JP5164124B2 - Content transmission device, network system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content transmission device, a network system, and a program.

  With the progress of communication technology in recent years, a technology (home network system) in which home personal computers and AV devices are connected via a home network and mutually provide functions is becoming widespread. As an example of the usage form of the home network system, an uploader, a media server, and a media player are connected to a home network, and contents such as broadcast programs received from an external network are recorded on the media server by the uploader and recorded on the media server. There is a usage form in which content is reproduced by a media player. The DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) has established guidelines for interconnection between devices based on UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), which is a technical specification for easily connecting devices and sharing content. Yes.

  On the other hand, when a broadcast program includes a violent scene or an unfavorable educational scene, the broadcasting station should set a viewing age limit using a PG (Parental Guidance suggested) value or the like to broadcast the program. Can do.

  However, in a home network system, when a broadcast program with viewing age restriction set is received and the broadcast program is recorded on a media server by an uploader, the viewing age restriction setting information is lost when the content is moved. In this case, for example, the broadcast program can be downloaded from the media server by a media player installed in the child room, and as a result, the purpose of limiting the viewing age cannot be achieved.

  In order to prevent the occurrence of such a situation, in the network system disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, the function of a recorder as a media server is expanded to be referred to as “Device Description” described as an XML sentence. A tag indicating whether or not the device is a device that supports the viewing age restriction is inserted into the information. The receiver as the uploader refers to the “Device Description” stored in the memory of the recorder, and if the recorder is a device that supports the viewing age limit, the content for which the viewing age limit is set Is uploaded to the recorder. On the other hand, if the recorder is a device that does not support the viewing age restriction, the receiver does not upload the content for which the viewing age restriction is set to the recorder.

JP 2009-212893 A

  However, according to the network system disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to insert a tag indicating whether or not viewing age restriction is possible into “Device Description” by extending the function of the recorder. Therefore, when a recorder that cannot perform such function expansion is used, a tag cannot be inserted into “Device Description”. As a result, even if the recorder is a device that supports viewing age restrictions, content that has viewing age restrictions set because the function cannot be expanded (that is, a tag cannot be inserted). Cannot be uploaded from the receiver to the recorder.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is easy to determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction while eliminating the need for special function expansion to the content recording device. It is an object to obtain a content transmission device, a network system, and a program that can be determined.

  The content transmission device according to the first aspect of the present invention records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via the network. A transmitting unit that transmits sample content in which a viewing age limit is set to the content recording device, a receiving unit that receives a response signal from the content recording device with respect to the transmission of the sample content, and Based on whether age restriction information is included, based on whether the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and based on the result of the determination by the determination means If the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restrictions, The content for which the restriction is set is transmitted to the content recording device together with the viewing age limit value, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support the viewing age limit, the viewing age limit is set. Content transmitting means that does not transmit the content to the content recording device.

  According to the content transmission apparatus according to the first aspect, the transmission means transmits the sample content in which the viewing age limit is set to the content recording apparatus, and the reception means receives a response signal from the content recording apparatus for the transmission of the sample content. Receive. Then, the determination unit determines whether or not the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the viewing age restriction information is included in the response signal. Therefore, if the response signal includes viewing age restriction information, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the response signal includes viewing age restriction information. If not, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restrictions. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device.

  The content transmission apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the content transmission apparatus according to the first aspect, particularly acquires a content list indicating a list of contents recorded in the content recording apparatus from the content recording apparatus. The content recording device is adapted for viewing age restriction based on whether or not the content list to which viewing age restriction information is added is included in the content list. It is characterized by determining whether it is an apparatus.

  According to the content transmission apparatus according to the second aspect, the acquisition unit acquires a content list indicating a list of contents recorded in the content recording apparatus from the content recording apparatus. Then, the determination unit determines whether the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether the content list includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added. . Therefore, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction when content to which viewing age restriction information is added is included in the content list. In the case where the content list is not included in the content list, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction. Thus, by making a determination based on the content list as well as the response signal, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction.

  The content transmission apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention records the content on the content recording apparatus by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording apparatus via the network. An acquisition means for acquiring a content list indicating a list of content recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device, and content to which viewing age restriction information is added are included in the content list. The content recording apparatus determines whether the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the content recording apparatus views the content based on a result of the determination by the determination means. If the device is compatible with age restrictions, a device with age restrictions set The content is transmitted to the content recording device together with the viewing age limit value, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support the viewing age limit, content for which the viewing age limit is set is transmitted to the content recording device. Content transmitting means that does not transmit to the content.

  According to the content transmission apparatus according to the third aspect, the acquisition unit acquires a content list indicating a list of contents recorded in the content recording apparatus from the content recording apparatus. Then, the determination unit determines whether the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether the content list includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added. . Therefore, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction when content to which viewing age restriction information is added is included in the content list. In the case where the content list is not included in the content list, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device.

  The content transmission device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the content transmission device according to the third aspect, particularly when the content to which the viewing age restriction information is added is not included in the content list. Transmission means for transmitting the sample content set to the content recording device, and reception means for receiving a response signal from the content recording device for transmission of the sample content, and the determination means further includes the response Based on whether or not viewing age restriction information is included in the signal, it is determined whether or not the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction.

  According to the content transmission apparatus of the fourth aspect, the transmission means adds the sample content set with the viewing age restriction to the content recording apparatus when the content with the viewing age restriction information added is not included in the content list. Send. The receiving means receives a response signal from the content recording apparatus with respect to the transmission of the sample content. Then, the determination unit determines whether or not the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the viewing age restriction information is included in the response signal. Therefore, if the response signal includes viewing age restriction information, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the response signal includes viewing age restriction information. If not, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restrictions. When the content recording device supports the viewing age restriction, but the content for which the viewing age restriction is set is not recorded in the content recording device, the viewing age restriction information is added to the content list. This content will not be included. Therefore, in such a case, sample content is transmitted and a determination is made based on the response signal, thereby accurately determining whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restrictions. It becomes possible.

