show are rejected. .

Instead of specifying whether each program can be distributed individually as in this embodiment, category information is added to each program in advance, and distribution at home is performed collectively for each category. Whether or not it is possible may be specified. [Sixteenth Embodiment] With regard to the home display device 130 (see FIG. 1), the broadcast data is distributed from the shared server only after a certain action is performed from the display device side in the devices of the above embodiments. Had become. However, the present invention is not limited to the use of such a display device. In the system according to the sixteenth embodiment, as the display device used in each home, a display device whose display is automatically started when there is some distribution from the shared server is used. In response to this, it is assumed that each home can designate in advance the time of distribution to each shared server.

The processing performed by the shared server in this case will be described with reference to FIG. First, the first terminal (terminal control device in the display device) is selected (70).
0). Next, the setting for the terminal to be processed is read from the corresponding setting file (702), and it is determined whether or not it is time to distribute (704). If it is time to deliver, the program specified in the venue setting file is delivered to the terminal (70).
6).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there are remaining terminals (708). If there are any remaining terminals, the processing target is advanced to the next terminal (710), and the processing from step 702 onward is repeated. If it is determined in step 708 that there is no remaining terminal, the process ends.

On the other hand, the terminal control device of the display device on the user side performs control as shown in FIG. First, it is checked whether or not the user is set to the automatic display mode (720). If the mode is not the automatic display mode, the process ends. If it is the automatic display mode, then it is determined whether or not there is distribution from the shared server (722). If there is no distribution, the power is turned off and the process ends (728). If there is distribution, the power is turned on (724), and the distributed broadcast data is displayed (72).
6).

By using such a shared server and a display device, each home can use this distribution system instead of waking up, and can surely watch a desired program at a certain broadcast time. Will be possible. By distributing an emergency broadcast or the like via this shared server, it becomes possible to transmit emergency information to each home.

By providing a function for easily changing the settings of the automatic reception and display, it is possible to use the distribution system differently on weekdays and on holidays.
In addition, the setting information stored in the shared server can be set from a home other than the home corresponding to the setting information. By providing such a function, for example, for a person who is not sure about how to use this distribution system, another person can also make settings. [Seventeenth Embodiment] Among the embodiments described above,
There is a first embodiment in which the compression ratio is changed according to the image quality of an image to effectively use the storage area of the storage unit. In the seventeenth embodiment, a control for changing the compression ratio according to the user's request is added, so that the program can be distributed with the image quality according to the user's request.

In this embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, three types of image quality information, that is, low image quality, high image quality, and neither, are given as program information for each program. I do. Referring to FIG. 32, first, it is determined whether or not the program to be compressed is a high-quality program (740).
If the program is a high-quality program, compression setting using a low compression ratio is performed (748). If the program is not a high-quality program, it is determined whether the program is a low-quality program (742). If the program is a low-quality program, compression setting applying a high compression rate is performed (74).
4). In other cases, normal image quality is set by applying a medium compression ratio (746). By this processing, the storage image quality of the program to be compressed is initialized.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the image quality (compression ratio) of the target program has been specified by the home user (750). If the image quality is specified, it is determined whether or not the specification is for high image quality (76).
4). When the designation for high image quality is specified, the image quality once set is changed to the high image quality setting (76).
0).

If it is determined in step 752 that the designation of high image quality is not specified, it is determined whether or not the specification of normal image quality is specified (754). If the desired image quality has not been designated, the setting of the image quality is not changed.
If it is determined in step 754 that "normal image quality is desired", it is further determined whether or not the image quality of the target program has been initially set to high image quality (756). If the image quality is initially set to high image quality, the image quality is set as it is. If the image quality is not initially set to high image quality, the image quality is set to normal image quality (758). In addition to the image quality setting, the image quality at the time of compression can be set in consideration of the specification by the user.

Further, in the shared server according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the image quality is further specified on the broadcast side by the process of step 762. This designation is effective when the broadcaster does not want to re-distribute with high image quality.

First, it is determined whether or not there is a designation on the broadcast side for compression (762). If this designation is not made, compression processing is executed according to the image quality determined in the processing up to step 760 (780). If there is no designation on the broadcast side, control proceeds to step 764.

