JP2003169312A - Electronic program table supply system, electronic program table supply method, program thereof, and record medium recording the program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide environment for easily performing the management, utilization, and the like of image contents such as a TV program. <P>SOLUTION: When an electronic program table that is created based on the broadcasting schedule of a program is to be provided to the terminal of a user side 200 via a specific network, a digest image that is created by connecting moving picture clips being extracted from the image contents based on a specific keyword is included in the electronic program table. A user acquires the details of the image contents based on the digest image and selects a program. Additionally, in the provided electronic program table, a function is provided for reserving the reproduction and recording of the selected image contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic program guide providing system, an electronic program guide providing method, a program thereof, and a recording medium recording the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to provide guidance and program advertisements related to images such as TV, movies, and travel, it is common to provide titles and still images on newspapers, advertisement leaflets, the Internet, and the like. On rare occasions, moving images were provided on the Internet or electronic bulletin boards to provide guidance and program advertisements.

In recent years, the use of networks has become widespread,
Websites that provide program guides for TV programs using the Internet or public telephone lines have appeared.

A technique for providing such an electronic program guide via a network is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-313265.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-177944 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 200
0-295538, JP 2000-324006.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-36846 and the like. Hereinafter, these are referred to as conventional techniques.

[0005]

However, the electronic program guide disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art merely presents the program content to the user mainly in characters. For this reason,
In the generally disclosed program guide (including the electronic program guide) including the above-mentioned conventional techniques, the contents are difficult to understand, and information is provided to the extent that the user can accurately select a program that he or she desires or likes. Was not done.

[0006] Further, there is a case where a trailer moving image is broadcast in a program CM in a movie or TV, but since this is unilaterally broadcast from the broadcasting station side, there is a problem that the user does not always watch it. .

[0007] Furthermore, while a plurality of programs are being broadcast,
When selecting a desired program or the like, it is necessary to change the TV channel and the like. There are also TVs that can display multiple channels on multiple screens,
This is not possessed by all users, and further, there is a problem that the sound of the selection screen cannot be heard even when multi-screen display is performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an electronic program guide providing system, an electronic program guide providing method, which realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as TV programs can be easily managed and used. It is an object to provide the program and a recording medium recording the program.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an electronic device for delivering an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network. The program guide providing system is characterized in that clip data created based on the content of the program is included in the electronic program guide and transmitted to the client terminal.

As a result, in the invention according to claim 1, T
It is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

The invention according to claim 2 is an electronic program guide providing system for delivering an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, wherein the electronic program guide is provided. Is linked to the clip data created based on the content of the program, and when the predetermined portion is selected, the clip data is transmitted to the client terminal. .

As a result, in the invention according to claim 2, T
It is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

Further, in a third aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of the predetermined portions are selected, clip data sequentially linked to the selected plurality of the predetermined portions are sequentially added,
It is characterized in that it is transmitted to the client terminal.

As a result, in the invention according to claim 3, T
In an environment in which management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily, it becomes possible to sequentially provide a description of a plurality of multimedia contents.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, when the clip data is managed based on a predetermined keyword and a search key is received from the client terminal, based on the predetermined keyword and the search key, The feature is that the corresponding clip data is searched.

As a result, in the invention according to claim 4, T
It becomes possible to provide information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment where video contents such as V programs can be managed and used more easily.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is a reproduction reservation setting means for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program in the electronic program guide, and / or the program. A recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, the reproduction reservation setting means or the recording reservation setting means for reproducing or recording the content of the program. When the reservation is made, the client terminal is made to reproduce or record the content in the broadcast time zone.

Therefore, in the invention according to claim 5, T
It is possible to provide an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 is further provided with a recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the contents of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program in the electronic program guide. When the recording reservation setting means makes a recording reservation for the content of the program, the content is compressed by a predetermined compression method and recorded.

Accordingly, in the invention according to claim 6, T
It is possible to reduce the amount of data of multimedia contents to be recorded in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

The invention according to claim 7 is an electronic program providing method for providing an electronic program guide created on the basis of a program broadcast schedule to a client terminal via a predetermined network. It is characterized by including a clip data creating step of creating clip data and an electronic program guide sending step of including the clip data created in the clip data creating step in the electronic program guide and sending the electronic program guide to the client terminal.

Accordingly, in the invention according to claim 7, T
It is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

The invention according to claim 8 is an electronic program guide providing method for providing an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, wherein the content of the program is provided. And a clip data creating step of creating clip data, and an electronic program guide in which a link to the clip data created in the clip data creating step is linked to a predetermined portion of the electronic program guide to the client terminal. And a clip data transmitting step of transmitting the clip data to the client terminal when the predetermined portion of the electronic program guide transmitted in the electronic program guide transmitting step is selected. It is characterized by that.

Accordingly, in the invention according to claim 8, T
It is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

Further, in the invention according to claim 9, in the clip data transmitting step, when a plurality of the predetermined parts are selected, clip data respectively linked to the plurality of the predetermined parts selected are linked. It is characterized in that the data is sequentially transmitted to the client terminal.

Accordingly, in the invention according to claim 9, T
In an environment in which management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily, it becomes possible to sequentially provide a description of a plurality of multimedia contents.

Further, the invention according to claim 10 has an index assigning step of assigning an index corresponding to the content of the content to the content, and the clip data creating step assigns a predetermined keyword and the index. Based on the content, corresponding clip data is extracted, and the extracted data is combined to create the clip data.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 10,
It becomes possible to create clip data according to the purpose in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 is that the index given in the index giving step is created based on text information generated by voice recognition of voice included in the video content. Is characterized by.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 11,
It is possible to reduce the labor required to create an index when creating clip data according to the purpose.

Further, in a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when a search key is received from the client terminal, the clip data managed based on a predetermined keyword is based on the predetermined keyword and the search key. It is characterized in that it has a clip data searching step for searching by.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 12,
It becomes possible to provide information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, in the invention according to claim 13, the predetermined keyword is a phrase included in the title of the content extracted from the broadcast schedule, the broadcast date and time extracted from the broadcast schedule, and the content based on the content. It is characterized in that it is at least one or more of the keyword used when the clip data is created.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 13,
It is possible to provide an environment in which desired clip data can be accurately specified in an environment in which management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, the invention according to claim 14 is configured such that the electronic program guide displays a list of one-day broadcast schedules relating to a plurality of broadcast stations, or a list of broadcast schedules for a predetermined period relating to a predetermined broadcast station. It is characterized in that either one of the display configuration and the display configuration is provided.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 14,
It becomes possible to provide an electronic program guide according to the application in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, in the invention according to claim 15, a corresponding program specifying step of specifying a broadcasting schedule including a keyword received from the client terminal for each program, and a broadcasting schedule for each program specified by the corresponding program specifying step. And an electronic program guide creating step of creating an electronic program guide based on.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 15,
It becomes possible to provide an electronic program guide specialized for multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, the invention according to claim 16 is a reproduction reservation setting means for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program in the electronic program guide, and / or the program. Recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the contents of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, and reproduction or recording of the video content of the program by the reproduction reservation setting means or the recording reservation setting means. When the reservation is made, the reservation content registration step of registering the reservation content, and the video content in the broadcast time zone in the client terminal based on the reservation content registered in the reservation content registration step. Content reproduction / recording step of reproducing or recording.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 16,
It is possible to provide an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, in the invention according to claim 17, the electronic program guide is provided with recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, When the recording reservation setting means makes a reservation for recording the video content of the program, the reservation content registration step of registering the reservation content and the reservation content registered in the reservation content registration step And a content recording step of recording the content by compressing the content with a predetermined compression method.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 17,
It becomes possible to reduce the amount of data of multimedia contents to be recorded in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, in the invention according to claim 18, the electronic program guide has a large number of times based on the number of times the moving image clip managed for each broadcasting station or for each broadcasting station and each user is viewed. The broadcast schedule of the broadcasting station is displayed on the left or the top in order from the broadcast schedule.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 18,
It becomes possible to provide a more user-friendly electronic program guide in an environment where it is possible to easily manage and use video contents such as TV programs.

