CN114642000A - Television gateway, television cloud, video platform and distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

A television gateway, a television cloud, a video platform and a distribution system are provided. A television gateway is disposed between a video platform and a television receiver, performs connection for providing moving image content from the video platform to the television receiver, receives information for specifying a television cloud serving as an intermediary for authentication of the television receiver with respect to the television gateway, the television receiver, and the mobile terminal from a mobile terminal of a user, receives an MA-ID for identifying the mobile terminal and the video platform of the user authenticated based on input via the mobile terminal at the same time from the video platform, receives an HA-ID for identifying the television receiver and the television cloud at the same time from the television cloud, associates the MA-ID and the HA-ID with respect to the same user, and stores the MA-ID and the HA-ID in a predetermined storage unit as ID association information.

Description

Television gateway, television cloud, video platform and distribution system

The present application claims the priority of filing japanese patent office on 23/10/2020, application No. 2020-178454, entitled "tv gateway", as well as the priority of filing japanese patent office on 23/12/2020, application No. 2020-214326, entitled "tv gateway, tv cloud, video platform and distribution system", and the priority of filing japanese patent office on 19/1/2021, 2021-006467, entitled "tv receiver and tv system", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The application relates to a television gateway, a television cloud, a video platform and a distribution system.

Background

In recent years, due to the evolution of networks, many moving image distribution services have been implemented. In particular, a large-sized and large-screen television receiver is connected to a network to play distributed moving images as in the prior art, and can enjoy videos with a sense of presence with higher picture quality. This can be achieved by increasing the speed of the network and improving the processing performance of the television receiver, and in the future, the opportunity to display and manipulate various contents provided by the network by the television receiver is further increasing.

Video distribution services have been advanced, and so-called interactive services that link a video and Web information, such as guiding video content to an EC (electronic commerce) site to purchase a product and confirming Web information (e.g., news, ticket information, etc.) on the internet in detail using a video, are being developed in addition to simple video viewing.

In the above circumstances, a television receiver that can be used easily at home is a means for providing a user with moving images provided by a network, information on a Web site, EC services, and the like, and is a very important issue in the future networking.

In addition, due to the evolution of networks, moving image distribution services are being implemented more. In addition, in the video distribution service, not only simple video viewing, but also an interactive service of connecting a video and Web information, such as guiding and purchasing a product from a video content to an EC (electronic commerce) site and confirming details by a video based on Web information (e.g., news, ticket information, etc.) on the internet, has been developed.

In addition, a moving picture distribution Service is provided by various CSPs (Contents Service providers). The user can view the moving picture provided by each CSP by contracting with the CSP. At the time of the contract, an ID and a password for identifying the user are issued from the CSPs.

However, conventionally, when viewing moving images distributed from CSPs through a television receiver, a user inputs an ID and a password by operating a remote controller. A remote controller of a television receiver is generally a device that includes direction keys for moving a focus up and down and left and right, numeric keys for inputting numbers, and the like, and is not a device that can input characters freely, such as a keyboard provided in a PC (Personal Computer). Therefore, the operation of inputting the ID and the password imposes a large burden on the user, and prevents easy viewing.

Further, since such advanced services are implemented by the video platform and the Web site in cooperation, it is difficult to provide such linked services in a versatile manner using different video platforms and television receivers having different functions and performances. However, in the case where a television gateway as a server is provided, for example, in the case where content of a Linear channel (Linear channel) is played, since a broadcast time is determined, access of a television receiver to the television gateway as the server may be concentrated. Therefore, the television gateway as the server needs to be designed to match the peak of the access from the television receiver, which increases the cost.

Prior art documents

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2006-222674

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open No. 2020 and 102720

Disclosure of Invention

Due to the evolution of networks, it is easier to implement a moving image distribution service than before. However, there are various problems in a network moving picture distribution service in a receiving television receiver, and the widespread use of reception such as broadcasting has not been achieved. Further, at present, information terminals such as PCs implement a more advanced network service by linking distributed moving images and Web contents, but it is difficult to implement such a linked service in current television receivers.

Moving image content is broadcast in accordance with a uniform standard with respect to terrestrial wave broadcasting, and the network-based moving image content is distributed by a plurality of distribution methods. Therefore, in order to select and receive moving image content distributed from a video platform that distributes specific video images, it is necessary to equip the receiver with a special function. In order to receive moving picture content distributed to a television broadcast receiver, the television receiver is required to have a function of connecting to a network and a performance of playing the received moving picture content.

There are distributed video contents that can be received and distributed video contents that cannot be received, depending on the function and performance of the television receiver. Therefore, the video platform and the receiving terminal that realize the video distribution service in the related art are realized by mounting separate distribution technologies. If the video platform is operated, the video platform needs to correspond to a plurality of receiving terminals with different performances and functions, and if the video platform is operated from the receiving terminal, the video platform needs to correspond to a plurality of video platforms with different distribution modes. Further, there are various methods for selecting moving image content, and a consistent program selection method cannot be provided, which is confusing for the user. Such a situation is a major problem from the viewpoint of convenience for users as well as hindering the spread of video distribution.

On the other hand, when a moving picture content and a Web content are linked to each other and served interactively, the television receiver is operated by a remote controller, and therefore, the television receiver is extremely poor in operability compared with an input function of a keyboard, a mouse, or the like provided in an information terminal such as a PC, and it is difficult for a user to easily perform an operation and receive a high-level service. In addition, such a high level of service is implemented by the video platform in cooperation with the Web site, and thus it is difficult to collectively provide such a linkage service through different video platforms and television receivers of different functions or capabilities.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an image distribution system according to the related art. In FIG. 18, CSPs (content service providers) 101 to 108 provide moving picture content. Moving picture contents are inputted to the video platforms 1611 to 1613, respectively. The video platforms 1611 to 1613 send the moving picture streams to the television receivers 141 to 150. Since the distribution modes of the respective video platforms differ, the respective moving image streams are received only by a limited number of television receivers. In this example, the video platform 1611 can be received by the television receivers 141 to 143, the video platform 1612 can be received by the television receivers 144 to 147, and the video platform 1613 can be received by the television receivers 148 to 150, and it is difficult to distribute video contents to television receivers having different functions in a wide range. Further, when the Web site 1601 connected to the video platform 1613 and the moving image output from the video platform 1613 are served in conjunction with each other, functions of the remote controller of a normal television receiver are limited in the upper, lower, left, and right sides, the numeric buttons, and the like, and a large burden is imposed on the user's operation.

An operation of selecting video content by a video distribution system in the related art will be described with reference to fig. 20. For example, since the television receivers 144 to 147 in fig. 19 receive signals from both of the video platforms 1612 and 1613, the user first selects from the platform selection screen 1701 and selects the video platform button 1702 and the video platform button 1703 as shown in 1701. Each button is constituted by video platform selection raw data 1712, 1722 provided by each video platform on the television receiver side. When any button is pressed, the screen goes to a content selection screen 1710, and the buttons of the contents 1711 to 1716 are pressed to select the contents. These buttons are generated from content raw data 1723 provided from the video platform. This selection operation is performed by the television remote controller 1731.

Further, when the moving image content is linked with the Web content after the content is selected, for example, when the moving image content 1741 and the Web content 1742 are displayed simultaneously, a more complicated operation is required, and the operation load of the user becomes large in the television remote controller 1731. Therefore, the presentation of the content is limited.

Further, the video command VOD enables confirmation of utilization between the user terminal and the VOD distribution server and viewing of the video content. The program table in this case is a VOD-only program table, and is handled differently from a program table of a broadcast wave or a linearly distributed video content.

The means for solving the problem is to provide a television gateway, disposed between a video platform and a television, which performs a connection for providing moving image content from the video platform to the television, wherein,

the television gateway receives a video-on-demand token request accompanied by: an ID for identifying a video platform, an ID for identifying moving image content as a viewing object, and an ID for simultaneously identifying a television cloud, which are transmitted from a television cloud disposed between the television and a television gateway;

the television gateway sends to the video platform: an ID (hereinafter CT-ID) for identifying a user of the mobile terminal and the video platform at the same time, and an ID (hereinafter MA-ID) for identifying moving picture contents as viewing objects;

the video platform receives a video-on-demand token containing the CT-ID and the MA-ID under the condition that the video platform can watch VOD based on the CT-ID and the MA-ID;

and the television gateway sends the video on demand token to the television cloud based on the result of receiving the video on demand token from the video platform.

Another problem to be solved is to enable the input of an ID and a password for a contract, such as the viewing of VOD contents, without operating a remote controller of a television receiver.

The television gateway is disposed between a video platform and a television receiver, performs a connection for providing a moving image content from the video platform to the television receiver, receives, from a mobile terminal of a user, a television cloud mediating authentication of the television receiver with respect to the television gateway, the television receiver, the information for specifying the mobile terminal receives, from the video platform, an MA-ID identifying the mobile terminal of a user authenticated based on an input via the mobile terminal simultaneously with the video platform, receives, from the television cloud, an HA-ID identifying the television receiver and the television cloud simultaneously, and stores, as ID binding information, the MA-ID and the HA-ID associated with the same user in a predetermined storage unit in association with each other.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a television receiver and a television system that can avoid concentration of access to a server.

The television receiver is a television receiver that receives content information distributed via a server, and includes a load averaging unit that averages a load in the server based on unique information of the television receiver.

With the configuration of the present application, the video gateway can perform a hybrid service corresponding to the AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and can input the ID and password for the contract for viewing the VOD content without performing a remote control operation on the television receiver.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a configuration example of a moving image distribution system;

fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a displayed program table of the television;

FIG. 3 is embodiment 1 relevant to the present application;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of embodiment 1 related to the present application;

fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of data constituting a program table related to the present application;

FIG. 6 is an example of a program table relevant to the present application;

fig. 7 is a moving picture playback step from a program table related to the present application;

FIG. 8 is a VOD viewing step from a program table;

FIG. 9 is a proposed example of an advertisement based on the present application;

FIG. 10 is layout information for advertisements relevant to the present application;

FIG. 11 is a use case of a current program in connection with the present application;

FIG. 12 is an example of the use of past program listings in connection with the present application;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative diagram of periodic updates relevant to the present application;

fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram of emergency update related to the present application;

fig. 15 is a block diagram of a television receiver;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a video platform;

fig. 17 is a structural diagram of a television gateway;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a television cloud;

fig. 19 is a block diagram of an image distribution system in the related art;

fig. 20 is a selection screen of contents;

fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation until ID binding in the moving picture distribution system;

fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a member and its right status stored in the ID coupling information DB;

fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a playback device stored in the ID binding information DB;

fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating the flow of signals involved in ID provision in a television gateway;

fig. 25 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of network program table acquisition and display;

fig. 26 is a diagram showing a reservation example of IDs of a video platform and a TV cloud;

fig. 27 is a diagram showing other IDs;

fig. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration example of network program table data;

fig. 29 is a diagram showing an example of configuration information of network program table data;

fig. 30 is a diagram showing a peak shift key object of Configuration (Configuration) information;

fig. 31 is an explanatory view based on another embodiment of the present application;

fig. 32 is an explanatory diagram of ID composition and combination of IDs according to another embodiment of the present application;

fig. 33 is an explanatory diagram of the ID combining process according to another embodiment of the present application;

fig. 34 is a configuration diagram of a network program table in ID association according to another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 35 is a screen display example when ID combining is performed according to another embodiment of the present application;

fig. 36 is information required at the time of content selection based on another embodiment of the present application;

fig. 37 shows an advertisement insertion method according to another embodiment of the present application.