  The content transmission apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the content transmission apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in particular, the content recording apparatus is configured to view and listen based on the determination result by the determination means. The content recording apparatus further comprising storage means for storing viewing age restriction support information indicating that the device is compatible with age restriction, and for the content recording apparatus in which the viewing age restriction support information is stored in the storage means, the determination The means is characterized in that, based on the viewing age restriction support information stored in the storage means, it is determined that the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction.

  According to the content transmission apparatus of the fifth aspect, the storage means stores viewing age restriction support information indicating that the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction. Then, with respect to the content recording apparatus in which the viewing age restriction correspondence information is stored in the storage means, the determination means sets the content recording apparatus to the viewing age restriction based on the viewing age restriction correspondence information stored in the storage means. It is determined that the device is compatible. As described above, regarding the content recording apparatus in which the viewing age restriction correspondence information is already stored in the storage unit, by omitting the determination based on the response signal and the content list and performing the determination based on the viewing age restriction correspondence information, The determination can be performed easily and at high speed, and the communication load on the network can be reduced.

  The content transmission apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a content transmission apparatus according to the first or fourth aspect, further comprising holding means for holding dummy content in which a viewing age limit is set, wherein the sample content is It is the dummy content.

  According to the content transmission apparatus which concerns on a 6th aspect, the dummy content prepared previously is used as sample content. Therefore, it is possible to omit the process of creating the sample content from the actual content for which the viewing age limit is set, and it is possible to avoid the copyright problem associated with the processing of the actual content for creating the sample content. Become.

  The content transmission device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the content transmission device according to the first or fourth aspect, in which the sample content is a part of actual content for which viewing age restriction is set. It is a feature.

  According to the content transmission apparatus which concerns on a 7th aspect, a part of real content in which viewing age restrictions were set is used as sample content. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare dummy contents in advance, and it is possible to omit the holding means for holding dummy contents.

  The content transmission device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the content transmission device according to the seventh aspect, particularly by converting the format of the actual content into a format that can be processed by the content recording device. It further comprises a conversion means for creating

  According to the content transmitting apparatus of the eighth aspect, the converting means converts the format of the actual content into a format that can be processed by the content recording apparatus. When the format of the actual content is a format that cannot be processed by the content recording device, when the sample content having the same format as the actual content is transmitted to the content recording device, the content recording device may not be able to process the format of the sample content. For this reason, a situation may occur in which the viewing age restriction information is not included in the response signal. In this case, even if the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, it is a device that does not support viewing age restriction because the viewing age restriction information is not included in the response signal. Will be erroneously determined. Therefore, by generating the sample content by converting the format of the actual content into a format that can be processed by the content recording apparatus, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of erroneous determination due to the inability to process the format.

  The content transmission apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention updates the viewing age restriction correspondence information stored in the storage means regularly or irregularly, particularly in the content transmission apparatus according to the fifth aspect. An update means is further provided.

  According to the content transmission apparatus which concerns on a 9th aspect, an update means updates the viewing age restrictions corresponding | compatible information memorize | stored in the memory | storage means regularly or irregularly. Therefore, when the content recording device that does not support the viewing age restriction is supported by the exchange of the content recording device or the change of the control program, the viewing age restriction support information stored in the storage means is stored. By updating, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction.

  The content transmission device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the content transmission device according to the ninth aspect, in particular, the update means includes the viewing age restriction correspondence information when a control program of the content recording device is changed. Is updated.

  According to the content transmission device of the tenth aspect, the updating means updates the viewing age restriction support information when the control program of the content recording device is changed. Accordingly, when the content recording device that does not support viewing age restriction is supported by the firmware upgrade of the content recording device, the content recording device is updated by updating the viewing age restriction support information. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the device is compatible with the viewing age limit.

  The content transmission device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the content transmission device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, particularly when the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction. In the case where a plurality of programs are included in one content, the content transmission means sets the strictest viewing age limit value for the plurality of programs as the viewing age limit value for the content. It is a feature.

  According to the content transmission apparatus of the eleventh aspect, when a plurality of programs are included in one content due to time-scheduled scheduled recording or the like, the content transmission unit can determine the most severe viewing age related to the plurality of programs. The limit value is set as the viewing age limit value for the content. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which a program for which viewing age restriction is set is viewed by a user under the target age.

  A network system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a content recording device connected to a network and the content received or held by transmitting the content to the content recording device via the network. A content transmission device for recording the content in a recording device, a content reproduction device for reproducing the content by receiving the content recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device via the network, and The content transmitting apparatus includes: transmitting means for transmitting sample content for which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording apparatus; and receiving means for receiving a response signal from the content recording apparatus for transmission of the sample content; The response signal Based on whether or not viewing age restriction information is included, a determination unit that determines whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and a result of determination by the determination unit When the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, the content for which viewing age restriction is set is transmitted to the content recording device together with the viewing age restriction value, and the content recording device In the case of a device that does not support the viewing age limit, the content recording unit does not transmit the content for which the viewing age limit is set to the content recording device.

  According to the network system of the twelfth aspect, the transmitting means transmits the sample content set with the viewing age limit to the content recording apparatus, and the receiving means receives a response signal from the content recording apparatus for the transmission of the sample content. To do. Then, the determination unit determines whether or not the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the viewing age restriction information is included in the response signal. Therefore, if the response signal includes viewing age restriction information, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the response signal includes viewing age restriction information. If not, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restrictions. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device.