Further, in the invention according to claim 19, the number of times the moving image clip is viewed and / or the number of times the moving image clip is recorded is totaled by program and / or by gender and / or age. The method is characterized by including a number counting step and a counting result transmitting step of transmitting the results counted in the number counting step to the broadcasting station via a predetermined network immediately or at predetermined intervals.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 19,
It is possible to provide the user who creates and provides the multimedia content with information that accurately captures the user's taste.

Further, in the invention as set forth in claim 20, the number of times the moving image clip is viewed and / or the number of times the moving image clip is recorded is totaled by program and / or by gender and / or age. It is characterized by comprising a number counting step and a counting result transmitting step of transmitting the results counted in the number counting step to the sponsor of the program through a predetermined network immediately or at predetermined intervals. .

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 20,
It is possible to provide the sponsor side of the multimedia content with information that accurately captures the user's taste.

The invention according to claim 21 is a program for causing a server to deliver an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, the program comprising: Causing the server to execute an electronic program guide transmission process of transmitting the electronic program guide including the clip data created based on the content of 1. to the client terminal via the predetermined network.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 21,
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as TV programs can be easily managed and used.

The invention according to claim 22 is a program for causing a server to deliver an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, the electronic program guide comprising: Electronic program guide transmission processing for transmitting an electronic program guide in which a clip data created based on the content of the program is linked to a predetermined portion of the program guide to the client terminal via the predetermined network And causing the server to execute a clip data transmission process for transmitting the clip data linked to the predetermined portion selected by the client terminal to the client terminal.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 22,
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as TV programs can be easily managed and used.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 23 is characterized in that the clip data transmitting process sequentially transmits clip data in which links are respectively linked to the selected plurality of predetermined portions to the client terminal. I am trying.

As a result, in the invention of claim 23,
In an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily, it is possible to realize a program that sequentially provides a description of a plurality of multimedia contents.

Further, the invention according to claim 24 is a clip data search process for searching the clip data managed based on a predetermined keyword based on a search key received from the client terminal, and the clip data. A search result electronic program guide creating process for creating an electronic program guide based on the list of clip data searched by the search process; and the electronic program guide transmitting process for executing the search result electronic program guide. It is characterized in that the electronic program guide created in the creating process is transmitted.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 24,
It becomes possible to realize a program that provides information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

[0057] Further, the invention according to claim 25 is a reproduction reservation setting means for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in a broadcast time zone of the program in the electronic program guide, and / or the program. Recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the contents of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, and the reproduction reservation setting means or the reproduction or recording reservation set by the recording reservation setting means. Reservation content registration processing for registering content, and content reproduction / recording processing for causing the client terminal to reproduce or record the content in the broadcast time zone based on the content of the reservation registered in the reservation content registration processing, Is executed by the server.

As a result, according to the invention of claim 25,
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, in the invention according to claim 26, the electronic program guide is provided with a recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, A reservation content registration process for registering the details of the reservation for recording the content of the program set by the recording reservation setting means, and a predetermined compression of the contents based on the contents of the reservation registered in the reservation contents registration process. The server is made to execute a content recording process of compressing and recording by a method.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 26,
It becomes possible to provide a program for reducing the data amount of recorded multimedia contents in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

The invention according to claim 27 is a program for operating a client terminal for receiving an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program from a server via a predetermined network, the program comprising: The electronic program guide receiving process for receiving the electronic program guide including the clip data created based on the content from the server from the server via a predetermined network, and the electronic program guide received by the electronic program guide receiving process. The electronic program guide display process for displaying is executed by the client terminal.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 27,
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as TV programs can be easily managed and used.

[0063] Further, the invention according to claim 28 is a program for operating a client terminal for receiving an electronic program guide created on the basis of a broadcast schedule of a program from a server via a predetermined network. Is received by the electronic program guide receiving process of receiving the electronic program guide linked to the clip data created based on the content of the above from the server via the predetermined network and the electronic program guide transmitting process. Electronic program guide display processing for displaying the electronic program guide and clip data linked to a predetermined portion selected in the electronic program guide displayed in the electronic program guide display processing from the server The clip data reception process and the clip data replay for reproducing the clip data received by the clip data reception process Executing process and, to the client terminal.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 28,
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as TV programs can be easily managed and used.

Further, in the invention according to claim 29, the clip data reproducing process sequentially receives from the server clip data in which links are respectively linked to the plurality of selected predetermined parts, and the clip data is received. When a plurality of clip data are received in the reception process, the received clip data is sequentially reproduced.

As a result, in the invention of claim 29,
In an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily, it is possible to realize a program that sequentially provides a description of a plurality of multimedia contents.

Further, in the invention described in claim 30, a search key transmitting process for transmitting a search key for searching the clip data managed on the basis of a predetermined keyword to the server, and a search key search process in the server. A search result electronic program guide receiving process of receiving an electronic program guide created based on a list of clip data from the server, and the electronic program guide display process executes the search result electronic program. It is characterized in that the electronic program guide received in the table reception process is displayed.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 30,
It becomes possible to realize a program that provides information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, the invention according to claim 31 is a reproduction reservation setting means for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program in the electronic program guide, and / or the program. A recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, and reproduction or recording of the content input by the reproduction reservation setting means or the recording reservation setting means. Reservation content registration processing for transmitting the reservation content of the program to the server, content reception processing for receiving the content of the program for which the reservation for reproduction or recording is registered in the reservation content registration processing, in the broadcast time period, The client terminal is caused to execute content reproduction / recording processing for reproducing or recording the content of the program received in the content reception processing.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 31,
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

Further, the invention of claim 32 is characterized in that the content reproduction / recording process compresses the content of the program by a predetermined compression method and records the compressed content.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 32,
It becomes possible to provide a program for reducing the data amount of recorded multimedia contents in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as TV programs can be performed more easily.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, any one of the above programs is recorded on a recording medium.

Accordingly, in the invention of claim 33,
It is possible to record and provide each of the above programs on a recording medium.

[0075]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [Characteristics of the present invention] The present invention provides an environment in which multimedia contents can be easily managed and used. In order to realize this, the present invention provides an edited / aggregated version of multimedia contents (also multimedia contents). Hereinafter, the edited and aggregated multimedia content is referred to as a digest. However, in the following description, video content will be described as an example of multimedia content. Further, the digest in the following description is a digest video in which video contents are aggregated.

In the present invention, such digest video is used for the following purposes. -Explanation of contents of programs listed in electronic program guide (hereinafter referred to as EPG) -Broadcast program advertisement Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment First, a first embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented will be described below. The present embodiment is an example in which the digest video is applied to the EPG. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electronic program guide is provided so that the contents of the video content can be easily understood.

(System Configuration) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the EP according to the present embodiment
The G providing system includes a broadcast station 100 that provides video content (also called program content), an index creation station 110 that creates an index for the video content provided by the broadcast station 100, and a video content acquired from the broadcast station 100. A digest video creating station 120 that creates a digest video based on the index acquired from the index creating station 110, and a broadcasting station 1
Broadcast program schedule acquired from 00 (hereinafter referred to as program broadcast schedule) and digest video creation station 1
An EPG providing station 130 that provides the user side 200 with an EPG to which a digest video is attached or a link is attached to the digest video based on the digest video acquired from 20.

Also, the EPG providing station 130 is the broadcasting station 10.
An electronic program guide is created based on the broadcast schedule acquired from 0 and provided to the user side 200 via a predetermined network (network 1, 2, 3).

In this embodiment, the digest video creating station 120 is added to the electronic program guide provided by the EPG providing station 140.
Attach the digest video obtained from, or a link to this digest video. As a result, on the user side 200, mobile phones (including next-generation mobile phones)
201 and personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC)
In the electronic program guide displayed on 202, a television (hereinafter referred to as TV) 203, or the like, it becomes possible to easily grasp the content of the video content.