Description of the reference numerals

111. video platform

121. television gateway

131. TV cloud

141. television

301. program viewing information.

Detailed Description

According to the method and the system, the plurality of video platforms are connected with the plurality of television receivers by using the television gateway, so that the dynamic image content is easy to select, and the good dynamic image content can be distributed. The system can implement not only simple viewing of moving images but also so-called interactive services in which moving images are linked with Web information, such as guiding and purchasing goods from moving image content to an EC (electronic commerce) site, and confirming details from Web information (e.g., news, ticket information, etc.) on the internet by moving images.

In addition to the realization of such a high degree of service, in recent years, the provision of moving image content in various manners has been carried out. For example, a moving picture distribution service capable of viewing desired moving picture contents at any time is called VOD (video On demand), and various VOD systems currently exist.

Generally, there are an advertisement moving image distribution service called avod (advertising Video On demand), a rating moving image distribution service called svod (subscription Video On demand), and a rental-type moving image distribution service called tvod (transaction Video On demand).

In the AVOD, moving images can be viewed for free, but advertisements are placed. Thus, revenue is available not only from viewers viewing moving images, but also from businesses that broadcast advertisements. SVOD, on the other hand, is a device that can view any number of prepared moving picture contents when monthly fees are paid. Further, in the TVOD, for example, a restriction of one week or the like can be given to view a single moving image content. Therefore, SVOD and TVOD receive a benefit from the viewer who views the moving picture.

As described above, there are various moving image distribution services, and a moving image distribution system that can flexibly support these systems and that can be easily enjoyed by a viewer without confusion is desired for television receiver viewing. Therefore, as a function of the television gateway described above, a correspondence to such a mode is required.

The present invention provides a new video distribution system which can add functions corresponding to various VOD systems such as AVOD, SVOD, TVOD and the like to a television gateway which is implemented using a network and can receive video contents transmitted from a plurality of video distribution platforms by television receivers having different performances and functions and can select video contents more easily. In addition, in the case of AVOD, a more effective prompting method for advertising a moving image is provided.

The television gateway enables a higher degree of interactive services by being able to connect multiple video platforms to multiple television receivers. In particular, by providing a standard manner of selecting moving picture contents to television receivers of different functions and performances, selection for more moving picture contents is easily performed without impairing user convenience.

However, in the selection of moving picture contents by a television gateway, although there is a linear channel in a broadcast format, in other words, moving picture distribution using a network, presentation of a recommended program can be partially performed mainly in a distribution method of a method of unilaterally continuing distribution based on time information as in broadcasting, but it is difficult to cope with various VOD methods. As described above, provision of moving picture contents based on linear channels is composed of moving picture contents and advertisements, which are usually free, and is one of AVODs. However, different video distribution services such as SVOD and TVOD are becoming popular as well as AVOD, and it is important to deal with these VOD systems.

Although free moving picture contents can be viewed by the SVOD by placing advertisements, the SVOD can freely view moving picture contents by monthly fee, and the TVOD can view operation contents within a limited time limit by purchasing a single moving picture content. In order to cope with this, it is necessary to confirm the contract status of the viewer, and it is difficult to cope with this in the conventional television gateway system.

In addition, since AVOD receives revenue from a business through an advertisement, an effective method of prompting an advertisement is essential. There are advertisement insertion functions in television gateways of the related art and specific methods of implementing a function of targeting advertisements to respective television receivers, but no method of providing more effective cues is available. In recent years, a hybrid service combining a service guidance from the AVOD to the SVOD, or a sale of premium content provided by the TVOD, and the like is provided. In order to implement such a hybrid service through a television gateway of the related art, confirmation of contract conditions of viewers, and linkage functions of advertisements and VOD are required, and thus, it is necessary to appropriately equip these functions.

Fig. 1 shows a configuration diagram of an image distribution system.

In FIG. 1, CSPs (content service providers) 1301 to 1308 provide moving image content. The moving image contents are inputted to the video platforms 1311 to 1313, respectively. The video platforms 1311 to 1313 input moving image content to the television gateway 1321 and send the moving image content to the television receivers 1341 to 1350 via the television clouds 1331 to 1334.

Since the video platforms differ in the distribution method, the moving image content is received only by a limited number of television receivers. Although there are a method in which a television gateway converts the format of moving image content and a method in which a converter is built in a video platform, the video platforms 1311 to 1313 in fig. 1 are a method in which a converter is built in. In addition, the television clouds correspond to television receivers different in performance and function, respectively. The television receivers under the management of each television cloud are connected to almost the same performance and function, and the television receivers with different performance and function are connected to each television cloud. Different television receivers are converted through the television cloud, and even if the functions and the performances are different, good dynamic image content can be selected and received. As described above, in the moving picture distribution system having the television gateway, moving picture contents of a plurality of video platforms having different formats can be distributed to television receivers having different capabilities and functions.

The moving picture content is temporarily inputted to the televisions via the television gateway 1321, and when the connection is established, the video stream itself can be directly inputted to the televisions 1341 to 1350 from the video platforms 1311 to 1313. The televisions 1341 to 1350 are connected to the mobile terminals 1301 to 1310, and combine a TV-ID (ID assigned to each of the televisions 1341 to 1350) and an SP-ID (ID assigned to each of the mobile terminals 1301 to 1310 of the viewer). The information thus combined is stored in the TV-ID and SP-ID combination information storage 1352. The viewing data output from the television receivers 1341 to 1350 is supplied to the viewing data storage unit 1351. The viewing data stored in the viewing data storage 1351, and the TV-ID and SP-ID combined information storage 1352 output, the content recommendation information storage 1353 recommends a content. The advertisement content outputted from the advertisement server 1355 is outputted from the content recommendation information storage 1353, and a recommended advertisement selection insertion unit 1354 selects an appropriate advertisement and inserts the advertisement on the video platforms 1311 to 1313. In addition, the receiving-side advertisement insertion unit 1356 inserts advertisements by the function of the television receiver.

Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a program table displayed on a television. Since moving image content provided by a video platform is provided to a television by linear distribution that continuously flows for a predetermined time as in broadcasting, the moving image content is selected by a program table indicating the same channel and time as in broadcasting.

Further, the gateway can customize the program table by connecting the SP-ID1421 that the viewer has to the TV-ID1422 that identifies the television. Recommended contents 1401 to 1403 are displayed in a program table in an overlaid manner according to the viewing tendency of the viewer of the television receiver. In this example, since the ID (SP-ID)1421 belonging to the movement of the video platform 1411 is linked to the ID (TV-ID)1422 of the television receiver, the moving image content provided from the video platform 1411 is particularly recommended.

The program table is composed of common EPG data 1404 supplied from the television gateway. The EPG common data 1404 includes at least time table indicating time information, program source data including information such as description of a program, and title data for displaying a channel.

With the above configuration, each video deck can be input to the tv gateway without intending on the functions (panel size, pixel number, resolution, etc.) of the tv receivers having different performances and functions, thereby presenting contents to more tv receivers. Further, by cooperating a television receiver with a mobile terminal represented by a smartphone, it is possible to replace a single-function remote controller having different operability, improve operability for a high-level service using the mobile terminal, and further, enable a high-level smartphone and television cooperative operation that cannot be performed by the remote controller in the related art.

In a moving picture distribution system using a television gateway, a program table can be presented for televisions having different functions and capabilities, and viewers can select moving picture contents distributed from various video platforms without disturbing the contents. As described above, the system is extremely effective for the moving image content of the linear channel distribution system, but the system is not sufficiently functional for other moving image content distribution systems and is difficult to cope with.

In the video gateway, it is necessary to provide functions related to the hybrid services corresponding to the AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD.

The present application realizes a function of easily selecting moving picture contents distributed by AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD by newly adding data corresponding to a plurality of VOD distribution methods to data forming a program table, and provides a function of more comfortably selecting moving picture contents distributed by a linear channel by improving the structure of the program table. On the other hand, by applying the data forming the additional program table to advertisement display, more effective advertisement presentation is realized for the viewer.

As described above, hereinafter, data constituting a program table according to the present application will be referred to as "program table configuration information". A mixed moving picture selection system of AVOD, SVOD and TVOD is formed by the program table configuration information, and the abstract viewing and the advance notice moving picture content viewing of the linear channel can be performed. Further, advertisement presentation by the overlay method and VOD combining the moving image advertisement content with VOD can be performed.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a configuration and distribution method of the program table configuration information, a configuration method of a new program table capable of easily selecting a future program, a current program, and a past program, a configuration and presentation method of a program table corresponding to any distribution method of AVOD, TVOD, and SVOD, a more effective advertisement presentation method combining VOD with an advertisement, advance notice moving picture content of a future program, digest watching of a past program, and an emergency message for urgently changing the program table configuration information, based on the drawings.

Embodiment 1

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment 1 related to the present application.

CSPs (content service providers) 101 to 108 provide moving picture contents. Moving picture contents are inputted to the video platforms 111 to 113, respectively. The video platforms 111 to 113 input moving image contents to the television gateway 121 and send the moving image contents to the television receivers 141 to 150 via the television clouds 131 to 134.

As described above, the function of distributing moving picture content to a television receiver is the same as that of fig. 1. The video distribution system using the television gateway is largely different from the video distribution system using the television gateway of fig. 1 in that the video platforms 111 to 113 are connected to subscriber databases 191 to 193. The subscriber databases 191 to 193 store and store contract conditions of viewers who view moving image contents distributed from the video platforms 111 to 113. Therefore, the video platforms 111 to 113 can check the contract condition of the viewer by inquiring the subscriber databases 191 to 193 at any time.

On the other hand, the TV-ID and SP-ID association information storage 1352 of the video distribution system shown in fig. 1 is the MA-ID and HA-ID association information storage 152 in the video distribution system according to the present application. Here, the HA-ID and the MA-ID are short names of a Home Agent ID and a Mobile Agent ID, respectively, the HA-ID is an ID for identifying the television cloud and the television receiver, and the MA-ID is an ID for identifying the video platform and the user of the Mobile terminal, and is a composite identifier. The subscriber database 111 to 113 can identify the user by the MA-ID and confirm the viewing condition.

The televisions 141 to 150 are connected to the mobile terminals 171 to 180, and perform the combination of HA-ID and MA-ID. The information thus coupled is stored in the MA-ID and HA-ID coupling information storage unit 152. In the video distribution system according to the present application, the association information storage unit 152 for the MA-ID and the HA-ID is linked with the subscriber databases 191 to 193, thereby supporting various VOD distribution methods.