  A network system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides a content recording apparatus connected to a network and the received or held content to the content recording apparatus via the network, thereby A content transmission device for recording the content in a recording device, a content reproduction device for reproducing the content by receiving the content recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device via the network, and The content transmitting apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a content list indicating a list of contents recorded in the content recording apparatus; and the content to which viewing age restriction information is added is the content Included in list The content recording apparatus determines whether the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the content recording apparatus determines whether the content recording apparatus is based on the result of determination by the determination means. In the case of a device that supports the viewing age limit, the content for which the viewing age limit is set is transmitted to the content recording device together with the viewing age limit value, and the content recording device supports the viewing age limit. In the case of a device that is not connected to the content recording device, the content recording device has a content transmission unit that does not transmit the content for which the viewing age limit is set to the content recording device.

  According to the network system of the thirteenth aspect, the acquisition unit acquires a content list indicating a list of contents recorded in the content recording apparatus from the content recording apparatus. Then, the determination unit determines whether the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether the content list includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added. . Therefore, when the content list includes content with viewing age restriction information added, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction and adds viewing age restriction information. When the content that has been set is not included in the content list, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restrictions. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device.

  The network system according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the network system according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, in which the content recording device includes a search request including a specification of a viewing age limit value from the content reproduction device. When the content is received, a content list indicating a list of content that matches the conditions among the recorded content is created, and the content list is transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus.

  According to the network system of the fourteenth aspect, when the content recording apparatus receives a search request including the specification of the viewing age limit value from the content reproduction apparatus, the content recording apparatus matches the condition among the recorded contents. A content list indicating a list of contents to be created is created, and the content list is transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus. Therefore, content that does not meet the conditions is not included in the content list, and it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which content for which viewing age restriction is set is viewed by a user under the target age.

  The network system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the network system according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, and in particular, the content recording device has a condition for specifying a viewing age limit value from the content reproduction device. When a search request not included in the list is received, a content list indicating a list of content that is not set as a viewing age limit is created from the recorded content, and the content list is transmitted to the content playback device. It is characterized by.

  According to the network system of the fifteenth aspect, when the content recording device receives a search request that does not include the specification of the viewing age limit value from the content playback device, the content recording device includes the viewing age limit of the recorded content. A content list indicating a list of contents for which is not set is created, and the content list is transmitted to the content reproduction apparatus. Therefore, since the content for which the viewing age restriction is set is not included in the content list, it is possible to reliably avoid the situation in which the content for which the viewing age restriction is set is viewed by a user under the target age. . For example, when a media player acquires a content list of a media server, if the media player is a device that does not support viewing age restrictions, the media player can acquire a content list including upnp: rating. . On the other hand, according to the network system according to the fifteenth aspect, the media server transmits a content list indicating a list of contents for which viewing age restriction is not set, so that this problem can be solved.

  A program according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is installed in a content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via a network. A transmission means for transmitting sample content in which a viewing age limit is set to the content recording device, a receiving means for receiving a response signal from the content recording device for transmission of the sample content, and a response signal Based on whether or not viewing age restriction information is included, a determination unit that determines whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and a result of determination by the determination unit When the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restrictions Transmits the content for which the viewing age limit is set, together with the viewing age limit value, to the content recording device, and if the content recording device is a device that does not support the viewing age limit, the viewing age limit is set. This is a program for functioning as content transmission means that does not transmit the set content to the content recording device.

  According to the program of the sixteenth aspect, the transmission means transmits the sample content for which the viewing age limit is set to the content recording apparatus, and the reception means receives a response signal from the content recording apparatus for the transmission of the sample content. . Then, the determination unit determines whether or not the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the viewing age restriction information is included in the response signal. Therefore, if the response signal includes viewing age restriction information, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the response signal includes viewing age restriction information. If not, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restrictions. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device.

  A program according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is installed in a content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via a network. The content list includes an acquisition means for acquiring a content list indicating a list of content recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device, and content to which viewing age restriction information is added. The content recording apparatus determines whether the content recording apparatus is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the content recording apparatus determines whether the content recording apparatus is based on the result of determination by the determination means. If the device supports viewing age restrictions, the viewing age restriction is set. The content that has been set to the viewing age limit is transmitted to the content recording device together with the viewing age limit value, and the content recording device is a device that does not support the viewing age limit. This is a program for functioning as content transmitting means that is not transmitted to the content recording device.

  According to the program according to the seventeenth aspect, the acquiring means acquires a content list indicating a list of contents recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device. Then, the determination unit determines whether the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether the content list includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added. . Therefore, when the content list includes content with viewing age restriction information added, the determination unit determines that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction and adds viewing age restriction information. When the content that has been set is not included in the content list, it can be determined that the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restrictions. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, without requiring a special function extension to the content recording device.

It is a figure which simplifies and shows the whole structure of the network system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the content transmission apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function implement | achieved by a process part by running a program. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process which a determination means performs. It is a figure which shows an example of a corresponding | compatible apparatus list. It is a figure which shows the structure of the content transmission apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function implement | achieved by a process part by running a program.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the element which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in different drawing shall show the same or corresponding element.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified overall configuration of a network system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network system 1 is, for example, a home network system built in a user's house, and is a system configured by devices that conform to the specifications of UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). As shown in FIG. 1, a network system 1 includes a content transmission device 3, a content recording device 4, and a content reproduction device 5 connected to a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) in a house. Yes.

  The content transmission device 3 is a set top box, for example. The content transmission device 3 has a function as an uploader, and content received from the transmission server 8 of the transmission station via an external network 7 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the content transmission device 3 has an internal storage ( Alternatively, it is possible to transmit (upload) content held in an external hard disk or the like to the content recording device 4 via the network 2.

  The content recording device 4 is, for example, a hard disk recorder or a Blu-ray recorder. The content recording device 4 has a function as a media server, and can record (accumulate) the content received from the content transmission device 3. Further, the content recording device 4 can transmit the content recorded by itself to the content reproduction device 5 in response to a request from the content reproduction device 5.

