JP2022031575A - Content reception device and content distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user-friendly content reception device and content distribution device.

SOLUTION: When generous preservation deadline can be confirmed with respect to designation of motion picture content, downloading is reserved and book-marked, and when the preservation deadline cannot be confirmed or when the preservation deadline is imminent, downloading is performed. At power-on, reproduction of the motion picture contents designated at previous power-off is resumed. A continuous communication state with a communication server is established by a normal operation of a television. A communication server is accessed by a link from a television program being broadcasted, and thereby, viewing from the head of the program and downloading of the entire data, of the motion picture content of identical contents becomes possible. At a server side, motion picture content data of the identical contents is preserved with a deadline while being associated with the broadcast program. In live streaming distribution, the distribution is automatically performed from a packet at an access time point, and archive data is automatically distributed from a leading packet or the like.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a content receiving device and a content receiving device.

Typical examples of content are moving images, and typical examples of receiving devices and distribution devices thereof are televisions and television stations. Broadcast programs as video content distributed by broadcast radio waves from TV stations have been widely used in the past when they are received on a television and viewed in real time, or after the broadcast program is recorded by a video recorder or the like. ing. Further, as a recording device, not only a conventional video tape recorder but also a wide variety of recording means such as recording on a disc-type digital storage medium such as a DVD and recording on a large-capacity hard disk have become common.

On the other hand, in recent years, so-called server-type broadcasting has been put into practical use, and it has become possible to watch video programs by decompressing and playing video content data downloaded from a program distribution server via the Internet. Furthermore, it has become common to watch video content in near real time by streaming via the Internet.

As described above, in the content receiving device, various devices and systems beyond the framework of conventional televisions and video recorders have been proposed to users.
Furthermore, not only proposals for devices and systems, but also ways to enjoy content that were not possible in the past due to the increase in the storage capacity of content and the diversification of functions have been proposed.

However, the diversification of functions only complicates the usage of the device, and it is not always easy for the user to use, and the device has become confused for the user who is not accustomed to the device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-319955 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-285734

In view of the above, an object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a content receiving device that is truly easy for users to use and can enrich their lives, and a content distribution device that cooperates with the receiving device.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has a designated unit for designating desired content, a storage unit for storing information for facilitating the next designation of the designated content, and a designated content in the distribution device. Provided is a content receiving device having a storage unit that automatically receives and stores content data specified based on information related to storage from the distribution device. As a result, it is possible to omit unnecessary reception and storage of the content data, and it is possible to deal with a situation in which the content is already deleted the next time the content is accessed. According to a specific feature of the present invention, the content receiving device is provided with a determination unit for determining information regarding storage of the designated content in the distribution device. According to a more specific feature, this determination unit automatically receives the specified content data from the distribution device and stores it in the storage unit when the information regarding the storage of the specified content in the distribution device cannot be confirmed. .. As a result, when the future storage status of the content data in the distribution device is unknown, the content data can be received and saved and saved on the receiving device side. According to another specific feature, the determination unit automatically receives the specified content data from the distribution device by determining the information regarding the storage period of the specified content in the distribution device, and the storage unit. Save to. As a result, the content data can be received and stored before the storage period of the content data in the distribution device expires, and the content data can be stored on the receiving device side.

According to another specific feature of the present invention, the designated unit instructs the storage of the specified content, and the determination unit stores the specified content when the storage period of the specified content in the distribution device can be confirmed. The storage unit stores information for facilitating the next designation of the specified content by suspending the reception of the instructed content data from the distribution device and the storage in the storage unit. As a result, the receiving device can easily and surely use the content data when necessary without actually receiving and saving the content data to the receiving device, and apparently the content data is saved on the receiving device side. You can get the same result as you did. According to another specific feature of the present invention, the operation unit instructing the use of the content instructed to be saved and the content reserved for reception based on the stored information of the storage unit in response to the operation of the operation unit. A reception execution unit that receives data from the distribution device is provided in the content receiving device. As a result, the content data can be easily and surely secured at the time of use without saving the content data of the receiving device itself, and apparently the same result as that of saving the content data on the receiving device side can be obtained. Can be done. According to a more specific feature of the present invention, the determination unit automatically receives from the distribution device the content data that has been suspended based on the information regarding the storage period of the content instructed to be stored in the distribution device. Save it in the save section. As a result, the content data can be received and stored before the storage period of the content data in the distribution device expires, and this can be secured on the receiving device side.

An example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a case where the content is digital video content, the content distribution device is a communication server for digital video content data, and the content receiving device is configured as a digital video content viewing device. .. In a more specific embodiment in this case, a broadcast receiving unit for receiving digital video content by broadcast radio waves is provided in the digital video content viewing device. More specifically, in the embodiment, the designated unit designates the digital video content data to be received from the communication server by the link from the digital video content received by the broadcast receiving unit.

According to another feature of the present invention, the power switch, the storage unit for storing the information that specified the digital moving image content when the power switch is turned off, and the storage unit for storing the storage unit when the power switch is turned on next time. It has a designated unit that automatically designates digital video content based on information, a communication unit that receives the digital video content specified by the designated unit from the communication server, and a display unit that displays the digital video content received by the communication unit. A content receiver is provided. As a result, even though the digital video content is received from the communication server and viewed on the display unit, the viewing of the digital video content specified when the power was turned off last time is easily resumed just by turning on the power switch. be able to.

According to the specific feature of the present invention, when the information stored in the storage unit is digital video content streamed by a schedule determined by the communication server, the designated unit starts from the distribution unit at the specified time point. Automatically specify the digital video content of. This is specified when the power switch was turned off last time, as in the case of watching a normal TV broadcast just by turning on the power switch, even though the digital video content is received from the communication server and viewed on the display. The display of the digital video content distributed by the communication server that was being used according to the schedule starts.

According to the other specific feature of the present invention, the storage unit stores information regarding partial data of the digital video content to be streamed, which is specified when the power switch is turned off. More specifically, when the information stored in the storage unit is partial data of digital video content to be streamed, the designated unit is a digital video from a portion following the partial data stored in the storage unit. Automatically specify the content. As a result, even though the digital video content is received from the communication server and viewed on the display, the display of the digital video content that was interrupted when the power switch was turned off last time is displayed from the interrupted point just by turning on the power switch. resume.