However, in the above configuration, the TV 203 includes a transceiver capable of bidirectional data communication. Further, the PC 202 includes various terminals (small portable information terminals (PDA / PM) regardless of tower type, disk top type, laptop type, notebook type, palm top type, etc.
(Including C)) can be applied. Further, the PC 202 may include the above-mentioned transceiver, TV tuner, or the like.

Each database in the following description is assumed to be a relational database. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and various modifications may be performed.

Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the broadcasting station 10
0, the index creating station 110, the digest video creating station 120, and the EPG providing station 130 are described as individual configurations, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and each configuration has the same configuration (system, Server, database).

Broadcasting Station 100 More specifically, the broadcasting station 100 is a station that produces or purchases a program and broadcasts it to an ordinary user in an analog system or a digital system via a wireless or wired connection. Also, the broadcasting station 100 provides the video content to the index creating station 110 and the digest video creating station 120 via a predetermined network such as a public telephone line or the Internet before broadcasting the video content to general users. However, the video content is the broadcast station 100 or the receiving side of the video content,
A predetermined compression method such as MPEG-4 or Motion
It may be configured so as to be encoded by JPEG-2000 or the like.

The broadcasting station 100 also transmits the program broadcasting schedule to the EPG providing station 130 via a predetermined network such as a public telephone line or the Internet. This is because the EPG providing station 130 creates an EPG. Furthermore, the broadcast station 100 may be configured to transmit video content to the EPG providing station 130 via the same network. This is because the EPG providing station 130 is configured to record the video content on behalf of the user. However, the recorded video content may be recorded in a predetermined compression method such as MPEG-4 or Motion J.
It is encoded by PEG-2000 or the like.

In addition, each station (110, 120, 13
When transmitting the video content to 0), information such as the title of the video content and the genre to which the video content belongs (genre will be described below) is also transmitted. However, the genre may be determined by the receiving side, as will be touched below. Further, in the following, a title may be used as a configuration for identifying the video content, but an identifier for uniquely identifying the video content may be used in addition to the title. In the following description, each video content (program) is identified using a title. Furthermore, in this description, it is assumed that the video content also includes a time code.

Index creation station 110 The index creation station 110 creates an index to be added to the video content received from the broadcasting station 100. This is, for example, MPEG-7 (formal name: a description interface for multimedia contents.
Hereinafter, it is performed using a means for adding metadata as a search key to the video content, as represented by MPEG-7). Indexing Bureau 110
FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the index, the video content, and the digest video produced in.

In FIG. 2, (a) is a diagram showing the structure of the index created for the video content,
(B) is a figure which shows the structural example of the video content divided | segmented into several video clips by the index, (c)
For example, the video content shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the structural example of the digest video selected and produced by B, C, and D. Here, each of the video contents divided by the index is called a moving image clip.

.. Functional configuration of index creating station 110 FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the index creating station 110. Referring to FIG. 3, the index creation station 110 according to the present embodiment, for example, a video content DB 111 that stores the video content received from the broadcasting station 100 in association with the received title and genre,
Content reproduction means 112 for converting the video content stored in the video content DB 111 into a reproduction signal.
A display means 116 for outputting / displaying video / audio based on the reproduction signal, a keyword database 114 for storing keywords that are candidates for indexes to be added to the video content, and an index according to the genre of the video content. A keyword specifying means 113 for specifying a candidate keyword, an input means 115 for the index creator to input a keyword selection or other instruction, and an index based on the selection or instruction input from the input means 115. An index creating unit 117 for creating and an index storing unit 118 for temporarily storing the created index are configured.

With this configuration, the index creation station 11
A terminal for creating an index at 0 (hereinafter,
The display etc. of the index creation terminal)
The video content received from the broadcasting station 100 is displayed. Further, the content reproduction means 112 is the input means 11
According to the instruction input from 5, the processing such as reproduction, stop, pause, rewind and fast forward of the video content is executed. Further, in the present embodiment, the input unit 115 may be configured as a GUI (graphical user interface) using a mouse, a keyboard or the like.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of the keyword database 114. Referring to FIG. 4, the keyword database 114 according to the present embodiment has a data structure in which items of genre, category, and keyword are stored in the same record.

Here, the genre is a genre to which the contents of the target video content belong, and for example, TV programs are classified into "drama", "sports", "news program", "music program", "documentary program", etc. The video contents are classified according to the contents, such as classifying or classifying movies into "Japanese movies" and "Western movies". This genre may be determined by any configuration of the broadcasting station 100, the index creating station 110, the digest video creating station 120, and the EPG providing station 130. However, whichever configuration is determined, the stations (110, 120, 130) are configured to share or manage the same.

The keywords are phrases such as names and terms of actors, musicians, athletes, hobbies, travel areas, cooking, politics, economy, etc., and are metadata added to video contents as indexes. For example, "drama"
If it is a keyword belonging to the genre, it is the name of an actor, the name of a building or car that appears in each scene, or the name or term used for that genre, such as a word that expresses the characteristics of that scene Etc. This keyword may also be determined by any of the configurations of the broadcasting station 100, the index creating station 110, the digest video creating station 120, and the EPG providing station 130. However, whichever configuration is determined, the stations (110, 120, 130) are configured to share or manage the same.

Further, the classification is a classification for easily selecting the above keywords. This could be, for example, an actor, an actress, or
Which country is the actor? As described above, by assigning the categories to the respective keywords, the index creator of the index creating station 110 can easily narrow down the keyword list and easily set the target keywords.

From the keyword database 114 configured as described above, the keyword specifying means 113 is stored in association with the video content or based on the genre input by the index creator via the input means 115. And identify candidates for the corresponding category.
Further, the candidates of the identified section are displayed as a list on the display unit 1.
16 is displayed. However, the sections listed in this list may be configured to also function as options by the input unit 115 each configured by a GUI.

Further, based on the display on the display unit 116, when the selection of the section is input from the input unit 115,
The input selection information is the keyword specifying means 113.
The keyword candidates corresponding to the selected category are specified by the keyword database 114. Further, the keyword identifying means 113 displays the identified keyword candidates as a list on the display means 116. However,
The keywords listed in this list may be configured to also function as options by the input unit 115 each configured by a GUI.

Further, from the input means 115, selection of a keyword to be added to the video content, "IN" information and "O" are performed.
An instruction to add the UT "information is input. Further, the input selection information and instruction information are output to the index creating means 117.

Further, in the index creating means 117, the position on the time axis of the video or audio currently reproduced / displayed on the display means 116 (how many hours, minutes and seconds from the beginning of the video contents: This is hereinafter referred to as scene information), and is always or as required, the content reproduction means 11
Input from 2.

Therefore, the index creating means 117
Selection information and instruction information input from the input means 115,
Based on the scene information input from the content reproduction unit 112, an index including "IN" information, "OUT" information, a keyword, etc. is added to the corresponding portion of the video content. The index thus created is temporarily stored in the index storage means 11
8 and then the digest video creation station 120
Sent to. However, at this time, the video content corresponding to the index is also designated and transmitted.

.. Index Creation Screen FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for creating an index displayed on the display means 116 in this configuration.

Referring to FIG. 5, the index creation screen exemplified in this embodiment is configured to include a video content display area, a genre designation area, a division / keyword display area, and an additional keyword display area for each hour.

In the above structure, the video content display area is an area for displaying and reproducing the video content.

Further, the genre designating area is an area for displaying or selecting / designating the genre to which the video content to which the index is added belongs. In this area, the genre associated with the video content is displayed at the time of start-up or when the video content is designated, or a list of selection candidate genres is displayed.
It is preferable that it is configured so that it can be selected and input by 15.

The section / keyword display area displays the section specified by the keyword database 114 based on the genre displayed in the genre designating area, and when any of these sections is selected, This is an area for displaying a list of keywords classified in this category. Further, when the keyword is displayed, it is preferable to provide a button (“display of category”) for returning to the display of category.

The hourly additional keyword display area is
This is an area showing the position on the time axis of the scene currently being displayed / reproduced with respect to the target video content. Also,
In addition to this, for the area showing how the video content was divided, and for the scene currently being displayed and played,
Alternatively, it is preferable to provide an area or the like indicating which keyword is added to which part of the video content.

