JP2001177853A - Viewing detection system and video reproducing device, and viewing detection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collect viewing history actually viewed by viewers. SOLUTION: A TV 100 uses signal input means 110 to acquire video data resulting from video and audio signals to which a video code is attached. A video and audio reproduction means 120 reproduces the video and audio signals. The video code is given to a video code collation means 130, where the video code is collated with a video code of a video image whose viewing is detected. When they match, a viewing history recorded in a viewing history storage means 14 is updated. A viewing history transmission means 150 transmits as required the viewing history. A collection device 200 uses a viewing history reception means 210 receives the viewing history sent from the TV 100. A collection data control means 220 collects the viewing history to generate collection data and manages them. Furthermore, a video code transmission means 230 transmits a video code to detect the viewing history to the TV 100 as required.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a viewing detection system, a video playback device, and a viewing detection method, and more particularly, to a viewing detection system, a video playback device, and a viewing detection method for detecting a program being viewed by a viewer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for knowing what kind of program a viewer is watching, audience rating measurement is generally well known.

In such audience rating measurement, a video / audio signal is acquired, and a television receiver, which is an image reproducing apparatus for reproducing the signal, detects which channel of the broadcast radio wave is being tuned and when. Then, the program that has been viewed is specified by checking the information with the information on the broadcasted program. For this reason, in order to specify the program to be viewed, supplementary information such as the installation location of the antenna and a record of when and what was broadcast is required.

[0004] The audience rating can be measured only for broadcasted programs. If the user views a program other than the broadcasted program, for example, views an input obtained from a device such as a video or a DVD, the program cannot be specified.

[0005]

However, in the conventional audience rating measurement, there is a problem that the content actually viewed by the viewer cannot be reflected.

As described above, it is not possible to detect viewing other than a broadcasted program only by detecting which channel the television receiver is tuning and when. Also, in the case where a broadcasted program is recorded on a video and reproduced later, it is not known whether or not the program was actually viewed. Furthermore, when a recorded program or a video such as a DVD is played back and viewed many times, the number of times of viewing cannot be detected.

[0007] In order to detect a program actually watched by a viewer and to measure the audience rating, it is necessary to detect what the image displayed on the screen of the television receiver is and to measure the audience rating. It must be sent to the aggregation center. However, there is currently no television receiver that detects what is reproduced on the screen and notifies the counting center.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a viewing detection system, a video reproducing apparatus, and a viewing detection method capable of totalizing viewing histories actually viewed by viewers. Aim.

[0009]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a viewing detection system for detecting a program being viewed by a viewer, a video code for identifying the content of a video in a video / audio signal is provided. A signal input unit for inputting the added signal; a video / audio signal reproducing unit for reproducing the video / audio signal; and a video code of a video being reproduced by the video / audio signal reproducing unit and a predetermined viewing / listening. Video code matching means for matching the video code of the video to be detected, and viewing history storage means for storing the viewing history when the video code matching means determines that the video for which viewing is detected is being reproduced. A video playback device comprising: a viewing history transmitting unit that connects to a network to transmit the viewing history to another device; and a viewing history that is connected to the network. A viewing history receiving unit that receives the viewing history sent from the transmitting unit; and a tallying data control unit that counts and manages the viewing history acquired by the viewing history receiving unit. A viewing detection system is provided.

[0010] The video reproducing apparatus of the viewing detection system having such a configuration inputs a video or audio signal stored in a broadcast or a video or a DVD by a signal input means. The video / audio signal is provided with a video code for identifying the content of the video. The video / audio signal playback means is
The video / audio signal obtained by the signal input means is reproduced. The video code collating means verifies whether or not the video code of the video reproduced by the video / audio signal reproducing means matches that of the video for which a predetermined viewing is detected. As a result of the comparison, if the reproduced video is a video for which viewing is detected, the viewing history is stored in the viewing history storage unit. The viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit is transmitted from the viewing history transmission unit connected to the network as needed. The counting device receives the viewing history transmitted from the video reproducing device by the viewing history receiving means. The tally data control means generates tally data of the viewing history acquired from each television connected to the network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video reproducing apparatus for detecting a program watched by a viewer.
A signal input unit for inputting a signal to which a video code for identifying the content of a video is added to a video / audio signal, a video / audio signal reproducing unit for reproducing the video / audio signal, and a video / audio signal reproducing unit. A video code matching unit that matches a video code of the video being played back with a video code of a video for which a predetermined viewing is detected; and the video code matching unit determines that the video for which the viewing is detected is being reproduced. And a viewing history sending unit that sends the viewing history to another device when the viewing history is stored and a viewing history sending unit that sends the viewing history to another device.