The viewing data storage unit 151, the content recommendation information storage unit 153, the advertisement server 155, and the receiving-side advertisement insertion unit 156 operate in the same manner as the moving image distribution system shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows the operation of embodiment 1 related to the present application. The entire moving image distribution system shown in fig. 3 is described by extracting the video platform 111, the television gateway 121, the television cloud 131, the television 141, and the mobile terminal 101. The same operation is performed by other video platforms, a television cloud, a television receiver, and a mobile terminal.

In SVOD, a viewer who receives a monthly fee can watch moving picture contents at will, and in TVOD, a viewer can watch charged moving picture contents by purchasing a single moving picture content for a limited period of time. On the other hand, in the AVOD based on the linear channel distribution, the viewing of the advertisement is performed while the viewing of the moving image is freely performed. As described above, since the viewing conditions of viewers are different in the VOD system, the moving picture distribution system needs to present moving picture contents to the viewers after confirming the conditions.

In fig. 4, the ID for identifying the video platform 111 is PF-ID, the ID for identifying the tv gateway 121 is TG-ID, the ID for identifying the tv cloud is TC-ID, the ID for identifying both the tv and the TC cloud is HA-ID, and the ID for identifying both the user of the mobile terminal 101 and the video platform 111 is MA-ID. Note that the ID for identifying the moving image content to be viewed is CT-ID. Hereinafter, moving images when viewing VOD will be described.

In the television receiver 141, VOD viewing is requested. The television receiver 141 simultaneously transmits, to the television cloud 131 through a signal 151(1), a VOD token request and VOD contents identified by the CT-ID, a PF-ID identifying the video platform 111 providing the moving image contents, and an HA-ID representing the television receiver itself. The VOD token request is a command for confirming that the user has the right to view VOD. The television cloud 131 sends a signal 152 to the television gateway 121 via the resulting signal 151. Signal 152(2) contains VOD token request, PF-ID, CT-ID, HA-ID. The tv gateway 121 obtains the MA-ID associated with the HA-ID through its own association information database of the MA-ID and the HA-ID, and determines the viewer who requests to view. The television gateway 121 sends the signal 153 to the video platform 111. Signal 153(3) contains VOD token request CT-ID, MA-ID.

Next, video platform 111 receives the VOD token request via signal 153(3), queries subscriber database 191 for MA-ID and CT-ID via signal 154, confirms the registration condition of the viewer with MA-ID, and replies to video platform 111 via signal 155 (5). In the case of a condition that VOD is available for viewing, the video platform 111 issues a VOD token via signal 156(6), and transmits the VOD token and the CT-ID and MA-ID to the tv gateway 121. Television gateway 121 acquires signal 156. The television gateway 121 sends the signal 157 to the television cloud 131. Signal 157(7) contains at least VOD tokens. The television cloud 131 transmits the VOD token received from the television gateway 121 to the television receiver 141 through the signal 158, (8).

Television receiver 141 sends signal 159 to the video platform. The signal 159 includes the VOD token obtained from the signal 159 and the CT-ID for identifying the moving image content. The video platform 111 identifies the URL indicating the location of the moving image from the CT-ID obtained, and confirms the validity of the VOD token. After confirming that the VOD token is valid, the distribution of the moving picture stream is performed (10) from the video platform 111 to the television receiver 141 through the signal 160.

The above moving picture controls whether or not to view the VOD content satisfying the VOD viewing condition.

A description will be given of "program table configuration information" configuring a program table according to the present application. In the present application, the program table configuration information 301 is transmitted from the video platform 111 to the television receiver 141 via the television gateway 121 and the television cloud 131.

Here, the program table configuration information 301 includes operator information 302 identified by PF-ID, channel information 303 identified by Service _ ID, program information 304 identified by Event _ ID, CM information 305 identified by CM _ ID, Vod information 306 identified by Vod _ ID. Further, a schedule 311 indicating the position on the time axis of the program and layout information 321 indicating the display position of the advertisement are included. Fig. 5 shows the configuration of each information.

The operator information 302 includes an operator ID (PF-ID), an operator name, an operator thumbnail image, and an identifier.

The channel information 303 includes a service id (service id), a service name, a service description, a genre, a parent, a service thumbnail image, a logo, charge/free information, and a moving picture URL (distribution in which all programs included in a channel are the same).

The program information 304 can include a program id (event id), a program name, a program description, a start date, a start time, a length, a genre, a parent, a program thumbnail image, a moving image URL, a program type, a sub-moving image URL, charge/free information, and series identification information.

The CM information 305 includes an advertisement ID (CM ID), a CM title, an advertisement identifier (AD-ID), a start date, a start time, a length, a genre, a changeable flag, and a CM moving image.

The VOD information 306 includes VOD (VOD ID), content name, content identifier (CT-ID), content description, length, genre, parent, program thumbnail image, moving image URL, charge/free information, and series identification information of the content.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a program table configured by using the program table configuration information.

The video platform 111 provides the information to the television gateway 121. The television gateway 121 distributes the program table configuration information acquired from the video platform 111 to the television cloud 131.

The past program table configuration information already distributed from the television gateway 121 and the scheduled program table configuration information distributed from the present exist based on the program table configuration information of the television cloud 131, and by enabling later viewing of the missed program, the convenience of program selection by the viewer is improved. The television cloud 131 transmits the past program table and the future program table to the television 141.

When the television 141 constructs a past program table, it is identified which channel is constructed by the video platform based on the operator information 402 of the program table construction information. For example, a channel display of a program table is performed based on the channel information 403, and an arrangement and explanation of each program are configured based on the program information 404 to 406. The timeline of the program schedule is prompted based on the schedule information 407. These are programs that have been distributed in the past and can be freely selected.

Further, a list of VOD contents is presented in the program table. This selects VOD information included in the cue program table configuration information. Each piece of VOD information has a CT-ID indicating a content, and after the VOD information database 432 is temporarily stored, the recommendation selecting unit 431 selects a VOD content and presents it on the program table. As with programs broadcast in the past, VOD contents can be freely selected, and therefore a program selection function that is comfortable for the viewer can be provided. In other words, the past program table is not the latest content for the viewer, and is free from time restrictions, providing convenience in free selection. In the present embodiment, the VOD content display is arranged only in the past program table, but the present and future program tables can be arranged using the same data and operation.

The past, current, future program listings in fig. 6 display the programs provided by the video platform as channels. In this figure, channel a1, channel a2 are channels provided by video platform a, and channel B1 is a channel provided by video platform B. The VOD contents 1 to 4 displayed in the program tables can be displayed by selecting VOD information provided by a video platform that distributes program contents focused by a viewer via a remote controller or the like. That is, in the case where the viewer focuses on the content a11 through the remote controller, the VOD provided by the video platform is displayed on the program guide screen.

On the other hand, in the current program table configuration information in the television 141, a program table 411 is configured based on a program currently being distributed. In the future program table, scheduled programs are presented for distribution based on the operator information 422, the channel information 423, the program information 425 to 426, and the schedule 427 included in the future program table configuration information.

Fig. 7 shows a procedure of a program table in the television 141. When the program list button of the remote controller is pressed, the current program list 511 is displayed first. The moving picture content 512 is played by selecting a program from the current program table 511. These programs can be switched by inputting up and down keys of a remote controller and a channel number, and another program 513 can be directly selected. Further, by pressing the program table button during viewing, it is also possible to return to the original current program table 514.

On the other hand, in the current program table 511, the future program table 521 is prompted by pressing a scroll-down button. When a program is selected from the future program table 521, the program description screen 522 is presented since the program has not been distributed yet. Here, when the notice moving image can be played, the notice button is presented, and the notice moving image 523 is played by being pressed. If the forecast movie ends, the program returns to the future program table 524.

The past program table 501 is prompted by scrolling up from the current program table 511. The past programs distributed in the past and the VOD contents are prompted in the past program table 501. In the case where the VOD content is selected, the process moves to a VOD selection step 505. The VOD selection procedure is explained with reference to fig. 8. When a program is selected from past program table 501, program description screen 502 is temporarily presented. Here, when the abstract of the past program can be viewed, the abstract button is presented, and the abstract 506 is played when viewed. When the viewing button is pressed from the explanation screen 502, the moving image content of the past program is played back, and when the viewing button is pressed, the program returns to the past program table 504. The content selection can be more convenient by playing the abstract dynamic image.

As described above, the convenience of viewing a program can be improved by viewing a moving image of a preview scheduled to be distributed in the future program list and viewing an abstract in the past program list. In addition, since the program table is displayed in the past so that the VOD selection is possible, the desired VOD content can be viewed.

Fig. 8 shows a VOD viewing procedure according to the program table in the television 141. If the program guide button is pressed, the current program guide 611 is prompted. If a program is selected from the current program table 611, the program 612 is played. The advertisement moving image 613 is inserted in the middle or at the end of the main scenario moving image of the program 612, and a VOD button is presented together with the advertisement moving image 613. When the VOD button is pressed, a VOD description screen 614 is presented. At this time, the explanation screen 614 is presented when VOD is an SVOD-based service, and the explanation screen 621 is presented when a TVOD-based service is used. A view button is presented on explanation screen 614, and a purchase button and a money amount are presented on explanation screen 621.

Here, when the VOD viewing button is pressed, the number of branches is 3. The 1 st branch is that when the viewer does not perform monthly member registration, the viewer enters the member registration screen 615, and the member registration application 625 operates on the smartphone to perform member registration. Further, the user enters the ID binding screen 616, presents a QR code (registered trademark) on the television screen, and binds the HA-ID of the television receiver to the MA-ID, which is the member ID, by the ID binding application 626 operating on the smartphone.

The branch 2 is to enter an ID binding screen 616 when the member registration has been completed on the explanation screen 614. When the ID binding is completed, the program proceeds to the SVOD specification screen 617 again, and the VOD moving picture 618 is played by pressing the view button. In the case of TVOD, TVOD explanation screen 627 is presented to pay a predetermined purchase amount, and the program proceeds to video viewing 618. When the VOD moving picture is played, the system returns to the main scenario moving picture 619.

Branch 3 is directed to VOD moving picture playback 618 by pressing the view button from SVOD caption screen 614 when ID binding has ended.

On the other hand, when the VOD content of the past program table 601 is selected, the flow proceeds to the SVOD description screen 614 or the TVOD description screen 621. Then, the moving picture 618 is played back in the same procedure, and when the playback is finished, the program returns to the past program table 629.

Through the above steps, VOD can be easily viewed. In order to realize this viewing step, the moving picture of the VOD token is acquired as described in fig. 4. According to the explanation screen 614, the step of acquiring the VOD token operates when the viewing is selected, and if the VOD token acquisition fails, the operation proceeds to the member registration screen 615 or the ID binding screen 616, and after the ID binding is completed, the viewing button is pressed again from the SVOD explanation screen 617 to perform the operation of acquiring the VOD token again, and after the VOD token acquisition, the main scenario moving image 619 is played.

A proposed example of an advertisement related to the present application is shown in fig. 9. The cue patterns include 3 types, which indicate a spot insertion cue 701, an overlay display 711, and a VOD721 available for on-demand.