According to another feature of the present invention, a broadcast receiving unit that receives digital video content by broadcast radio waves, a communication unit that receives digital video content from a communication server, and a digital moving image received from either the broadcast receiving unit or the communication unit. Communication control that establishes a constant communication state between a display unit that can display even content, an operation unit that performs operations related to digital video content received by the broadcast reception unit, and a communication server based on the operation of the operation unit. A content receiving device characterized by having a unit is provided. In this way, by establishing a constant communication state with the communication server based on the operation of the operation unit that is not involved in the designation of the digital video content received from the communication unit, the digital video content by the broadcast reception unit is converted to digital by the communication unit. The display unit can be quickly switched to the moving image content. Therefore, the digital video content by the communication unit can be selected with the same convenience as the channel selection of a normal broadcast.

Examples of the operation unit in the present invention include a power switch for receiving digital video content by the broadcast receiving unit, a selection means for selecting one of a plurality of digital video contents receivable by the broadcast receiving unit, and broadcasting reception. It is an instruction means for storing the digital moving image content received by the unit, a selection means for selecting a part of the digital moving image content received by the broadcast receiving unit, and the like.

According to another feature of the present invention, a broadcast receiving unit that receives digital video content by broadcast radio waves, a communication unit that receives digital video content from a communication server, and a digital moving image received from either the broadcast receiving unit or the communication unit. A content receiving device having a display unit capable of displaying even content and a designated unit for designating digital video content data to be received from a communication server by a link from digital video content received by a broadcast receiving unit. Provided. As a result, when the digital video content received by the broadcast radio wave is accidentally viewed from the middle and interested, the corresponding digital video content can be specified by the link from there, and the missed part can be viewed.

According to the specific feature of the present invention, the designation unit designates the beginning of the digital video content data to be received from the communication server by the link from the digital video content received by the broadcast reception unit. This makes it possible to watch digital video content that interests you from the beginning. According to the other specific feature of the present invention, the content receiving device is provided with a selection operation unit for selecting the viewing start unit of the digital video content data to be received from the communication server, and the designation unit is the selection operation unit. Enables operation. This makes it possible to select and view any part of the digital video content that interests you from the middle.

According to the other specific feature of the present invention, the content receiving device has a storage unit that stores information necessary for designating the beginning of digital video content data to be received from the communication server based on the designation by the designated unit. It will be provided. As long as it is guaranteed that the digital video content is stored in the communication server, the digital video content can be specified and viewed at a later date based on this stored information, so that the digital video content itself can be received and viewed. You can get virtually the same result as "recording" digital video content that you are interested in without saving it.

On the other hand, according to the other specific feature of the present invention, the content receiving device is provided with a receiving execution unit for receiving digital moving image content data from the communication server based on the designation by the designated unit. Further, according to a more specific feature, the content receiving device is provided with a storage unit for storing the digital moving image content data received by the receiving execution unit. In this way, even if the digital video content is of interest from the middle, it is possible to "record" the entire digital video content data.

According to another feature of the present invention, the digital moving image is formed by a link from a display unit that displays a predetermined digital moving image content received according to a schedule determined from the outside and the digital moving image content actually displayed on the display unit. Provided is a content receiving device having a designated unit for designating another part of the content and a communication unit for receiving another part of the digital moving image content designated by the designated unit from the communication server. This allows you to specify another part of the digital video content with a link from there, such as when you happen to be interested in seeing the specified digital video content received from the outside according to a schedule, and missed the part. You can watch such things.

According to the specific feature of the present invention, the predetermined digital moving image content received according to the schedule determined from the outside is received by the broadcast radio wave. On the other hand, according to another specific feature, a predetermined digital moving image content to be received according to a schedule determined from the outside is received from the communication server. Further, according to other specific features, the display unit displays another part of the digital video content received by the communication unit in place of the displayed part, so that any part can be viewed. .. On the other hand, according to still another specific feature, the content receiving device is provided with a storage unit for storing another part of the digital moving image content received by the communication unit, so that the content can be viewed at a later date.

According to another feature of the present invention, there is a storage unit, a communication unit, and a communication unit that stores the data of the same digital video content by adding correspondence information indicating the correspondence relationship with the digital video content broadcast by the broadcast radio wave. A content distribution device including a control unit for distributing digital video content stored by the storage unit via the communication unit when correspondence information is specified via the communication unit is provided. As a result, it is possible to distribute the data of the digital video content corresponding to the digital video content broadcast by the broadcast radio wave in response to the request from the content receiving device.

According to the specific feature of the present invention, the storage unit attaches storage information related to the storage to the data of the digital moving image content and stores it so that it can be confirmed via the communication unit. This makes it possible to link with the content receiving device when using the digital video content, and when the content receiving device requests the digital video content, the content distribution device already deletes the digital video content. It is possible to prevent inconsistencies such as those that have been stored.

According to another feature of the present invention, when a designated unit that specifies video content to be received from a communication server and digital video content that is streamed according to a predetermined schedule are specified by the specified unit within the distribution time. Provided is a content receiving device having a communication unit that automatically receives packet data of the moving image content distributed at a designated time point, and a display unit that displays the moving image content based on the packet data received by the communication unit. As a result, even though the digital video content is received from the communication server and viewed on the display unit, the digital video content distributed by the communication server according to the schedule can be displayed as in the case of watching a normal TV broadcast. Start.

According to the specific feature of the present invention, when the designated unit designates the moving image content outside the delivery time, the communication unit receives the packet data according to the designation. As a result, it is possible not only to distribute the video content according to the predetermined schedule as described above, but also to watch the video content from any part at any timing. On the other hand, according to another specific feature, when the designated unit specifies the video content outside the delivery time, the communication unit automatically receives the packet data at the beginning of the video content. This makes it possible not only to distribute the video content according to the predetermined schedule as described above, but also to watch the video content from the beginning at any timing by simply specifying the video content.