  The content reproduction device 5 is connected to a display device 6 such as a liquid crystal display device or a plasma display device. The content reproduction device 5 has a function as a media player, and can receive the content recorded in the content recording device 4 via the network 2 and reproduce the content on the display device 6. It is.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the content transmission device 3A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content transmitting apparatus 3A includes a WAN interface 13 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the external network 7, a LAN interface 14 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the network 2, and a processing unit such as a CPU or a processor. 11A and a storage unit 12 such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 12 stores a program 15, a compatible device list 16, and dummy content 17. That is, the storage unit 12 functions as a storage unit that stores the corresponding device list 16 and also functions as a holding unit that holds the dummy content 17. The corresponding device list 16 may be stored in a non-volatile memory different from the storage unit 12.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented in the processing unit 11A by executing the program 15. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing unit 11A functions as an extraction unit 21, a determination unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a content transmission unit 24, a reception unit 25, an update unit 26, and a transmission unit 27. In other words, the program 15 functions the computer installed in the content transmission apparatus 3A as the extraction unit 21, the determination unit 22, the acquisition unit 23, the content transmission unit 24, the reception unit 25, the update unit 26, and the transmission unit 27. It is a program to make it.

  Referring to FIG. 3, content D <b> 1 to be uploaded to content recording device 4 is input to extraction means 29. The extraction means 29 determines whether or not the viewing age limit is set for the content D1. For example, when the content D1 is terrestrial digital broadcast or BS digital broadcast content, the rating field of the parental rate descriptor of the EIT (Event Information Table) multiplexed in the stream, or the PMT (Program Map Table) The parental rate is extracted from the first byte of the private data byte area of the conditional access system descriptor of (), and the content is analyzed to determine whether or not the viewing age limit is set for the content D1. Alternatively, if the content D1 is IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) content, metadata including program information of the content D1 is received from a metaserver or the like, and whether or not a parental rate value is specified in the metadata. It is determined whether or not the viewing age limit is set for the content D1. Further, identification information for uniquely identifying the content recording device 4 that is the transmission destination of the content D1 is input to the content transmission device 3A. As this identification information, the MAC (Media Access Control) address or UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) of the content recording device 4 can be used.

  When the viewing age limit is not set for the content D1, the content D1 is input to the content transmission unit 24, and the content transmission unit 24 transmits the content D1 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4.

  On the other hand, when the viewing age limit is set for the content D1, the following processing is performed to confirm whether or not the destination content recording device 4 is a device that supports the viewing age limit. Is called.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the extraction unit D2 inputs a request signal D2 for requesting confirmation of whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction to the determination unit 22. The request signal D2 includes identification information of the content recording device 4. The determination means 22 that has received the request signal D2 determines whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction by the following processing.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the determination process executed by the determination unit 22. First, in step P01, the determination unit 22 reads the corresponding device list 16 stored in the storage unit 12 as data D3, and refers to the contents.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the corresponding device list 16. The corresponding device list 16 stores information (viewing age restriction correspondence information) indicating that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the identification information (MAC address in this example) of the content recording device that supports viewing age restriction is listed in the corresponding device list 16 as viewing age restriction correspondence information. In other words, the content recording device whose identification information is registered in the corresponding device list 16 is a device that supports viewing age restriction. The corresponding device list 16 is created by the determination unit 22 as will be described later.

  According to the example shown in FIG. 5, it is unclear whether or not a content recording device whose identification information is not registered in the corresponding device list 16 is a device that supports viewing age restriction. Therefore, the identification information of all the content recording devices included in the network system 1 is listed in the corresponding device list 16, and flag information indicating whether or not the viewing age restriction is supported is included in the identification information of each content recording device. You may register in association. As a result, it is possible to manage whether or not each device is compatible with the viewing age limit for all content recording devices included in the network system 1.

  With reference to FIG. 4, next, in step P <b> 02, the determination means 22 determines whether or not the identification information of the destination content recording device 4 is registered in the corresponding device list 16.

  If the identification information of the content recording device 4 is registered in the corresponding device list 16 (that is, if the result of determination in step P02 is “YES”), then in step P07, the determination means 22 determines that the content recording device 4 is determined to be a device that complies with viewing age restrictions. Then, data D4 indicating the determination result is input to the content transmission unit 24. In this case, the content D1 is input to the content transmission unit 24, and the content transmission unit 24 transmits the content D1 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4.

  At that time, the content transmitting unit 24 uses the viewing age restriction information such as the parental rate descriptor set in the content D1 received from the transmission server 8 as “upnp: viewing age restriction information defined by UPnP: The information is added to the content D1 to be transmitted. “Upnp: rating” is a value obtained by converting a “rating” value such as a parental rate descriptor into a hexadecimal character string.

  In addition, in the case where a plurality of programs are included in one content by time-designated recording or the like, if the set viewing age limit value differs for each program, the content transmission means 24 may select a plurality of programs. The most severely set viewing age limit value is set as the viewing age limit value for the content. For example, program A, program B, and program C are included in one content, “PG-12” is set for program A, and “PG-15” is set for program B. When the viewing age limit is not set for C, the content transmission unit 24 sets “PG-15” as the viewing age limit value for the content.

  On the other hand, if the identification information of the content recording device 4 is not registered in the corresponding device list 16 (that is, if the result of determination in step P02 is “NO”), then in step P03, the acquisition unit 23 The content list D5 is acquired from the recording device 4. The content list D5 is created by the content recording device 4, and the content list D5 describes the program information of the content stored in the content recording device 4. For example, in accordance with UPnP operation rules, various information such as the title (event name), genre, event start time, event end time, and content resolution of each content is included in the content list D5. In addition, when the content recording device 4 is a device that supports the viewing age restriction and the content for which the viewing age restriction is set is recorded in the content recording device 4, the program information of the content includes Viewing age restriction information (upnp: rating) is added.

  The content list D5 is input from the acquisition unit 23 to the determination unit 22. Next, in step P04, the determination unit 22 determines whether the content list D5 includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added.