In this index creation screen, "I
When "N" is selected by clicking or the like, this information is input to the index creating means 117 from the input means 115. In the index creating means 117, the scene information input from the content reproducing means 112 and the input "I".
An index indicating "IN" is generated for a given scene based on the N "information.

When a keyword in the keyword display area is clicked, the selected keyword is input to the index creating means 117, and this keyword is added to the scenes after the "IN" information is added. However, a plurality of keywords may be added.

After that, when "OUT" is selected by clicking on the index production support screen, this information is input to the index creating means 117 from the input means 115. The index creating unit 117 creates an index indicating “OUT” for a predetermined scene based on the scene information input from the content reproducing unit 112 and the input “OUT” information.

By operating in this manner, the area created by the index creator in 2 "IN" and "OUT" is
An index is created that associates the selected keywords.

The area selected by the above "IN" and "OUT" is the hourly additional keyword display area (see FIG. 12).
Then, this is achieved by the bar graph)),
It should be configured so that it can be changed. This may be realized by moving the boundaries of each area (displayed by lines) in the time axis direction with a mouse or the like. Here, the information regarding the position on the time axis of the movement destination of the boundary line is configured to be determined by the content reproducing unit 112 based on the information input from the input unit 115. Further, the determination result is input to the index reproducing means 117, and the input means 1
From 15, information regarding the target boundary line is input.
The index creating unit 117 changes the index regarding the boundary based on the information thus input.

Further, it is preferable that the keyword can be added to the area delimited by the "IN" information and the "OUT" information.

.. Moving Image Clip with Importance Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration is provided to prevent the digest image created by combining a plurality of moving image clips from becoming too large in terms of data.

To realize this structure, in this embodiment, "IN" information and "OUT" in the index are used.
The moving image clip divided by the information is further divided into the importance levels. Here, the degree of importance is the value (evaluation) of each scene included in the moving image clip as an image, which is determined by the index creator. The relationship between this moving image clip and the index is shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 6, the index according to the present embodiment exemplifies A to D as the degrees of importance for dividing a moving image clip, where A is the highest and D is the lowest.

The assignment of the importance to such content clips is added in the index creation station 110. Further, in order to support the addition of the importance, it is preferable to provide an area for selecting and inputting the importance on the index creation screen. This is G
It is realized by displaying it as an option by the input means 115 configured by a UI or the like.

However, in this embodiment, the digest video to be created attracts attention according to TV programs such as news programs, dramas, sports programs, music programs, documentary programs, and movies such as Japanese movies and Western movies. It is preferable to set the keywords and the importance so that the video topics (video clips) are extracted and combined so as to be connected.

Digest video creation station 120 Further, as described above, after the video content is input from the broadcasting station 100 and the index is input from the index creation station 110, the digest video creation station 120
A digest video is created based on a predetermined keyword.

The structure of the digest video creating station 120 is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, the digest video creating station 120 includes a video content database 122 and a digest video creating server 121.

The video content database 122 includes the video content received from the broadcasting station 100 via a predetermined network such as a public telephone line or the Internet, and the index creating station 110 via a predetermined network such as a public telephone line or the Internet. The received corresponding video contents are stored in association with each other.
The association at this time is performed based on the title added to the video content or the index and received.

Also, the digest video creation server 121
Creates a digest video from the corresponding video content and index on the basis of the digest video creation key received from the EPG creation station 130 via a predetermined network such as a public phone line or the Internet. And the like to the EPG creation station 130 via a predetermined network.

In the present embodiment, the digest video creation server 121 creates the digest video when the EPG providing station 130 requests the creation of the digest video together with the video content designation and the digest video creation key. When configured to perform an action,
The operation may be performed when it is detected that both the video content and the index are stored in the video content database 122.

Here, the digest video creation key is
It is used as a search key for searching a portion (moving image clip) associated with a predetermined keyword from the target video content. The digest video creation key is selected and set by the EPG providing station 130 according to the video content. Furthermore, the digest video creation key may be created by selecting a keyword from the keyword database 114 or a database in which similar contents are stored.

An example of the digest video created by the digest video creation server 121 will be described with reference to FIG. However, in the present embodiment, the digest video created is configured to have a predetermined time length such as 1 minute or 30 seconds (hereinafter, referred to as a desired time length). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the moving image clip has the configuration shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the present description, it is assumed that a total of five moving image clips (C1 to C5) as shown in FIG. 8 are searched by the digest image creation key. The desired time length is also the length shown in the figure.

Here, the digest video creation server 12
1 calculates the time length of the digest video created for each importance setting by using the time length of each of the searched moving image clips.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, for example, the time length ((d) of FIG. 8) of the digest video created including the scenes up to the importance D and the scenes up to the importance C (importance D
Of the digest video created by including the scenes of (No. of scenes) is included, and the digest created by including the scenes up to importance B (scenes of importance D and C are excluded) The time length of the video ((b) in FIG. 8) and the time length of the digest video created in the scene of only importance A ((a) in FIG. 8) are calculated.

Next, the digest video creation server station 12
1 identifies the one having the time length closest to the desired time length among these, and creates the digest video accordingly.
That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8, a digest video is created including scenes up to importance B.

In the above description, the importance to be included is selected so as to be close to the desired time length, but it is possible to select the importance so as to be less than or equal to the desired time length.

With the above-described structure, in this embodiment, it is possible to control the length of time of the importance to be created, the contents including high viewing value are included, and the amount of data is as necessary. It becomes possible to provide the user with the reduced digest video.

The digest video created in this way is transmitted to the EPG providing station 130 via a predetermined network such as a public telephone line or the Internet. However, at this time, a title (or an identifier) is also transmitted in order to specify the corresponding video content.

EPG Providing Station 130 FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the EPG providing station 130 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the EPG providing station 130 determines that the EP
G providing server 131, program broadcast schedule database 132, digest video database 132, and EP
And a G database 133.

Program broadcast schedule database 132
Stores a program broadcasting schedule received from the broadcasting station 100 via a predetermined network. Therefore, the database 132 stores which program (video content) is to be broadcast by which broadcasting station and under what schedule.

Further, the digest video database 13
3 stores the digest video received from the digest video creation station 120. The data structure of this database 133 is shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 10, the digest video database 133 contains the received digest video,
The title of the video content corresponding to this is stored in association with each other. Furthermore, this database 133
The index for searching for the digest video is stored in association with.

Examples of this index include broadcast stations,
Channel, genre, musician, actor, athlete,
Keywords used in creating digest videos such as hobbies, travel areas, cooking, politics, economics, etc., titles of video contents (programs) in the program broadcast schedule, or words and phrases extracted from these titles, videos The broadcast date and time of the content may be applied. Further, this index may be configured such that the EPG providing server 131 automatically specifies the program broadcast schedule, the digest video creation key, and the like when the digest video is stored. As a result, it is possible to provide a configuration for efficiently searching the digest video stored in the digest video database 133.

The EPG database 134 stores the EPG created based on the program broadcast database 132 described above. The EPG stored in this database is transmitted to the user side 200 via a predetermined network (1, 2, 3) in response to a request from the user.
Is transmitted to the receiver (201, 202, 203). However, the predetermined description in the EPG provided to the user is linked to the digest video database 133, the digest video is selected from the EPG in response to the request, read from the digest video database 133, and transmitted to the user side 200. To be done.

This request is generated at the time of distribution of the EPG in the case of reproducing the digest video on the EPG screen, for example, and in the case of linking the digest video in a predetermined area of the EPG. This occurs when the area is selected. However, in the present embodiment, when a TV that does not have a function for performing bidirectional communication is used as the TV 203, the TV 203 does not have an EP.
At the same time as G is distributed, a digest video is also distributed and TV
At 203, a link is set up.

Further, the EPG providing station 130 sends a digest video creating key for creating a digest video to the digest video creating station 120. This digest video creation key is used for EPG in advance based on the content of the program.
It is determined by the providing station 130 side. Also, E
It is assumed that the PG providing station 130 manages this digest video creation key in advance in a predetermined database.