According to another feature of the present invention, when a storage unit for storing digital video content data and a digital video content stored in the storage unit within a distribution time according to a predetermined schedule are specified. A content distribution device having a communication unit for streaming distribution of packet data according to a schedule and distributing digital video content according to the designation when the same digital video content is specified outside the distribution time is provided. On the other hand, according to still another feature of the present invention, a storage unit for storing digital video content data and a digital video content stored in the storage unit within a distribution time according to a predetermined schedule are designated. When this is done, a content distribution device having a communication unit for streaming distribution of packet data according to a schedule and streaming distribution from the packet data at the beginning of the video content when the same digital video content is specified outside the distribution time is provided. These features make it possible to distribute digital video content from the content receiving device in response to requests for digital video content, appropriately link the content distribution device and the content receiving device, and facilitate the operation of the content receiving device. Can be done.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content receiving device that is truly user-friendly and can enrich one's life, and a content distribution device that cooperates with the receiving device.

It is a drawing substitute photograph which showed the block diagram of the whole system about the Example of the content receiving apparatus and distribution apparatus in this invention. It is a drawing substitute photograph which showed the flowchart of the operation of the control part of the television in FIG. 2 is a drawing-substituting photograph showing a detailed flowchart of step S24 in FIG. 2. 2 is a drawing-substituting photograph showing a detailed flowchart of step S28 in FIG. 2. 2 is a drawing-substituting photograph showing a detailed flowchart of step S32 in FIG. 2. 2 is a drawing-substituting photograph showing a detailed flowchart of step S16 in FIG. 2 or step S62 in FIG. It is a drawing substitute photograph which showed the detailed flow chart of step S36 in FIG. It is a drawing substitute photograph which showed the flowchart of the function in the broadcasting station control part of FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block showing an entire system relating to an embodiment of a content receiving device and a content distribution device according to the present invention, and constitutes a video content data viewing system including a television and a television station. The television 2 has a broadcast receiving unit 6 that receives normal digital broadcast video content from the television station 5 by the digital broadcast radio wave 4. The television 2 further includes a computer 10 that receives video content data from the server-type television station 9 via the Internet 8. The computer 10 has a control unit 12, a storage unit 14, and an input / output unit 16. The input / output unit 16 has a role of a communication unit for receiving the supply of the moving image content data stored in the database 32 of the server-type television station 9 via the Internet 8. The storage unit 14 stores a program for operating the control unit 12, and also stores data such as moving image content data downloaded from the server-type television station 9 via the input / output unit 16. The storage unit 14 has a large capacity having a hard disk, and can store a considerable amount of moving image content data.

The input / output unit 16 further inputs an operation signal from the remote controller receiving unit 22 that receives the infrared signal 20 from the remote controller 18, and causes the control unit 12 to perform a predetermined computer operation. The remote controller 18 performs power on / off of the television, broadcasting channel switching operation, volume adjustment operation, and the like. Further, the remote controller 18 operates various buttons displayed on the TV screen 26 and selects from a list displayed on the TV screen 26 by a GUI linked with the TV screen 26. The operation signal received by the remote control receiver 22 is directly transmitted to the broadcast receiver 6 as needed. As described above, the broadcast receiving unit 6 receives the digital broadcast radio wave 4 from the normal television station 5, but selects a broadcasting channel or the like based on the operation signal from the remote control receiving unit 18.

The display control unit 24 displays the normal digital broadcast moving image content from the broadcast reception unit 6 on the television screen 26 based on the signal from the broadcast reception unit 6. The display control unit 24 is further controlled by the control unit 12 of the computer 10 and displays the computer display signal output from the display storage unit 28 via the input / output unit 16 on the television screen 26. This computer display signal is superimposed on a part of the display of the normal digital broadcast moving image content as a GUI display jointly with the remote controller 18 and displayed on the television screen 26. Further, everything displayed on the television screen 26, such as an operation menu or a program guide, may be a computer display signal from the display storage unit 28. The digital broadcast moving image content received by the broadcast receiving unit 6 is also sent to the input / output unit 16 of the computer 10, and can be stored in the storage unit 14 as "recording" by operating the remote controller 18.

On the other hand, the moving image content data supplied from the server-type television station 9 via the Internet 8 and stored in the storage unit 14 is converted into moving image data under the control of the control unit 12, and is displayed and stored via the input / output unit 16. It is output from the unit 28. When the display control unit 24 selects the video data from the display storage unit 28 instead of the video data from the broadcast reception unit 6 under the control of the control unit 12, the server-type television station 9 supplies the video data via the Internet 8. The video content data will be displayed on the TV screen 26. In this case, on-demand or live video content data supplied via the Internet 8 by streaming can be displayed on the television screen 26 in real time. In addition to the above, the video content that is supplied via the Internet 8 by streaming and can be displayed in real time on the TV screen 26 includes video content data that is distributed based on the program schedule independently scheduled by the server-type TV station 9. be.

In this way, the television 2 of FIG. 1, which is an embodiment of the present invention, is a normal digital broadcast video content received from the television station 5 by the digital broadcast radio wave 4 and a moving image downloaded from the server-type television station 9 via the Internet 8. All of the content data can be viewed. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible not only to select the video content by the normal digital broadcasting radio wave and the video content data downloaded via the Internet, but also to perform the viewing by combining these. be. The details will be described based on the following flowchart. The broadcasting station control unit 30 of the server-type television station 9 is also involved in achieving such a function, and the details thereof will be described later.

The video content that can be viewed on the TV screen 26 includes the above-mentioned normal digital broadcast video content from the TV station 5 and the video content data downloaded from the server-type TV station 9, and is supplied by streaming via the Internet 8. There is real-time broadcast video content. Even for such real-time broadcast video content by streaming, if an environment is in place in which the content is constantly supplied from the server-type TV station 9 via the Internet according to the program schedule in accordance with the broadcast from the TV station 5, such content is such. The URL for downloading video content is also considered to be one of the broadcasting channels.

It is a basic flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 12 in the computer 10 of 1, and starts when the television 2 is connected to the power outlet. First, in step S2, it is checked whether or not the power-on operation has been performed, and if the power-on operation is not detected, the check in step S2 is repeated and the power-on operation is awaited. Here, the "power-on operation" broadly means an operation that the user recognizes that the power of the television 2 is turned on and off on a daily basis, assuming an operation of turning on a so-called main switch. Normally, such a "power-on operation" is when the main switch of the remote controller 18 is turned on while the power switch for putting the TV 2 in the standby state at all times to accept the operation of the remote controller 18 is turned on. Corresponds to. Therefore, "power on" and "power off" in the description of the present specification should not be construed as being limited to the on / off of the power switch for switching whether to put the television 2 in the standby state, and should not be construed as being limited to the on / off of the power switch. It should be understood as a broad definition that includes switching on and off.

