JP2004171291A - Content delivery method and communication device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase convenience by dispensing with a user's specification of a content name and a receiving terminal name in every process of acquiring related content. <P>SOLUTION: During or after the delivery of content A, a terminal T11 acquires information on content B related to the first content from a content server SV1. A terminal T12 related to the terminal T11 is decided from prepared related terminal information, and an instruction I is given to the decided terminal T12 to acquire the related content B. The terminal T12 responds to the instruction information by transmitting a request R for the acquisition of the related content B to the content server SV1, and the content server SV1 responds to the acquisition request R by delivering the related content B to the acquisition requester terminal T12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a content distribution method for distributing content from a content transmission device such as a content server to a content reception device such as a terminal via a communication network, and a communication device used for content distribution.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various multimedia contents such as video contents and music contents have been distributed along with expansion of communication infrastructure and increase in user needs. For example, a content acquisition request is transmitted from a personal computer owned by a user to a content server via a communication network. Then, the content server downloads the desired multimedia content to the requesting personal computer in response to the received acquisition request. The personal computer receives the downloaded multimedia content, stores the received multimedia content in a memory, and reproduces the content in response to a user's reproduction operation. By using such a system, a user can easily obtain desired multimedia content, which is very convenient.
[0003]
However, this type of conventional system generally downloads content from a content server to a user terminal that has transmitted an acquisition request. That is, the terminal that requests content distribution is the same as the terminal that receives content. For this reason, for example, for a user who uses a plurality of terminals properly, it is necessary to transfer the received content between the terminals via a cable or the like or to copy the content using an external storage medium, which is inconvenient.
[0004]
Therefore, there has been proposed a system in which, for example, an arbitrary terminal reserves content distribution to a content server, and the content server distributes the content to another terminal designated according to the content of the reservation (for example, Patent Document 1). See.). Using this system, a user can reserve content distribution from a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, for example, while away from home, and receive and play the content on a personal computer or set-top box (STB) at home. It becomes possible.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2001-24694.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this type of conventional system, the terminal that makes a reservation and the terminal that receives the content are merely different, and the user must specify the content desired to be distributed and the terminal to which the content is to be distributed at the time of reservation. Must. For this reason, for example, when a user wants to receive a promotion video of the song on a set-top box while listening to a radio broadcast, or when viewing a video on a mobile terminal, a set-top video with the same content as the video is set-top box. If the user wants to receive the content in a box or the like, the user must input the name of the content to be received and the name of the receiving terminal each time to make a reservation, and the operation is extremely troublesome.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to eliminate the need for a user to specify a content name and a receiving device name each time related content is acquired. To provide a content distribution method and a communication device for the same, which improve convenience when acquiring content.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following various means.
[0009]
According to a first aspect, during or after the distribution of the first content, the first content receiving device acquires a search result of the second content related to the first content from the content transmitting device, and A second content receiving device having a relevance to the first content receiving device is determined from the prepared information indicating the relevance between the content receiving devices. Then, instruction information for prompting the determined second content receiving apparatus to acquire the second content is given. The second content receiving device transmits a request for acquiring related content to the content transmitting device according to the instruction information, and in response to the request, the content transmitting device transmits the second content to the second content receiving device that is the acquisition request source. To deliver.
[0010]
Therefore, according to the first invention, when the second content related to the first content acquired by the first content receiving device is to be received by another related second content receiving device, The content No. 2 is automatically searched for from the information indicating the relevance between the prepared contents, and the second content receiving device is also automatically determined from the information indicating the relevance between the prepared content receiving devices. Is done. This eliminates the need for the user to check the second content and the second content receiving apparatus by himself and then perform an operation of designating and inputting, whereby the related content can be easily and quickly received by the related content receiving apparatus. It becomes possible.
[0011]
In the first invention, the first content receiving device gives an instruction to acquire the related content to the second content receiving device, and the second content receiving device transmits a content acquisition request to the content transmitting device. I have. For this reason, even when the first content receiving device is communicating, it is possible to transmit the related content acquisition request to the content transmitting device and acquire the related content.
[0012]
According to a second aspect, during or after distribution of the first content, the first content receiving device acquires a search result of the second content related to the first content from the content transmitting device, and A second content receiving device having a relevance to the first content receiving device is determined from the prepared information indicating the relevance between the content receiving devices. Then, a distribution request for distributing the second content to the determined second content receiving device is transmitted to the content transmitting device. The content transmission device distributes the second content to the distribution destination second content reception device in response to the distribution request.
[0013]
Therefore, according to the second aspect, the convenience in acquiring related content is greatly improved as in the first aspect. Further, in the second invention, a distribution request for related content is transmitted from the first content receiving device to the content transmitting device. For this reason, when it is impossible to give a content acquisition instruction from the first content receiving device to the second content receiving device, for example, the first content receiving device is a mobile terminal that is out and the second content receiving device Is a set-top box installed in a home or office, the set-top box can receive related content.
[0014]
According to a third aspect, during or after the distribution of the first content to the first content receiving device, the content transmitting device determines the first content distributed from the information indicating the relationship between the prepared content in advance. And a second content receiving apparatus having a relationship with the first content receiving apparatus is determined from information indicating a relationship between the content receiving apparatuses prepared in advance, and a second content receiving apparatus having a relationship with the first content receiving apparatus. . Then, the searched second content is delivered to the determined second content receiving device.
[0015]
Therefore, according to the third aspect, the convenience in acquiring related content is greatly improved as in the first and second aspects. Further, in the third aspect, the related content is automatically distributed from the content transmitting device to the related second content receiving device. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit a related content distribution request or an acquisition instruction from the first or second content receiving device, thereby suppressing an increase in communication traffic and processing by the first and second content receiving devices. The burden can be reduced.