The digest video creation key is
It may be configured to be determined by the digest video creation station 120. However, in this case, the digest video creation key is transmitted to the EPG providing station 130 and managed by the EPG providing station 130 in a predetermined database. This is because it is necessary to provide the user with the function of searching the digest video.

Further, in the present embodiment, in order to manage which digest video has been reproduced by how many times by which user, etc., the EPG providing station 130 is notified of this number of times (hereinafter referred to as the number of program access times). ) Is provided for the program access count management database 134. A detailed description of this configuration will be given below.

User Side 200 Further, as receivers (201, 202, 203) of the user side 200 in the present embodiment, tower type, desktop type, laptop type, notebook type personal computers (hereinafter, Whether it is a PC 202 or a mobile phone (or next-generation mobile phone) 201 with browser software installed,
A TV with the function of receiving and displaying PG (hereinafter, TV
203). Further, the TV 203 may be provided internally or externally with a device for recording video content, for example, a VTR, a DVD-RAM (RW), a hard disk, or the like, so that the video content received from the broadcasting station 100 can be recorded.

(Example of EPG Screen) Next, an example of the EPG screen displayed on the receiver of the user side 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with an example.

EPG screen example (PC202 or TV20
Case 3) FIG. 11 shows an example of an EPG screen when the PC 202 or TV 203 is applied as a receiver.

Referring to FIG. 11, E according to the present embodiment.
The PG screen example displays the schedule of broadcast programs for each broadcasting station and for each time zone.

In such a structure, FIG.
Is configured to display a digest video in each program column on the EPG screen. Further, FIG. 11B shows a predetermined button (GUI) in each program section.
When the button "There is a digest video" is selected by clicking or the like, a new screen is launched and the digest video is played. However, in the above, although the button of “with digest video” and the digest are linked, this is linked to the title of the program (see FIG.
In 1 (b), a link may be made to "drama A" or "sports B").

Further, the EPG screen according to the present embodiment,
As shown in (a) or (b) of FIG. 11, buttons for setting a reservation (reproduction reservation) for reproducing the video content at the time of broadcasting and a reservation (recording reservation) for recording this are provided. In this configuration, the user can make a playback reservation and / or
Or, when recording reservation is set, the receiver (202, 20
In 3), it is preferable that the program is automatically started at the time of program broadcasting and the video content is reproduced / recorded. This automatic startup may be configured so that the receiver manages the schedule.
The EPG providing server 131 may be configured to manage the schedule and input a command to activate the receiver at a predetermined time to activate it. However, when the EPG providing server 131 is configured to output a start command, the EPG providing server 131 displays, for each user, a program code (may be a title) of a program reserved for playback or recording, a broadcast date and time, and a broadcast. Time and is registered.

Further, when the recording is reserved, the recording may be performed on the EPG providing station 130 side in addition to the recording on the receiver side as described above. At this time, the EPG providing station 130 may be configured to be compressed and recorded by a predetermined compression method such as MPEG-4 or Motion JPRG2000.

If it is determined that the video content storage area (hard disk or the like) of the receiver cannot be secured when the video recording is reserved, the receiver automatically sets the EPG providing station 130. It is preferable that the side transmits a request for recording the video content.

As described above, the EPG providing station 130, which is requested to record, is configured to hold the recorded video content for a predetermined period for a fee or free of charge and to distribute the video content in response to a download request from the receiver. Good. In addition, the recorded video content may be discarded after a predetermined period has elapsed.

In the above description, channels (broadcasting stations) are listed on the horizontal axis and time axes are set on the vertical axis. However, this is set so that the horizontal axis is set on the time axis and the channels (broadcasting stations) are listed on the vertical axis. You may. This is because, when the number of channels is relatively small, listing the channels on the vertical axis makes the layout easier to see.

-Example of EPG screen (case of mobile phone 201) FIG. 12 shows an example of the EPG screen when the mobile phone 201 is applied as a receiver.

Referring to FIG. 12, E according to the present embodiment.
The PG screen example is configured so that a program can be specified for each date, genre, or broadcasting station.

FIG. 12A is an example of a screen (date selection screen) for selecting the date. The user accesses the EPG providing server 131 using the mobile phone 201,
When the PG screen is requested, the date selection screen is first displayed on the mobile phone 201.

When a date is selected on the date selection screen,
Next, the mobile phone 201 displays a screen for selecting a genre (genre selection screen) as shown in FIG. 12B or a broadcasting station selection screen (1) as shown in FIG. 12D. To be done.

First, the case where the genre selection screen ((b) of FIG. 12) is displayed will be described. On this screen, the user selects which genre to acquire the program guide.

Next, the mobile telephone 201 is shown in FIG.
On the screen (program list screen) as shown in, a list of programs belonging to the selected genre is displayed. In this program list, a button “with digest video” for viewing (reproducing) digest video for each program is provided. Therefore, when the user selects this button, the digest display screen as shown in (g) of FIG. 12 is displayed on the mobile phone 201, and the corresponding digest video is reproduced and displayed.

A case where the broadcast station selection screen (1) ((d) in FIG. 12) is displayed will be described. On this screen, the user selects what kind of broadcasting mode the broadcasting station he / she wants to select. After that, a list screen (broadcast station selection screen (2)) of broadcast stations (channels) in the selected broadcast mode as shown in (e) of FIG. 12 is displayed on the mobile phone 201.

Then, when the user selects a desired broadcasting station, the mobile phone 201 displays a program broadcasting schedule screen for each broadcasting station as shown in FIG. 12 (f). This program broadcast schedule screen is provided with a button “with digest video” for viewing (reproducing) digest video for each program. Therefore,
When the user selects this button, the digest display screen as shown in (g) of FIG. 12 is displayed on the mobile phone 201, and the corresponding digest video is reproduced and displayed.

However, it is assumed that various selections on the mobile phone 201 are made by the ten keys, the direction keys, and the selection key.

By displaying the EPG in which the digest video is incorporated on the receiver in this way, the user can easily determine the content of the video content, select the desired program accurately, and record / record. It becomes possible to reproduce.

Further, in each of the above screen examples, a function is provided for searching the digest video registered in the EPG or registered in the digest video database 133 by using a predetermined search key designated by the user. Good to configure. At this time, it is preferable to provide a list of candidates that can be set as a search key on the search screen.

Management of Number of Program Accesses Further, in order to configure the EPG screen as shown in FIG. 11 so as to be convenient for the user, the channel ch (broadcasting station) frequently used by the user is moved to the left side (or the upper side) of the screen. ) Is displayed. This is EPG
In the providing station 130, for each channel or program,
Counts the number of times digest playback, video content playback reservations, and recording reservations have been made (hereinafter referred to as program access times) for each user or for all users, and based on this, program access for each user or all users is performed. This can be realized by configuring the channels to be displayed on the right side (or the upper side) in the order of frequency. Also, the program access count counted as described above is
It is stored and managed in the program access count management database 135 in the PG providing station 130.

The data structure of the program access count management database 135 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 13, the program access count database 135 manages user information, digest video reproduction count, video content reproduction reservation count, and video content recording reservation count in association with each other.

Here, the user information is information such as the user's name, address, telephone number, electronic mail address, sex, age, residence area, hobbies and occupation.

The digest video reproduction count, the video content reproduction reservation count, and the video content recording reservation count may also be configured to store information about when and which moving picture clip or video content was used for counting.

The program access count stored in the program access count management database 135 is determined for each digest video played back, for each program or broadcast station for which video content has been reserved for playback / recording, and for each genre to which the program belongs. Further, the user information is aggregated in real time or periodically (daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.) and is fed back to the broadcasting station 100 that provided the corresponding program (video content). Good to do. This allows the broadcasting station 100 to easily obtain information on which program is used by which user. However, the user information is information such as sex, age, residence area, hobby, occupation, and the like. In addition, this user information is obtained from the user when the contract for using the service for providing the EPG according to the present embodiment is concluded with the EPG providing station 130.
It is assumed that it is registered in the G providing station 130 and is managed in the program access frequency management database 135, for example.