When the power-on operation is detected in step S, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is checked whether or not the history of turning off the power after the television 2 is connected to the power outlet is recorded in the storage unit 14. Then, if there is a power-off history, the process proceeds to step S6, and the recording of the state immediately before the previous power-off is recalled.

Next, in step S8, it is checked whether or not the state immediately before the call is the broadcast viewing state, and if applicable, the process proceeds to step S10 to call the broadcast channel immediately before the off. This is a process in which the channel that was viewed when the power was turned off last time is regarded as the "channel" that is of most interest when the power is turned on next time. It should be noted that this channel also includes a URL for downloading a real-time broadcast by streaming input to the input / output unit 16 via the Internet 8 as described above. In order to deal with such a case, the computer 10 is always connected to the Internet 8 in the next step S11.

Next, the process proceeds to step S12, and an instruction for starting the moving image content display is issued to the display control unit. In this case, the display of the moving image content currently being broadcast on the channel called in step S10 is started. Although the control line is not shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity, the broadcast receiving unit 6 and the input / output unit each output the video content of the channel to be displayed to the display control unit 24 due to the above functions. , Is under the control of the control unit 12.

On the other hand, if the immediately preceding state is not broadcast in step S8, the process proceeds to step S14, and it is checked whether or not the power is turned off while the reproduction of the moving image content data of the storage unit 14 is interrupted. Then, if applicable, the process proceeds to step S16, and the recording information of the moving image content data whose reproduction was interrupted at the immediately preceding power off is called. Then, in step S18, when the reproduction of the moving image content data is interrupted, the resumption from the stop point is instructed. After that, the process proceeds to step S12, and an instruction to start displaying the moving image content is issued to the display control unit. As a result, the reproduction of the video content data from which the reproduction was interrupted is resumed from the stop point. Since this operation is automatically performed following the power-on operation detected in step S2, if the user interrupts the playback and turns off the power, the video content from the stop point is simply turned on. You can continue to appreciate it.

On the other hand, if the playback is not interrupted in step S14, it means that the playback is finished and the power is turned off, so that there is no video content data to be restarted the next time the power is turned on. .. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S10, and the broadcast channel that has been watched and turned off immediately before the reproduction of the video content data is called and the process proceeds to step S12. If there is no power-off history in step S4, the process proceeds to step S20, a predetermined channel is set, and the process proceeds to step S12. This is because the channel to be displayed in step S12 becomes undefined unless some channel is set in step S20. The predetermined broadcast channel to be set in step S20 is a normal broadcast channel and can be arbitrarily selected. If there is no such selection, the default channel is adopted.

When the instruction to start displaying the moving image content is given in step S12, the process proceeds to step S22 while maintaining the display of the moving image content, and it is checked whether or not the channel switching operation has been performed. Then, if applicable, the channel switching process of step S24 is performed and the process proceeds to step S26. The channel switching in step S24 also includes switching from normal broadcast viewing to playback of moving image content stored in the storage unit 14. The channel switching process in step S24 will be described later. On the other hand, if the channel switching operation is not detected in step S22, the process directly proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, it is checked whether or not an operation for viewing the currently displayed moving image content is performed from an arbitrary place. The viewing from any part includes the viewing from the beginning of the video content. Then, when such an arbitrary place viewing operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S28 to perform the arbitrary place viewing process selected by the operation. The arbitrary location viewing operation is mainly performed when a normal digital broadcast video from the TV station 5 or a real-time broadcast by streaming from the server-type TV station 9 is displayed on the TV screen 26 by turning on the power or switching channels. .. In other words, if you are interested in the video content in the middle of broadcasting that you encountered by turning on the power of the TV 2 or switching the channel, especially when you want to watch it from any place right now, you can do it arbitrarily. It is assumed that the part viewing operation will be performed. The details of the arbitrary part viewing process in step S28 will be described later.

If the arbitrary location viewing operation is not detected in step S26, the process proceeds to step S30, and it is checked whether or not the recording operation has been performed. When such a recording process is detected, the process proceeds to step S32 to perform the recording process. In the recording process of step S30, the video content is not recorded from the time when the recording operation is performed, but usually the entire content from the beginning to the end of the video content is recorded. The details of the recording process in step S32 will also be described later. The recording process is also mainly performed when a digital broadcast moving image or a real-time broadcast by streaming is displayed on the television screen 26 by turning on the power or switching channels. In other words, I was particularly interested in the video content in the middle of broadcasting that I encountered by turning on the power of the TV 2 or switching the channel without relying on the video content to be watched, and I wanted to record this and watch it from the beginning later. It is assumed that the recording operation will be performed when you think.

When the recording operation is not detected in step S30, the process proceeds to step S34, and it is checked whether or not the power-off operation has been performed. Then, when the operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S36 to perform the recording management process. The contents will be described later. Then, the process proceeds to step S38, the power is turned off after memorizing the state immediately before the power off operation, and the process returns to step S2. By the storage process of the immediately preceding state in step S38, various checks and processes in steps S4 to S10 and steps S14 to S18 can be performed.

On the other hand, if the power-off operation is not detected in step S34, the process returns to step S22. Then, unless the arbitrary location viewing operation in step S26, the recording operation in step S30, and the power off operation in step S34 are detected, steps S22 to S34 are repeated to prepare for the channel switching operation, the arbitrary location viewing operation, and the recording operation. If these operations are not performed, the display of the video content at that time is continued.

When returning from step S38 to step S2, the operation of repeating step S2 is started in order to wait for the next power-on operation, and when the power-on operation is detected in step S2, the operation of step S4 or less as described above is performed. come in. It should be noted that the arbitrary location viewing process in step S28 and the recording process in step S32 include a process for returning to the flowchart of FIG. 2, respectively. The details will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of the channel switching process in step S24 of FIG. When the flow starts, it is checked in step S42 whether the computer 10 is already connected to the Internet 8. If it is not already connected, the process proceeds to step S44, the computer 10 is always connected to the Internet 8, and the process proceeds to step S46. This makes it possible to immediately respond to situations where an Internet connection is required for channel connection processing. On the other hand, if it is detected in step S42 that the Internet has already been connected, the process directly proceeds to step S46.