[0016]
In a fourth aspect, during or after the delivery of the first content, the first content receiving device acquires a search result of the second content related to the first content from the content transmitting device, and A distribution request for distributing the second content to any content receiving device related to the first content receiving device is transmitted to the content transmitting device. In response to the distribution request, the content transmitting device determines a second content receiving device having relevance with the first content receiving device of the distribution request source from information indicating the relevance between the content receiving devices prepared in advance. Then, the second content is delivered to the determined second content receiving device.
[0017]
Therefore, according to the fourth aspect, the management of the terminal related information indicating the relation between the content receiving apparatuses and the determination of the second content receiving apparatus having the relation with the first content receiving apparatus from the terminal related information. Is performed in the content transmission device. For this reason, it is not necessary for the first content receiving device to manage the related terminal information and perform the process of determining the related terminal, and accordingly, the memory capacity and the processing load of the first content receiving device are reduced.
[0018]
According to a fifth aspect, during or after the delivery of the first content, the first content receiving device associates an instruction for causing the first content to acquire some content related to the first content. The second content receiving device transmits the related content acquisition request to the content transmitting device. In response to the related content acquisition request, the content transmitting apparatus searches for second content having relevance with the first content from information prepared in advance, which indicates relevance between the contents, and searches the second content having the relevance with the first content. The second content is distributed to the second content receiving device that is the acquisition request source.
[0019]
Therefore, according to the fifth aspect, the convenience when acquiring the related content is improved as in the first to fourth aspects. At the same time, since the first content receiving device does not need to acquire the search result of the related content from the content transmitting device, it is possible to suppress an increase in communication traffic by that amount and further reduce the processing load on the first content receiving device. it can.
[0020]
A sixth invention is a distribution request for causing the first content receiving device to distribute some content related to the first content to the related second content receiving device during or after distribution of the first content. The information is transmitted to the content transmission device. In response to the acquisition request, the content transmission device searches for second content having relevance with the first content from information indicating the relevance between the content prepared in advance, and searches the second content for the second content. Is distributed to the second content receiving apparatus that has requested the above.
[0021]
Therefore, according to the sixth aspect, similarly to the fifth aspect, there is no need for the first content receiving device to acquire the search result of the related content from the content transmitting device. Therefore, an increase in communication traffic can be suppressed, and the processing load on the first content receiving device can be reduced. In addition, since the first content receiving apparatus sends a related content distribution request to the content transmitting apparatus, even if the first content receiving apparatus cannot communicate with the second content receiving apparatus, the second content is transmitted. The receiving device can receive the related content.
[0022]
In the first or fifth invention, the information indicating the acquisition result of the second content is further notified from the second content receiving device to the first content receiving device which is the acquisition instruction source, and the first content is acquired. The user is notified of the receiving device.
[0023]
Similarly, in the second, third, fourth or sixth invention, the information indicating the distribution result of the second content is further notified from the content transmitting device to the first content receiving device of the distribution request source. And reporting to the user of the first content receiving device.
[0024]
By doing so, the information indicating the acquisition result or the distribution result of the related second content is notified and reported to the first content receiving device that is the acquisition instruction source or the distribution request source. For this reason, the user of the first content receiving device can check the acquisition or distribution result of the related content.
[0025]
Further, the first or fifth invention is directed to generating instruction information for prompting acquisition of the second content in response to an input operation by a user of the first content receiving apparatus, and providing the generated instruction information to the second content receiving apparatus. Features.
[0026]
Similarly, in the second, fourth or sixth invention, the content transmitting apparatus generates distribution request information for requesting distribution of the second content in response to an input operation by a user of the first content receiving apparatus. To be transmitted to
[0027]
With this configuration, when the user performs an operation of instructing acquisition of a related content or an operation of instructing a distribution request in the first content receiving device, the related content is distributed. For this reason, the user can acquire only the related content required by the user.
[0028]
Further, in the first to fourth inventions, information necessary for reproducing the second content is included in information representing the second content having relevance to the first content, and When deciding a second content receiving device that is related to the receiving device, the second content receiving device that satisfies the above condition is selected.
[0029]
With this configuration, when there are a plurality of content receiving devices related to the first content receiving device, a receiving device capable of reproducing the related content to be distributed is selected from among these receiving devices, and the selection is performed. The related content is distributed to the selected content receiving device. For this reason, the user can always reliably reproduce the distributed related content. In addition, the user does not need to specify the related receiving device of the distribution destination.
[0030]
Further, in the fifth or sixth invention, when searching for the second content having relevance to the first content and distributing the second content to the second content receiving apparatus, the configuration of the second content is changed to a distribution destination. It is also characterized in that conversion is performed in accordance with the content reproduction capability of the second content receiving apparatus.
[0031]
With this configuration, if the configuration (for example, parameters, format, and editing pattern) of the retrieved second content does not correspond to the reproduction function of the second content receiving device of the distribution destination, this reproduction function The content of the second content is automatically converted so as to correspond to the above and is distributed. For this reason, the second content receiving apparatus can always reliably and optimally reproduce the distributed related content.
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a first embodiment of a content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method.
[0033]
This content distribution system includes a content server SV1 and a plurality of terminals T11 and T12 connectable to the content server SV1 via a communication network NW.
[0034]
The content server SV1 functions as a content transmission device, and includes a content holding unit 31, a related content information holding unit 32, an acquisition request receiving unit 33, and a transmitting / receiving unit.
[0035]
The content holding unit 31 stores data of a plurality of contents to be distributed. The related content holding unit 32 stores information indicating the relevance between the contents to be distributed. In the case where the content B is related to the content A, as an example, the related content information is, as illustrated in FIG. , A URL indicating the location of the related content, and a reproducible model name.
[0036]
The acquisition request receiving unit 33 receives the content acquisition request transmitted from the terminals T11 and T12 via the transmitting / receiving unit 34. Then, in accordance with the content of the received acquisition request, the corresponding content or related content information is read from the content holding unit 31 and the related content holding unit 32, and the read content or related content information is transmitted to the transmitting / receiving unit 34. To the destination terminal via.