At step 764, the broadcast side determines whether or not there is a designation of only low image quality at the time of re-distribution (764). If this designation has been made, a high compression ratio corresponding to low image quality is set as the compression ratio (772), and control proceeds to step 780. If the broadcast side does not specify that the image quality should be low, it is determined whether or not the broadcast side has specified that the image quality at the time of redistribution be limited to the normal image quality (766). If not specified, step 7
At 80, compression processing is performed according to the settings made so far. If the normal image quality is specified,
Control proceeds to step 768.

At step 768, it is determined whether or not the initial setting of the target program is low image quality (768). If the image quality is low, compression is performed in accordance with the designation (780). Otherwise, the image quality is set to normal image quality (770) and compression is performed according to the setting (780).

By executing the compression processing having the above-described control structure on the shared server, the image quality specified for each program, the image quality specified by the user, and the image quality specified at the time of re-distribution by the broadcasting side are obtained. Thus, it is possible to perform compression and distribution utilizing the user's intention while respecting the broadcaster's intention. [Eighteenth Embodiment] Until the seventeenth embodiment, once compressed broadcast data is not changed at all until it is decompressed at the time of distribution, except for the case where it is deleted. However, the present invention is not limited to only those employing such a recording method. For example, it is conceivable that once compressed broadcast data is recompressed again thereafter. The system of the eighteenth embodiment is characterized in that broadcast data that has been compressed and stored for a certain period of time is compressed again.
In that case, recompression is performed at a higher compression ratio (with reduced image quality) than the first compression. Thereby, the area occupied by the broadcast data is reduced, and the storage area of the storage unit can be effectively used.

In this case, the shared server executes a process having the following control structure. In the following description, it is assumed that it is determined whether to recompress all the programs stored in a compressed state. The processing described below is repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

Referring to FIG. 33, an index value is set to a value indicating the first stored program to be processed (80).
0). The storage time for the stored program indicated by the index value is obtained (802). The storage time refers to the elapsed time since the last time the program was compressed and stored.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the storage time is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value for performing processing for compressing at a high compression rate (804). If it is less than the reference value, no processing is performed on the stored program. If it is not less than the reference value, it is determined whether or not this stored program has already been compressed at a high compression ratio (806). Only when it is not already compressed at a high compression rate, the stored program is recompressed at a high compression rate (806).

At step 810, it is determined whether or not there is a remaining stored program. If there is, the index value is advanced to a value indicating the next stored program (812), control is returned to step 802, and Repeat the process. If there is no remaining stored program, the process ends.

The means for compression may be provided inside the storage unit itself, or may be read out from the storage unit once and compressed there.

When the image quality is changed as described above, the viewing fee can be changed according to the image quality of the program to be distributed. For example, the viewing amount is increased in the case of high image quality distribution, and is decreased in the case of low image quality. This is because high quality programs require more storage space due to the lower compression ratio,
This is because a low-quality program requires only a small storage area. That is, the viewing fee for each program is determined according to the amount of resources required to store those programs.

[0199] In the same way, it is also conceivable that a program stored for a long time consumes resources for a long time, so that a program broadcasted in the distant past has a higher viewing fee. If there is a user who wants to watch past broadcast data even if it is expensive, the amount that can be collected will increase, and the collected amount will be allocated to the storage device, which is a resource, so that more past programs will be stored. To be delivered. That is, when the number of programs that need to be recorded for a long period increases, the cost for increasing the resources consumed for the programs can be automatically procured. [Nineteenth Embodiment] In the twelfth embodiment, a CM is cut from a program. Conversely, a process of inserting a CM into a program on a shared server basis as in the nineteenth embodiment can be performed.

Referring to FIG. 34A, in a normal distribution, a program 822 is transmitted after a distribution request 820, and a CM 824 is inserted therebetween. In contrast, this first
In the shared server according to the ninth embodiment, for example, FIG.
As shown in (B), the CM 830 unique to the shared server is newly added immediately after the distribution request, and thereafter, the normal program 822 and the normal CM 824 are distributed.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 34C, an additional CM 830 is transmitted immediately after the distribution request, and thereafter, the program 822 and a unique C
M832 can also be broadcast. Further, FIG.
As shown in (D), after adding an additional CM 830 immediately after the distribution request 820, it is possible to operate such that no CM is inserted into the program.