In step S46, it is checked whether or not the channel switching operation detected in step S22 of FIG. 2 is a normal broadcast channel selection, and if applicable, the process proceeds to step S48 to specify the selected channel, and the process proceeds to step S50. In step S50, an instruction to start displaying the moving image content is instructed to end the flow. In this case, the display of the broadcast of the selected normal broadcast channel is started, but the operation is apparently the same as switching the channel on a normal television.

On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S46 that the channel switching operation detected in step S22 of FIG. 2 is normal broadcast channel selection, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, it is checked whether or not the detected channel switching operation was the selection of the server-type television station 9, and if applicable, the process proceeds to step S54 to specify the URL of the selected server-type television station 9. This URL is a URL that directly specifies a program prepared in advance in the server-type television station 9. Then, in step S56, it is checked whether or not the live program is being streamed at the URL. When it is detected in step S56 that live streaming is being delivered, the process proceeds to step S58, an instruction to start the live streaming being delivered is instructed, the process proceeds to step S50, and the flow ends. In this case, in step S50, the display of the video content being livestreamed from the current video is started. This also looks like the same operation as watching a live broadcast on a normal TV.

Further, when it is detected in step S56 that the URL specified in step S54 does not correspond to the one being delivered by live streaming, the process proceeds to step S60. In step S60, playback is instructed from the beginning of the moving image content prepared at the designated URL, the process proceeds to step S50, and the flow ends. In this case, in step S50, the video content is played from the beginning no matter when the channel is switched, and in that sense, the operation is similar to recording / playback, but it is specified instead of the video content selected by the operator. It is similar to a normal broadcast based on a program organization table in that the video content prepared by the tailoring is started to be displayed on the URL side.

If it is not detected in step S52 that the channel switching operation is the selection of the server-type television station 9, the channel switching operation detected in step S22 of FIG. 2 specifies the moving image content based on the recorded information of the storage unit 14. It means that it was a calling operation. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S62, and the recording information calling process is performed. The details will be described later. Next, in step S64, it is checked whether or not the called recording information is the moving image content data whose playback is interrupted. Then, if applicable, the process proceeds to step S66, the reproduction from the stop point when the reproduction of the moving image content data is interrupted is instructed, the process proceeds to step S50, and the flow ends. In this case, just by performing the channel switching operation, the playback of the video content data whose playback was interrupted last time is automatically restarted from the playback interruption point.

On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S64 that the reproduction is being interrupted, the process proceeds to step S68. Then, the playback of the called recording information from the beginning of the video content data is instructed, the process proceeds to step S50, and the flow ends. In this case, the playback of the recalled recorded information from the beginning of the video content data is automatically started only by performing the channel switching operation. This is apparently similar to the case of shifting from step S60 to step S50.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the details of the arbitrary location appreciation process in step S28 of FIG. When the flow starts, it is checked in step S72 whether the computer 10 is already connected to the Internet 8. If it is not already connected, the process proceeds to step S74, the computer 10 is always connected to the Internet 8, and the process proceeds to step S76. This makes it possible to immediately respond to situations where an Internet connection is required for arbitrary location viewing processing. On the other hand, if it is detected in step S72 that the Internet has already been connected, the process directly proceeds to step S76.

In step S76, it is checked whether or not the arbitrary location viewing operation detected in step S26 of FIG. 2 is performed during the playback of the recorded content, and if applicable, the process proceeds to step S78 to perform the recorded playback location selection process. This is similar to the playback location selection process in normal playback of recorded content, for example, fast-forwarding the screen, skipping, or allowing the selection of chapters to be played in chapter-divided video content. It is a process. Then, when the selection of the reproduction portion is completed by this processing, the process proceeds to step S80, instructing the start of displaying the moving image content from the selected portion, and ending the flow. This function is similar to a normal video recorder or DVD recorder.

On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S76 that the arbitrary location viewing operation detected in step S26 of FIG. 2 corresponds to that performed during playback of the recorded content, the process proceeds to step S82, and FIG. It is checked whether or not the arbitrary location viewing operation detected in step S26 was performed during the normal broadcast channel selection. Then, if applicable, the process proceeds to step S84, and a URL for distributing the video content data corresponding to the video content broadcast on the selected normal broadcast channel is specified. Further, in step S86, it is checked whether or not the video content data can be streamed, and if so, the process proceeds to step S88.

In step S88, video content that can be streamed at a designated URL is displayed on the television screen 26 in units of selectable playback start packets, and an operation of selecting one of them is urged. Then, the process proceeds to step S90 while continuing this display, and it is checked whether or not the packet selection operation has been performed by the GUI of the remote controller 18 and the television screen 26. If the packet selection operation is detected as a result, the process proceeds to step S92, the packet at the selected location is called and downloaded, the process proceeds to step S80, and the flow ends. In this case, as soon as the selected packet is downloaded, streaming playback from that location starts. This makes it possible to select a normal broadcast channel and watch the video content of interest at that time from any place.

On the other hand, when the packet selection operation is not detected in step S90, the process proceeds to step S94, and it is checked whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the reproduction start packet selection display in step S88 was started. Then, if the predetermined time has not elapsed yet, the process returns to step S88. As a result, the reproduction start packet selection display is continued, and thereafter, unless the passage of a predetermined time is detected in step S94, step S88, step S90, and step S94 are repeated to wait for the packet selection operation. The operation when the packet selection operation is detected in step S90 in this repetition is as described above.