The spot insertion as the mode 1 is performed before the main scenario 702 and after the main scenario 703, the advertisement is presented and after the main scenario 704. On the screen, the main scenario moving picture 705 and the advertisement moving picture 706 are presented, and then the main scenario moving picture 707 is played. This mode is an example of inserting advertisement moving image content into so-called moving image content.

The overlay display as the 2 nd mode superimposes the advertisement on the main scenario moving image. In contrast to the insertion which is temporally extended by the insertion of the advertisement, the overlay display has a feature that the advertisement is directly superimposed on the main scenario moving image and thus does not affect the size of the moving image content. When the main scenario moving image 712 is played, an advertisement is superimposed on the moving image 715 to form a moving image 716, and further, a moving image 717 is displayed. Here, the information of the automatic presentation program in the advertisement information automatically eliminates the overlapped advertisement, and the program moves to the moving image screen 717. In the present presentation method, temporal interpolation does not occur as described above, but the screen is partially hidden.

Mode 3 is on-demand VOD721, which is a combination of spot insertion 701 and overlay table 711. Similarly to the break, an advertisement 723 is played from the main scenario moving image 722, and a main scenario moving image 724 is played. At this time, the state of the moving image screen 725 is shifted to the advertising moving image screen 723 and the moving image screen 726. Here, when the advertisement moving image content presentation button is pressed, the explanation screen 728 is displayed, and when the viewing button is pressed, the VOD content 729 is played. If the button is not pressed on advertisement screen 726, main scenario moving image 724 is played after advertisement 723 is finished. If the VOD content 729 is finished, the moving image content 730 of the same channel is played.

In each case, the states of the program table configuration information are denoted by 741, 742, and 743.

When the spot insertion is performed, the program table configuration information 741 includes operator information, channel information, program information, and advertisement information. The same applies to the overlay display. In the case of VOD on demand, the advertisement information further includes VOD information. In the case of the overlay display and the VOD on demand, the screen is configured by the layout information shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 10 shows a layout related to the presentation of the present advertisement.

When the overlay display screen 802 is presented based on the main scenario moving image 801, the screen is configured by the layout information 805 in the program table configuration information. The layout information 805 includes information of the coordinates and the size of the video and the coordinates and the size of the still image, and can constitute the L-type display 802 or the display 803 of the superimposed rectangular region. When the overlay display is automatically performed, the overlay display is automatically performed by the automatic start flag and the start time in the CM information included in the program table configuration information.

In this example, 2 modes are illustrated as being on-demand reminders. The 1 st mode is an on-demand advertisement, and other EC sites and information prompts can be performed after a button is pressed. Mode 2 is VOD on demand, and can be prompted by the steps shown in fig. 9.

When VOD is requested, the advertisement moving image 842 is played from the moving image 801 of the main scenario, and the button 842 presented on the advertisement moving image 842 is pressed, thereby moving to the VOD description screen 823. Here, by pressing the viewing button, the moving image 824 of the VOD is played. In the advertisement moving image 822, a button 842 is positioned to prompt according to the layout information 825. The viewing buttons of the VOD explanation screen 823 are similarly arranged based on the layout information.

In the case of on-demand advertising, the button 841 is prompted when the advertising moving image 812 is based on the layout information 815. When the button 841 is pressed, a product screen 813 of the EC site is presented. Here, for example, a detailed information screen or the like can be presented.

As described above, flexible screen configuration can be performed based on the layout information included in the program table configuration information.

Fig. 11 shows an example of an application using the current program by the program table configuration information.

The current program table 911 displays the content currently being distributed. The program table configuration information 900 includes operator information 902 and channel information 903. The channel information 903 includes program information 904, 906, and 908, the program information 904 includes advertisement information 905, the program information 906 includes advertisement information 907, the program information 908 includes advertisement information 909, and the advertisement information 909 includes VOD information 910.

The program information includes a program start time and a program end, and the advertisement information includes an advertisement start time and an advertisement end time.

The program table is formed by the above information included in the program table forming information, and the main scenario moving image and the advertisements 921 to 927 are played. Further, the simultaneously presented screens are shown as 931 to 937.

The program information 904 includes program start time 8: 00 and end time 9: 00. further, the advertisement information describes a start time 8: 30. end time 8: 35. from time 8: 00 starts a main scenario moving picture, from 8: 30 begin playing the advertisement. Further, from 8: 35 return to the main storyline dynamic image and continue playing.

The next program 924 is from 9: 00 begins. Indicating the next program. The program information 906 includes start time 9: 00. end time 11: 00. the advertisement information 907 includes start time 10: 00. end time 10: and 05, showing display by overlay. From these information, from time 9: 00 starts the playing of the main scenario moving image 924. Midway of the main scenario moving image playback is from 10: 00 automatically display advertisements for still images. The prompted screen is represented as 934. The advertisement is displayed as a still image superimposed on the main scenario moving image. The superimposed advertisement, i.e., the still image, is shown at 10: 05 disappear.

Next, in the next program information, start time 11 is described: 00. end time 12: 00, advertisement information describes start 11: 30. end time 11: 40. the advertisement describes an instruction to cause jumping to another screen by button display. According to this information, the next program 925 is at 11: 00 begins. Advertisement 926 at 11: 30, as shown in the advertisement screen 936, in the present advertisement cue button. The viewer presses a button to enter a VOD step, and a VOD selection screen 938 is displayed. The operation is performed according to the VOD procedure shown in fig. 8. In the case where the button is not pressed, the playback of the main scenario moving image 927 is continued, and the advertisement disappears as shown in the moving image screen 937.

In this way, a program is configured by the program table configuration information, but the playback of the action stream can be performed based on the original data (manifest file) included in the moving image stream. As an example, fig. 11 shows a case where a moving picture stream is played back by MPEG DASH which is an international standard. In MPEG DASH, mpd (media Presentation description) is used in playback of a moving image stream. In MPD, a moving image stream is defined by Period. For example, the program 921 according to the present embodiment is composed of MPD # 1: 951, the moving picture 921 is played. Advertisement 922 is shown by Period # 2: 942, and the moving image 923 is played through Period # 3: 943 to play. Likewise, the moving image 924 of the next program is encoded by MPD # 2: 952 Period # 1: 944 to play. Further, the next program is accessed via MPD # 3: period #1 of 953: 945 to play the moving image 925. Advertisement 926 was identified by Period # 2: 946, the moving image 927 is played by Period # 3: 947 to play. In this example, one MPD is associated with one program, but different association is possible depending on the operation. For example, one MPD may be associated with 2 or more programs, and may be defined by a plurality of Period.

Fig. 12 shows an example of the use of the past program table related to the present application. The program table configuration information includes operator information 1002, channel information 1003, program information 1004, advertisement information 1005, and VOD information 1006. With these pieces of information, the past program table 1001 is displayed. Moving image 1021, advertisement 1022, and moving image 1023 are played based on program information 1004 included in channel information 1003. Here, there is a program start time 8: 00. end time 9: 00, the time of distribution in the past is indicated, and therefore, the program can be freely selected.

When the moving image 1021 is selected, the explanation screen 1041 is temporarily presented, and when the viewing button is pressed, 1 main scenario moving image 1021 is played. Further, the advertisement moving image 1024 is played back and becomes the main scenario moving image 10, and when the advertisement moving image is ended, becomes the main scenario moving image screen 1033.

The past program table of fig. 12 shows programs provided by the video platform as channels. In this figure, channel a1, channel a2 are channels provided by video platform a, and channel B1 is a channel provided by video platform B. The VOD contents 1 to 4 displayed in the program tables can be displayed by selecting VOD information provided by a video platform that distributes program contents focused by a viewer via a remote controller or the like. That is, in the case where the viewer focuses on the content a11 through a remote controller or the like, the VOD provided by the video platform is displayed on the program table screen. In the present embodiment, the VOD content display is arranged only in the past program table, but can be arranged in the current and future program tables using the same data and operation.

On the other hand, if VOD is selected, the VOD moving image 1024 is played. Here, before playing, a VOD explanation screen 1042 is presented, and when a viewing button is pressed, a VOD moving image 1024 is played. At this time, the moving image screen becomes a VOD moving image screen 1033. When the VOD moving image is finished, the flow returns to the past program table screen 1035.

The relationship between the past program guide and the playback of an MPEG DASH-based operation stream will be described similarly to the current program guide. According to MPD # 1: period #1 of 1050: 1051, the video 1021 is played. According to Period # 2: 1052, playing the advertisement 1022, according to Period # 3: 1053, the main scenario moving image 1023 is played. Regarding VOD, according to MPD # 2: period #1 of 1052: 1054, playing VOD moving picture 1024. Similarly to the operation of the current program table, the operation based on the relationship between one MPD and a plurality of programs can be performed.

Fig. 13 shows updating of the program table configuration information.

The program table configuration information 1111 is updated regularly, for example, on a daily basis. The program table configuration information includes operator information, channel information, program information, advertisement information, and VOD information.

Periodically, the television gateway 121 requests the program listings configuration information from the video platform 111 via signal 1101. The video platform 111 sends the program listings configuration information to the television gateway 121 via signal 1102. After acquiring the updated program table configuration information, the tv gateway 121 turns ON the normally OFF update flag 1121. The tv cloud 131 periodically confirms the update flag 1121 of the tv gateway 121. When the update flag 1121 is ON, the program table configuration information is acquired by the signal 1104, and immediately after the television cloud 131 distributed to the television receiver 141 acquires the program table configuration information by the signal 1105, the update flag 1121 is OFF. However, when there are a plurality of television clouds, all the television clouds are confirmed to acquire the program table configuration information, and then the television clouds are turned OFF. In addition, when acquiring the program table configuration information from the television gateway 121, security can be ensured by encrypting a key assigned to the television cloud 131 in advance in order to ensure security.

Fig. 14 shows an update of the urgent message.

As shown in fig. 13, since the amount of information of the program table configuration information is large and the thumbnail image or the like is included therein, the program table configuration information is updated at a long cycle such as a one-day unit. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to cope with an emergency situation such as extension of a live program or a case where a program table needs to be changed, and therefore, an urgent message function for performing a change process while requiring a minimum size is additionally required. The format of the urgent message is shown as 1210.

< urgent message ID > < channel ID > < program ID > < object item > < process content > here, < urgent message ID > is issued uniquely within the operator and thus contains < operator ID + unique ID > as represented by Emsg _ ID.

< channel ID > is Service _ ID for specifying each channel, and < program ID as object > is Event _ ID for specifying a program. The < object item > is each item in the program information.

The < process > includes deletion, rewriting (change), and addition, and its specific content is defined as < process content >.

For example, when the ratio of 8: 00 start, 9: end time of 00 ended program is changed to 9: at time 30, < processing > is changed, < processing content > 9: 30 to the target program.

Video platform 111 sends the emergency message to tv gateway 121 via signal 1201. The television gateway 121 sets the emergency flag 1221, which is normally OFF, to ON. The television cloud 131 acknowledges the emergency sign 1221 via signal 1202. At this time, the tv cloud 131 confirms in a shorter period than the confirmation of the update flag 1121. For example, the confirmation is performed for a period of 10 minutes to 30 minutes. The television cloud 131 that acquired the urgent message transmits the urgent message to the television receiver 141. The television cloud 131 obtains the urgent message through the signal 1203. The television cloud 131 distributes the retrieved emergency message to the television receiver 141 via signal 1204. Here, the distribution of the urgent message may be performed in a time shorter than the distribution of the program table configuration information, and each television receiver controls the reception timing by being set in advance as an offset time in which transmission is not concentrated, thereby dispersing access.