As described above, at the time of distribution, the CM
, It is possible to collect a fee from a company requesting distribution of a CM. Therefore, this CM
May be for a small company. Since the shared server itself is set up in a relatively small area distributed in various places,
A CM limited to a very small scale and range corresponding to the area is sufficient. Conversely, since broadcasting of such commercials has not been possible in the past, there is a possibility that distribution by the shared server will be a new commercial medium. In particular, the use of the shared server is useful for information that is to be distributed only to a very small area, not limited to commercials. For example, it can be used for advertisement of small retail stores, public relations of residents' associations, communication, and communication from schools to families. As the transmission of information to such a small area, distribution by this shared server provides a new means. [Twentieth Embodiment] Up to the shared server system according to the nineteenth embodiment, information is provided only in one direction from the shared server to each home. However, as shown in FIG. 1, since each home is connected to the shared server by a communication medium capable of two-way communication such as cable and wireless, information can be uploaded from each home to the shared server. Become.
The system according to the twentieth embodiment enables such information to be uploaded.

Referring to FIG. 35, a shared server 850 according to the twentieth embodiment is managed by an administrator 880, and includes an antenna 110 for receiving a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, A signal generation unit 114 connected to an output of the antenna 110, a storage unit 118 for compressing and storing broadcast information output from the signal generation unit 114, and expanding and outputting designated broadcast information; Part 1
14 and the broadcast information output from the storage unit 118 is selected and the delivery destination home 126 is selected.
And a connection unit 86 having a function of receiving information from each home 126 and storing it in the storage unit 118.
2, the signal generation unit 114, the storage unit 118, and the connection unit 8
And a control unit 860 for controlling the control unit 62.

In the system according to the twentieth embodiment,
For example, information uploaded from the leftmost home in FIG. 35 to shared server 850 via route 870 can be distributed to other homes via route 872 or the like. Therefore, media that can be distributed only to each home in the area connected by the shared server can be provided. For the information uploaded in this way, the administrator 88
0 can collect a fee from the home where the user has watched it in the same manner as other programs. Then, the administrator 880 can distribute a part of the collected fee to the user who created the uploaded information (874).

As described above, in a very limited area,
The ability to upload, distribute, and collect and distribute information will create new commercial media, such as making films for limited areas. [Twenty-First Embodiment] In the system according to the first embodiment, the billing calculation is performed by a relatively simple billing method. However, it goes without saying that the billing method employed in the system of the present invention is not limited to only such a method. In the system according to the twenty-first embodiment, control is performed to change the billing amount depending on whether the number of times of viewing is the first time or the second or later times.

Referring to FIG. 36, when there is a distribution request for a certain program from each home (900), it is determined whether or not the distribution request is the second or subsequent distribution to the home (90).
2). If it is not the second or subsequent distribution (that is, the first distribution), a fee set in advance is charged as a fee for the first distribution (904). In the case of the second or later distribution, a fee set in advance is charged as the second or later fee (906).

For example, the first viewing is charged, the second viewing is free, the first viewing fee is a prescribed fee, and the second viewing is charged according to the number of viewings. It is possible to realize a billing method that reduces the cost. [Twenty-second embodiment] In the system of the twenty-second embodiment, still another billing method is adopted. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the system is capable of cutting a CM in the first program distribution and setting a CM cut in the second and subsequent distributions.

Referring to FIG. 37, in this embodiment,
In the accounting calculation accompanying the distribution of the program, it is first determined whether or not there is a CM cut request (910). If there is no CM cut request, the program is delivered with CM (92
0), a fee with CM is charged (922).

If there is no CM cut request, it is determined whether or not the distribution is the second or subsequent distribution of the program to the home (912). If the distribution is not the second or subsequent distribution (that is, the first distribution), the program is distributed with CM (920), and the fee with CM is charged (92).
2).

If there is a CM cut request and the distribution is the second or later distribution of the program to the home, the program is distributed without a CM (914), and C
A charge without M is charged (916).

By adopting such control, C
It is possible to increase the fee in the case of distribution without M, and perform operations such as converting a part of the fee to a company that provides CM. [Twenty-third Embodiment] It is also possible to change the charging fee according to the image quality of a distributed program. Referring to FIG. 38, in the system according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the program to be distributed has low image quality (940). If the program is a low image quality program, the program is distributed with a low image quality (952), and a charge calculation corresponding to the low image quality is performed (954).