The information fed back to the broadcasting station 100 as described above is sent to the company that sponsors the program.
It may be configured to be open to the public through a predetermined network such as the Internet. However, this information may be configured to be disclosed only to the sponsor who has given the access right. In addition, this is totaled according to a request from the sponsor via the Internet (designation as to which program, information regarding which program was used, etc.),
It may be configured to be provided by e-mail or the like.

[Second Embodiment] Another example of the EPG described in the first embodiment will be described below.
However, as for the configuration of the EPG providing system, the configuration described in the first embodiment is cited. Moreover, what is illustrated in the first embodiment will be referred to as a first EPG example in the following description.

Second EPG Example This EPG example is a case in which the digest video creating station 120 creates a digest video based on a keyword input from the receiver and provides the digest video to the receiver. is there.

EPG screen example (PC202 or TV20
Case 3) FIG. 14 is an example of an EPG screen when the present EPG example is applied to the PC 202 or the TV 203.

Referring to FIG. 14, in this EPG screen example, when the "Digest video creation" button is clicked in the EPG provided to the receiver, the receiver first displays a keyword candidate list (keyword candidate list). Is displayed. This is realized by providing the EPG providing station 130 with a database that manages a list of words serving as keywords for each program, and transmitting the corresponding list stored in the database to the receiver as needed. be able to.

Also, designation (selection) notified from the receiver
The generated keyword is used as a digest video creation key from the EPG providing station 130 to the digest video creating station 120.
Sent to.

Therefore, the digest video created by the digest video creating station 120 based on the input digest video creating key is transmitted to the EPG providing station 130, and is sent from the EPG providing station 130 to the receiver via a predetermined network. Sent.

EPG screen example (in the case of the mobile phone 201) Further, when the mobile phone 201 is configured to create a digest video based on the keyword input / selected by the user and provide the digest video. An example of the EPG screen on the mobile phone 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 15A to 15E are the same as FIGS. 12A to 12E. However, (c) or (e)
The "digest video available" button in is a "digest video creation" button.

When the user selects the "digest image creation" button on the mobile phone 201, the mobile phone 201 displays the keyword selection screen shown in FIG. 15 (g), and a list of selectable keywords is displayed. It When any one or more keywords are selected from this list and the "digest video creation" button is selected, the selected keywords are displayed in the EPG providing station 130.
And is transmitted from the EPG providing station 130 to the digest video creating station 120 as a digest video creating key.

Therefore, the digest video created by the digest video creating station 120 based on the input digest video creating key is transmitted to the EPG providing station 130, and the mobile phone 201 is transmitted from the EPG providing station 130 via a predetermined network. Sent to.

As described above, in this embodiment, the user can select the keyword that matches the program content, acquire the digest video according to his / her taste, and reproduce it.

Further, (h) of FIG. 15 is (g) of FIG.
It is a screen (digest display screen) similar to.

Third EPG Example Also, as described above, the digest video is attached to the EPG configured along the time axis for each channel (broadcasting station), or the digest video designated from the similar EPG. In addition to the configuration for providing the user with the above, a list of programs included in the genre selected by the user is displayed, one or more digest videos are selected from the list, and an EPG configured for continuous playback is described with reference to FIG. explain.

Referring to FIG. 16, in this EPG screen example, as an example, a list of programs corresponding to the date and genre selected is displayed. In this display, when the user selects a desired program and selects it by clicking the "view digest video" button or the like, a new screen is displayed on the receiver and the digest video is continuously reproduced. However, the screen of FIG. 16 may be configured to display programs for one week, for example, as a list.

Further, in this configuration, before the selected digest video is continuously reproduced, the time required for completing the reproduction of all the selected digest video may be displayed on the screen of the receiver. . This is EPG
This can be realized by the provision station 130 managing the reproduction time of each digest video, calculating the total reproduction time when selected, and transmitting this to the receiver.

Further, when the item of the reproduction reservation / recording reservation is checked on this screen, the receiver is automatically started up at a predetermined time and the program is reproduced and recorded, as in the first embodiment. .

[Third Embodiment] Further, in the present embodiment, the index creation station 110 in the configuration of the first embodiment recognizes the audio information included in the video content as the candidate of the keyword included in the index. Described below is the case in which it is configured to be created.

That is, in this embodiment, the index creation station 110 in FIG. 1 has the configuration shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 17, the index creation station 110 according to the present embodiment recognizes a video content database 111 storing the video content received from the broadcasting station 100 and audio information of the video content stored in the video content database 111. Then, the voice recognition server 110-2 for generating words and phrases as keywords and the voice recognition server 11 for keywords for each title (or identifier).
0-2, the keyword database 114 'storing the keywords generated, and the content reproducing means 11 of FIG.
2, an index creating terminal 110 including a keyword specifying unit 113, an input unit 115, and a display unit 116-
1 and an index storage means 118 for temporarily storing the index created by the index creation terminal 110-1.
Composed of and.

The keyword database 114 'according to this embodiment has a data structure as shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 18, the keyword database 114 'stores the keywords generated by the voice recognition server 110-2 in association with the title (or identifier) of the video content.

In this structure, when requesting a list of keywords from the index creation terminal 110-1, the index creator specifies a title (or an identifier).
Therefore, the display means 1 of the index creation terminal 110-1
In 16 is displayed a list of corresponding keywords acquired from the keyword database 114 ′.

With this configuration, the index creation station 11
At 0, an index is created for the target video content. Further, in this configuration, a database in which a predetermined glossary or the like is registered is connected to the voice recognition server 110-2 to search for a phrase matching or similar to the recognized phrase and set as a keyword. It may be configured to proofread the phrase to be performed.

Further, the contents of the keyword database 114 'according to the present embodiment are as follows:
0 or transmitted to the EPG providing station 130 or shared. As a result, it becomes possible for the user side 200 to realize a configuration such as a digest video search function and creation of a digest video according to the user's preference.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, in the EPG providing station 130, digest video, reproduction reservation, and recording are performed for each channel or program, and for each individual user or all users. Number of reservations made (hereinafter,
It is configured to count the number of times of program access), and the information counted by this configuration is used for each played video clip, for each video clip for which the corresponding program has been played / recorded, for each program, and for each program. To the broadcasting station 100 which provided the corresponding program (video content), which is aggregated in real time or periodically (daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.) for each genre to which the user information belongs. It was configured to be fed back and / or made public to a company that sponsors the program via a predetermined network such as the Internet. In the present embodiment, the user side 200 further surveys the evaluation of programs, digest videos, and EPGs, collects this information in the same manner as above, and provides the information to the broadcasting station 100 and / or the sponsor.

However, in this embodiment, the TV 203 having the function of performing bidirectional communication is applied.

[Fifth Embodiment] Also, the digest video created in the present invention may be used by the broadcasting station 100 as video content for program advertisement. FIG. 19 shows a system configuration for realizing this.

Referring to FIG. 19, the system configuration according to the present embodiment is provided with a broadcasting station 100-1, a digest video creating station 120, and an index creating station 110, and the broadcasting station 100-1 uses the network 2 or 3 is connected to the receiver (PC202, TV203).

In this structure, the broadcasting station 100-1 is
The video content and the digest video creation key are sent to the digest video creation station 120, and the video content is sent to the index creation station 110.

The index creating station 110 that has received the video content creates an index as in the first embodiment, and sends it to the digest video creating station 120.

Further, the digest video creating station 120 to which the video content, the digest video creating key and the index are input creates a digest video as in the first embodiment and transmits it to the broadcasting station 110-1. To do.

As a result, the broadcasting station 100-1 can transmit the digest video relating to the program to the receiver as the advertisement of the program.

Since the functions exemplified in the description of the first embodiment can be applied to the other structures, the description thereof will be omitted here.

[Other Embodiments] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention can be variously modified and carried out without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is possible.

[0204]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as TV programs can be easily managed and used.

According to the invention of claim 2, the TV
It is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as programs can be easily managed and used.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 3, the TV
It becomes possible to sequentially provide a description of a plurality of multimedia contents in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as programs can be performed more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, the TV
It becomes possible to provide information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment where video contents such as programs can be managed and used more easily.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 5, the TV
It is possible to provide an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which management and use of video contents such as programs can be performed more easily.