[0037]
On the other hand, the terminals T11 and T12 are mutually owned terminals owned by the same user. For example, the terminal T11 is a portable terminal carried by the user, the terminal T12 is a personal computer or a set-top box installed in a home or office, and a home LAN (Local Area Network) is provided between the two terminals T11 and T12. Can be connected via. As a communication medium for connecting the terminals T11 and T12, not only a wired LAN and a wireless LAN, but also a mobile communication system such as a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) or a short-range wireless data such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used. A communication system can be used.
[0038]
The terminal T11 as a first content receiving device includes a content receiving unit 11, a related content information receiving unit 12, a related terminal information holding unit 13, an acquisition instruction unit 14, and a display unit 10. The content receiving unit 11 transmits a content acquisition request to the content server SV1, and receives the content A downloaded from the content server SV1 in response to the acquisition request. The related content information receiving unit 12 receives the related content information D corresponding to the content A downloaded from the content server SV1.
[0039]
The related terminal information holding unit 13 stores related terminal information indicating the relationship between the terminals T11 and T12. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the related terminal information is associated with the related terminal name (terminal T11), and the model of the related terminal (terminal T11), the model of the related terminal (terminal T12), and the related terminal. An address indicating the location is stored.
[0040]
The acquisition instruction unit 14 generates the acquisition instruction information I of the related content in response to the input operation of the acquisition instruction by the user. The related content acquisition instruction information I is generated based on the related content information D received by the related content information receiving unit 12. Then, the related terminal T12 is determined from the related terminal information stored in the related terminal information holding unit 13, and the related content acquisition instruction information I is transmitted to the determined related terminal T12. When the related terminal is determined, the related content can be reproduced from the related terminals described in the related terminal information with reference to the information of the reproducible model described in the related content information D. Select a device with features.
[0041]
The display unit 10 uses a display device such as an LCD or an LED, for example, and displays not only video contents but also various operation states of the terminal T11 and information information indicating a result of acquiring the contents.
[0042]
The terminal T12 as a second content receiving device includes an acquisition request transmitting unit 21, a content receiving unit 22, and an acquisition result notifying unit 23. When the related content acquisition instruction information I is transmitted from the terminal T11, the acquisition request transmission unit 21 generates a related content acquisition request R according to the acquisition instruction information I. Then, the generated acquisition request R is transmitted to the content server SV1, which is the location of the related content B.
[0043]
The content receiving unit 22 receives the related content B downloaded from the content server SV1 in response to the transmission of the acquisition request R. The acquisition result notifying unit 23 generates notification information indicating the reception result of the related content B by the content receiving unit 22, for example, information indicating reception completion, reception interruption, or reception failure, and uses this information as an acquisition notification C as an acquisition notification C To the terminal T11.
[0044]
The communication network NW selectively includes various networks such as a public network such as a wired network and a mobile communication network, a computer network such as the Internet, a CATV (Cable Television) network, a private communication network, and a dedicated line network.
[0045]
Next, a content distribution operation performed based on the above configuration will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure and operation contents of the terminal T11.
[0046]
In response to the content acquisition request from the terminal T11, the content server SV1 distributes the content A to the requesting terminal T11. In step 2a, the terminal T11 receives the content A by the content receiving unit 11 and stores the content A in an internal memory or an external memory such as a memory card. When the user performs a reproduction operation in this state, the received content A is reproduced. For example, if the distributed content A is a music content, the music content is decoded and its audio signal is output from a speaker (not shown).
[0047]
In addition, the linked content information D of the content A is downloaded from the content server SV1 with the distribution of the content A. In the terminal T11, the related content information D is received by the related content information receiving unit 12 in step 2b.
[0048]
In this state, it is assumed that the user inputs a related content acquisition instruction using a key input unit (not shown). Then, in step 2c, the terminal T11 reads the related terminal information from the related terminal information holding unit 13, and determines an appropriate related terminal T52 as a distribution destination. Then, in step 2d, the acquisition instruction unit 14 generates an instruction to acquire the related content, and notifies the generated acquisition instruction I to the related terminal described in the related terminal information. For example, assuming that the related content information shown in FIG. 3 has been downloaded and the related terminal information shown in FIG. 4 has been read out, an instruction I for acquiring related content B is sent to the terminal T12. The notification of the acquisition instruction I is performed via the home LAN.
[0049]
When the acquisition instruction I arrives, the terminal T12 generates a related content acquisition request R by the acquisition request transmission unit 21, and transmits the acquisition request R to the content server SV1 via the communication network NW.
[0050]
On the other hand, when the acquisition request R of the related content is received by the acquisition request receiving unit 33, the content server SV1 reads the relevant related content B from the content holding unit 31, and reads the related content B from the transmitting / receiving unit 34 of the request source. It is distributed to the terminal T12.
[0051]
In the terminal T12, when the related content B is downloaded from the content server SV1, the content receiving unit 22 receives the related content B and stores the related content B in a memory such as a hard disk. When the reception of the related content B is completed, notification information to that effect is sent to the terminal T11 as the acquisition instruction source as the acquisition notification C. The terminal T11 displays the notified information on the display unit 10 in step 2e.
[0052]
The received and stored related content B is reproduced in response to a reproduction operation by the user. For example, if the related content B is a promotion video corresponding to the music content previously acquired by the terminal T11, the video data is decoded and displayed on the display unit, and the audio data is decoded and loudspeaked and output from the speaker. You.
[0053]
As described above, in the first embodiment, during or after the distribution of the content A, the terminal T11 acquires the information of the content B related to the first content from the content server SV1. Then, the terminal T12 related to the terminal T11 is determined from the related terminal information prepared in advance, and the determined terminal T12 is given an instruction I for prompting the acquisition of the related content B. The terminal T12 transmits an acquisition request R for the related content B to the content server SV1 in accordance with the instruction information, and the content server SV1 distributes the related content B to the acquisition request source terminal T12 in response to the acquisition request R. .