If the image quality is not low, it is determined whether or not the program is a high quality one (942). If the program is a high-quality program, the program is distributed with high image quality (944), and a high-quality accounting calculation is performed (946). If the image quality is not high, the image is distributed with the normal image quality (948), and the accounting for the normal image quality is calculated (950).

[0213] As described above, by performing the charging according to the image quality at the time of distribution, a charging system suitable for the image quality can be realized. Of course, in this case, generally, the higher the image quality, the higher the charge. [Twenty-fourth Embodiment] In this embodiment, a charging form in the case of distributing an additional CM as described in the nineteenth embodiment will be described. In this case, the charging fee is changed depending on the presence or absence of the additional CM.

Referring to FIG. 39, it is determined whether or not there is an additional CM accompanying the distribution (1000). If there is no additional CM, the program is distributed without the additional CM (1002), and normal charging processing is performed (1004). If there is an additional CM, the program including the additional CM is distributed (1006), and the additional C
An accounting process with M is performed (1008).

As described above, when the charging method is changed according to the presence or absence of the additional CM, it becomes possible to operate such that the distribution fee is received from the provider or the store of the additional CM and reflected in the charging fee. That is, if there is an additional CM, the additional C
The billing fee can be reduced as compared with the case without M. As a result, each household can watch commercials closely related to the area and also can watch programs at a low price. Therefore, it is expected that business will be created through regional CM. [Twenty-fifth Embodiment] In the system according to the twenty-fifth embodiment, the charging fee is changed according to the program storage time.

Referring to FIG. 40, when distribution processing of a requested program is started (1020), a period (storage time) during which the program has been stored in the storage unit is checked. Then, it is determined whether or not the program has been stored in the storage unit for a predetermined reference time or more (102).
2). If it has been stored for more than the reference time, a billing process corresponding to the long-term stored program is performed (1026); otherwise, a normal billing process is performed (102).
4).

For example, if a user in a certain home requests that a specific program be stored in a specific area of the shared server and views the program after leaving it for a long period of time, the user will be required to store the program on the shared server for a long time. In this case, it is appropriate to charge a high fee in step 1026 because the storage area resource is occupied. By such a charging process, each user can be charged fairly according to the usage status of the resources of the shared server. [Twenty-sixth Embodiment] A home may be connected to a plurality of shared servers, and each shared server may provide a similar service. That is, there is a case where the same program can be distributed from both shared servers. In this case, it is desirable for the user to select and view a server with a low viewing fee. However, it is troublesome for the user to make such a selection one by one. In the system according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the terminal control device included in the display device of each home can select the server with the lowest charge and make a distribution request. Also, it is assumed that each server of this system has a function of replying to the charge from the program to be distributed in response to an inquiry from the terminal control device.

Referring to FIG. 41, the terminal control device of the display device provided in each home used in this system operates as follows. Here, it is assumed that there are three shared servers. First, the first server to the third server inquire and receive a distribution fee for a program to be distributed (1040, 1042, 1044).

Subsequently, the fee is compared between the first server and the third server (1046). If the first server is cheaper, control proceeds to step 1048; otherwise, control proceeds to step 1058. Step 104
At 8, a fee comparison is made between the first server and the second server. If the first server is cheaper, control proceeds to step 1050; otherwise, control proceeds to step 1054.

On the other hand, in the charge comparison (1046) between the first server and the third server, if the third server is cheaper, the process proceeds to step 1058 where the second server and the third server are inexpensive. A charge comparison is made. If the second server is cheaper, control proceeds to step 1054; otherwise, control proceeds to step 1060.

In the above processing, if the first server is the cheapest, the control goes to step 1050, if the second server is the cheapest, the control goes to step 1054, and the third server is the cheapest. In that case, control goes to step 1060,
You can see that they move forward.

In step 1050, the program is received from the first server, and the first server performs a billing process (1052), and ends the process. Step 10
At 54, the program is received from the second server, and the second server performs a billing process (1056), and ends the process. In step 1060, the program is received from the third server, and the third server performs a billing process (1062), and ends the process.

Therefore, in the system of this embodiment, each home user can select a server from among the possible options so that a desired program can be viewed at the lowest cost.