[0209] Further, according to the invention of claim 6, the TV
It becomes possible to reduce the amount of data of multimedia contents to be recorded in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as programs can be performed more easily.

According to the invention of claim 7, the TV
It is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as programs can be easily managed and used.

According to the invention of claim 8, a TV is provided.
It is possible to provide an environment in which multimedia contents such as programs can be easily managed and used.

Further, according to the invention of claim 9, the TV
It becomes possible to sequentially provide a description of a plurality of multimedia contents in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as programs can be performed more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 10, T
It becomes possible to create clip data according to the purpose in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to reduce the labor required for creating the index when creating the clip data according to the purpose.

Further, according to the invention of claim 12, T
It becomes possible to provide information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment where video contents such as V programs can be managed and used more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 13, T
It is possible to provide an environment in which desired clip data can be accurately specified in an environment in which video contents such as V programs can be managed and used more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 14, T
It becomes possible to provide an electronic program guide according to the application in an environment where the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 15, T
It is possible to provide an electronic program guide specialized for multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment in which video contents such as V programs can be managed and used more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 16, T
It is possible to provide an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 17, T
It is possible to reduce the amount of data of multimedia contents to be recorded in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 18, T
It becomes possible to provide a more user-friendly electronic program guide in an environment in which video contents such as V programs can be managed and used more easily.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide the multimedia content creator / provider with information that accurately captures the user's taste.

Further, according to the invention of claim 20, it becomes possible to provide the sponsor side of the multimedia contents with the information accurately grasping the taste of the user.

Further, according to the invention of claim 21, T
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

[0225] According to the invention of claim 22, T
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 23, T
In an environment where the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily, it is possible to realize a program that sequentially provides a description of a plurality of multimedia contents.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 24, T
It becomes possible to realize a program that provides information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment in which video contents such as V programs can be managed and used more easily.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 25, T
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 26, T
It becomes possible to provide a program for reducing the data amount of multimedia contents to be recorded in an environment in which management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 27, T
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

Further, according to the invention of claim 28, T
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which multimedia contents such as V programs can be easily managed and used.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 29, T
In an environment where the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily, it is possible to realize a program that sequentially provides a description of a plurality of multimedia contents.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 30, T
It becomes possible to realize a program that provides information of multimedia contents desired by a user in an environment in which video contents such as V programs can be managed and used more easily.

Further, according to the invention of claim 31, T
It is possible to provide a program that realizes an environment in which it is possible to reserve the reproduction or recording of multimedia contents in a broadcasting time period in an environment in which the management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 32, T
It becomes possible to provide a program for reducing the data amount of recorded multimedia contents in an environment in which management and use of video contents such as V programs can be performed more easily.

According to the invention described in Item 33, it is possible to record and provide each of the programs in a recording medium.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an EPG providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a relationship among an index, video contents, a digest video, and a video clip according to the present invention. Fig. 2A shows an example of a structure of the index, and Fig. 2B is an index divided into video clips. FIG. 3C shows a configuration example of the created video content, and FIG. 7C shows a configuration example of a digest video created by combining the video clips extracted with a predetermined keyword.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an index creating terminal in the index creating station 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a table showing a data structure example of a keyword database 114 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an index creation screen displayed on a display unit 116 of the index creation terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between an index with importance and a moving image clip according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
(A) shows a configuration example of an index with importance,
(B) shows a configuration example of a moving image clip divided by an index with importance.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digest video creation station 120 according to the present invention.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing digest videos created by the present invention, FIG. 8A shows an example of a digest video created by extracting a scene (video clip) having only importance A, and FIG. An example of the digest video created by extracting the scenes of importance A and B is shown, (c) shows an example of the digest video created by extracting the scenes of importance A to C, and (d) is An example of a digest video created by extracting scenes of importance A to D will be shown.

FIG. 9 is an EPG providing station 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of 30.

FIG. 10 is a table showing a data structure example of a digest video database 133 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first EPG screen displayed on the PC 202 or TV 203 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11A shows a case where a digest video is included in the EPG screen and is reproduced. A configuration example is shown, and (b) shows an example of a configuration in which a new screen rises and a digest video is reproduced when a predetermined area on the EPG screen is clicked.

FIG. 12 is a mobile phone 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the example of the 1st EPG screen displayed on 01,
(A) is an example of a date selection screen for selecting the date of the program to be included in the EPG, and (b) to (c) are configured to display the list of the corresponding programs by designating the date and genre. Each screen in case (genre selection screen, program list screen)
(D) to (e) are screens (broadcast station selection screens (1) and (2)) in the case where the date and the broadcast station are designated and a list of corresponding programs is displayed. ), And (f) shows an example of a digest display screen for reproducing and displaying the digest video.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of a program access count management database 135 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a second EPG screen displayed on the PC 202 or TV 203 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a mobile phone 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the example of the 2nd EPG screen displayed on 01,
(A) is an example of a date selection screen for selecting the date of the program included in the EPG, and (b) to (c) are configured to display the list of the corresponding programs by designating the date and genre. Each screen in case (genre selection screen, program list screen)
(D) to (e) are screens (broadcast station selection screens (1) and (2)) in the case where the date and the broadcast station are designated and a list of corresponding programs is displayed. ), (G) shows an example of a keyword selection screen for selecting and colonizing a keyword, and (f) shows an example of a digest display screen for reproducing and displaying a digest video.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a third EPG screen example displayed on the PC 202 or the TV 203 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an index creation station 110 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a keyword database 114 ′ according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,2,3 network 100, 100-1 broadcasting station 110 Indexing Bureau 110-1 Index production terminal 110-2 Speech recognition server 111, 122 Video content database 112 Content Playback Means 113 Keyword specifying means 114,114 'keyword database 115 input means 116 display means 117 Index creating means 118 index storage means 120 Digest Making Bureau 121 Digest video creation server 130 EPG provider 131 EPG providing server 132 Program Broadcast Schedule Database 133 digest video database 134 EPG Database 135 Program Access Count Management Database 200 user side 201 mobile phone 202 PC 203 TV

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 7/03 7/035 F term (reference) 5C025 CB08 DA05 5C052 AA01 AB04 DD04 5C063 EB33 EB39 5C064 BA07 BB07 BD02 BD08