[0054]
Therefore, when the related content B of the content A acquired by the terminal T11 is to be received by another related terminal T12, the content B is automatically searched for from the related content information prepared in advance, and the related terminal T12 Is automatically determined from the related terminal information prepared in advance. This eliminates the need for the user to check the related content B and the related terminal T12 by himself / herself and then perform an operation of designating and inputting, thereby enabling the related terminal T12 to receive the related content B easily and quickly. .
[0055]
The terminal T11 gives a related content acquisition instruction I to the related terminal T12, and the related terminal T12 transmits a related content acquisition request R to the content server SV1. Therefore, even when the terminal T11 is communicating, the related content acquisition request R can be transmitted to the content server SV1 to acquire the related content B.
[0056]
Furthermore, since the acquisition instruction I is output in response to the user's input of the instruction to acquire the related content, the user can acquire only the necessary related content.
[0057]
Further, the acquisition result of the related content B is notified from the terminal T12 to the terminal T11 of the acquisition instruction source and displayed. For this reason, the user can check the acquisition result of the related content B at the related terminal T12 at the terminal T11.
[0058]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a second embodiment of a content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method. In the figure, the same functional portions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.
[0059]
The terminal T21 is provided with a distribution request transmission unit 15. The distribution request transmitting unit 15 generates distribution request information E of related content in response to a user's input operation of a distribution instruction of related content. In this distribution request information E, information for specifying the related content B to be distributed and information for specifying the related terminal T12 of the distribution destination are inserted. Then, it transmits the distribution request information E to the content server SV2 via the communication network NW. When the related terminal T12 of the distribution destination is determined, the information of the reproducible model described in the related content information D is referred to, and the related content is selected from the related terminals described in the related terminal information. Select a device with a playable function.
[0060]
The content server SV2 is provided with a distribution request receiving unit 35. The distribution request receiving unit 35 receives the distribution request E coming from the terminal T11 that is the distribution request source of the related content, and executes a process of distributing the related content B to the related destination terminal T12 in response to the request. I do.
[0061]
With such a configuration, it is assumed that, after acquiring the content A and its related content information D in step 6a and step 6b shown in FIG. 6 at the terminal T21, the user inputs a distribution instruction of the related content. Then, the terminal T21 reads the related terminal information from the related terminal information holding unit 13 in Step 6c. In step 6d, the distribution request transmitting unit 15 generates a distribution request E for distributing the related content B to the related terminal T22, and transmits the generated distribution request E to the content server SV2.
[0062]
On the other hand, when the distribution request E of the related content is received by the distribution request receiving unit 35, the content server SV2 reads the relevant related content B from the content holding unit 31, and stores the related content B in the specified distribution destination. The data is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 34 to the terminal T12. In the related terminal T12, the related content B is received by the content receiving unit 22 and stored in a memory such as a hard disk.
[0063]
When the distribution of the related content B is completed, the content server SV2 generates a distribution notice F to that effect and transmits it to the terminal T21 of the distribution request source. Upon receiving the distribution notice F, the distribution request source terminal T21 displays the distribution notice F on the display unit 10 in step 6e.
[0064]
As described above, in the second embodiment, the distribution request E for distributing the related content B to the related terminal T22 is transmitted to the content server SV2, and in response to the distribution request E, the content server SV2 transmits the related terminal T22 to the related terminal T22. The related content B is distributed to.
[0065]
Therefore, even when it is impossible to give a related content acquisition instruction from the terminal T21 to the related terminal T22, the related content B can be received from the content server SV2. For example, it is possible to transmit a related content distribution request E from the portable terminal T21 that is out of the office to the content server SV2, and to have the related content B received by a personal computer or a set-top box installed in a home or office. .
[0066]
Further, since the distribution request E is transmitted in response to the user's input operation, the user can acquire only the necessary related content. Further, since the information indicating the distribution result of the related content B is notified from the content server SV2 to the terminal T21 of the distribution request source, the user checks the distribution result of the related content B to the related terminal T22 at the terminal T21. be able to.
[0067]
The point that the convenience of the user is improved by automatically searching the related content B and the related terminal T22 of the distribution destination from the related content information and the related terminal information prepared in advance is described in the first embodiment. Is the same as
[0068]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a third embodiment of a content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method. In the figure, the same functional portions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.
[0069]
The content server SV3 is provided with a related terminal information holding unit 36 in addition to the content holding unit 31 and the related content information holding unit 32. Among them, the related terminal information holding unit 36 stores related terminal information indicating the relationship between the terminals T11 and T12. The related terminal information includes information on the model of the related terminal, the model of the related terminal, and the address indicating the location of the related terminal, respectively, in association with the related terminal name as shown in FIG. .
[0070]
With such a configuration, the content server SV3 first distributes the content A to the acquisition request source terminal T31 in step 8a as shown in FIG. The content A is received by the content receiving unit 11 in the terminal T31 that has issued the acquisition request.
[0071]
During or after the distribution of the content A, the content server SV3 reads out the relevant content information from the relevant content information holding unit 32 in Step 8b, and further reads the relevant terminal information from the relevant terminal information holding unit 36 to the terminal T31 in Step 8c. Read the corresponding related terminal information. Then, in step 8d, the related content B described in the related content information is read from the content holding unit 31, and the read related content B is distributed to the related terminal T32 described in the related terminal information. The related content B is received and stored by the content receiving unit 22 in the related terminal T32.
[0072]
Finally, the content server SV3 determines the distribution result of the related content B, and notifies the terminal T31 of the determined distribution result F, for example, any of distribution completion, distribution interruption, or distribution failure, in step 8e. The notified distribution result F is received by the terminal T31 and displayed on the display unit 10.