Fig. 15 shows a configuration diagram of a television receiver 1101 (similar to 141) according to the present application.

Broadcast is received through an antenna 1101, and broadcast content converted into a digital stream through a tuner 1102 is converted into an audio signal and a video signal through a signal processing unit 1103. The audio signal is processed by the audio processing unit 1104, and the audio is played through the speaker 1106. The video signal is processed by the video processing unit 1105, and a video is played back by the video display unit 1107. The CPU1109 is connected to the memory 1108 and the nonvolatile memory 1110, executes a control program, and controls the tuner 1102 and the signal processing unit 1103. Further, the operation of the user is input from the remote controller 1113 to the receiving unit 1112 and is input to the control program. The communication interface 1111 receives moving image content and a content selection screen distributed from a network, and processes the moving image content and the content selection screen by a control program of the CPU 1109.

The configuration of fig. 6 and the playback procedure of fig. 7 store the program configuration information of fig. 5 obtained via the communication interface 1111 in the memory 1108. The CPU1109 cuts program information based on the current time using software executed internally, and generates a current program table, a past program table, and a future program table.

Fig. 16 shows a block diagram of the video platform 111 according to the present application. The CPU1202 is connected to the memory 1201 and the storage device 1203 and executes a control program. The operator controls the operation through the operation unit 1205. The communication interface 1204 is connected to a network, and performs input/output of moving image content, output of past program configuration information, output of future program configuration information, output of current program configuration information, distribution of moving images, and input/output of content selection information. The video processing unit 1206 generates a stream for video distribution that encodes the input video content and does not encrypt the encoded video content. As shown in this figure, the video platform 111 can also be referred to as a server.

Fig. 17 shows a configuration diagram of the television gateway 121 according to the present application.

The CPU1302 is connected to the memory 1301 and the storage device 1303, and operates a predetermined processing program. Interface 1304 performs input and output from the video platform as well as input and output to the television cloud. The video platform inputs past program configuration information, inputs future program configuration information, inputs current program configuration information, outputs past program configuration information to the television cloud, outputs future program configuration information, and outputs current program configuration information. For the video platform, the operator controls the operation through the operation unit 1305. As shown in this figure, the television gateway 121 can be referred to as a server.

Fig. 18 shows the structure of the television cloud 131. The program composition information output from the television gateway is received from the communication interface 2004. The program configuration information is converted into a predetermined format displayable by the television receiver by software operating on the CPU2002 and the memory 2001, and stored in the storage unit 2003. The operator performs software control through the operation unit 2005. The data stored in the storage unit 2003 is received by the television receiver shown in fig. 15. As shown in this figure, the television gateway 121 can be referred to as a server.

The following describes the structure of the program table shown in fig. 6 with reference to the television receiver shown in fig. 15, the video platform shown in fig. 16, the television gateway shown in fig. 17, and the television cloud shown in fig. 18.

The program configuration information stored in the storage section 1203 of the video platform in fig. 16 is output through the communication interface 1204, received through the communication interface 1304 of the television gateway in fig. 17, and temporarily stored in the storage section 1303. The stored program configuration information is output through the communication interface 1304 and received through the television cloud of fig. 18. In the television cloud of fig. 18, the received program composition information is converted into a format displayable by the television receiver. Here, the converted data format is, for example, HTML5 displayable by a browser operating on the television receiver.

The converted data is output to the television receiver of fig. 15 via the communication interface 1304. In the television receiver of fig. 15, not only the moving image content but also a selection screen of the content is received from the communication interface 1111. The content selection screen here corresponds to the past program table, the current program table, and the future program table shown in fig. 6.

The procedure of the program table of fig. 6 and the program table of fig. 7 will be described below with reference to the television receiver of fig. 15. The program configuration information converted into a displayable data format by the television cloud of fig. 18 is received by the communication interface 1111. Here, the program configuration information is transmitted as information of the past week and the future week, and the current program, the past program table, and the future program table shown in fig. 6 are displayed according to the current time. Here, the transmitted program table configuration information is compared with the current time, and a part of the information determined to be in the past is divided and displayed as a past program table, a part of the information determined to be in the future is divided and displayed as a future program table, and when it is determined to be currently distributed, the information is displayed as a current program table. These display operations are implemented by software operated by the CPU1109 shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 7 shows a procedure of the program table. The past program table 501, the current program table 511, and the future program table 521 shown in fig. 7 correspond to the past program table 401, the current program table 411, and the future program table 421 shown in fig. 6. The operation in fig. 7 is implemented by software operated by the CPU1109 of the television receiver shown in fig. 15.

[ accompanying notes ]

Structure of program table configuration information

In a moving picture distribution system including a television gateway,

the "program table configuration information" including advertisement information, VOD information, and layout information indicating display positions of advertisements in addition to the operator information, channel information, program information, and schedule corresponds to not only the AVOD realized by the linear distribution but also the SVOD and TVOD.

In the program list distributed linearly, the VOD selection screen is superimposed, and the content of any one of the AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD is selected and viewed by the television gateway which confirms the contract condition of the viewer.

The current program and the past program are displayed seamlessly by the program table configuration information distributed in the past and the program table configuration information scheduled for future distribution. In the past program, summary playback is performed, and for the future program, a preview moving image is played.

Advertisement presentation method

The above-described advertisement inserted temporally into the main scenario moving image, the advertisement displayed spatially superimposed on the main scenario moving image, and the advertisement realized by combining these are presented by the advertisement information and layout information included in the "program table configuration information".

By pressing a button for advertisement insertion from time, a service for separately displaying information of a service site or viewing VOD moving image content is realized.

Method for acquiring and correcting program table configuration information

The "program table configuration information" is updated by periodically confirming the update flag of the television gateway.

The "program table configuration information" is corrected by an emergency message transmitted separately, and the emergency message confirms the emergency flag in a short period of time.

A TV gateway arranged between a video platform and a TV for providing moving picture content from the video platform to the TV,

the television gateway receives a video on demand token request, the video on demand token request comprising: an ID for identifying the video platform 111, an ID for identifying the moving picture content to be viewed, and an ID for identifying the television cloud at the same time, which are transmitted from the television cloud disposed between the television and the television gateway,

the television gateway sends to the video platform: an ID for simultaneously identifying a user of the mobile terminal and a video platform, i.e. CT-ID, and an ID for identifying moving picture contents as viewing objects, i.e. MA-ID,

the video platform receives a video-on-demand token containing CT-ID and MA-ID under the condition that the video platform can watch VOD based on CT-ID and MA-ID,

the television gateway sends the video-on-demand token to the television cloud based on a result of receiving the video-on-demand token from the video platform.

Fig. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of operations until ID binding in the moving image distribution system. The video platform 111, the television gateway 121, the television cloud 131, the television receiver 141, and the mobile terminal 109 are extracted from the dynamic image distribution system as a whole. The same operation is performed by other video platforms, a television cloud, a television receiver, and a mobile terminal.

In the present embodiment, a flow up to storing information in the ID coupling information DB (database) 120 will be mainly described.

The ID coupling information DB120 is stored in a storage device such as an hdd (hard Disk drive) provided in the television gateway 121 (or referred to by the CPU1702 of the television gateway 121). The ID binding information DB120 stores information exemplified in the form of a table in fig. 24 and 23.

Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a member and its right status stored in the ID coupling information DB 120. More specifically, the table shown in fig. 24 stores HA-IDs, access tokens, refresh tokens, expiration dates, user profiles, and the like in association with MA-IDs. The access token is a token representing permission of access to the television cloud 131. The validity period is the validity period of the access token, and if the validity period is exceeded, the access token is invalidated. The refresh token is a token used when acquiring a new access token and a valid period.

Here, the MA-ID is an ID that identifies both the user of the mobile terminal 109 and the video platform 111. Here, the mobile terminal 109 is a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the user. The HA-ID is an ID that identifies both the television receiver 141 and the television cloud 131. Therefore, in the case where the user holds a plurality of playback devices (e.g., the television receiver 141), it is possible to associate a plurality of HA-IDs with one MA-ID. Further, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, and the like are stored per HA-ID associated with the MA-ID.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a playback device (for example, television receiver 141) stored in the ID association information DB 120. In more detail, the table shown in fig. 23 associates and stores the MA-ID, access token, refresh token, expiration date, and the like for the HA-ID. The access token is a token representing permission to access the video platform 111. The validity period is the validity period of the access token, and if the validity period is exceeded, the access token is invalidated. The refresh token is a token used when acquiring a new access token and a valid period.

Here, it is possible that a user utilizes VOD services provided by a plurality of video platforms 111 through one play device (e.g., the television receiver 141). In this case, multiple MA-IDs may be associated for one HA-ID. Further, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, and the like are stored for each MA-ID associated with the HA-ID.

Returning to fig. 23, the transmission and reception of signals until ID binding will be described in accordance with the procedure. First, when the television receiver 141 receives an operation requesting VOD viewing by remote controller operation or the like, the QR code (registered trademark) is requested (1) from the television cloud 131 via the signal 1901. The signal 1901 includes at least an HA-ID.

The television cloud 131 that has received the QR code request of (1) transmits (2) information for displaying the QR code to the television receiver 141 via the signal 1902. Here, the QR code of the signal 1902 contains at least PF-ID identifying the video platform 111 providing the VOD content, and information enabling identification of the HA-ID representing the television receiver itself. The television receiver 141 having received the signal 1902 causes the screen to display the QR code.

Next, the mobile terminal 109 captures the QR code displayed on the screen of the television receiver 141, and performs a Web access through a signal 1903 (3) based on the information obtained by decoding. The access object at this time is the television gateway 121. The television gateway 212 having received the signal 1903 requests the video platform 111 (4) indicated by the PF-ID included in the QR code to authenticate through the signal 1904.

The video platform 111 that receives the signal 1904 confirms the ID registration by the signals 1905 to 1906, (5). In the ID registration confirmation, the video platform 111 obtains a login operation for the user via the mobile terminal 109.

Here, the display state and the operation reception on the mobile terminal 109 side are complemented. When the user requests a VOD viewing from the television receiver 141 via the remote controller, the QR code is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 141, and therefore, the QR code is captured by the mobile terminal 109, and the Web page derived from the QR code is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 109. The Web page at this time is provided by the tv gateway 121, for example. The Web page in this case includes, for example, an operation button for confirming whether or not the login operation of the user is permitted on the next screen. When the user operates the operation button, a screen for the user to input the ID and the password specified in the VOD viewing contract is displayed on the mobile terminal 109. A screen for inputting the ID and the password at this time is provided by the video platform 111. Through this screen, the video platform 111 receives the user's ID and password input, and completes the (5) ID registration confirmation based on the signals 1905 to 1906.