[0224]

As described above, according to the present invention, a past program can be viewed at any time on each contract device, although the period is limited to some extent. Also, since one server stores broadcast data for a plurality of contracted devices, the device cost is reduced. In addition, since there is no need to manage the server device in each home, the management cost, electricity cost, installation area, and the like of the server device are reduced. Further, the contractor is free from the trouble of preparing the server device by himself.

Each household only needs to have a simple display device, and does not need an antenna, a tuner, or the like. Therefore, installation work, wiring work, and the like for preparing the antenna for each broadcasting mode can be minimized. Also,
Since a broadcast program of a certain period can be watched later, it is not necessary to perform answering machine recording, and neither a video recorder nor a video tape is required.

The program currently being broadcast and the program stored in the storage means can be viewed. That is, it is possible to view even past programs. This may be wired, wireless, radio, television, or the like.

Provision of a plurality of shared servers enables distributed processing. In addition, the capacity of the receiver and storage device required by each shared server can be reduced,
As a result, the cost of the server device can be reduced.

The storage capacity can be effectively used by storing the broadcast data in the server device only during the broadcast time zone or by compressing and storing the broadcast data. Further, the stored program can be effectively selected according to the request of the contractor, and the capacity of the storage means required for the server device can be reduced. Alternatively, the period of a program that can be stored with a fixed storage capacity can be lengthened. Furthermore, by recording a program that the user may watch for a long time, the storage capacity of the storage unit can be effectively used.

[0229] By dividing the storage means for each contracted device, each subscriber can view the program as if he / she had a VCR without actually purchasing the VCR. Become. Further, if the contract device is connected to the same shared server device, another contract device can access the dedicated area.

[0230] Further, a program storage service business can be constructed by the shared server device, and profit can be increased. This frees each user from having to make individual contracts with each broadcaster and make individual payments.

For the operator of the shared server device, an environment can be realized in which the total audience rating of each program can be known. It is also possible to calculate the audience rating over a plurality of servers.

In accordance with a command from the user, it is possible to select whether or not to distribute an advertisement. At this time, it is possible to respond to the user's intention while at the minimum fulfilling the intention of the broadcasting side. In addition, it is possible to adjust the billing or advertisement fee at the time of program distribution.

In addition, distribution can be prohibited for stations, programs, and time zones for which distribution is not desired, and useless payment of fees, restriction of viewing of programs unfavorable for education or programs unfavorable for education can be restricted. Can be.

By providing the display device with an automatic display function, it becomes possible to use the shared server device instead of an alarm clock. In addition, it is possible to reliably transmit an emergency broadcast.

[0235] By making it possible to make settings relating to another contract device from a certain contract device, it is possible to perform desired settings even in a home where it is difficult to use a new device.

When it is necessary to record a program for a long period of time, by adjusting the charge at the time of distribution of the program as a function of the recorded period, purchase of resources necessary for recording the program for a long period of time is adjusted. Funds can be allocated for this purpose.

Further, it is possible to store and distribute the image quality according to the quality of the broadcasted program, the image quality according to the original image quality of the broadcasted program, and to efficiently use the storage capacity of the storage means. Can be. Furthermore, a program with a high audience rating can be recorded with high image quality, and a program with better image quality can be distributed to more contracted devices.

When storing the broadcast data in the storage means, the compression capacity is designated by the user, or the broadcast data once stored is compressed again at a higher compression rate to reduce the storage capacity of the storage means. More programs can be stored for efficient use. Also, by enabling the broadcaster to specify the compression ratio,
If the broadcast station does not want high image quality as the image quality when storing a program, it can be recorded with low image quality according to the request. So while advocating for the interests of the broadcaster,
It can also respond to the user's wishes to some extent. By charging according to the image quality, a fee corresponding to the service can be secured.

[0239] Furthermore, by inserting an additional advertisement into a program and distributing it to the shared server, the shared server operator can implement regional advertising media independently. In addition, the billing of the contractor can be adjusted according to whether or not the additional advertisement is distributed, so that both the profit of the advertisement provider and the profit of the contractor can be realized.

[0240] Furthermore, by making it possible to distribute broadcast data from contract equipment, there has been no prior art.
It is possible to realize media that is closely related to the region. This also enables each user to distribute the broadcast data (program) created by the user, thereby providing a place for transmitting information.