[0073]
As described above, in the third embodiment, the content server SV3 searches for the related content B and the related terminal T32, and automatically distributes the related content B to the related terminal T32 according to the search result. Therefore, the terminals T31 and T32 do not need to transmit a related content B distribution request or acquisition instruction. As a result, communication traffic in the communication network NW is suppressed, and the processing load on the terminals T31 and T32 can be reduced.
[0074]
In addition, since the information indicating the distribution result of the related content B is notified from the content server SV3 to the terminal T31 being used by the user, the user transmits the distribution result of the related content B to the related terminal T32 in the terminal T31. You can check.
[0075]
Note that the user's convenience is improved by automatically searching the related content B and the related terminal T32 of the distribution destination from the related content information and the related terminal information prepared in advance. This is the same as the embodiment.
[0076]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a fourth embodiment of a content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the same functional portions as those in FIG. 5, and the detailed description is omitted.
[0077]
The content server SV4 includes a related terminal information holding unit 36 in addition to the content holding unit 31, the related content information holding unit 32, and the distribution request receiving unit 35. Among them, the related terminal information holding unit 36 stores related terminal information indicating the relationship between the terminals T11 and T12. The related terminal information includes information on the model of the related terminal, the model of the related terminal, and the address indicating the location of the related terminal, respectively, in association with the related terminal name as shown in FIG. .
[0078]
When a distribution request for related content arrives from the terminal T41 of the content distribution destination, the distribution request accepting unit 35 responds to the request and based on the related terminal information stored in the related terminal information holding unit 36, The related terminal T42 of T41 is searched. Then, the related content B read from the content holding unit 31 is distributed to the searched related terminal T42.
[0079]
With such a configuration, the content server SV4 first distributes the content A to the acquisition request source terminal T41 in step 10a as shown in FIG. At the same time, in step 10b, the related content information corresponding to the distribution content A is read from the related content information holding unit 32, and the read related content information is transmitted to the terminal T41. On the other hand, the acquisition request source terminal T41 receives the content A and its related content information in steps 10g and 10h, respectively.
[0080]
In this state, it is assumed that the user has input a distribution instruction of the related content at the terminal T41. Then, in step 10i, the terminal T41 generates a distribution request E for distributing the related content B to any terminal related to the terminal T41, and transmits the generated distribution request E to the content server SV2.
[0081]
Upon receiving the distribution request E in step 10c, the content server SV4 proceeds to step 10d. In step 10d, based on the related terminal information stored in the related terminal information holding unit 36 and the reproducible model described in the related content information notified by the delivery request E, an appropriate Detect the terminal. Then, when, for example, the terminal T42 is detected as an appropriate terminal, the related content B read from the content holding unit 31 is distributed to the terminal T42 detected in step 10e. In step 10k, the related terminal T42 receives and stores the related content B in the content receiving unit 22.
[0082]
Finally, the content server SV4 determines the distribution result of the related content B, and notifies the determined distribution result F to the terminal T41 of the distribution request source in step 10f. The notified distribution result F is received by the terminal T41, and is displayed on the display unit 10 in step 10j.
[0083]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when requesting distribution of related content from the terminal T41 to the content server SV4, only the related content to be distributed is specified without specifying the related terminal as the distribution destination. Then, the content server SV4 detects the optimum related terminal T42 as a distribution destination, and distributes the related content B to the detected related terminal T42.
[0084]
Therefore, the related terminal information holding unit can be omitted from the terminal T41, whereby the memory capacity of the terminal T41 can be reduced. This effect is particularly effective in a portable terminal having a relatively small memory capacity. Further, since the terminal T41 does not need to perform the process of detecting the related terminal, the processing load can be reduced correspondingly.
[0085]
Also, since the distribution request E is transmitted in response to the user's input operation, there is an advantage that the user can acquire only the necessary related content. Further, since the information indicating the distribution result of the related content B is notified from the content server SV4 to the terminal T41 of the distribution request source, the user checks the distribution result of the related content B to the related terminal T42 at the terminal T41. be able to.
[0086]
Note that the user's convenience is improved by automatically searching the related content B and the related terminal T42 of the distribution destination from the related content information and the related terminal information prepared in advance. Same as the form.
[0087]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a fifth embodiment of the content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method. In the figure, the same functional portions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.
[0088]
The acquisition instruction unit 14 of the terminal T51 detects a suitable terminal as a distribution destination based on the related terminal information stored in the related terminal information holding unit 13. Then, as an acquisition condition, an acquisition instruction I for designating only the detected distribution destination related terminal is generated without designating the acquisition target related content, and the acquisition instruction I is transmitted to the content server SV5.
[0089]
When an acquisition request R for related content arrives from the related terminal T52, the acquisition request receiving unit 33 provided in the content server SV5 searches the related content information holding unit 32 for the related content B to be distributed. Then, the retrieved related content B is read from the content holding unit 31, and the read content B is distributed to the related terminal T52 of the acquisition request source.
[0090]
With such a configuration, the content server SV5 first distributes the content A to the acquisition request source terminal T51 in step 12a as shown in FIG. This content A is received by the terminal T51 of the acquisition request source in step 12e.
[0091]
In this state, it is assumed that the user has input a related content acquisition instruction using a key input unit (not shown). Then, the terminal T51 reads the related terminal information from the related terminal information holding unit 13 in step 12f, and determines an appropriate related terminal T52 as a distribution destination. Then, in step 12g, an acquisition instruction I is generated, in which only the related terminal T52 of the detected distribution destination is specified without designating the related content to be acquired as the acquisition condition. Then, the acquisition instruction I is notified to the related terminal T52. The notification of the acquisition instruction I is performed via the home LAN.
[0092]
When the acquisition instruction I arrives, the terminal T52 proceeds from step 12i to step 12j, generates an acquisition request R corresponding to the content of the acquisition instruction I by the acquisition request transmission unit 21, and transmits the acquisition request R to the communication network NW. To the content server SV5 via the.