On the other hand, when the lapse of a predetermined time is detected in step S94, the process proceeds to step S96, the packet at the beginning of the moving image content is automatically selected and downloaded, the process proceeds to step S80, and the flow ends. In this case as well, streaming playback starts as soon as the selected opening packet is downloaded. As a result, when a normal broadcast channel is selected and there is video content that interests you at that time, if you perform an arbitrary location viewing operation with the remote control 18, you can automatically start the program for that video content without doing anything after that. You can watch from.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the details of the recording process in step S32 of FIG. When the flow starts, it is checked in step S102 whether the computer 10 is already connected to the Internet 8. If it is not already connected, the process proceeds to step S104, the computer 10 is always connected to the Internet 8, and the process proceeds to step S106. This makes it possible to immediately respond to situations where an internet connection is required for recording processing. On the other hand, if it is detected in step S102 that the Internet has already been connected, the process directly proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, it is checked whether or not the recording operation detected in step S30 of FIG. 2 was performed during the normal broadcast channel selection. Then, if applicable, the process proceeds to step S108, and a URL for distributing the video content data corresponding to the video content broadcast on the selected normal broadcast channel is specified. Further, in step S110, it is checked whether or not the video content data can be streamed, and if so, the process proceeds to step S112.

On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S106 that the recording operation detected in step S30 of FIG. 2 was performed during the normal broadcast channel selection, the process immediately proceeds to step S112. Since the recording operation is not performed during the reproduction of the recorded information, the case where the recording operation is directly performed from the step S to the step S112 corresponds to the case where the recording operation is performed during the streaming distribution from the server-type TV station 9. do. Therefore, even in such a case, the process proceeds to step S112 in the same manner as in the case where it is confirmed in step S110 that the recording target is the moving image content data that can be streamed.

In step 112, the delivery deadline of the video content data that can be streamed to be recorded is confirmed, and it is checked whether the deadline is manageable. Then, if the video content data can be managed by the deadline, the process proceeds to step S118. Here, "deadline manageable" means that the deadline for delivering the video content data specified by the URL in the server-type TV station 9 is guaranteed, and there is sufficient margin by the deadline (for example, until the deadline expires). If you have more than a week).

If it is confirmed in step S112 that the deadline can be managed, the process proceeds to step S118, and the URL for downloading the video content data from the beginning is recorded in the recording list. Further, in step S120, the URL is added to the management target and the flow is terminated. In this way, when the video content data to be recorded can be streamed and the delivery deadline can be managed, the video content data is not actually downloaded even if the recording operation is performed, and "playback" is performed. "Recording" is performed by recording the URL for calling the video content data immediately at "" and performing only the procedure for managing the delivery deadline. The details of "playback" of the video content data subjected to such "recording" processing will be described later.

On the other hand, if it cannot be detected in step S110 that the video content data to be recorded can be streamed, the process proceeds to step S122 to immediately download all the data. Then, when the download process is completed, the process proceeds to step S124 to remove the URL of the moving image content data from the management target and end the flow. Similarly, if it cannot be detected in step S112 that the deadline can be managed even for the video content data that can be streamed, the process proceeds to 122 to immediately download all the data, and the video content is in step S124. Remove the URL of the data from the management target.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the recording information calling process in step S16 of FIG. 2 or step S62 of FIG. When the flow starts, it is checked whether or not all the video content data of the recorded information called for reproduction in step S132 has been downloaded and stored in the storage unit 14. If all the data has been downloaded, the process proceeds to step S134, and the downloaded video content data is called from the storage unit 14. Next, the process proceeds to step S136 to check whether or not there is a playback interruption record related to the called moving image content data, and if there is an interruption record, the process proceeds to step S138 to prepare for data expansion from the stop point and end the flow. On the other hand, if the reproduction interruption recording is not detected in step S136, the process proceeds to step S140 to prepare for data expansion from the beginning of the moving image content and end the flow.

If it is not detected in step S132 that all the data has been downloaded, the process proceeds to step S142, and the URL information of the "recorded" video content data is called from the recording list. This URL is information that directly specifies not only the server-type TV station 9 but also the "recorded" video content data. Next, the process proceeds to step S144 to check whether there is a playback interruption record related to the specified video content data, and if there is an interruption record, the process proceeds to step S146 to further call the URL for specifying the packet at the stop point and end the flow. .. On the other hand, if there is no reproduction interruption recording in step S144, the process proceeds to step S148 to further call the URL specifying the beginning packet of the moving image content data to end the flow.

Step S138, step S140, step S146, and step S148 described above correspond to the preparation of data and information required in the next step, respectively, and these data and information correspond to steps S18 and 3 in FIG. It is used for the reproduction instruction in step S66 or step S68 of the above. The packet specific URL handled in step S146 and step S148 is also used in step S58 and step S60 of FIG. 3 and step S92 and step S96 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the recording management process in step S36 of FIG. This flowchart manages the recording of the video content recorded in the recording list in step S118 of FIG. 5, and when the flow starts, first checks whether or not there is the video content recorded in the recording list in step S152. .. Then, if there is a record, the process proceeds to step S154, all the recorded URLs are sequentially accessed to check if there is any change in the deadline management data, and if there is a change, the data in the recording list is updated.

Then, in step S156, the current date and the deadline management deadline date of the recording list are compared to check whether there is a URL that has reached the deadline management limit. Here, the "deadline management limit" means that the expiration date of the delivery guarantee of the video content data corresponding to the URL approaches a predetermined number of days (for example, one week), and if the download opportunity is lost, viewing becomes impossible. Means when there is a risk. If there is such a URL, the process proceeds to step S158, and the highest priority URL whose warranty period has expired is selected. Then, all the data is downloaded in step S160, and when the download process is completed, the process proceeds to step S162 to remove the URL of the moving image content data from the management target and return to step S156.

In step S156, it is further checked whether there is a URL of the deadline management limit, and if there is, the process proceeds to step S158, and the following steps S156 to S162 are repeated as long as there is a URL of the deadline management limit. On the other hand, if the URL of the deadline management limit is not detected in step S156, the flow is immediately terminated. Even if there is no URL recorded in the recording list in step S152, the flow is immediately terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of the function of the broadcasting station control unit 30 of the server-type TV station 9 that cooperates with the function of the control unit 12 as described above, and is a flowchart of the moving image content that cooperates with the normal TV station 5 and is distributed. It is about deadline management. Although detailed illustration of the broadcasting station control unit 30 is omitted, it is assumed that the broadcasting station control unit 30 includes not only the central control function in a narrow sense but also peripheral functions necessary for a server such as a communication function. The flow starts with the start-up of the broadcasting station control unit 30, and in step S172, it is checked whether or not the new video content data has been uploaded. Here, the "new video content data" means video content data having the same content as the video content broadcast by the digital broadcast radio wave 4 from the normal TV station 5.