According to the present invention, by providing each of the above-described services, a new business for collecting a service fee together with a broadcasting station and a subscriber can be created.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a shared server system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating details of a signal generation unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of selecting one of a broadcast program and a stored program in the shared server according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method of storing programs in the shared server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining a compression ratio in the shared server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a contract form when the shared server according to the first embodiment is used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a charging process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a system including a shared server according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a server selection process performed by a display device of each home in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a system including a shared server according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a broadcast time zone of each channel according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a process performed by each shared server according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a process performed for each channel in each shared server according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a stored program schedule.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a process performed in response to a schedule addition request in the shared server according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control structure of automatic addition processing of program storage based on a viewing request in a shared server according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of automatic deletion of a program automatically added by a shared server from a program storage schedule according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a process of automatically adding a program with a high rating to a program storage schedule based on the rating in the shared server according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a process in the shared server according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a rating calculation process in the shared server according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining whether or not to receive distribution of a program from another shared server based on an audience rating in the shared server according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a process of deleting broadcast data according to time in the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating a storage area of a storage unit in the system according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating a storage area of a storage unit in the system according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 25 In the system according to the eleventh embodiment,
It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program for implement | achieving the control which deletes a program automatically when the user of each household watched the program.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a process of controlling transmission of a CM according to the number of distributions in the shared server according to the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a process for restricting distribution of a channel for which there is no distribution contract in the shared server of the thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 28 In the system according to the fourteenth embodiment,
It is a flowchart of the process which performs distribution restriction according to the time zone designated beforehand.

FIG. 29 In the system according to the fifteenth embodiment,
It is a flowchart of the process which determines whether distribution is possible for every program and restricts distribution.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a process performed in each shared server of the system according to the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a terminal control device of a display device on the user side of the system according to the sixteenth embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a process of changing a compression ratio according to a user's request in the shared server according to the seventeenth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a process performed by a shared server of the system according to the eighteenth embodiment.

FIG. 34 In the system according to the nineteenth embodiment,
It is a figure which shows the state of the program and CM transmitted from a shared server.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a system including a shared server according to a twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 36 shows a system according to a twenty-first embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the process which changes a charge amount according to whether the number of times of viewing is the first time or the second time or later.

FIG. 37 shows a system according to a twenty-second embodiment.
It is a flowchart of the charge calculation process accompanying distribution of a program.

FIG. 38 In the system according to the twenty-third embodiment,
It is a flowchart of the process which changes a charging fee according to the image quality of the program distributed.

FIG. 39 shows an additional CM in the twenty-fourth embodiment.
11 is a flowchart of a process for changing a billing fee depending on the presence or absence of an additional CM when distributing.

FIG. 40 shows a system according to a twenty-fifth embodiment.
It is a flowchart of the process which changes a charging fee according to the storage time of a program.

FIG. 41 shows a system according to a twenty-sixth embodiment.
9 is a flowchart of a process performed by a terminal control device included in a display device of each home to select a server with the lowest charge and make a distribution request.

FIG. 42 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between a broadcasting station and each home when one home server is installed in each home according to the conventional technology.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 broadcast stations, 102, 300, 302, 304, 3
50, 352, 354, 850 Shared server, 110
Antenna, 114 signal generation unit, 116, 860 control unit, 118 storage unit, 120, 862 connection unit, 130
Display device, 132 terminal control device, 134 operation unit,
140 compression unit, 142 hard disk, 144 decompression unit, 200 storage areas, 250 administrators, 560 first storage area, 562 second storage area, 600 common storage area, 602 dedicated storage area.

