JP2005056228A - Digital content distribution system, method and device for generating search key candidate, program, and recording medium thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the convenience of image content search by making effective use of meta data provided along with image contents. <P>SOLUTION: A content distribution system includes a meta data management server 1 that stores the meta data of a plurality of image contents; an image content distribution server 3 that obtains the meta data of accumulated image contents from the meta data management server 2 and distributes the meta data along with the image contents; and a set top box 5 connected to a network 4 which is in communication with the servers. The content distribution system has therein a search key candidate generation server 3 which, when a viewer searches for image contents stored in the image content distribution server 1, causes the meta data about the image contents viewed by the viewer to be classified and/or stored in a database 30 for each viewer and for each element and which generates search key candidates based on the frequency at which the meta data about the previously viewed image contents stored in the database 30 appears as the viewer searches for the image contents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital content communication system for distributing video content, and more particularly to a digital content distribution method for viewing and recording reservation, a search key candidate generation method and apparatus, a program, and a recording medium thereof.

Currently, a set top box having a function of searching for a program to be viewed is realized in conjunction with EPG (Electric Program Guide), viewing (recording) history, and the like (for example, Patent Document 1). In this method, keywords are input from the detailed information of the EPG using a remote controller attached to the set top box, and a program search using the keywords is realized.
JP2003-153218 (paragraph number (0035))

  However, the keyword input using the remote controller attached to the set top box is poor in operability. In addition, in order to improve it, it was necessary to prepare a wireless keyboard for keyword input separately. Furthermore, video content that is of interest to the viewer is generally biased in preference, and video content that is related to video content that has been viewed or reserved for recording in the past is often searched.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a digital content distribution system and a search key candidate generation method that effectively use metadata provided together with video content and enhance convenience of video content search. And its apparatus as well as a program and its recording medium.

  In order to solve the above problems, the digital content distribution system, search key candidate generation method and apparatus, program, and recording medium of the present invention acquire additional information (hereinafter referred to as metadata) related to the video content together with the video content. This metadata is also classified and stored for each viewer and each element, and when the viewer searches for video content for viewing or recording, the metadata related to the video content that has been viewed, searched, and reserved for recording in the past. Search key candidates are generated from the data.

That is, the digital content distribution system according to claim 1 stores a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents and a plurality of video contents, and acquires the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server. The video content distribution server that distributes together with the video content, the video content distributed from the video content distribution server connected to the network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and the metadata of the video content are stored. In a digital content distribution system including a set-top box that controls transmission / reception of the stored video content,
When the viewer searches for the video content stored in the content distribution server, the metadata related to the video content viewed by the viewer is classified and stored in a database for each viewer and each element. A search key candidate generation server for generating search key candidates from the frequency of filing metadata related to video content viewed in the past stored in the database.

  The digital content distribution system according to claim 2 is the digital content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the search key candidate generation server uses the video content stored in the content distribution server as a digital content distribution schedule. In addition, metadata related to video content reserved by the viewer when recording reservations are classified and stored in a database for each viewer and each element, and stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content. Search key candidates are generated from the application frequency of metadata related to video content reserved for recording.

The digital content distribution system according to claim 3, a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, a plurality of video contents, accumulating the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server, A video content distribution server that distributes together with the video content, a video content distributed from the video content distribution server connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and transmission / reception of the stored video content In a digital content distribution system equipped with a set-top box for controlling
The set-top box stores a database, and metadata about video content viewed by the viewer when the viewer searches for video content stored in the content distribution server for each viewer and each element. The search key candidates are generated from the frequency of filing metadata related to the previously viewed video content stored in the database when the viewer searches for the video content.

  The digital content distribution system according to claim 4 is the digital content distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the set-top box matches the video content stored in the content distribution server with a digital content distribution schedule by a viewer. Metadata related to video content reserved for recording by the viewer when recording is reserved is classified and stored in a database for each viewer and each element, and recording reservation stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content Search key candidates are generated from the application frequency of metadata related to the video content.

The search key candidate generation server according to claim 5 stores a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, a plurality of video contents, and acquires the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server. , A digital content comprising: a video content distribution server that distributes together with the video content; and a set-top box that is connected to a network and stores the video content distributed from the video content distribution server and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content A search key candidate generation server that is provided in the distribution system and generates key candidate information for searching for video content,
When the viewer searches for the video content stored in the content distribution server, the metadata related to the video content viewed by the viewer is classified and stored in a database for each viewer and each element. When searching for a search key candidate, the search key candidate is generated from the filing frequency of metadata related to video content viewed in the past stored in the database.