[0093]
On the other hand, when receiving the acquisition request R in step 12b, the content server SV5 proceeds to step 12c. Then, the acquisition request receiving unit 33 searches for the related content B to be distributed from the related content information holding unit 32. Then, the retrieved related content B is read from the content holding unit 31, and the read content B is transmitted to the related requesting source terminal T52 in step 12d.
[0094]
In the terminal T52, when the related content B is distributed from the content server SV5, the content receiving unit 22 receives the related content B and stores it in a memory such as a hard disk (step 12k). When the reception of the related content B is completed, an acquisition notification C to that effect is sent to the terminal T51 of the acquisition instruction source in step 12m. The terminal T51 displays the notified information on the display unit 10 in step 12h.
[0095]
As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when a related content acquisition request is transmitted to the content server SV5, the related distribution target terminal T52 is detected without specifying the acquisition target related content as the acquisition condition. The related terminal T52 notifies the related terminal T52 of the acquisition instruction I designating only the instruction, and transmits the acquisition request R corresponding to the acquisition instruction from the related terminal T52 to the content server SV5. Then, in the content server SV5, the related content B to be distributed is searched from the related content information holding unit 32, and the searched related content B is transmitted to the related terminal T52 of the acquisition request source.
[0096]
Therefore, the terminal T51 only needs to specify the related terminal to be distributed without acquiring the related content information from the content server SV5. Therefore, communication traffic on the communication network NW is suppressed, and the processing load on the terminal T51 is reduced.
[0097]
Further, since the acquisition instruction I is output in response to the input of the instruction to acquire the related content by the user, the user can acquire only the necessary related content. Further, the acquisition result of the related content B is notified from the related terminal T52 to the terminal T51 of the acquisition instruction source and displayed. For this reason, the user can check the acquisition result of the related content B at the related terminal T52 at the terminal T51.
[0098]
The point that the convenience of the user is improved by automatically searching the related content B and the related terminal T52 of the distribution destination from the related content information and the related terminal information prepared in advance is different from the first and second embodiments. The same is true.
[0099]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for describing a content distribution method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the same functional portions as those in FIG. 5, and the detailed description is omitted.
[0100]
The distribution request transmitting unit 15 of the terminal T61 detects an appropriate terminal as a distribution destination based on the related terminal information stored in the related terminal information holding unit 13. Then, as a distribution condition, a distribution request E specifying only the detected distribution destination related terminal is generated without specifying the distribution target related content, and the distribution request E is transmitted to the content server SV6.
[0101]
When the distribution request E is received from the terminal T61, the distribution request receiving unit 35 provided in the content server SV6 searches the related content information holding unit 32 for the related content B to be distributed. Then, the found related content B is read from the content holding unit 31, and the read content B is delivered to the related terminal T62 of the delivery destination designated by the delivery request E.
[0102]
With such a configuration, the content server SV6 first distributes the content A to the acquisition request source terminal T61 in step 14a as shown in FIG. This content A is received by the terminal T61 of the acquisition request source in step 14f.
[0103]
In this state, it is assumed that the user has input a related content acquisition instruction using a key input unit (not shown). Then, the terminal T61 reads the related terminal information from the related terminal information holding unit 13 in step 14g, and determines an appropriate related terminal T62 as a distribution destination. Then, in step 14h, a distribution request E specifying only the detected related destination terminal T62 is generated without specifying the related content to be distributed as the distribution condition. Then, the distribution request E is transmitted to the content server SV6.
[0104]
On the other hand, upon receiving the distribution request E in step 14b, the content server SV6 proceeds to step 14c. Then, the distribution request receiving unit 35 searches the related content information holding unit 32 for the related content B to be distributed. Then, the retrieved related content B is read from the content holding unit 31, and the read content B is transmitted to the related terminal T62 specified as the distribution destination by the distribution request E in step 14d.
[0105]
In the terminal T62, when the related content B is distributed from the content server SV6, the content receiving unit 22 receives the related content B and stores it in a memory such as a hard disk (Step 14j).
[0106]
When the distribution of the related content B is completed, the content server SV6 generates a distribution completion notification F in step 14e and transmits the notification to the terminal T61 that has requested distribution. Upon receiving the distribution notice F, the distribution request source terminal T61 displays the distribution completion notice F on the display unit 10 in step 14i.
[0107]
As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when transmitting a distribution request to the content server SV6, only the related terminal T62 of the detected distribution destination is specified without specifying the relevant content to be distributed as the distribution condition. Generate a distribution request E. Then, in the content server SV6, the related content B to be distributed is searched from the related content information holding unit 32, and the searched related content B is transmitted to the related terminal T62 specified as the distribution destination by the distribution request E. Like that.
[0108]
Therefore, the terminal T61 only needs to specify the related terminal to be distributed without acquiring the related content information from the content server SV6. Therefore, communication traffic on the communication network NW is suppressed, and the processing load on the terminal T61 is reduced.
[0109]
Further, since the distribution request E is output in response to the input of the distribution instruction of the related content by the user, the user can obtain only the necessary related content. Further, the distribution result of the related content B is notified from the content server SV6 to the distribution request source terminal T61 and displayed. For this reason, the user can check the distribution result of the related content B to the related terminal T62 at the terminal T61.
[0110]
In addition, the point that the convenience of the user is improved by automatically searching the related content B and the related terminal T62 of the distribution destination from the related content information and the related terminal information prepared in advance is described in the first embodiment. The same is true.
[0111]
(Other embodiments)
In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the related content targeted for distribution searched based on the related content information is directly delivered. However, the related content to be distributed searched based on the related content information does not always correspond to the content reproduction capability of the related terminal of the distribution destination specified by the acquisition request R or the distribution request E.