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A broadcast data sharing server device for distributing broadcast data to a plurality of contract devices connected via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the broadcast data is converted into broadcast data in a signal format capable of recording a received program. Signal conversion means for converting, of the broadcast data output by the signal conversion means,
Storage means for storing at least the latest predetermined volume of broadcast data, and instructions for controlling storage of the broadcast data by the storage means, and from any of contract equipment connected via the communication medium Control means for controlling the storage means to reproduce and output any one of the broadcast data stored in the storage means, and the broadcast data output by the signal conversion means and A broadcast data sharing server device, comprising: a distribution unit for distributing, via the communication medium, any of the broadcast data output from the storage unit to any contracted device specified by the control unit. 2. The signal conversion means includes means for converting received stream data of a program from a plurality of stations into the broadcast data simultaneously and in parallel, and wherein the storage means performs simultaneous conversion by the signal conversion means. Including means for storing broadcast data from a plurality of stations that are converted and output in parallel, wherein the control means receives information for search from any of the contracted devices via the communication medium, Means for searching broadcast data stored in the storage means that matches the information for search; and reproducing and outputting broadcast data matching the information for search from the storage means. Means for controlling the distribution means to distribute the broadcast data reproduced and output from the storage means to the contracted equipment which has transmitted the information for the search. Claim 1
2. A shared server device for broadcast data according to item 1. 3. The control means further comprises: means for determining whether or not broadcast data matching the information for search specifies a program currently being broadcast. In response to the information being determined to designate a program currently being broadcast, the designated program, which has been converted into broadcast data by the signal conversion means, is searched for by the search. And a means for controlling the distribution means so as to distribute the information to the contracted device which has transmitted the broadcast data. 4. The control means further determines whether broadcast data matching the search information can be distributed, and broadcast data matching the search information can be distributed. Transmitting a signal indicating that the requested broadcast data cannot be distributed to the contract device that has transmitted the information for search in response to the determination that 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein
2. A shared server device for broadcast data according to item 1. 5. The control means further includes: a schedule storage means for storing a predetermined program storage schedule; and a storage means for storing the broadcast data in accordance with the program storage schedule stored by the schedule storage means. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for controlling said storage means.
5. A shared server device for broadcast data according to any one of claims 4 to 4. 6. The storage means stores broadcast data in units of programs, and the broadcast data sharing server further stores the broadcast data in the storage means when storing the broadcast data in the storage means. Is determined whether exceeds a predetermined upper limit,
The broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an erasing unit for erasing a specific program unit when the upper limit is exceeded. 7. The erasure permission time storage means for storing a time when the prohibition of the erasure of the broadcast data stored in the storage means is released for each program, a current time and the erasure permission time. Means for comparing broadcast data corresponding to a program permitted to be deleted from the storage means, by comparing with a time at which the prohibition of deletion for each program stored in the storage means is released. Item 2-5
A shared server device for broadcast data according to any one of the above. 8. The storage means stores the broadcast data in units of programs, the control means: a request receiving means for receiving a request designating storage of each program from a contract device; The contract device connected to the receiving means and the storage means, and storing the broadcast data corresponding to the requested program in the storage means, and requesting to store the stored program, is stored in the storage means. Contract equipment storage means for storing for each broadcast data; connected to the storage means and the contract equipment storage means, for each broadcast data stored in the storage means for storing a program corresponding to the broadcast data Distribution determination means for determining whether or not the broadcast data has been distributed to the contracted device that has requested the above, and each of the broadcast data connected to the storage means and the distribution determination means. Means for deleting the broadcast data from the storage means in response to a determination that the broadcast data has been delivered to the contracted device that has requested to store the corresponding program, comprising: 6. The broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of 5. 9. The storage unit has an individual storage area for each of the contracted devices, and the control unit further stores broadcast data corresponding to a program requested by each of the contracted devices to store the broadcast data. The broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising means for controlling the storage means so as to store the data in the individual storage area provided corresponding to (b). 10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit for charging a service fee based on the connection to each of the contract devices connected to the distribution unit via the communication medium. A broadcast data sharing server device according to the first aspect. 11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for storing, for each program corresponding to the broadcast data stored in said storage means, the number of times of distribution by said distribution means.