  The search key candidate generation server according to claim 6 is the search key candidate generation server according to claim 5, wherein the viewer makes a recording reservation for the video content stored in the content distribution server in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule. The metadata related to the video content reserved for recording by the viewer is classified and stored in the database for each viewer and each element, and the video content reserved for recording stored in the database when the viewer searches the video content. Search key candidates are generated from the filing frequency of metadata.

The set-top box according to claim 7 is a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, stores a plurality of video contents, and acquires metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server. Video content distributed from the video content distribution server is provided in a digital content distribution system including a video content distribution server that distributes together with content, and is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server. A set-top box that stores and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content and generates key candidate information for searching for video content,
A database is stored, and metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer when the viewer searches for video content stored in the content distribution server is classified and stored in the database for each viewer and each element. When a viewer searches for video content, search key candidates are generated from the frequency of filing metadata related to video content viewed in the past, stored in the database.

  The set top box according to claim 8 is the set top box according to claim 7, wherein when the viewer makes a recording reservation for the video content stored in the content distribution server in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule, Metadata for video content reserved for recording is classified and stored in a database for each viewer and for each element, and metadata for video content reserved for recording stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content is filed Search key candidates are generated from the frequency.

The search key candidate creation method according to claim 9 includes a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, a plurality of video contents, and acquiring the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server. A video content distribution server distributed together with the video content, a video content distributed from the video content distribution server connected to a network in contact with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and metadata of the video content. A video in a digital content distribution system comprising: a set-top box that controls transmission / reception of the stored video content; and a search key candidate server that generates search key candidates when a viewer searches for video content by keyword Content A search key candidate how to create,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated for each viewer by element and accumulating the elements and the number of occurrences of the elements in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
Supplying the search result together with the number of appearances as search key candidate information to the set top box;
When the transmitted search key candidate information is displayed via the set top box and the search key candidate is selected as a search key, the search key candidate generation server searches for video content based on the search key. Process,
And supplying the search result to the set top box.

  The search key candidate creation method according to claim 10 is the video content search key candidate creation method in the digital content distribution system according to claim 9, wherein metadata relating to the video content that the viewer has reserved for recording in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule is provided. Is temporarily stored in the storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server.

The search key candidate creation method according to claim 11 is a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, a plurality of video contents, and acquiring the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server. A video content distribution server distributed together with the video content, a video content distributed from the video content distribution server connected to a network in contact with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and metadata of the video content. , A search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system comprising a set-top box for controlling transmission / reception of the stored video content,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the set-top box;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated in the set-top box by element and accumulating the element and the number of occurrences of the element in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
The search result is supplied to the set top box as search key candidate information together with the number of appearances, and when the search key candidate is selected as the search key, the set top box searches the video content based on the search key. And a process of performing.

  The search key candidate creation method according to claim 12 is the video content search key candidate creation method in the digital content distribution system according to claim 11, wherein the metadata relating to the video content that the viewer has reserved for recording in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule is provided. Is temporarily stored in a storage area for the viewer in the set top box.

The program according to claim 13 stores a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, a plurality of video contents, acquires metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server, and the video contents A video content distribution server distributed together with the video content distribution server connected to the network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and the video content distribution server and the video content metadata stored therein; Video content search key in a digital content distribution system comprising: a set-top box that controls transmission / reception of video content; and a search key candidate server that generates search key candidates when a viewer searches for video content by keyword A program for executing a complement how to create by computer,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated for each viewer by element and accumulating the elements and the number of occurrences of the elements in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
Supplying the search result together with the number of appearances as search key candidate information to the set top box;
When the transmitted search key candidate information is displayed via the set top box and the search key candidate is selected as a search key, the search key candidate generation server searches for video content based on the search key. Process,
And a step of supplying the search result to the set top box. A method for creating a search key candidate for video content in a digital content distribution system is executed.

A program according to claim 14 is a program for executing, by a computer, a search key candidate creation method for video content in the digital content distribution system according to claim 13.
Digital content distribution characterized by having a step of temporarily storing metadata related to video content that the viewer has reserved for recording in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server A video content search key candidate creation method in the system is executed by a computer.