Then, when it is detected in step S172 that such video content data has been uploaded, the process proceeds to step S174, and data indicating the correspondence with the video content broadcast from the normal TV station is added to the uploaded video content. do. Then, the storage period data is added in step S176, and the process proceeds to step S178. If the upload of the new video content data is not detected in step S172, the process directly proceeds to step S178.

In step S178, it is checked whether or not there is video content whose scheduled streaming distribution time has arrived according to the "program guide" scheduled in advance. Then, if there is a corresponding one, a scheduled distribution URL is added to the moving image content, and the process proceeds to step S182. If there is no corresponding moving image content in step S178, the process directly proceeds to step S182. When the URL given in step S178 is "channel selected" by the television 2 within the scheduled streaming distribution time frame, the video content is automatically distributed from the packet corresponding to the time when the "channel selection" is performed. Start. Therefore, from the TV 2 side, it is possible to receive the streaming video distribution from the server-type TV station 9 in the same sense as receiving the broadcast from the normal TV station 5. In other words, if you "select a channel" at the streaming distribution start time of the video content, you can watch the video content from the beginning, and if you "select a channel" from the middle of the scheduled streaming distribution time frame, you can start from the middle of the video content. Can be viewed.

In step S182, it is checked whether or not it is time to start a predetermined live streaming distribution to which a URL is given in advance according to a predetermined "program guide". Then, if there is a corresponding one, the process proceeds to step S184 to convert the image information to be live-shooted into streaming data and to start the streaming distribution. Then, the storage period data of the live streaming data created in this way is added, and the process proceeds to step S188. If there is no corresponding moving image content in step S182, the process directly proceeds to step S188. When the URL assigned in advance for the distribution of the live streaming video content is "channel selected" by the television 2 within the scheduled live streaming distribution time frame started in step S184, at the time when the "channel selection" is performed. Delivery of the video content from the corresponding packet will start automatically.

Therefore, from the TV 2 side, it is possible to receive the streaming video distribution from the server-type TV station 9 in the same manner as receiving the live broadcast from the normal TV station 5. In other words, if you "select a channel" at the start time of live streaming distribution of the video content, you can watch the video content live from the beginning, and if you "select a channel" from the middle of the scheduled streaming distribution time frame, you can select the video content. Live viewing from the middle is possible. Since such live streaming video content data is stored in the server-type TV station 9 until the storage period given in step S186 expires, even if the live streaming distribution is overlooked, it can be viewed. Specifically, if the stored live streaming video content data is subsequently scheduled as a "rebroadcast" in the "program guide", it can be viewed at a later date by the functions of steps S178 and S180. In addition, even if it is not scheduled in the "program guide", it can be viewed by the archive function described later until the storage period.

In step S188, it is checked whether or not there is a moving image content for which streaming distribution according to the "program guide" has been completed. Then, if there is a corresponding item, the process proceeds to step S190, the URL as the archived moving image content is added, and the process proceeds to step S192. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding content in step S188, the process directly proceeds to step S192. Video content with an archive URL is not scheduled in the "program guide", and when this URL is specified by on-demand selection from the archive list or extraction by search, or any of the functions of FIGS. 4 to 6. This is video content that can be viewed when the URL is called.

In step S192, it is checked whether or not there is video content whose storage period has expired, and if there is a corresponding video content, the video content is deleted from the archive of the server-type television station 9 in step S194. Then, the process proceeds to step S196, the URL attached to the deleted moving image content is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S198. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding moving image content in step S192, the process directly proceeds to step S198.

In step S198, it is checked whether or not the scheduled maintenance due date of the server-type TV station has arrived, and if the due date has arrived, the flow is terminated for maintenance. On the other hand, if the due date has not arrived, the process returns to step S172, and unless the due date arrives, steps S172 to S198 are repeated to respond to various situation changes and continue to manage the video content.

The various features of the present invention described above are not limited to the above examples, and can be widely applied. For example, the features of the content data deadline management and its download management described in FIGS. 5 to 8 are not limited to the implementation related to the video content data, but can be widely applied to the still image content data and the text content data. .. Specifically, when the storage period of these contents is confirmed in various data acquisitions by a personal computer via the Internet, the download of the data itself is suspended, and it is easy to re-access the data such as so-called bookmarks. It is possible to store only the information to be stored, and to automatically download the data of the content itself when the storage period of the content cannot be confirmed or when the storage period is about to expire. As a result, unnecessary downloads can be omitted, and it is possible to deal with a situation in which the bookmarked content is already deleted when the bookmarked content is re-accessed.

The present invention can be applied to a content receiving device and a content distribution device associated therewith.

2 Content receiver 9 Distribution device 12 Designation unit 14 Storage unit 14 Storage unit 12 Judgment unit 18 Operation unit 12, 16 Reception execution unit 9 Communication server 6 Broadcast reception unit 18 Power switch 16 Communication unit 26 Display unit 12 Communication control unit 18 Selection Means 18 Instruction means 18, 26 Selection operation unit 32 Storage unit 30 Communication unit
30 Control unit

Claims (39)