11. A broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 12. The distribution means for storing, for each program corresponding to the broadcast data stored in the storage means, the number of times of distribution for each contracted device, the billing means, Means for determining what number of times the program being distributed to the device is distributed, and means for determining charging of the program being distributed to the contracted device as a function of the number of distributions, The broadcast data sharing server device according to claim 1. 13. The control means includes: means for determining a main part of a program of broadcast data stored in the storage means and an advertisement section; and broadcast data requested in response to a request from a contract device. 13. The broadcast data sharing server device according to claim 2, further comprising: means for controlling said distribution means to distribute only the main part of the request to the contract device that transmitted said request. 14. 14. The control unit further includes: a unit for determining a main part of a broadcast data program stored in the storage unit and an advertisement unit; and a selection designation of whether or not to distribute an advertisement from a contract device. Selection designation storage means for storing the request and responding to the request from the contracted device, and responding to the request based on the selection designation stored in the selection designation storage device and transmitted by the contracted device. Further comprising means for controlling the distribution means so as to select only the main part of the corresponding broadcast data or the main part of the broadcast data and the advertisement unit and distribute the selected main part to the contract device.
10. The broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of 9. 15. The control unit further includes: a distribution count storage unit for storing, for each program, the number of distributions to each of the contract devices; a main program of a broadcast data program stored by the storage unit; and an advertising unit. Means for determining whether or not the program being distributed is to be received and stored from a contract device, and for determining whether the program being distributed is the number of times the program is being distributed. Distribution number determining means, in response to a request from the contracted device, and stored in the selection designation storage means, the selection designation by the contracted device that has transmitted the request, and the determination result by the distribution number determining means. And controlling the distribution means to select and distribute only the main part of the broadcast data corresponding to the request or the main part of the broadcast data and the advertisement section to the contract device. Further comprising means, sharing server of the broadcast data according to any of claims 2-9. 16. The disabling designation receiving means for receiving a designation for disabling the distribution of a specific program from each of the contract devices, and disabling the distribution of a specific program by the disabling designation receiving means. The broadcast data according to any one of claims 2 to 15, further comprising: means for controlling the distribution means so as to prohibit distribution of the specific program to the contracted device for which the designation to convert is received. Shared server device. 17. A display device for distributing broadcast data to a plurality of contract devices connected via a predetermined communication medium, for receiving broadcast data distribution from a broadcast data shared server device, wherein the shared server A determination unit configured to be connected to the device via the communication medium and determine whether broadcast data is distributed from the shared server; and determining that the broadcast data is distributed by the determination unit. Automatic display start means for automatically starting display of the broadcast data in response to the display. 18. The control unit further includes: a unit for receiving a command for designating a time to start distribution of broadcast data from each of the contracted devices; and, based on the command, the contracted device at a designated time. The broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of claims 2 to 16, further comprising means for controlling the distribution means so as to start distribution of broadcast data to the broadcast data. 19. A compression unit for compressing broadcast data output from the signal conversion unit according to a predetermined method and storing the compressed data in the storage unit, and transmitting the broadcast data stored in the storage unit to the predetermined format. The broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising an expansion unit for expanding the distribution data according to the method described above and providing the distribution data to the distribution unit. 20. A compression means for compressing broadcast data output from said signal conversion means at a variable compression rate according to a predetermined method and storing the compressed data in said storage means, and stored in said storage means. Expanding means for expanding the broadcast data according to the predetermined method and providing the data to the distribution means, wherein the control means determines a compression rate of the broadcast data by the compression means according to a predetermined standard. Means for billing the delivery of the broadcast data to the contracted device based on a compression ratio at the time of storage of the broadcast data delivered from the storage unit to the contracted device by the delivery unit. 10. The broadcast data sharing server device according to claim 2, further comprising: a charging unit. 21. The apparatus further comprising: means for storing predetermined insertion broadcast data, wherein the control means inserts and delivers the insertion broadcast data when broadcasting the broadcast data to a contract device. Claim 1 further comprising means for controlling the means.
19. The broadcast data sharing server device according to claim 16. 22. The distribution unit has a function of receiving broadcast data from each contracted device via the communication medium, and the storage unit also stores broadcast data received by the distribution unit from each contracted device. The control unit controls the distribution unit to distribute broadcast data received by the distribution unit and stored in the storage unit in response to a distribution request from each contracted device. The broadcast data sharing server device according to any one of claims 18 to 21. 23. The control means includes means for calculating, for each broadcast data stored in the storage means, a period stored in the storage means, the broadcast data sharing server device further comprises: 10. Broadcast data sharing according to claim 2, further comprising a charging unit for calculating a charging as a function of a period stored in said storage unit, for each broadcast data distributed by said distribution unit. Server device. 24. A means for receiving, from each of the contract devices, an inquiry about a charge amount for a specific broadcast data distribution, and in response to the inquiry, a charge amount for the specific broadcast data distribution. Means for calculating and replying to the contract device that transmitted the inquiry.
24. The broadcast data sharing server device according to claim 6, and any one of claims 18 to 23.