In the video reproducing apparatus having such a configuration, a video or audio signal stored in a broadcast or a video or a DVD is input by a signal input unit. The video / audio signal is provided with a video code for identifying the content of the video. The video / audio signal reproducing means reproduces the video / audio signal obtained by the signal input means. The video code collating means verifies whether or not the video code of the video reproduced by the video / audio signal reproducing means matches that of the video for which a predetermined viewing is detected. As a result of the comparison, if the reproduced video is a video for which viewing is detected, the viewing history is stored in the viewing history storage unit. The viewing history stored in the viewing history storage unit is sent from the viewing history sending unit as needed.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a viewing detection method for detecting a program watched by a viewer includes:
A procedure in which a video data provider provides video data by adding a video code for identifying the content of video to a video / audio signal, and a video playback device that plays back the video data inputs the video data, The audio signal is reproduced, and the video code of the reproduced video is compared with a video code of a video for which a predetermined viewing is detected. When the video code matches, the viewing history is stored, and A viewing / listening process comprising: transmitting a history to another device as necessary; and collecting a management history by the counting device, and counting and managing the collected viewing history. A detection method is provided.

In the viewing detection method according to the above-described procedure, the video data provider generates video data in which a video code for identifying the content of a video is added to a video / audio signal, and broadcasts it or stores it in a DVD or the like. Distribution to users via media, networks, etc. The video reproducing device receives the video data and reproduces a video / audio signal. In addition, it checks whether or not the video code of the video being reproduced matches that of a video for which a predetermined viewing is detected, and stores the viewing history if they match. The viewing history is transmitted as needed. The counting device collects the viewing history from the video playback device, and generates and manages the counting data.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a viewing detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A viewing detection system according to the present invention includes a television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as a TV) 100, which is a video reproducing apparatus for identifying a program viewed by a viewer and generating a viewing history, and a viewing history. And an aggregation device 200 that aggregates the data to generate aggregation data is connected by a network.

The TV 100 compares a video / audio signal and a video code with a signal input means 110, a video / audio signal reproducing means 120 for reproducing the input video / audio signal, and collates the video code of the video being reproduced. Video code collating means 130 and viewing history storage means 1 for storing viewing history
40, a viewing history transmitting unit 150 for transmitting a viewing history via a network, and a video code obtaining unit 160 for obtaining a video code for detection.

A video / audio signal to which a video code for identifying the content of a video is added is a broadcast reception signal or
The signal is input to the signal input unit 110 as a read signal of a recording medium such as a DVD or a video. The signal input means 110 inputs a video / audio signal to which a video code is added,
The video / audio signal is output to the audio signal reproducing means 120 and the video code is output to the video code matching means 130. The video / audio signal reproducing means 120 reproduces the input video / audio signal and provides it to the viewer. For example, an image based on an input image signal is displayed on a display screen, and audio based on an audio signal is output to a speaker. Video code collation means 130
Checks whether or not the video code indicating the content of the video reproduced by the video / audio signal reproducing means 120 matches the video code of the video to be subjected to the predetermined viewing detection. If they match, the viewing history stored in the viewing history storage means 140 is updated. The viewing history storage means 140
A video code for performing predetermined viewing detection and a history of reproduction of the video of the video code are stored. The viewing history transmitting means 150 is provided with a viewing history storing means 140 as necessary.
Of the viewing history stored in the network via the network 2
Send to 00. The transmission of the viewing history is performed periodically or in response to a request from the tallying device 200 or the like. The video code obtaining means 160 obtains a video code sent from the counting device 200 or the like. In some cases, the acquisition of the video code can be refused.