The explanation returns to fig. 23. The video platform 111 sends the user's ID and password to the subscriber database 191 via signal 1905. If the user's ID and password are valid in the VOD viewing contract, the subscriber database 191 sends the MA-ID to the video platform 111 via signal 1906.

The video platform 111 that finishes the ID registration confirmation of (5) and obtains the MA-ID transmits a response to the television gateway 121 by signal 1907, (6). Up to this point, the tv gateway 121 recognizes that the user has contracted to perform VOD viewing on the video platform 111.

The television gateway 121 receiving the response of (6) then sends a token request to the video platform 111 via signal 1908, (7). Video platform 111 receiving the token request of (7) sends a VPF token response to television gateway 121 via signal 1909, (8).

Television gateway 121 receiving the VPF token response of (8) next sends a token request to television cloud 131 via signal 1910, (9). The television cloud 131 that received the token request of (9) transmits a TVC token response to the television gateway 121 by signal 1911, (10).

The tv gateway 121 that received the TVC token response of (10) then sends a Profile request to the video platform 111, via signal 1912, (11). The video platform 111 receiving it sends the profile and MA-ID to the television gateway 121, (12) via signal 1913.

The television gateway 121 receiving the profile of (12) and the MA-ID next sends a profile request to the television cloud 131 via signal 1914, (13). The television cloud 131 receiving this sends the profile and HA-ID via signal 1915, (14).

Through the flow up to this point, the TV gateway 121 gets the MA-ID and HA-ID associated with the user's profile. Next, the tv gateway 121(15) performs ID binding so that the ID binding information DB120 stores binding information (for example, information illustrated in table form in fig. 24 and 23) between the MA-ID and the HA-ID.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, the input operation by the portable terminal 109 can be performed when the first VOD viewing is performed by a certain playback device (television receiver 141). The mobile terminal 109 is, for example, a smartphone, and is a terminal that facilitates character input. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the mobile terminal 109 can perform an input operation that conventionally requires the use of the ID and the password of the remote controller, the complexity of the input operation can be greatly reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the television receiver 141 and the television cloud 131 can connect the television receiver 141 to the video platform 111 as long as the token is valid, regardless of the ID and the password that enable the user to log in to the video platform 111. In other words, the ID and the password, which are information to be confidential, are managed only by the video platform 111, and the possibility of leakage from other devices (the television gateway 121, the television cloud 131, and the television receiver 141) can be eliminated.

Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating the flow of signals related to ID provision in the television gateway 121. The figure shows the flow of signals in the second and subsequent VOD viewing performed by a user having a certain VOD viewing contract through a certain playback device.

The television gateway 121 includes a combination information reference unit 1706, which is a functional unit realized by the CPU1702 executing a predetermined program. When the communication I/F (Interface) 1704 receives the MA-ID from the video platform 111, the association information referencing unit 1706 refers to the ID association information DB120, acquires the HA-ID corresponding to the MA-ID, and transmits the acquired HA-ID to the television cloud 131. When the communication I/F (Interface) 1704 receives the HA-ID from the television cloud 131, the binding information referencing unit 1706 refers to the ID binding information DB120, acquires the MA-ID corresponding to the HA-ID, and transmits the MA-ID to the video platform 111.

Next, a method of transferring network program table data will be described.

Fig. 25 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of network program table acquisition and display. As shown in FIG. 25, the exchange of network program table data between the video platforms 111-113 and the television receivers 141-150 is performed via the television gateway 121.

The video platforms 111 to 113 upload the network program table data to a predetermined area (EPG S3) of the television gateway 121 (step S1). The tv gateway 121 configures the uploaded epg data to a CDN (content Delivery Network) for the epg data.

The television receivers 141 to 150 directly access the CDN for network program table data to acquire the network program table data (step S2).

The television gateway 121 issues TC-IDs identifying the TV clouds 131 to 134, PF-IDs identifying the TV clouds, and channel numbers to the video platforms 111 to 113, respectively.

Here, fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of reservation of IDs of the video platforms 111 to 113 and the TV clouds 131 to 134. As shown in fig. 26, the TC-IDs are reserved for the television receiver producers corresponding to the TV clouds 131 to 134. As shown in fig. 26, PF-IDs are reserved for the distribution operators of the video platforms 111 to 113.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing other IDs. As shown in fig. 27, an HA-ID for identifying a Home agent (Home agent) is issued by the producer of each television receiver having a TC-ID. The MA-ID for identifying a Mobile agent (Mobile agent) is issued by each issuing operator having the PF-ID. The issuing carrier issues a CS-ID for identifying a CSP that is a moving picture content provider that provides video belonging to the carrier.

The television gateway 121 creates a list (pfids. json) of operator information from the above PF-ID. Video platforms 111-113 make a list of channel information (channels. In this way, the television receivers 141 to 150 can acquire information of the currently valid channel.

Here, fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the network program table data, and fig. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration information of the network program table data.

As shown in fig. 28, the video platforms 111 to 113 supply program information (< yyyymmdd >. json) during 15 days in the past 1 week, the present, and the future 1 week of all channels providing services. The video platforms 111 to 113 create video information (< VOD-ID >. json), series program information (< series _ ID >. json), and advertisement information (< AD-ID >. json) to be referred to in a program information list (< yyymmdd >. json). Further, the video platforms 111 to 113 create VOD lists (VOD).

As shown in fig. 29, the configuration information of the network program table data includes the program information list, video information, program series information, advertisement information, recommended program information, and also includes configuration information, log server access information, a list of operator information, a list of channel information, and program information update information, which are setting information.

As shown in fig. 29, the producer of the configuration information, log server access information, provider information list, and program information update information in the configuration information of the network program table data is the tv gateway 121 (shown as TGW in fig. 29). The producers of the channel information list, video information, program information series, advertisement information, program information list, and recommended program information in the configuration information of the network program table data are video platforms 111 to 113 (shown as VPF in fig. 29).

The configuration information (conf. json) includes peak _ sift information of server access, for example. The file unit of the configuration information is one as a whole.

In the log server access information (secure _ params. json), access key information for uploading data to the log server (secure stream) of the television gateway 121 is described. The file unit of the log server access information is one as a whole.

Json is recorded with operator information of an operator who issues a program and a description of a CS-ID about ongoing service of the operator in a list of operator information (pfids). The file unit of the list of the operator information is one as a whole.

The list of channel information (< PF _ ID >/channels.json) includes information of channel information (service _ ID) of a program to be distributed. The file unit of the list of channel information is for each of the video platforms 111 to 113 (shown as VPF in fig. 29).

Information on a distributed video referred to in network program table data is described in video information (< VOD-ID >. json). The program information is constituted based on the video information, and the moving picture to be played is determined whether to confirm the contract condition based on the video information and the video type and is used for playing. Further, the information with the viewing restriction is not displayed on the screen until the approval of the viewer is obtained. The file unit of the video information is for each of the video platforms 111 to 113 (shown as VPF in fig. 29).

In the series program information (< Service _ ID >. json), a list for summarizing a series or related programs is described by Service _ ID (series identification unit), and VOD-IDs are arranged in the order of episode numbers. The file unit of the series program information is for each of the video platforms 111 to 113 (shown as VPF in fig. 29).

In the advertisement information (< AD-ID >. json), information for guiding a recommended program on a screen at a specified time during program broadcasting is described. In addition, advertisement information (< AD-ID >. json) is not displayed in the network program table. The file unit of the advertisement information is for each of the video platforms 111 to 113 (shown as VPF in fig. 29).

In the program information list (< yyymdd >. json), the program information included in the range of the 15-day period displayed in the network program table is listed for each date. The file unit of the program information list is 1 day unit for each service _ id.

In the case where the viewing age limit is set to be effective, the program whose reference video information is limited is not displayed directly on the program table, but is displayed after the user's approval.

In the recommended program information (VOD list. json), VOD-ID lists of VOD recommended by the carriers are described for each carrier. The file unit of the recommended program information is for each of the video platforms 111 to 113 (shown as VPF in fig. 29).

Program information update information, which is date-time information in which a program information list (< yyymmdd >. json) is updated, is described in program information update information (< service _ id > _ lastfinished. The unit of the file of the program information update information is each service _ id.

In addition, the tv gateway 121 configures a client _ ID (PF-ID) and a client _ secret as certificates in advance for the video platforms 111 to 113.

The video platforms 111 to 113 upload the program information list (< yyyymmdd >. json) to a prescribed area (EPG S3) of the tv gateway 121 using the client _ ID (PF-ID) and the client _ secret (step S1).

When detecting that the network program table data is uploaded by the video platforms 111 to 113, the tv gateway 121 generates program information update information (< service _ ID > _ lastfinished. json) for each channel (service _ ID), and configures the update information and the network program table data in a CDN for the network program table data.

The television gateway 121 generates program information update information (< Service _ id > __ last scheduled.json) for each channel (Service _ id), and allocates the information to the CDN for network program table data.

The program information update information is accumulated in a predetermined area uploaded by the video platforms 111 to 113 and a CDN disposed in the television gateway 121. The tv gateway 121 can erase the past data of more than 8 days from the data of the program information update information for each day.

In the event that video platforms 111-113 clear data on a defined area, television gateway 121 can clear data on the CDN for advertisement information (< AD-ID >. json), video information (< VOD-ID >. json), and series program information (< Service _ ID >. json).

The contents of the program information update information are as follows.

When the program information update information does not exist, the value of the last update date and time is set to 0.

The television gateway 121 generates an authentication key (API _ key) for network program table data acquisition for acquiring the program information update information. The tv gateway 121 creates an IAM user having an authority to access the network program table data in advance, and updates/acquires the authentication key (API _ key) for acquiring the network program table data every 12 hours. The authentication key (API _ key) for acquiring the network program table data is set to be valid for 24 hours. The authentication key (API _ key) for acquiring network program table data is discarded after 24 hours from the time of creation. The authentication key (API _ key) for acquiring the network program table data is updated regularly in common without depending on the video platforms 111 to 113 and the channel.

The TV clouds 131 to 134 acquire authentication keys (API _ keys) for acquiring network program table data from the TV gateway 121 every 12 hours, and enable the television receivers 141 to 150 to acquire them.

The television receivers 141 to 150 add an authentication key (API _ key) for acquiring network program table data to the x-API-key header in https to acquire program information update information.

The video platforms 111-113 typically update the program information update information 1 time a day. In addition, the video platforms 111 to 113 can update the program information update information at any time.

The television receivers 141 to 150 can detect that the program information update information has been updated by periodically checking < service _ id > _ lastfinished. json existing in the CDN for network program table data of the television gateway 121.

The load averaging unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 obtains a device-specific access _ shift _ time (step S3) in order to avoid concentration of accesses from the television receivers 141 to 150 to the television gateway 121, and details thereof will be described later. The load averaging unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 reflects the access _ shift _ time in the acquisition of the network program table data, the acquisition of the mpd, and the log upload, which will be described later in detail.

Similarly, the load averaging unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 obtains the check time (epg _ update _ check _ time) at the update time of the network program table in order to avoid the concentration of accesses to the television gateway 121, and details thereof will be described later (step S3).

The television receivers 141-150 operate in cooperation with the applications of the video platforms 111-113 to associate the PF-ID with the MA-ID on the television gateway 121.