The program according to claim 15 stores a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, accumulates the plurality of video contents, acquires metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server, and stores the video contents. A video content distribution server distributed together with the video content distribution server connected to the network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and the video content distribution server and the video content metadata stored therein; A computer program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system including a set-top box for controlling transmission / reception of video content,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the set-top box;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated in the set-top box by element and accumulating the element and the number of occurrences of the element in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
The search result is supplied to the set top box as search key candidate information together with the number of appearances, and when the search key candidate is selected as the search key, the set top box searches the video content based on the search key. A search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system, characterized in that the computer executes the method.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in the digital content distribution system according to the fifteenth aspect by a computer.
A digital content distribution system comprising a step of temporarily storing metadata relating to video content recorded by a viewer in accordance with a digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the set top box The video content search key candidate creation method is executed by a computer.

The recording medium according to claim 17 stores a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, a plurality of video contents, acquires the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server, and A video content distribution server that is distributed together with content, a video content distributed from the video content distribution server connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and metadata of the video content. Video content search in a digital content distribution system comprising a set-top box that controls transmission / reception of video content and a search key candidate server that generates search key candidates when a viewer searches for video content by keyword Key weather A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the creation method by a computer,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated for each viewer by element and accumulating the elements and the number of occurrences of the elements in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
Supplying the search result together with the number of appearances as search key candidate information to the set top box;
When the transmitted search key candidate information is displayed via the set top box and the search key candidate is selected as a search key, the search key candidate generation server searches for video content based on the search key. Process,
A program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system, comprising the step of supplying the search result to the set top box.

  A recording medium according to claim 18 is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in a digital content distribution system according to claim 17 is recorded by a computer. Searching for video content in a digital content distribution system, comprising the step of temporarily storing metadata relating to video content reserved for recording in accordance with a schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server The program for executing the key candidate creation method is recorded.

The recording medium according to claim 19 stores a metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents, a plurality of video contents, acquires the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server, and A video content distribution server that is distributed together with content, a video content distributed from the video content distribution server connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, and metadata of the video content. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content by a computer in a digital content distribution system including a set-top box for controlling transmission / reception of video content. ,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the set-top box;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated in the set-top box by element and accumulating the element and the number of occurrences of the element in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
The search result is supplied to the set top box as search key candidate information together with the number of appearances, and when the search key candidate is selected as the search key, the set top box searches the video content based on the search key. A program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system.

  A recording medium according to claim 20 is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in a digital content distribution system according to claim 19 is recorded by a computer. A search key for video content in a digital content distribution system, comprising the step of temporarily storing metadata relating to video content reserved for recording in accordance with a schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the set top box A program for executing the candidate creation method is recorded.

  According to the above invention, the metadata of the video content viewed by the viewer is classified and accumulated by element. Therefore, if the preference of the video content viewed by the viewer is biased, a certain common element (for example, The number of appearances of element values (for example, sports, variety, Shigeo Nagashima, Tamori, etc.) in the genre, performer, producer, etc. of the video content can be calculated, thereby easily grasping the viewer's preference. Further, even if the viewer is not conscious, elements common to the metadata elements of the content to be viewed can be easily found. For example, the content to be viewed is determined by looking at the movie title, the outline description of the movie, etc. However, in fact, data such as watching the movie that the same scriptwriter was involved in production can be obtained. The elements stored in the database and the number of appearances thereof include the number of appearances related to video content as a search result when the viewer searches for video content, and the recording reservation when the viewer makes a recording reservation for video content. Number of appearances related to video content.

  In addition, when the viewer searches for video content, the present invention searches the database for the same element as the element to be searched, and generates the element value and the number of appearances obtained as a search key candidate. Therefore, for the element that the viewer is trying to search, the value of the element related to the video content viewed by the viewer in the past is displayed as a search key candidate in the order of appearance number, the order of preference, etc. in the button format, etc. Can be done.

  Furthermore, when the number of appearances of elements related to video content reserved for recording is stored in the database, the values of the elements related to video content to be recorded in the future are used as search key candidates in order of appearance number, preference order, etc. in the button format. Can be displayed. In general, since there is a bias in the preference of video content viewed by the viewer, according to the present invention, it is possible to search for a program by the value of an element common to video content that has been viewed in the past or video content that has been reserved for recording. It can be easily done with the remote control attached to the top box.