  If the content list D5 includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added (that is, if the result of determination in step P04 is “YES”), then in step P07, the determining means 22 The recording device 4 determines that the device is compatible with viewing age restrictions. Then, data D4 indicating the determination result is input to the content transmission unit 24. In this case, the content transmission unit 24 transmits the content D1 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4 as described above. At that time, viewing age restriction information is added to the content D1. Further, the determination unit 22 creates the corresponding device list 16 including the identification information of the content recording device 4 or updates the existing corresponding device list 16 by adding the identification information of the content recording device 4 to create or update The corresponding device list 16 is stored in the storage unit 12.

  On the other hand, when the content to which the viewing age restriction information is added is not included in the content list D5 (that is, when the result of determination in step P04 is “NO”), in step P05, the transmission means 27 then The dummy content 17 stored in the storage unit 12 is read as data D6. Then, by executing “Create Object” defined by UPnP, the dummy content 17 is transmitted as sample content from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4. The dummy content 17 has the same data format as that of normal content, but does not include video or audio data. However, the dummy content 17 may include video and audio data. In addition, an arbitrary viewing age limit value is set in the dummy content 17.

  Specifically, the transmission unit 27 transmits “Create Object” in which “upnp: rating” is set to the content recording apparatus 4 from the LAN interface 14. Upon receiving “Create Object”, the content recording device 4 returns “Create Object Response”, which is a response to “Create Object”, to the content transmission device 3A as a response signal D7. The response signal D7 is received by the LAN interface 14 and then input from the LAN interface 14 to the receiving means 25. The receiving unit 25 inputs the response signal D7 to the determining unit 22. Here, since “upnp: rating” is set in “Create Object” transmitted by the transmission unit 27, if the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction, a response signal D7 also includes “upnp: rating”. On the other hand, if the content recording device 4 is a device that does not support viewing age restriction, the response signal D7 does not include “upnp: rating”. It will be.

  Therefore, in step P06, the determination unit 22 determines whether “upnp: rating” is included in the response signal D7.

  If “upnp: rating” is included in the response signal D7 (that is, if the result of determination in step P06 is “YES”), then in step P07, the determination means 22 causes the content recording device 4 to view It is determined that the device is compatible with age restrictions. Then, data D4 indicating the determination result is input to the content transmission unit 24. In this case, the content transmission unit 24 transmits the content D1 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4 as described above. At that time, viewing age restriction information is added to the content D1. Similarly to the above, the determination unit 22 creates the corresponding device list 16 including the identification information of the content recording device 4 (or updates the existing corresponding device list 16).

  On the other hand, if “upnp: rating” is not included in the response signal D7 (that is, if the result of determination in step P06 is “NO”), then in step P08, the determination unit 22 determines that the content recording device 4 Is determined to be a device that does not support viewing age restrictions. Then, data D4 indicating the determination result is input to the content transmission unit 24. In this case, the content transmission unit 24 does not transmit the content D1 toward the content recording device 4. At that time, an error message such as characters or voices such as “This content cannot be transmitted to the media server because the media server does not support viewing age restriction” may be output from the content transmission device 3A.

  As described above, the determination unit 22 refers to the contents of the corresponding device list 16 in step P01. Here, in the network system 1, a situation where a content recording device is added or exchanged, or a situation where a control program of an existing content recording device is changed due to firmware upgrade or the like is assumed. Therefore, the updating unit 26 periodically or irregularly updates the contents of the corresponding device list 16 in order to keep the contents of the corresponding device list 16 up to date in case such a situation occurs.

  When a regular automatic update timing (for example, a predetermined time once a day) arrives, an update command D8 is input to the update means 26. Receiving the update command D8, the update unit 26 inputs the transmission command D9 for the dummy content 17 to the transmission unit 27. Upon receiving the transmission command D9, the transmission means 27 reads the dummy content 17 from the storage unit 12 and executes “Create Object” for all the content recording devices 4 included in the network system 1 in the same manner as in Step P05. To do. Further, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not each content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on the response signal D7 received from each content recording device 4. Then, the determination unit 22 creates a new corresponding device list 16 that lists the identification information of the content recording device 4 that supports viewing age restriction, and stores the corresponding device list 16 stored in the storage unit 12. Update with the newly created latest compatible device list 16.

  Further, when a new content recording device 4 is added to the network system 1 or when the control program of the existing content recording device 4 is changed, the content transmission device 3A is notified to that effect, so that the update command D8 is issued. Input to the updating means 26. Receiving the update command D8, the update unit 26 inputs the transmission command D9 for the dummy content 17 to the transmission unit 27. Thereafter, the corresponding device list 16 is updated by the determination unit 22 by performing the same processing as described above.

  Further, as described above, the content recording device 4 transmits the content list D5 to the content transmission device 3A in step P03. Here, the content recording device 4 can also distribute the content list D5 to the content reproduction device 5 in response to a request from the content reproduction device 5 as well as the content transmission device 3A.

  Specifically, when the content recording device 4 receives a search request from the content playback device 5 that includes the specification of the viewing age limit value, the content recording device 4 satisfies the condition among all the content recorded by itself. A content list D5 indicating a list of contents to be created is created, and the content list D5 is transmitted to the content reproduction device 5. For example, in the case where the parental rate can be set to 17 levels from “PG-4” to “PG-20”, when a search request designating “PG-15” is received, the content recording device 4 A content list D5 including content for which viewing age restriction is not set and content for which viewing age restriction is set to “PG-4” to “PG-15” among all the content recorded by the device itself And the content list D5 is transmitted to the content reproduction device 5. In the case of this example, content whose viewing age limit is set to “PG-16” to “PG-20” is not included in the content list D5.