The TV clouds 131 to 134 keep cooperating with each of the TV receivers 141 to 150, and enable the TV receivers 141 to 150 to acquire information.

The television receivers 141 to 150 can change the display mode of the network program list according to the cooperation status with the video platforms 111 to 113.

The program information and the video information may include information of "viewing age limit setting". In addition, when the user can set the viewing age limit in the television receivers 141 to 150, the television receivers 141 to 150 impose the viewing age limit on the display of the network program table or the program broadcasting according to the setting of the viewing age limit. Such viewing age restriction can be preferably released by a user operation such as PIN code input.

Next, a method of displaying network program table data will be described.

The network program information is set to be able to display the amount of 15-day periods within the past 1 week, the current, and the future 1 week. Json contains a day amount of data in the program information < yyymmdd >. Further, the program information < yyymmdd >. json includes the start time.

The television receivers 141 to 150 display the current program list from the latest channel as much as possible in the initial display of the network program list. The television receivers 141-150 record the last channel played. In addition, the television receivers 141 to 150 focus on the last played channel after the 2 nd time.

In addition, when the last broadcast channel is a linear channel content (a program with a fixed broadcast time), the television receivers 141 to 150 display the current program of the PF-ID and service _ ID of the last broadcast channel.

When the last played channel is VOD (Video On Demand), the television receivers 141 to 150 display the PF-ID, service _ ID, and event _ ID of the last played channel. When the event _ id exceeds the 15-day period of the display range, the television receivers 141 to 150 display the oldest event _ id of the same channel.

The display order is determined by the specifications of the manufacturers of the television receivers 141 to 150.

In addition, the operation method on the network program table can be freely set by the producer of the television receivers 141 to 150.

Further, as described above, the television gateway 121 is provided as a server, the video platforms 111 to 113 collect and distribute content information from a content service provider, and the television gateway 121 receives information including the content information from the video platforms 111 to 113 and converts the received content information so that the television receivers 141 to 150 can receive the information, but in this case, there are the following problems. In the case where the television gateway 121 is provided as a server, for example, in the case where a linear channel content is played, since the broadcast time is fixed, the access of the television receivers 141 to 150 to the television gateway 121 as a server is concentrated. Therefore, the television gateway 121 as a server needs to be designed to match the concentrated peak of the accesses from the television receivers 141 to 150, which increases the cost.

Therefore, in the television receivers 141 to 150 according to the present embodiment, the CPU1109 functions as the load averaging unit 1109a by executing it in accordance with an application program. The load leveling unit 1109a disperses the access time to the television gateway 121 and avoids the concentration of access to the television gateway 121 as a server. Hereinafter, the access concentration avoidance process to the television gateway 121 is described.

During the linear channel playing, the television receivers 141 to 150 obtain advertisement information from the mpds of the video platforms 111 to 113 and the CDN for the network program table data of the television gateway 121. At this time, the load leveling unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 operates by shifting (shift) the access time by the unique information of each of the television receivers 141 to 150 in order to avoid concentration of access to the television gateway 121.

The television receivers 141 to 150 acquire a reference value for calculating an access shift time (access _ shift _ time) from configuration information (conf. The television receivers 141 to 150 check the configuration information (conf.json) at the time of starting the network program table. The television receivers 141 to 150 recalculate the reference value of the configuration information (conf.

The access shift time (access _ shift _ time) is a display shift time of the linear channel content. In order to avoid the occurrence of access concentration to the television gateway 121 due to all the television receivers 141 to 150 accessing the linear channel at a certain time, the access offset time offsets the program display time for each of the television receivers 141 to 150 within a certain time.

Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a peak shift Key object (peak _ shift Key object) of the configuration information. The television receivers 141 to 150 acquire configuration information (conf.json) arranged in the CDN for network program table data of the television gateway 121. Then, as shown in fig. 30, the television receivers 141 to 150 perform shifting within a range of maximum time lag (maxdelay) (seconds) of video existing in the peak _ shift key object of the configuration information (conf. For example, the television receivers 141 to 150 are set to perform an offset within a range of about 10ms so that each of the television receivers 141 to 150 accesses at a different time.

An example of an operation of the access shift time (access _ shift _ time) is shown below.

access _ shift _ time ═ int (random number% (D100 + 1)); //10ms

D: maximum delay time peak _ shift, video, maxdelay (second)

U: inherent information (ex. TV-ID (identification information individually given to television receiver))

Seed setting for random number U (TV-ID)

The access time to the tv gateway 121 is determined by the following equation.

The access time is S + access _ shift _ time 10ms

S: starting time

In addition, the load leveling unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 shifts the update verification time of the network program table data so that access concentration to the television gateway 121 does not occur.

The television receivers 141 to 150 periodically check whether the network program tables are updated by the video platforms 111 to 113, and acquire and confirm the program information update information (< service _ id > _ lastfinished. In order to prevent such centralized access to the information acquisition of the television gateway 121, the television receivers 141 to 150 are controlled so as to access at different times for each television receiver.

As shown in fig. 30, the television receivers 141 to 150 perform shifting within a range of maxdelay (seconds) of the epg present in the peak _ shift key object of the configuration information (conf. For example, the television receivers 141 to 150 are set to perform an offset within a range of about 10ms so that each of the television receivers 141 to 150 accesses the television gateway 121 at a different time.

An example of the operation of the network program table data update check time (epg _ update _ check time) is shown below.

epg _ update _ check _ time (int) (random number% (P100 + 1)); //10ms

P: check interval peak _ shift. epg. maxdelay (second)

U: inherent information (ex. TV-ID (identification information individually given to television receiver))

Seed setting U (TV-ID) for random number

The television receivers 141 to 150 perform the checkup at the following timing every hour.

checktime＝epg.maxdelay＊i＊1000+epg_update_check_time＊10；

checktime(ms)

n＝(60/epg.maxdelay)；

From i 0 to i < n

Mag. maxdelay: a value obtained by equally dividing 60 points within one hour

In addition, the load averaging unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 shifts the log collection time so that the access concentration to the television gateway 121 does not occur.

Here, a log collection method is explained. As described above, the television receivers 141 to 150 upload data (log) to the log server (secure stream) of the television gateway 121 (step 4).

First, a transmission interface of the measurement log to the tv gateway 121 is defined. The interface is used by applications (a network program table application and an HTML5 application for moving image distribution) on the television receivers 141 to 150.

The transmission timing to the tv gateway 121 depends on the service usage. However, in order to avoid concentration of access, in the present embodiment, the television receivers 141 to 150 are time-shifted based on the time shift information from the television gateway 121, and a plurality of logs are collected and transmitted.

First, device authentication is explained.

The television gateway 121 creates an IAM user who can upload data only to the log server (secure stream) of the television gateway 121 in advance. The tv gateway 121 generates an access key (a set of an access key ID and a secret access key) of the IAM user 1 time every 12 hours, and clears it after 1 day. Thus, there will always be 2 valid access keys. The television gateway 121 places information for uploading data to a log server (file stream) of the television gateway 121, including the generated access key, in the same place as the network program table data as a JSON file (file _ params.

An example of a JSON file (fire _ params. JSON) is shown below. In addition, the access key describes a new access key of 2 valid access keys.

Each of the television receivers 141 to 150 acquires a JSON file (fire _ params. JSON) by the same method as the acquisition of the network program table data. Since the number of seconds (43200 seconds, 12 hours in this case) written in "expires _ in" is guaranteed to be valid after the JSON file (fire _ params.json) is acquired, each of the television receivers 141 to 150 keeps the JSON file (fire _ params.json) local during this period.

When the television receivers 141 to 150 need to upload the log, they perform authentication using a JSON file (secure _ params. JSON) and transmit the log data to the log server (secure stream) of the television gateway 121.

When the validity period has expired during the transfer of the log data, television receivers 141 to 150 acquire a JSON file (fire _ params. JSON) from television gateway 121 again and update the information.

Next, the uploading timing will be described.

Each of the television receivers 141 to 150 does not upload log information to the log server (secure stream) of the television gateway 121 every time log information is generated, but temporarily buffers (buffers) the log information in order to equalize the load of the log server.

Each of the television receivers 141 to 150 refers to a peak _ shift.log element of configuration information (conf.json) prepared on the CDN by the television gateway 121 at the time of startup.

An example of a peak _ shift.log element of the configuration information (conf.json) is shown below.

Maxdelay is server access profile information that indicates the maximum time (seconds) for which logs should be kept. Maxsize is setting information for data retention, and indicates the maximum capacity (byte) of the log to be retained. These values are not hard limits (hard limit) and even beyond these values, the tv gateway 121 receives the upload. On the other hand, the load averaging unit 1109a of each of the television receivers 141 to 150 attempts upload quickly when the log retention time is about to exceed maxdelay, or the log retention capacity is about to exceed maxsize, or when the log retention time is already exceeded. In addition, when the log cannot be held until the log approaches the maxsize due to the limitation of the local memory capacity of each of the television receivers 141 to 150, the load leveling unit 1109a of each of the television receivers 141 to 150 can upload the log regardless of the maxsize, but it is tried to hold the log to the maximum value thereof as much as possible in order to reduce the load of the log server (fire stream) of the television gateway 121.

Further, when the log cannot be uploaded due to a communication failure or the like, the load averaging unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 holds the log beyond the limit of maxdelay and maxsize. The load averaging unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 sets Retry (Retry) to exponential backoff (Back off) and does not retransmit it once.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the access time for the server access is distributed based on the unique information included in the television receiver, and therefore, it is possible to avoid concentration of access to the server.

The load leveling unit 1109a of the television receivers 141 to 150 may change the setting information (configuration information) related to the data retention and the setting information related to the server access distribution setting information according to the service status and the access status. This makes it possible to reliably avoid concentration of accesses to the server according to the status of service and the status of access.

Fig. 31 shows another embodiment of the present application.

In this embodiment, the mobile terminals 401 to 410, the viewing data storage unit 451, the ID linkage information storage unit 452, the content recommendation information storage unit 453, the recommended advertisement selection insertion unit 454, and the advertisement server 455 are added.

In the present embodiment, the same operations as described above are performed until the network program table is generated, but the television receivers 441 to 450 and the mobile terminals 401 to 410 are connected by IDs (individual identification data) that are respectively possessed. Each of the television receivers 441 to 450 has a function of measuring what the user is watching as viewing data, and uploads the measured viewing data to the television gateway 421 through the TV clouds 431 to 434.

The television gateway 421 is provided with a viewing data storage unit 451 and an ID connection information storage unit 452. The viewing data acquired from the television receivers 441 to 450 is stored in the viewing data storage unit 451 through the TV clouds 431 to 434 and the television gateway 421. Further, ID combination information of the television receivers 441 to 450 and the mobile terminals 401 to 410 is added to the ID combination information storage unit 452.

The content recommendation information storage unit 453 calculates the viewing tendency of what content any one television receiver has based on the information of the viewing data storage unit 451 and the ID-linked information storage unit 452, and transmits the calculation result to the video platforms 411 to 413. This calculation is performed by measuring the viewing time of each type of content viewed.