The counting device 200 transmits to the TV 100 a viewing history receiving means 210 for receiving the viewing history transmitted by the TV 100, a counting data control means 220 for counting and managing the viewing history, and a detection video code used for collation. And a video code transmission means 230.

The viewing history receiving means 210 receives the viewing history of the TV 100 transmitted via the network,
It is transmitted to the total data control means 220. The aggregation data control unit 220 aggregates the viewing histories acquired from each TV 100 to generate aggregation data, and also performs storage and management. In addition, if necessary, a video code of a video to be detected for viewing is instructed and transmitted to the video code transmitting means 230. The video code transmission means 230 outputs a detection video code for detecting viewing / listening according to the aggregation data control means 220,
The data is transmitted to the TV 100 via the network.

The operation of the viewing detection system having such a configuration and the viewing detection method will be described. From a video data provider that provides video data, video data in which a video code for identifying a video is added to a video / audio signal is provided through various media. The TV 100 includes a signal input unit 11
0 to acquire video data and convert video / audio signals to video / audio
The video code is output to the audio signal reproduction means 120 and the video code collation means 130. Video / audio signal reproducing means 12
0 reproduces the input video / audio signal. A video code for detecting a video for which viewing is to be detected is input to the video code matching unit 130 via the video code acquisition unit 160 in advance. The video code collating means 130 collates the video code of the video being reproduced with the video code for detection, and if they match, updates the viewing history recorded in the viewing history storage means 140. The viewing history is transmitted from the viewing history transmission unit 150 as needed. Aggregation device 200
Receives the viewing history transmitted from the TV 100 by the viewing history receiving means 210. Total data control means 220
Will aggregate these viewing histories to generate aggregated data,
Store and manage this. If necessary, the video code transmission means 230 transmits a video code for detection for detecting viewing to the TV 100.

In the above description, the viewing detection is performed only for the video to which the video code specified in advance is added. However, the viewing detection can be performed for all the programs to which the video code is added.

Each device constituting the viewing detection system will be described in detail. First, the TV 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a TV according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The TV 100 according to the present invention comprises a signal input means (antenna) 111 and a signal input means (input terminal) 11
2, a video input / output unit including a video code separating unit 113, a video / audio signal reproducing unit 120, a video code comparing unit 131, and a video code matching unit including a viewing count integrating unit 132, a viewing history storage unit 140, and a viewing / listening unit. It comprises a history transmitting means 150, a video code receiving means 161, and a video code obtaining means comprising an acceptance selecting means 162.

The signal input means (antenna) 111 receives a broadcast signal obtained by adding a video code to a video / audio signal, and outputs it to the video code separation means 113. The signal input means (input terminal) 112 inputs a reproduction signal read from a recording medium such as a video or a DVD from the input terminal and outputs the signal to the video code separation means 113. Video code separation means 1
13 separates the video code added to the video / audio signal, and outputs the video / audio signal to the video / audio signal reproducing means 120. The reproduced video code of the video being reproduced is output to the video code comparing means 131. The video / audio signal reproducing means 120 reproduces an input signal. The video code comparing means 131 compares the reproduced video code with the detection video code for detecting viewing, and if they match, transmits the same to the viewing count integrating means 132. The number-of-viewings integrating means 132 performs an accumulation of the number of times of viewing corresponding to the video whose viewing is detected stored in the viewing history storage means 140, and updates the viewing history. The viewing history storage unit 140 stores a viewing history, which is an integrated value of the number of times of viewing corresponding to the video code for detecting viewing. Viewing history transmission means 150
Transmits a viewing history according to a request from the totaling device or a cycle calculated from the calendar timer. At this time, the identification code (ID) of the own device is transmitted together with the viewing history. The video code receiving unit 161 receives the video code of the video for which the viewing is detected and sent from the counting device, and outputs the video code to the acceptance selecting unit 162. The acceptance selecting unit 162 selects whether or not to accept the video code, and transmits a reply to the counting device. The user selects whether or not to accept, for example, using a user interface such as a remote controller. Further, it is also possible to automatically determine whether or not to accept, based on profile data input in advance. For example, settings are made such as not cooperating with a tobacco company. In this case, it is necessary to separately compare the attribute (company name) of the video code for detection with the profile data.