[0112]
Therefore, the configuration of the related content read from the content holding unit 31, such as parameters, formats, and editing patterns, is converted so as to correspond to the content reproduction capability of the related terminal of the distribution destination, and the converted related content is converted to the related terminal. Distribute to
[0113]
For example, when the related destination terminal has only a small-sized display unit like a portable terminal, for example, a large-screen video content encoded by MPEG2 is converted to a small-screen video content encoded by MPEG4. Video content and distribute it. With this configuration, the video content can be displayed on the small-sized display unit of the mobile terminal.
[0114]
Further, when the related terminal of the distribution destination has only a small capacity memory like a portable terminal, for example, the conference audio content of a long-time detailed content to be reproduced using a set-top box, for example, Edit and distribute the summary audio content for about 10 minutes. In this way, the user can check the summary of the conference content on the mobile terminal.
[0115]
When a plurality of terminals are registered as related terminals, selection priorities are given to these terminals in advance. Then, when deciding the related terminal of the distribution destination, the terminal having the higher priority is selected. This increases the probability that the related content is distributed to the related terminal desired by the user.
[0116]
In addition, the type and configuration of the content transmitting device, the type and configuration of the first and second content receiving devices, the type and configuration of a communication medium for transmitting an acquisition instruction and the like between the content receiving devices, the type and configuration of the content, and the like Can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0117]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, information indicating the relevance between contents and information indicating the relevance between content receiving devices are prepared in advance, and the related content and the related terminal are automatically searched based on these information. Related content.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to specify the content name and the receiving terminal name each time the related content is obtained, thereby improving the convenience in obtaining the content. And a communication device therefor.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for describing a first embodiment of a content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure and operation contents of a terminal T11 in the system shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of related content information.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of related terminal information.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a second embodiment of a content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure and operation contents of a terminal T21 in the system shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a third embodiment of a content distribution method according to the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method.
8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure and operation contents of the content server SV3 in the system shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for describing a content distribution method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and a communication device that implements the method.
10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure and operation contents of the content server SV4 and the terminals T41 and T42 in the system shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for describing a content distribution method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and a communication device that implements the method.
12 is a flowchart showing operation procedures and operation contents of the content server SV5 and the terminals T51 and T52 in the system shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a content distribution system for explaining a content distribution method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention and a communication device for realizing the method.
14 is a flowchart showing operation procedures and operation contents of the content server SV6 and the terminals T61 and T62 in the system shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
SV1 to SV6: Content server
T11 to T61: contents acquisition request source terminal
T12 to T62: Related terminal of related content distribution destination
NW: Communication network
10 Display unit
11 Content receiver
12 ... Related content information receiving unit
13, 36 ... related terminal information holding unit
14 Acquisition instruction section
15: Delivery request transmission unit
21: Acquisition request transmission unit
22 related content receiving unit
23: Acquisition result notification section
31 ... Content holding unit
32: related content information holding unit
33: Acquisition request receiving unit
34 ... Transceiver
35 ... Delivery request reception unit

Claims (18)

In a content distribution method for distributing content from a content transmission device to a content reception device,
Delivering the first content from the content transmitting device to the first content receiving device;
From the information representing the relevance between the contents prepared in advance, information representing the second content having relevance to the distributed first content is searched, and the searched information is transmitted from the content transmission device to the Notifying the first content receiving device;
Determining a second content receiving device having a relationship with the first content receiving device from information indicating a relationship between the content receiving devices prepared in advance;
Providing instruction information for prompting acquisition of the second content represented by the notified information from the first content receiving device to the determined second content receiving device;
Transmitting a second content acquisition request from the second content receiving device to the content transmitting device according to the given instruction information;
Delivering the second content from the content transmitting device to the second content receiving device that is the source of the acquisition request in response to the transmitted acquisition request. In a content distribution method for distributing content from a content transmission device to a content reception device,
Delivering the first content from the content transmitting device to the first content receiving device;
From the information representing the relevance between the contents prepared in advance, information representing the second content having relevance to the distributed first content is searched, and the searched information is transmitted from the content transmission device to the Notifying the first content receiving device;
Determining a second content receiving device having a relationship with the first content receiving device from information indicating a relationship between the content receiving devices prepared in advance;
A step of transmitting, from the first content receiving apparatus to the content transmitting apparatus, distribution request information for distributing the second content represented by the notified information to the determined second content receiving apparatus; When,
Distributing the second content from the content transmitting device to a second content receiving device, which is a distribution destination, in accordance with the transmitted distribution request information. In a content distribution method for distributing content from a content transmission device to a content reception device,
Delivering the first content from the content transmitting device to the first content receiving device;
Searching for a second content having a relevance to the first content to be distributed from information indicating a relevance between the content prepared in advance;
Determining a second content receiving device having a relationship with the first content receiving device from information indicating a relationship between the content receiving devices prepared in advance;
Distributing the retrieved second content from the content transmission device to the determined second content reception device. In a content distribution method for distributing content from a content transmission device to a content reception device,
Delivering the first content from the content transmitting device to the first content receiving device;
From the information representing the relevance between the contents prepared in advance, information representing the second content having relevance to the distributed first content is searched, and the searched information is transmitted from the content transmission device to the Notifying the first content receiving device;
Distribution request information for distributing the second content represented by the notified information to another content receiving device having relevance to the first content receiving device, from the first content receiving device, Transmitting to the content transmitting device;
A step of determining a second content receiving apparatus having a relevance with the first content receiving apparatus from information indicating a relevance between the content receiving apparatuses prepared in advance according to the transmitted distribution request information;
Distributing the second content from the content transmitting device to the determined second content receiving device. In a content distribution method for distributing content from a content transmission device to a content reception device,
Delivering the first content from the content transmitting device to the first content receiving device;
A step of determining a second content receiving device having a relationship with the first content receiving device based on information indicating a relationship between the content receiving devices prepared in advance;
Providing instruction information for prompting acquisition of another content having relevance to the distributed first content from the first content receiving device to the determined second content receiving device;