  In addition, when the content recording device 4 receives a search request from the content reproduction device 5 that does not include the specification of the viewing age limit value, the viewing age limit is set among all the content recorded by the content recording device 4 itself. A content list D5 indicating a list of content that has not been created is created, and the content list D5 is transmitted to the content reproduction device 5. In the case of this example, content for which viewing age restriction is set is not included in the content list D5.

  As described above, according to the content transmitting apparatus 3A according to the present embodiment, the transmitting unit 27 transmits the dummy content 17 in which the viewing age limit is set as the sample content to the content recording apparatus 4, and the receiving unit 25 includes the sample content. The response signal D7 is received from the content recording device 4 with respect to the transmission. Then, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the viewing age restriction information is included in the response signal D7. Accordingly, when the response signal D7 includes viewing age restriction information, the determination unit 22 determines that the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the response signal D7 includes the viewing age restriction information. When the restriction information is not included, it can be determined that the content recording device 4 is a device that does not support viewing age restriction. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions, without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device 4.

  Further, according to the content transmitting apparatus 3A according to the present embodiment, the acquiring unit 23 acquires the content list D5 indicating the list of contents recorded in the content recording apparatus 4 from the content recording apparatus 4. Then, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the content list D5 includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added. Determine. Therefore, when the content with the viewing age restriction information added is included in the content list D5, the determination unit 22 determines that the content recording device 4 is a device that supports the viewing age restriction, and the viewing is performed. If the content list D5 does not include content with age restriction information added, it can be determined that the content recording device 4 is a device that does not support viewing age restriction. Thus, by making a determination based on not only the response signal D7 but also the content list D5, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction. It becomes.

  Further, according to the content transmitting apparatus 3A according to the present embodiment, the acquiring unit 23 acquires the content list D5 indicating the list of contents recorded in the content recording apparatus 4 from the content recording apparatus 4. Then, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the content list D5 includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added. Determine. Therefore, when the content with the viewing age restriction information added is included in the content list D5, the determination unit 22 determines that the content recording device 4 is a device that supports the viewing age restriction, and the viewing is performed. If the content list D5 does not include content with age restriction information added, it can be determined that the content recording device 4 is a device that does not support viewing age restriction. As a result, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that complies with viewing age restrictions, without requiring special function expansion to the content recording device 4.

  In addition, according to the content transmitting apparatus 3A according to the present embodiment, the transmitting unit 27 performs dummy content in which viewing age restriction is set when content to which viewing age restriction information is added is not included in the content list D5. 17 is transmitted to the content recording device 4 as sample content. The receiving means 25 receives a response signal D7 from the content recording device 4 with respect to the transmission of the sample content. Then, the determination unit 22 determines whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not the viewing age restriction information is included in the response signal D7. Accordingly, when the response signal D7 includes viewing age restriction information, the determination unit 22 determines that the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and the response signal D7 includes the viewing age restriction information. When the restriction information is not included, it can be determined that the content recording device 4 is a device that does not support viewing age restriction. When the content recording device 4 supports the viewing age restriction, but the content for which the viewing age restriction is set is not recorded in the content recording device 4, the viewing list age restriction information is displayed in the content list D5. Content to which is added is not included. Therefore, in such a case, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction by transmitting sample content and making a determination based on the response signal D7. It becomes possible to judge.

  Further, according to the content transmission device 3A according to the present embodiment, the storage device 12 (storage means) stores the corresponding device list 16 (indicating that the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restrictions). Viewing age restriction support information) is stored. Then, for the content recording device 4 registered in the corresponding device list 16, the determination unit 22 determines that the content recording device 4 supports the viewing age restriction based on the corresponding device list 16 stored in the storage unit 12. It is determined that the device is in use. As described above, with respect to the content recording device 4 registered in the corresponding device list 16, the determination based on the response signal D7 and the content list D5 is omitted, and the determination based on the corresponding device list 16 is performed. In addition, it is possible to reduce the communication load on the network 2.

  Moreover, according to the content transmission apparatus 3A according to the present embodiment, the dummy content 17 prepared in advance is used as the sample content. Therefore, it is possible to omit the process of creating the sample content from the actual content for which the viewing age limit is set, and it is possible to avoid the copyright problem associated with the processing of the actual content for creating the sample content. Become.

  In addition, according to the content transmitting apparatus 3A according to the present embodiment, the updating unit 26 updates the corresponding device list 16 stored in the storage unit 12 regularly or irregularly. Therefore, when the content recording device 4 that does not support the viewing age restriction is supported by the exchange of the content recording device 4 or the change of the control program, the corresponding device list stored in the storage unit 12 By updating 16, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction.

  In addition, according to the content transmission device 3A according to the present embodiment, the update unit 26 updates the corresponding device list 16 when the control program of the content recording device 4 is changed. Accordingly, when the content recording apparatus 4 that does not support the viewing age restriction is supported by the upgrade of the firmware of the content recording apparatus 4, the content recording apparatus 16 is updated to update the corresponding device list 16. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not 4 is a device that supports viewing age restrictions.

  Further, according to the content transmitting apparatus 3A according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of programs are included in one content by time-designated scheduled recording or the like, the content transmitting unit 24 relates to the plurality of programs. The strictest viewing age limit value is set as the viewing age limit value for the content. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which a program for which viewing age restriction is set is viewed by a user under the target age.

  Also, according to the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the content recording device 4 receives a search request from the content reproduction device 5 that includes the designation of the viewing age limit value as a condition, Then, a content list D5 indicating a list of content that matches the conditions is created, and the content list D5 is transmitted to the content reproduction device 5. Therefore, content that does not meet the conditions is not included in the content list D5, and it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which content for which viewing age restriction is set is viewed by a user under the target age.