The operation of the TV 100 having such a configuration will be described. A video code for viewing detection is transmitted from the counting device to the TV 100 in advance or as needed. When the video code receiving unit 161 receives the video code for detection, the acceptance selecting unit 162 determines whether or not the image can be accepted, and returns a response to the counting device. If accepted, the video code for detection is transmitted to the video code comparing means 131.
A video signal or an audio signal to which a video code is added as a broadcast signal or a reproduction signal is input to signal input means (antenna) 11.
1 or input from signal input means (input terminal) 112. The input signal is output by the video code separation unit 113.
It is separated into video / audio signals and video codes. this house,
The video / audio signal is sent to the video / audio signal reproducing means 120 and reproduced. For example, an image is reproduced by a cathode ray tube or the like. The video code comparing unit 131 compares the video code being reproduced with the video code for detection, and if they match, transmits the video code to the viewing count integrating unit 132. The number-of-viewings integration unit 132 increments and updates the number of times the viewing history corresponding to the video code for detection stored in the viewing history storage unit 140 has been viewed. The viewing history is transmitted from the viewing history transmission unit 150 to the counting device as needed.

As described above, the TV 100 according to the present invention comprises:
It is also possible to calculate the number of times of viewing of videos that can be reproduced offline such as videos and DVDs. The number of viewings is the number of viewings of the video displayed on the screen, that is, the video actually viewed. In particular, in the case of contents such as commercials, the actual number of times of viewing is important, and there is a strong demand for detecting the number of times of actual viewing. The present invention can sufficiently respond to such a demand.

Next, the counting device 200 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an aggregation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The counting device 200 according to the present invention includes a viewing history receiving unit 210, a counting data control unit including a counting data generation unit 221 and a detection video code management unit 222, a video code transmission unit 230, and a detection video code acquisition. Means 240, total data distribution means 250, and acceptability reception means 260.

The viewing history receiving means 210 receives the viewing history transmitted from the TV. Total data generation means 221
Calculates the viewing history of each TV obtained from the viewing history receiving means 210 and the rejection record of the video code for detection obtained from the acceptability receiving means 260 or the video code managing means 222 for detection. Statistical processing. For example, the ID of the added TV is deleted, and statistical data of only the quantity is generated. The detection video code management unit 222 includes a detection video code acquisition unit 240
Inputs the acquired video code for detection of viewing and sends it to a predetermined TV 100 as necessary.
Send out via 30. In addition, the response of the TV 100 at this time is input from the acceptability reception means 260 to record and manage the video code reception availability. Video code transmitting means 230 transmits a video code for viewing detection to TV 100. The detection video code obtaining means 240 obtains a detection video code from a detection applicant who detects viewing, for example, a detection applicant A (410) or a detection applicant B (420).
The acquisition method is appropriately selected via a network, a request in writing, or the like. Total data distribution means 250
Separates the tally data generated by the tally data generation means 221 for each client who wants to be detected and distributes it to each of those who want to detect. The distribution method is appropriately selected via a network, a document, or the like. The acceptability reception means 260 receives a response indicating whether or not the TV 100 has accepted the detection video code, and sends it to the detection video code management means 222 and the tally data generation means 221.