A designated unit that specifies the desired content, a storage unit that stores information for facilitating the next specification of the specified content, and content data specified based on information regarding storage of the specified content in the distribution device. A content receiving device characterized by having a storage unit that automatically receives and stores the content from the distribution device. The content receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit for determining information regarding storage of designated content in the distribution device. The second aspect of claim 2, wherein the determination unit automatically receives the specified content data from the distribution device and stores the specified content in the storage unit when the information regarding the storage of the specified content in the distribution device cannot be confirmed. Content receiver. The claim is characterized in that the determination unit automatically receives the specified content data from the distribution device by determining the information regarding the storage period of the specified content in the distribution device, and stores the content in the storage unit. The content receiving device according to 2 or 3. The designated unit instructs the storage of the designated content, and the determination unit receives the content data instructed to be stored from the distribution device when the storage period of the designated content in the distribution device can be confirmed. The content reception according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the storage in the storage unit is suspended and information for facilitating the next designation of the specified content is stored in the storage unit. Device. It has an operation unit that instructs the use of the content instructed to be saved, and a reception execution unit that receives the content data that has been suspended for reception based on the stored information of the storage unit from the distribution device in response to the operation of the operation unit. The content receiving device according to claim 5, wherein the content receiving device is characterized by the above. The claim is characterized in that the determination unit automatically receives from the distribution device the content data that has been suspended for reception based on the information regarding the storage period of the content instructed to be stored in the distribution device, and stores the content data in the storage unit. The content receiving device according to 5 or 6. The content reception according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the content is digital video content, the distribution device is a communication server for digital video content data, and the content is configured as a digital video content viewing device. Device. The content receiving device according to claim 8, further comprising a broadcast receiving unit for receiving digital moving image contents by broadcast radio waves. The content receiving device according to claim 9, wherein the designated unit designates digital video content data to be received from the communication server by a link from the digital video content received by the broadcast receiving unit. The storage unit has a power switch, and the storage unit stores information for which content has been specified when the power switch is turned off, and the designated unit stores information stored in the storage unit when the power switch is turned on next time. The content receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the content is automatically designated based on the above. The content reception according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an operation unit that is not involved in the designation of content and a communication control unit that establishes a constant communication state with the distribution device based on the operation of the operation unit. Device. The power switch, the storage unit that stores the information that specified the digital video content when the power switch is turned off, and the digital video content based on the stored information of the storage unit when the power switch is turned on next time. It is characterized by having a designated unit for automatically designating, a communication unit for receiving digital video content designated by the designated unit from a communication server, and a display unit for displaying the digital video content received by the communication unit. Content receiver. When the information stored in the storage unit is digital video content to be streamed according to a schedule determined by the communication server, the designated unit automatically designates the digital video content from the distribution portion at the designated time point. The content receiving device according to claim 13, which is characterized. The content receiving device according to claim 13, wherein the storage unit stores information regarding partial data of digital video content to be streamed, which is designated when the power switch is turned off. When the information stored in the storage unit is partial data of digital video content to be streamed, the designated unit automatically designates digital video content from a portion following the partial data stored in the storage unit. The content receiving device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the content receiving device is characterized by the above. A broadcast receiver that receives digital video content from broadcast radio waves, a communication unit that receives digital video content from a communication server, and digital video content received from either the broadcast receiver or the communication unit are displayed. It is characterized by having a possible display unit, an operation unit that performs operations related to digital video content received by the broadcast reception unit, and a communication control unit that establishes a constant communication state with a communication server based on the operation of the operation unit. Content receiver. The content receiving device according to claim 17, wherein the operation unit is a power switch for receiving digital moving image content by the broadcast receiving unit. The content receiving device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the operating unit is a selection means for selecting one of a plurality of digital moving image contents that can be received by the broadcast receiving unit. The content receiving device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the operation unit is an instruction means for storing digital video content received by the broadcast receiving unit. The content receiving device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the operation unit is a selection means for selecting a portion of digital moving image content received by the broadcast receiving unit. A broadcast receiver that receives digital video content from broadcast radio waves, a communication unit that receives digital video content from a communication server, and digital video content received from either the broadcast receiver or the communication unit are displayed. A content receiving device comprising a possible display unit and a designated unit for designating digital video content data to be received from the communication server by a link from the digital video content received by the broadcast receiving unit. 22. The content receiving device according to claim 22, wherein the designated unit designates the beginning of digital video content data to be received from the communication server by a link from the digital video content received by the broadcast receiving unit. .. 22 or 23, wherein the designated operation unit has a selection operation unit that selects a viewing start unit of digital video content data to be received from the communication server, and the designation unit can operate the selection operation unit. The described content receiver. 6. Content receiver. The content receiving device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the content receiving device has a receiving execution unit for receiving digital moving image content data from the communication server based on the designation by the designated unit. 26. The content receiving device according to claim 26, wherein the content receiving device has a storage unit for storing digital moving image content data received by the receiving execution unit. A display unit that displays a predetermined digital video content received according to a schedule determined from the outside, and a designation unit that specifies another part of the digital video content by a link from the digital video content that is actually displayed on the display unit. A content receiving device comprising a communication unit that receives another portion of the digital moving image content designated by the designated unit from the communication server. 28. The content receiving device according to claim 28, wherein the digital moving image content displayed by the display unit is received by a broadcast radio wave. The content receiving device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the digital moving image content displayed by the display unit is received from a communication server. The content receiving device according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the display unit displays another portion of the digital moving image content received by the communication unit in place of the displayed portion. The content receiving device according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the communication unit has a storage unit for storing another part of the digital moving image content received. The correspondence information is designated via the storage unit, the communication unit, and the communication unit, which assigns correspondence information indicating the correspondence relationship with the digital video content broadcast by the broadcast radio wave and stores the data of the same digital video content. A content distribution device comprising a control unit for distributing digital video content stored by the storage unit via the communication unit. The content distribution device according to claim 33, wherein the storage unit adds storage information related to the storage to the data of the digital moving image content so that it can be confirmed via the communication unit. When the designated unit that specifies the video content to be received from the communication server and the digital video content that is streamed according to a predetermined schedule are specified within the distribution time by the specified unit, the video that is distributed at the specified time point. A content receiving device comprising a communication unit that automatically receives packet data of content and a display unit that displays moving image content based on the packet data received by the communication unit. The content receiving device according to claim 35, wherein when the designated unit designates moving image content outside the delivery time, the communication unit receives packet data in accordance with the designation. The content receiving device according to claim 35 or 36, wherein when the designated unit designates video content outside the delivery time, the communication unit automatically receives packet data at the beginning of the video content. When the storage unit that stores the data of the digital video content and the digital video content stored in the storage unit are specified within the distribution time according to the predetermined schedule, the packet data is streamed and distributed according to the schedule. A content distribution device characterized by having a communication unit that distributes digital video content according to the designation when the same digital video content is designated after hours. When the storage unit that stores the data of the digital video content and the digital video content stored in the storage unit are specified within the distribution time according to the predetermined schedule, the packet data is streamed and distributed according to the schedule. A content distribution device characterized by having a communication unit that streams and distributes from the packet data at the beginning of the video content when the same digital video content is specified after hours.

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