  Further, according to the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the content recording device 4 receives a search request from the content reproduction device 5 that does not include the designation of the viewing age limit value, the content recording device 4 Among them, a content list D5 indicating a list of content for which no viewing age restriction is set is created, and the content list D5 is transmitted to the content reproduction device 5. Therefore, since the content for which the viewing age limit is set is not included in the content list D5, it is possible to reliably avoid the situation in which the content for which the viewing age limit is set is viewed by a user under the target age. Become.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content transmission device 3B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The content transmission apparatus 3B includes the WAN interface 13, the LAN interface 14, and the storage unit 12 similar to those in the first embodiment, and a processing unit 11B such as a CPU or a processor. The storage unit 12 stores a program 15 and a corresponding device list 16.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating functions realized in the processing unit 11B by executing the program 15. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the processing unit 11B functions as an extraction unit 21, a determination unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a content transmission unit 24, a reception unit 25, an update unit 26, a transmission unit 27, a creation unit 31, and a conversion unit 32. To do. In other words, the program 15 loads the computer installed in the content transmission device 3B into the extraction unit 21, the determination unit 22, the acquisition unit 23, the content transmission unit 24, the reception unit 25, the update unit 26, the transmission unit 27, and the creation unit. 31 and a program for functioning as the conversion means 32.

  With reference to FIG. 7, the content D <b> 1 to be uploaded to the content recording device 4 is input to the extraction unit 29. The extraction unit 29 determines whether or not the viewing age limit is set for the content D1 by the same method as in the first embodiment.

  When the viewing age limit is not set for the content D1, the content D1 is input to the content transmission unit 24, and the content transmission unit 24 transmits the content D1 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4.

  On the other hand, when the viewing age limit is set for the content D1, the following processing is performed to confirm whether or not the destination content recording device 4 is a device that supports the viewing age limit. Is called.

  Referring to FIG. 7, extraction means D2 inputs request signal D2 similar to that in the first embodiment to determination means 22. The determination means 22 that has received the request signal D2 determines whether or not the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction by the following processing.

  Referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, first, in step P01, the determination unit 22 reads the corresponding device list 16 stored in the storage unit 12 as data D3, and refers to the contents.

  Next, in step P02, the determination means 22 determines whether or not the identification information of the destination content recording device 4 is registered in the corresponding device list 16.

  If the identification information of the content recording device 4 is registered in the corresponding device list 16 (that is, if the result of determination in step P02 is “YES”), then in step P07, the determination means 22 determines that the content recording device 4 is determined to be a device that complies with viewing age restrictions. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the content transmission unit 24 transmits the content D1 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4. At that time, viewing age restriction information is added to the content D1.

  On the other hand, if the identification information of the content recording device 4 is not registered in the corresponding device list 16 (that is, if the result of determination in step P02 is “NO”), then in step P03, the acquisition unit 23 The content list D5 is acquired from the recording device 4.

  The content list D5 is input from the acquisition unit 23 to the determination unit 22. Next, in step P04, the determination unit 22 determines whether the content list D5 includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added.

  If the content list D5 includes content to which viewing age restriction information is added (that is, if the result of determination in step P04 is “YES”), then in step P07, the determining means 22 The recording device 4 determines that the device is compatible with viewing age restrictions. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the content transmission unit 24 transmits the content D1 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4. As in the first embodiment, the determination unit 22 creates the corresponding device list 16 including the identification information of the content recording device 4 or adds the identification information of the content recording device 4 to the existing corresponding device list 16. The corresponding device list 16 that has been added and updated and created or updated is stored in the storage unit 12.

  On the other hand, when the content to which the viewing age restriction information is added is not included in the content list D5 (that is, when the result of determination in step P04 is “NO”), the creating means 31 next in step P05 The sample content D10 is created from the content D1 to be transmitted (that is, the actual content for which viewing age restriction is set). For example, the sample content D10 is created as a part of the content D1 by deleting all video and audio data from the content D1 while maintaining the viewing age limit set for the content D1. Note that the sample content D10 may be created by leaving a part of the video and audio data of the content D1 (for example, the top portion).

  Further, when the compression encoding format of the sample content D10 (that is, the compression encoding format of the content D1) is a format that cannot be processed by the content recording device 4, the converting unit 32 converts the format of the sample content D10 into the content recording. The data is converted into a format that can be processed by the device 4. Thereby, the sample content D11 after the format conversion is output from the conversion means 32. The conversion means 32 is, for example, an optional specification H.264. The H.264 format is converted into the standard MPEG-2 format. Note that the viewing age limit similar to that for the content D1 is also set for the sample content D11.

  The sample content D11 is input from the conversion unit 32 to the transmission unit 27. As in the first embodiment, the transmission unit 27 transmits the sample content D11 from the LAN interface 14 to the content recording device 4 by executing “Create Object” defined by UPnP. Since the viewing age limit is set for the sample content D11, “upnp: rating” is set for “Create Object” as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the receiving means 25 inputs the response signal D7 received from the content recording device 4 to the determining means 22.

  Next, in step P06, the determination means 22 determines whether or not “upnp: rating” is included in the response signal D7. Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, a duplicate description is omitted.

  As described above, according to the content transmission device 3B according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, according to the content transmission device 3B according to the present embodiment, a part of the actual content D1 in which the viewing age limit is set is used as the sample content D11. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare the dummy content 17 in advance, and it is not necessary to secure a storage area for storing the dummy content 17 in the storage unit 12.