The operation of the counting device 200 having such a configuration will be described. The counting device 200 uses the detection video code acquisition means 240 to acquire the detection video code of the video desired to be detected from the detection applicant A (410) who wants to detect the viewing. This code is, for example, 1234. Similarly, a video code for detection, for example, 4545, is obtained from the detection applicant B. The acquired detection video code is transmitted to the detection video code management unit 222. The detection video code management unit 222 transmits the detection video code to the TV 100 via the video code transmission unit 230 as necessary, for example, when a detection video code is newly added. The TV 100 returns a response indicating whether or not the detection video code can be accepted. The detection video code management means 222 records the response received by the acceptability reception means 260 and manages it. Further, the record of the acceptability is also transmitted to the tally data generation means 221 and statistical processing is performed. When the video is reproduced on the TV 100 in which the predetermined detection video code is registered, the viewing history is input from the viewing history receiving means 210. The tally data generation means 221 deletes the ID sent with the viewing history, performs statistical data processing such as only the quantity, and the like.
Generate aggregate data. The tally data is separated by the tally data distribution means 250 for each person who desires detection and distributed to each person who wants to detect. For example, detection applicant A (4
In 10), total data of viewing of the video code 1234 is shown.
The counting data of the viewing of the video code 4545 is distributed to the detection applicant B (420).

As described above, only the video specified in advance is
By making the V count, the size of the memory mounted on the TV can be reduced. For this reason, TV
The memory for viewing history installed in the company can be a business in which a totaling center that performs totaling pays a cost and covers the cost with a research fee from a research client.

Next, the video data generated by the video data provider will be described. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a video data production apparatus that performs a video data production procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Video data production apparatus 600 according to the present invention
Are the detection video code acquisition / management unit 610, the original video acquisition / management unit 620, and the video code embedding unit 63
0. The detection video code acquisition / management unit 610 receives a detection video code, for example, 1234 from a detection applicant who detects viewing, for example, a detection applicant A (410).
And manages it, and sends it to the video code embedding means 630. Original video acquisition and management means 620
Acquires the original video data from the original video producer who produced the original video, for example, the former video producer B (500), manages this, and sends it to the video code embedding means 630. The video code embedding unit 630 embeds a detection video code in the original video data by using a watermark or a method of embedding the original video data in a vertical blanking signal or the like. Alternatively, a video code is attached to a predetermined position of the original video data as attachment information so as not to interfere with the original video data, without being directly embedded in the video data.

The video data producing apparatus 60 having such a configuration is described.
Operation 0 and the procedure for producing video data will be described. The video data production apparatus 600 acquires the detection video code, for example, 1234 from the detection applicant A (410) by the detection video code acquisition / management means 610, and the original video producer B ( 500) and obtains the original video data, and stores them in a video code embedding unit 6.
Send to 30. In the video code embedding means 630, the video code 12 is added to the original video data by the predetermined method described above.
34 is embedded and output to another device. In the case of distribution by broadcast or network, the produced video data is sent to a sending server or the like. It is stored in the sending server until just before sending, and sent by a program or on demand. When recording and distributing on a recording medium, the produced video data is recorded on a package such as a DVD.

The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In this case, the processing contents of the functions to be possessed by the viewing detection system and the video reproducing apparatus are described in a program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, by executing this program on a computer, the above processing is realized on the computer. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device and a semiconductor memory. When distributing in the market, CD-ROM (Compact Disc)
(Read Only Memory) or a floppy disk or other portable recording medium to store and distribute the program, or to store it in a storage device of a computer connected via a network and transfer it to another computer via the network. it can. When running on a computer,
The program is stored in a hard disk device or the like in the computer, loaded into the main memory and executed.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention, the video reproducing apparatus inputs and reproduces a video / audio signal to which a video code is added. When the video code of the video being reproduced matches the video code of the video for which a predetermined viewing is detected, the viewing history is stored. The stored viewing history is sent to the counting device. The tallying device collects the viewing history and generates tallying data of the viewing history.

As described above, the video reproducing apparatus of the present invention can count the number of times of viewing of the video actually reproduced. Therefore, the counting device that collects the number of times of viewing counted by the video reproducing device can count the viewing history actually viewed by the viewer.

The video reproducing apparatus of the present invention inputs and reproduces a video / audio signal to which a video code is added. If the video code of the video being reproduced matches the video code of the video for which a predetermined viewing is detected, the viewing history is stored. The viewing history is transmitted as needed.