Transmitting a request to acquire another content having relevance to the first content from the second content receiving device to the content transmitting device according to the given instruction information;
In response to the transmitted acquisition request, a second content having a relevance to the first content is searched for from information indicating a relevance between the content prepared in advance, and the searched second content is Delivering from the content transmitting device to the second content receiving device that is the acquisition request source. In a content distribution method for distributing content from a content transmission device to a content reception device,
Delivering the first content from the content transmitting device to the first content receiving device;
A step of determining a second content receiving device having a relationship with the first content receiving device based on information indicating a relationship between the content receiving devices prepared in advance;
Transmitting, to the content transmitting device, distribution request information for distributing another content having relevance to the distributed first content to the determined second content receiving device;
According to the transmitted distribution request information, a second content having a relevance with the first content is searched for from the information indicating the relevance between the contents prepared in advance, and the searched second content is retrieved. Distributing from the content transmitting device to the second content receiving device as the distribution destination. A step of notifying the information indicating the acquisition result of the second content from the second content receiving apparatus to the first content receiving apparatus which is the acquisition instruction source, and notifying the user of the first content receiving apparatus, The content distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution method is provided. A step of notifying the user of the first content receiving apparatus of notifying the information indicating the distribution result of the second content from the content transmitting apparatus to the first content receiving apparatus of the distribution request source. The content distribution method according to claim 2, 3, 4, or 6, wherein The method according to claim 1, wherein, in response to an input operation performed by a user of the first content receiving apparatus, instruction information for prompting acquisition of the second content is generated and provided to the second content receiving apparatus. Content delivery method. 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein, in response to an input operation by a user of the first content receiving apparatus, distribution request information for requesting distribution of the second content is generated and transmitted to the content transmitting apparatus. Content distribution method described. The information representing the second content related to the first content includes a condition necessary for reproducing the second content, and the second content related to the first content receiving apparatus. 5. The content reproducing method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of determining a receiving device, a second content receiving device that satisfies the condition is selected. In the process of searching for the second content having relevance to the first content and distributing the second content to the second content receiving device, the configuration of the second content is changed to the content of the second content receiving device of the distribution destination. 7. The content distribution method according to claim 5, wherein the conversion is performed in accordance with the reproduction capability. In a communication device used as the first content receiving device in a system for distributing content from a content transmitting device to a first and second content receiving device via a communication network,
Related terminal information storage means for storing information indicating the relationship between the first content receiving device and the second content receiving device;
Content acquisition means for acquiring first content from the content transmission device via the communication network;
Related content information acquisition means for acquiring information representing second content having relevance to the first content acquired by the content acquisition means from the content transmission device via the communication network;
Based on the information obtained by the related content information obtaining means and the information stored in the related terminal information storage means, the second content receiving apparatus transmits instruction information for prompting the second content to be obtained to the second content receiving apparatus. And a means for providing. In a communication device used as the first content receiving device in a system for distributing content from a content transmitting device to a first and second content receiving device via a communication network,
Related terminal information storage means for storing information indicating the relationship between the first content receiving device and the second content receiving device;
Content acquisition means for acquiring first content from the content transmission device via the communication network;
Related content information acquisition means for acquiring information representing second content having relevance to the first content acquired by the content acquisition means from the content transmission device via the communication network;
Request information for distributing the second content to the second content receiving device based on the information acquired by the related content information acquiring means and the information stored in the related terminal information storage means Transmitting means to the content transmitting apparatus. In a communication device used as the content transmission device in a system for distributing content from a content transmission device to a first and second content reception device via a communication network,
First content distribution means for distributing first content to the first content receiving device via the communication network;
First storage means for storing information representing second content having relevance to the first content delivered by the first content delivery means;
A second storage unit configured to store information indicating a relationship between the first content receiving device and the second content receiving device;
On the basis of the information stored in the first storage unit and the information stored in the second storage unit, the second content is transmitted to the second content receiving device via the communication network. A communication device comprising: a second content distribution unit for distributing. In a communication device used as the content transmission device in a system for distributing content from a content transmission device to a first and second content reception device via a communication network,
First content distribution means for distributing first content to the first content receiving device via the communication network;
Related content information notifying means for notifying the first content receiving apparatus of information representing second content having relevance to the first content delivered by the first content delivering means via the communication network When,
Storage means for storing information indicating the relevance between the first content receiving device and the second content receiving device;
When distribution request information for requesting distribution of the second content from the first content receiving device to another content receiving device related to the first content receiving device arrives, the storage is performed. A second content receiving device registered as a distribution destination is determined based on the information stored in the means, and the second content is transmitted to the determined second content receiving device via the communication network. A communication device comprising: a second content distribution unit for distributing. In a communication device used as the content transmission device in a system for distributing content from a content transmission device to a first and second content reception device via a communication network,
First content distribution means for distributing first content to the first content receiving device via the communication network;
Storage means for storing information representing second content having relevance to the first content delivered by the first content delivery means;
When a request to acquire another content having relevance to the first content distributed by the first content distribution unit arrives from the second content reception device, the information stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the storage unit. Second content distribution means for searching for a second content having relevance to the first content based on the first content, and distributing the searched second content to the second content receiving apparatus of the acquisition request source A communication device comprising: In a communication device used as the content transmission device in a system for distributing content from a content transmission device to a first and second content reception device via a communication network,
First content distribution means for distributing first content to the first content receiving device via the communication network;
Storage means for storing information representing second content having relevance to the first content delivered by the first content delivery means;
Distribution request information requesting that the first content receiving device distribute another content having relevance to the first content distributed by the first content distribution unit to the second content receiving device; Has arrived, a second content having a relevance to the first content is searched based on the information stored in the storage means, and the searched second content is stored in the second destination of the distribution destination. And a second content distribution unit for distributing the content to the second content receiving device.

Images