  Further, according to the content transmission device 3B according to the present embodiment, the conversion unit 32 converts the format of the actual content D1 into a format that can be processed by the content recording device 4. When the format of the actual content D1 is a format that cannot be processed by the content recording device 4, when the sample content D10 having the same format as the actual content D1 is transmitted to the content recording device 4, the content recording device 4 uses the sample content D10. Due to the fact that the format cannot be processed, a situation in which the viewing age restriction information is not included in the response signal D7 may occur. In this case, even if the content recording device 4 is a device that supports viewing age restriction, the response age limit information is not included in the response signal D7, and thus the viewing age restriction is supported. It is erroneously determined that the device is not available. Therefore, by generating the sample content D11 by converting the format of the actual content D1 into a format that can be processed by the content recording device 4, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of erroneous determination due to the inability to process the format. Become.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above-mentioned meaning but by the scope of claims for patent, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network system 2 Network 3, 3A, 3B Content transmission apparatus 4 Content recording apparatus 5 Content reproduction apparatus 11A, 11B Processing part 12 Storage part 15 Program 16 Corresponding apparatus list 17 Dummy content 21 Extraction means 22 Determination means 23 Acquisition means 24 Content transmission Means 25 Receiving means 26 Updating means 27 Sending means 31 Creating means 32 Converting means

Claims (17)

A content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via a network,
Transmitting means for transmitting the sample content set with the viewing age limit to the content recording device;
Receiving means for receiving a response signal from the content recording device with respect to transmission of the sample content;
Determining means for determining whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not viewing response restriction information is included in the response signal;
Based on the result of determination by the determination means, if the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, content for which viewing age restriction is set is recorded together with the viewing age restriction value in the content recording. Content transmitting means for transmitting to a device, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction, does not transmit content for which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording device;
A content transmission device comprising: An acquisition means for acquiring a content list indicating a list of content recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device;
The determination means further determines whether the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether the content list includes content with viewing age restriction information added. The content transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made. A content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via a network,
An acquisition means for acquiring from the content recording device a content list indicating a list of content recorded in the content recording device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, based on whether or not content to which viewing age restriction information is added is included in the content list;
Based on the result of determination by the determination means, if the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, content for which viewing age restriction is set is recorded together with the viewing age restriction value in the content recording. Content transmitting means for transmitting to a device, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction, does not transmit content for which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording device;
A content transmission device comprising: Transmitting means for transmitting sample content in which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording device when content to which viewing age restriction information is added is not included in the content list;
Receiving means for receiving a response signal from the content recording device with respect to transmission of the sample content;
Further comprising
The determination means further determines whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not viewing response restriction information is included in the response signal. 4. The content transmission device according to 3. Based on the result of determination by the determination means, further comprising storage means for storing viewing age restriction support information indicating that the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction;
With respect to the content recording device in which the viewing age restriction correspondence information is stored in the storage unit, the determination unit is configured to view the content recording device based on the viewing age restriction correspondence information stored in the storage unit. The content transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the content transmission device determines that the device is compatible with age restriction. It further comprises holding means for holding dummy content for which viewing age restrictions are set,
The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample content is the dummy content.   The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample content is a part of actual content for which viewing age restriction is set.   The content transmission device according to claim 7, further comprising a conversion unit that converts the format of the actual content into a format that can be processed by the content recording device, thereby generating the sample content.   The content transmission apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an updating unit that periodically or irregularly updates the viewing age restriction correspondence information stored in the storage unit.   The content transmission device according to claim 9, wherein the update unit updates the viewing age restriction support information when a control program of the content recording device is changed.   In the case where the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, and if a plurality of programs are included in one content, the content transmission means may perform the severest viewing on the plurality of programs. The content transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the age limit value is set as a viewing age limit value for the content. A content recording device connected to the network;
A content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via the network; and
A content reproduction device for reproducing the content by receiving the content recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device via the network;
With
The content transmission device includes:
Transmitting means for transmitting the sample content set with the viewing age limit to the content recording device;
Receiving means for receiving a response signal from the content recording device with respect to transmission of the sample content;
Determining means for determining whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not viewing response restriction information is included in the response signal;
Based on the result of determination by the determination means, if the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, content for which viewing age restriction is set is recorded together with the viewing age restriction value in the content recording. Content transmitting means for transmitting to a device, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction, does not transmit content for which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording device;
Having a network system. A content recording device connected to the network;
A content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via the network; and
A content reproduction device for reproducing the content by receiving the content recorded in the content recording device from the content recording device via the network;
With
The content transmission device includes:
An acquisition means for acquiring from the content recording device a content list indicating a list of content recorded in the content recording device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, based on whether or not content to which viewing age restriction information is added is included in the content list;
Based on the result of determination by the determination means, if the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, content for which viewing age restriction is set is recorded together with the viewing age restriction value in the content recording. Content transmitting means for transmitting to a device, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction, does not transmit content for which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording device;
Having a network system.   When the content recording device receives a search request from the content playback device that includes the specification of a viewing age limit value, the content recording device creates a content list indicating a list of content that matches the criteria among the recorded content The network system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the content list is transmitted to the content reproduction device.   When the content recording device receives a search request from the content reproduction device that does not include the specification of the viewing age limit value, the content recording device shows a list of the recorded content for which the viewing age limit is not set. The network system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a content list is created and the content list is transmitted to the content reproduction device. A computer mounted on a content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via a network,
Transmitting means for transmitting the sample content set with the viewing age limit to the content recording device;
Receiving means for receiving a response signal from the content recording device with respect to transmission of the sample content;
Determining means for determining whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction based on whether or not viewing response restriction information is included in the response signal;
Based on the result of determination by the determination means, if the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, content for which viewing age restriction is set is recorded together with the viewing age restriction value in the content recording. Content transmitting means for transmitting to a device, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction, does not transmit content for which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording device;
Program to function as. A computer mounted on a content transmission device that records the content on the content recording device by transmitting the received or held content to the content recording device via a network,
An acquisition means for acquiring from the content recording device a content list indicating a list of content recorded in the content recording device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, based on whether or not content to which viewing age restriction information is added is included in the content list;
Based on the result of determination by the determination means, if the content recording device is a device that supports viewing age restriction, content for which viewing age restriction is set is recorded together with the viewing age restriction value in the content recording. Content transmitting means for transmitting to a device, and when the content recording device is a device that does not support viewing age restriction, does not transmit content for which viewing age restriction is set to the content recording device;
Program to function as.

Images