As described above, the video reproducing apparatus of the present invention can count the number of times a program whose viewing is to be detected is actually reproduced and leave the number as a viewing history. In the viewing detection method of the present invention, a video data provider generates video data in which a video code is added to a video / audio signal and distributes the video data to a user. The video reproducing apparatus receives the video data and reproduces a video / audio signal. If the video code of the video being reproduced matches the video code of a video for which a predetermined viewing is detected, the viewing history is stored and transmitted as needed. The counting device collects the viewing history and generates and manages the counting data.

As described above, in the viewing detection method of the present invention, the video playback device identifies the video being played back by the video code added to the video / audio signal, and detects the number of times the desired video has been viewed. Therefore, it is possible to count the number of times that the program whose viewing is to be detected is actually reproduced, and to leave it as a viewing history. The counting device that has collected the viewing history can count the viewing history actually viewed by the viewer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a viewing detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a TV according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an aggregation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a video data production apparatus that performs a video data production procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... TV receiver (TV), 110 ... Signal input means, 120 ... Video / audio signal reproduction means, 130 ... Video code collation means, 140 ... Viewing history storage means, 150
... viewing history transmitting means, 200 ... totaling device, 210 ... viewing history receiving means, 220 ... totaling data control means, 230 ...
Video code transmission means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A viewing detection system for detecting a program viewed by a viewer, a signal input means for inputting a signal in which a video code for identifying the content of a video is added to a video / audio signal; Video / audio signal reproducing means for reproducing an audio signal, and video code matching means for matching a video code of a video being reproduced by the video / audio signal reproducing means with a video code of a video for detecting a predetermined viewing. A viewing history storage unit for storing a viewing history when the video for which viewing is detected is determined to be reproduced by the video code matching unit, and transmitting the viewing history to another device by connecting to a network A viewing history transmitting unit, a viewing history transmitting unit, a viewing history receiving unit that receives the viewing history transmitted from the viewing history transmitting unit, and a viewing history. View detection system characterized by having a a collection apparatus having a, a summary data control unit that aggregates and manages the viewing history acquired by Shin means. 2. The tallying device further includes a video code transmitting unit that transmits a video code of the video to be viewed and detected to the video reproducing device as necessary. The video reproducing device further includes: 2. The viewing detection system according to claim 1, further comprising a video code acquisition unit that acquires the video code and transmits the video code to the video code matching unit. 3. The viewing detection system according to claim 2, wherein the video code acquiring unit further selects whether or not to receive a video code of the video to be detected for viewing. 4. The counting device, comprising: a detection video code obtaining unit configured to obtain a video code of a predetermined video for which the viewing detection is desired from a viewer who desires the viewing detection via a network; The viewing / listening detection system according to claim 1, further comprising: total data transmission means for transmitting total data of the predetermined video to a person who wants to detect viewing of the predetermined video. 5. The video code matching means according to claim 1, wherein:
The video code added to the audio signal is identified, and a viewing history is calculated for each of the video codes.
A viewing detection system as described. 6. A video reproducing apparatus for detecting a program watched by a viewer, comprising: a signal input means for inputting a video / audio signal to which a video code for identifying the content of a video is added; Video / audio signal reproducing means for reproducing an audio signal; video code collating means for collating a video code of a video reproduced by the video / audio signal reproducing means with a video code of a video for which a predetermined viewing is detected. A viewing history storage unit for storing a viewing history when the video for which viewing is detected is determined to be reproduced by the video code matching unit; and a viewing history sending unit for sending the viewing history to another device. A video playback device, comprising: 7. A viewing detection method for detecting a program watched by a viewer, wherein a video data provider provides a video data by adding a video code for identifying a video content to a video / audio signal. A video playback device that plays back the video data, receives the video data, plays back a video / audio signal, and outputs a video code of the video being played back and a video code of a video that detects predetermined viewing. And collating the video code, storing the viewing history when the video code matches, transmitting the viewing history to another device as necessary, and a collecting device collects the transmitted viewing history, A method of counting and managing the collected viewing histories. 8. The step of providing the video data includes embedding the video code in a non-audio-visual signal portion embedded in the video / audio signal.
Viewing detection method described.