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. An electronic program guide providing system for delivering an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, wherein clip data created based on the content of the program. Is included in the electronic program guide and transmitted to the client terminal. 2. An electronic program guide providing system for delivering an electronic program guide created on the basis of a program broadcast schedule to a client terminal via a predetermined network, wherein a predetermined part of the electronic program guide is provided with An electronic program guide providing system, characterized in that a clip data created based on a content of a program is linked, and when the predetermined part is selected, the clip data is transmitted to the client terminal. 3. The electronic program guide providing system according to claim 2, wherein, when a plurality of the predetermined parts are selected, clip data respectively linked to the plurality of the predetermined parts are selected. An electronic program guide providing system, which sequentially transmits to the client terminal. 4. The electronic program guide providing system according to claim 1, wherein the clip data is managed based on a predetermined keyword, and when the search key is received from the client terminal, the predetermined keyword An electronic program guide providing system for searching corresponding clip data based on the search key and the search key. 5. The electronic program guide providing system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic program guide has a reproduction for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in a broadcast time zone of the program. Reservation setting means and / or recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program are provided, and the reproduction reservation setting means or the recording reservation setting means. An electronic program guide providing system, characterized in that when the content of the program is reserved for reproduction or recording, the client terminal is made to reproduce or record the content in the broadcast time zone. 6. The electronic program guide providing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic program guide is a recording for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in a broadcast time zone of the program. An electronic program guide is provided which is provided with a reservation setting means, and when the recording reservation setting means makes a recording reservation of the content of the program, the content is compressed and recorded by a predetermined compression method. system. 7. An electronic program providing method for providing an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, the clip data creating method creating clip data of content of the program. And a step of transmitting the clip data created in the clip data creation step to the client terminal by including the clip data created in the clip data creation step in the electronic program guide providing method. 8. An electronic program guide providing method of providing an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, the clip data creating clip data of content of the program. A creating step, an electronic program guide transmitting step of transmitting to a predetermined terminal of the electronic program guide an electronic program guide in which a link to the clip data created in the clip data creating step is transmitted to the client terminal, A clip data transmitting step of transmitting the clip data to the client terminal when the predetermined portion of the electronic program guide transmitted in the electronic program guide transmitting step is selected, How to provide. 9. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 8, wherein, in the clip data transmitting step, when a plurality of the predetermined portions are selected, the plurality of predetermined portions are respectively linked. A method for providing an electronic program guide, comprising sequentially transmitting clipped data to the client terminal. 10. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7, further comprising an index assigning step of assigning an index corresponding to the content of the content to the content, A method for providing an electronic program guide, characterized in that corresponding clip data is extracted from the content based on a predetermined keyword and the index and the extracted data is combined to create the clip data. 11. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 10, wherein the index assigned in the index assigning step is text information generated by voice recognition of audio included in the video content. An electronic program guide providing method characterized by being created based on 12. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7, wherein when a search key is received from the client terminal, the clip data managed based on a predetermined keyword is used as the predetermined key. A method of providing an electronic program guide, comprising a clip data search step of searching based on the keyword of 1. and the search key. 13. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined keyword is a phrase included in a title of the content extracted from a broadcast schedule, and a broadcast date and time extracted from the broadcast schedule. And at least one of the keywords used when creating the clip data based on the content, and the electronic program guide providing method. 14. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7, wherein the electronic program guide displays a list of daily broadcast schedules for a plurality of broadcasting stations, or a predetermined broadcast. A method for providing an electronic program guide, which is one of a configuration for displaying a list of broadcast schedules for a station for a predetermined period. 15. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7, wherein a corresponding program specifying step of specifying a broadcast schedule including a keyword received from the client terminal for each program, and the corresponding program specifying step An electronic program guide creating step of creating an electronic program guide based on the broadcast schedule of the program unit specified in 1. 16. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7, wherein the electronic program guide is used for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in a broadcast time zone of the program. Reservation setting means and / or recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program are provided, and the reproduction reservation setting means or the recording reservation setting means. When a reproduction or recording reservation of the video content of the program is made by, the reservation content registration step of registering the reservation content and the client terminal based on the reservation content registered in the reservation content registration step And a content reproducing / recording step of reproducing or recording the video content during the broadcast time period. 17. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the electronic program guide is a recording for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in a broadcast time period of the program. Reservation setting means is provided, and when the recording reservation setting means makes a reservation for recording the video content of the program, a reservation content registration step of registering the content of the reservation and a reservation content registration step are performed. And a content recording step of recording the content by compressing the content with a predetermined compression method based on the content of the reservation. 18. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the electronic program guide shows the number of times the moving image clip managed for each broadcasting station or each broadcasting station and each user is viewed. Based on the above, an electronic program guide providing method is characterized in that the broadcast schedules of the broadcast stations are displayed on the left or the top in order from the broadcast schedule of the broadcast station having the highest frequency. 19. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7, wherein the number of times the moving image clip is viewed and / or the number of times the moving image clip is recorded is different for each program and / or A number counting step of counting by gender and / or age, and a counting result transmitting step of transmitting the results counted in the number counting step to the broadcasting station via a predetermined network immediately or at predetermined intervals, An electronic program guide providing method comprising: 20. The electronic program guide providing method according to claim 7, wherein the number of times the moving image clip is viewed and / or the number of times the moving image clip is recorded is different for each program and / or A step of counting the number of times by gender and / or age, and a step of transmitting the result of the step of counting the number of times to the sponsor of the program via a predetermined network immediately or at a predetermined period. And a method of providing an electronic program guide, comprising: 21. A program for causing a server to deliver an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, the program being created based on the content of the program. A program for causing the server to execute an electronic program guide transmission process of transmitting the electronic program guide including clip data to the client terminal via the predetermined network. 22. A program for causing a server to deliver an electronic program guide created on the basis of a broadcast schedule of a program to a client terminal via a predetermined network, wherein Electronic program guide transmission processing for transmitting an electronic program guide linked to clip data created based on program content to the client terminal via the predetermined network, and selected by the client terminal A program for causing the server to execute a clip data transmission process of transmitting clip data linked to a predetermined portion to the client terminal. 23. The program according to claim 22, wherein the clip data transmission process causes clip data linked to the selected plurality of predetermined parts to be sequentially transmitted to the client terminal. A program characterized by that. 24. The clip data search process according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the clip data managed based on a predetermined keyword is searched based on a search key received from the client terminal. A search result electronic program guide creating process for creating an electronic program guide based on a list of clip data searched by the clip data searching process, and the electronic program guide transmitting process, A program for transmitting the electronic program guide created in the search result electronic program guide creation process. 25. The program according to claim 21, wherein the electronic program guide has a reproduction reservation setting means for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in a broadcast time zone of the program. And / or a recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, the reproduction reservation setting means or the recording reservation setting means Reservation content registration processing for registering the content of the reproduction or recording reservation, and content for causing the client terminal to reproduce or record the content in the broadcast time zone based on the content of the reservation registered in the reservation content registration processing A program for causing the server to execute playback / recording processing. 26. The program according to claim 21, wherein the electronic program guide includes a recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in a broadcast time zone of the program. A reservation content registration process for registering the content of the recording reservation of the content of the program set by the recording reservation setting means, and based on the content of the reservation registered in the reservation content registration process, A program for causing the server to execute a content recording process of compressing and recording the content according to a predetermined compression method. 27. A program for causing a client terminal to receive an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program from a server via a predetermined network, the program being created based on the content of the program. An electronic program guide receiving process for receiving an electronic program guide including clip data from the server via a predetermined network; and an electronic program guide displaying process for displaying the electronic program guide received by the electronic program guide receiving process. , A program for causing the client terminal to execute. 28. A program for causing a client terminal to receive an electronic program guide created based on a broadcast schedule of a program from a server via a predetermined network, the program being created based on the content of the program. An electronic program guide receiving process for receiving an electronic program guide linked to clip data from the server via the predetermined network and an electronic program guide for displaying the electronic program guide received by the electronic program guide transmitting process. A program guide display process, a clip data receiving process for receiving clip data linked from a predetermined portion selected in the electronic program guide displayed in the electronic program guide display process from the server, and the clip data receiving process. A clip data reproducing process for reproducing the clip data received by the data receiving process, Programs to be executed by the bets terminal. 29. The program according to claim 28, wherein the clip data reproducing process sequentially receives from the server clip data in which links are respectively linked to the selected plurality of predetermined portions, A program, wherein when a plurality of clip data are received in the clip data receiving process, the received clip data are sequentially reproduced. 30. The program according to claim 27, further comprising: a search key transmitting process for transmitting a search key for searching the clip data managed based on a predetermined keyword to the server. A search result electronic program guide receiving process of receiving from the server an electronic program guide created based on a list of clip data searched by the server; and causing the client terminal to execute the electronic program guide display process, A program for displaying the electronic program guide received in the retrieval result electronic program guide receiving process. 31. The program according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the electronic program guide includes a reproduction reservation setting means for setting a reservation for reproducing the content of the program in a broadcast time zone of the program, And / or recording reservation setting means for setting a reservation for recording the content of the program in the broadcast time zone of the program, and input by the reproduction reservation setting means or the recording reservation setting means. Reservation of the above content or reservation of recording,
A reservation content registration process for transmitting to the server, a content reception process for receiving the content of the program for which a reservation for reproduction or recording has been registered in the reservation content registration process, and a content reception process for receiving the content in the broadcast time period. A program for causing the client terminal to execute content reproduction / recording processing for reproducing or recording the content of the program. 32. The program according to claim 31, wherein the content reproduction / recording process compresses and records the content of the program by a predetermined compression method. 33. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 21 is recorded.