On the other hand, the recommended advertisement selection insertion unit 454 calculates what kind of advertisement should be inserted into any one of the television receivers by the viewing data storage unit 451 and the ID connection information storage unit 452, acquires a desired advertisement from the advertisement server 455, and inserts the advertisement into the moving image content of the video platforms 411 to 413.

Fig. 32 shows an example of the structure and combination of IDs of the present application. The mobile terminals 401 to 410 have an SP-ID (smartphone ID) 501. On the other hand, the television receivers 441 to 450 have a TV-ID (television ID) 511. The SP-ID is composed of a PF-ID as the ID of the video platform and a UR-ID as the ID of the user. The TV-ID is composed of a TC-ID which is an ID of a TV cloud, and a DV-ID which indicates the television receiver itself as a device. The ID association information storage unit 452 is provided with a table 520 indicating association information between SP-IDs and TV-IDs, and the television receiver and the mobile terminal are connected by IDs. Here, in table 520, "good" indicates a bonding state, and "-" indicates a non-bonding state. Here, it is possible to combine a plurality of mobile terminals on one television receiver.

Fig. 33 shows the combination of IDs and the data stored in each.

The television receiver 141 and the mobile terminal 401 such as a smartphone transmit the authentication code 611 to the mobile terminal 401 based on a QR code (registered trademark) or the like displayed on the television receiver. The correspondence table between the authentication code and the television is stored in advance in the television ID storage 603 of the TV cloud 431.

The authentication code 611 is an authentication code with a time limit corresponding to a TV-ID individually given to the television receiver 141. The authentication code 611 is sent from the TV cloud 431 to the television receiver 141. At this time, the TV cloud 431 attaches address information for connection to the video platform 411 and transmits to the mobile terminal 401 together with the authentication code 611.

The authentication code 611 is transmitted from the smartphone 401 to the video platform 411 as data 612 together with the SP-ID of the mobile terminal, and the video platform 411 acquires the user attribute from the held customer data storage unit 601 based on the acquired authentication code 611 and the SP-ID of the mobile terminal 401 in association, and transmits the acquired user attribute as data 613 in combination with the SP-ID to the tv gateway 421.

After acquiring the authentication code, SP-ID, and user attribute as data 613, the TV gateway queries the TV cloud 431 based on the authentication code, thereby acquiring the corresponding TV-ID. Here, the TV cloud 431 manages the TV-ID of the television receiver under management, and the TV-ID storage 603 has a correspondence table between the TV-ID and the authentication code, and acquires whether or not any television receiver is a target of the combination from the authentication code. The authentication code configured in the data 612 and the data 613 is the same authentication code as the authentication code 611.

By these operations, the TV gateway 421 associates the TV-ID and the SP-ID and stores them in the ID association information storage unit 602. Further, the video platform 411 is notified of the combination information of the TV-ID and the SP-ID by using the key 621. The key 621 becomes a key of the database of the ID coupling information storage unit 602, and by sending the key 621 to the TV gateway 421, the SP-ID, the TV-ID, and the user attribute can be extracted.

Through the above operation, the mobile terminal and the television receiver are connected by the ID. After the ID association, the video platform 411 can develop a service to the target television receiver by using the key 621 transmitted from the television gateway 421 to the video platform 411. Further, the key 621 is stored in the customer data storage 601 for the purpose of distinguishing the correspondence with the SP-ID.

Although fig. 33 illustrates the case of the video platform 411, the video platforms 412 and 413 also perform the same operation.

A network program table in the case of incorporating an ID is shown in fig. 34.

When the TV-ID and the SP-ID are combined, it is possible to determine which video platform the user watching is a customer of based on the PF-ID which is a component of the SP-ID, and therefore, a channel composed of the corresponding video platform is displayed in a position easily accessible in the network program table. For example, in the case of fig. 34, in the case where the ID of the video platform 411 is included in the SP-ID 501, by displaying the channel provided by the video platform 411 as an initial screen, the user is made easy to select. Furthermore, the recommended contents 701, 702, and 703 are simultaneously displayed by estimating the viewing tendency from the viewing data of the television receiver specified by the TV-ID.

In this way, since the ID is incorporated, the content of the corresponding video platform is preferentially displayed for the user, and thus, the service provided by the video platform is easily obtained.

Fig. 35 shows an example of display of a screen for linking dynamic image content with a Web service.

In the case where the TV-ID 511 and the SP-ID 501 are in a combined state, a Web service screen linked to the video platform shown by the SP-ID 501 is automatically displayed on the television receiver shown by the TV-ID. Thus, the user can receive services such as related information and product description of the EC site as well as viewing moving images. Further, the mobile application 812 displayed on the mobile terminal can be linked with the moving image screen 811, and a moving image content selection method that cannot be performed by a general remote controller becomes possible. For example, by touching news of interest of a news site of a mobile application on a mobile terminal, associated moving image content can be played on a television receiver, and content selection that is not available in the prior art can be performed. On the other hand, by displaying the EC site in the mobile application and touching the product of interest, it is possible to obtain a user experience that has not been available so far, such as viewing a detailed product description using a moving image.

The above operation will be described in detail with reference to fig. 36.

When moving image content of the video platform 411 is linked to the Web site 901, Web link information 902 is input from the video platform 411 to the television gateway 421. In addition, the recommended content data 901 is input to the television gateway 421 in addition to the schedule 201, the content metadata 202, and the banner data 203, which are the same as those of the related art.

The television gateway 421 transmits the combined TV-ID501 and content selection data 204, further, recommendation metadata 911 made from the recommended content data 901 and a link destination URL obtained from the Web link information to the TV cloud 431. The TV cloud 431 generates recommended content display data 913 together with the network program table, and transmits the recommended content display data to the television receiver 441. At this time, the link destination URL is set to the television receiver 441 together with the channel and time information so that the link can be made with the moving picture content. The television receiver 441 displays the Web content indicated by the link destination URL on the television screen in accordance with the user pressing a link button or the like based on a specific channel and a viewing time period.

Further, in the case of linking with the mobile application, after downloading the mobile application from the Web site 901 to the mobile terminal 401, the operation result of the mobile application and the SP-ID are transmitted to the video platform 411. Thereafter, the key and the mobile operation are transmitted from the video platform 411 to the TV gateway 421, and are converted into the common operation code 903 of the TV set, and are further converted into the operation code of the TV set in the TV cloud 431, and the TV receiver 441 is controlled. The key can be obtained from the customer data storage 601 as a correspondence table with the SP-ID.

Although the description has been given above with respect to the video platform 411, the same operation is also performed with respect to another video platform. The same applies to TV clouds other than the TV cloud 431 and television receivers other than the television receiver 441.

Fig. 37 shows a description of recommendation of content and insertion of an advertisement according to the present application.

The information of the viewing data storage unit 451 and the ID linkage information storage unit 452 is input to the content recommendation information storage unit 453, the viewing tendency of the television is calculated, and candidates of recommended content and desired advertisement are identified. The recommended advertisement is acquired from the advertisement server 455 based on the information of the content recommendation information storage 453, and the video platform 411 inserts the advertisement into the moving image content by the output of the recommended advertisement selection insertion portion 454.

On the other hand, in the receiving-side advertisement insertion unit, a desired advertisement is delivered from the advertisement server 455 based on the information of the content recommendation information storage unit 453, and the television receiver 141 inserts the advertisement into the operation content by the output of the receiving-side advertisement insertion unit 456.

For example, in the case where the video platform 411 performs moving image distribution in a Multicast (Multicast) manner, a separate advertisement cannot be inserted for each television receiver. In this case, after the video platform 411 temporarily inserts an advertisement and issues a common advertisement, a television receiver rewrites an individually desired advertisement. By this operation, it is possible to display an advertisement matching the user such as a location sale (targeting) advertisement for each television receiver.

Industrial applicability

In linear distribution of video content, by adding VOD information to the program configuration information, when a user views the linearly distributed video content, VOD can be displayed on the EPG as well. This can widen the width of program selection for the viewer.

Claims (5)

1. A television gateway, wherein the television gateway is arranged between a video platform and a television receiver, a connection for providing dynamic image content from the video platform to the television receiver is made,

   receiving, from a mobile terminal of a user, information that determines a television cloud, the television receiver, and the mobile terminal that mediate authentication of the television receiver with respect to the television gateway,

   receiving, from the video platform, MA-IDs that simultaneously identify the mobile terminal and the video platform of a user authenticated based on input via the mobile terminal,

   receiving, from the television cloud, an HA-ID that simultaneously identifies the television receiver and the television cloud,

   the MA-ID and the HA-ID relating to the same user are associated with each other and stored in a predetermined storage unit as ID association information.
2. The television gateway of claim 1, wherein,

   the television gateway receives a video on demand token request accompanied by: an ID for identifying the video platform, an ID for identifying moving picture content to be viewed, and an ID for simultaneously identifying a television cloud transmitted from the television receiver to the television cloud disposed between the television receiver and the television gateway,

   the television gateway sends to the video platform: an ID for simultaneously identifying the user of the mobile terminal and the video platform, i.e. CT-ID, and an ID for identifying moving picture content as a viewing object, i.e. MA-ID,

   the video platform receives a video-on-demand token containing CT-ID and MA-ID under the condition that the video platform can watch VOD based on CT-ID and MA-ID,

   the television gateway sends the video-on-demand token to the television cloud based on a result of receiving the video-on-demand token from the video platform.
3. A television cloud, wherein said television cloud is in a transceivable signal connection with a television gateway and acts as an intermediary for authentication of a television receiver with respect to said television gateway; the television gateway is disposed between a video platform and the television receiver and makes a connection for providing moving image content from the video platform to the television receiver,

   transmitting, to the television receiver, information for displaying a code image containing information for determining the television receiver and the television cloud,

   and sending the HA-ID which simultaneously identifies the television receiver and the television cloud to the television gateway.
4. A video platform, wherein the video platform provides dynamic image content to a television receiver associated with a subscriber based on a viewing contract with the subscriber,

   the user is authenticated based on information input from the user's mobile terminal,

   sending, to a television gateway that is an intermediary for authentication of the television receiver with respect to the video platform, an MA-ID that simultaneously identifies the mobile terminal and the video platform.
5. A distribution system, comprising:

   a video platform for providing dynamic image content to a television receiver associated with a user based on a viewing contract with the user;

   a television gateway that mediates authentication of the television receiver with respect to the video platform; and

   a television cloud in signalable connection with the television receiver as an intermediary for authentication of the television receiver with respect to the television gateway,

   the television gateway receives an access from a mobile terminal held by a user based on information contained in a code image displayed on the television receiver by the television cloud, and acquires at least information associating the television receiver with the mobile terminal through the access,

   the video platform authenticating a user based on information entered from the mobile terminal in a later segment of the access, further sending to the television gateway an MA-ID that simultaneously identifies the mobile terminal and the video platform,

   the television cloud sending to the television gateway an HA-ID that simultaneously identifies the television receiver and the television cloud,

   further, the television gateway associates the MA-ID and the HA-ID related to the same user, and stores the associated information in a predetermined storage unit as ID association information.

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