  Further, as a means for detecting from the database, search key candidates obtained by calculating a preference tendency of the viewer based on past viewing history, search history, and recording reservation history may be displayed.

  As a computer-readable recording medium for recording a program for executing the video content search key candidate creation method of the present invention, for example, FD (floppy disk (registered trademark)), MO, ROM, memory card, CD, DVD, removable disk, etc. are mentioned.

  According to the present invention, search key candidates can be created based on metadata related to video content that the viewer has viewed or reserved for recording in the past, so that the video content search operation is simplified.

  Generally, keyword input by the remote control device attached to the set-top box is complicated, and according to the present invention, it is possible to search only by using the arrow key and the decision button of the remote control device.

  Further, since a keyword search is possible without having a search function using free keywords, it is not necessary to install a kana-kanji conversion engine or the like in a set-top box having generally low processing performance.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a digital content distribution system according to the present invention. The digital content distribution system according to this embodiment includes a video content distribution server 1, a metadata management server 2, a search key candidate generation server 3, and a broadband network 4. The video content distribution server 1, the metadata management server 2, and the search key candidate generation server 3 are installed on the digital content distribution side. The broadband network 4 communicates the digital content distribution station and the set top box 5. The set top box 5 controls selection of processing desired by the user or transmission / reception of video or request data. Display means 6 such as a TV is connected to the set top box 5.

  The video content distribution server 1 has a database 10 for storing video content. Then, the video content and metadata which is additional information regarding the video content acquired from the metadata management server 2 are supplied to the set top box 5. The metadata may be described in a prescribed format such as TV-Anytime or MPEG-7, and various additional information related to video content is described therein. Note that conventional transmission means such as wireless may be employed for information transmission from the digital content distribution station to the set top box 5.

  The metadata management server 2 has a beta base 20 that stores metadata relating to video content, and this is associated with the video content stored in the video content distribution server 1 by the content ID.

  The search key candidate server 3 includes an element / appearance number database 30 for classifying and storing metadata of video content viewed by the viewer or video content reserved for recording for each viewer and each element. The element / application number database 30 includes, as in the table format example of the database shown in FIG. 2A, the names of viewers, metadata elements, and metadata elements in video content reserved for viewing / recording. Accumulate the number of occurrences. FIG. 2B shows a specific example, and here, elements in the case where the viewers are the user A and the user B and the number of appearances thereof are disclosed. “Genre” and “Performer” are set as an example of the element. Needless to say, the elements set in the database 30 are not limited to the above element examples.

  FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing a process of registering elements and the number of appearances in the search key candidate generation server 3. First, video search / viewing / recording reservation is executed by operating the set-top box 5 (indicated as STB in the figure, and the same applies to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9) (step 100). At this time, the search / viewing / recording reservation log information is transmitted to the search key candidate generation server 3 (step 101). The search key candidate generation server 3 requests the metadata management server 2 for the metadata of the video (step 102). Next, the metadata management server 2 transmits the metadata of the video to the search key candidate server 3 (step 103). The search key candidate server 3 disassembles and classifies the metadata for each element (step 104), and further, the elements of this metadata are expressed as an element / appearance number database 30 (in the figure, referred to as an element / appearance number DB. The same applies to FIGS. 3B, 4, 5, 8, and 9) (step 105).

  FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step 105. First, when receiving a control signal for starting registration in the element / appearance number database 30 (step 200), all the elements of the metadata are used to calculate the number of appearances (step 201), and each element is already an element / appearance. It is determined whether or not it has been registered in the number database 30 (step 202). At this time, if it is determined that an element has already been registered (yes), the number of occurrences of the element is counted up (step 203). On the other hand, if it is determined that the same element does not exist (no), an element record is added and the number of appearances is set to 1 (step 204). In this way, all elements of the metadata and the number of appearances thereof are registered in the element / appearance number database 30 (step 205), and the registration process ends.

  FIG. 4 illustrates the registration process based on an example. For example, when the user A views “genre” as music and the “performer” includes content including Tamori and SMAP (step 100), the metadata is classified element by element (steps 101 to 104). Here, for example, it is classified by “genre” and “performer”. That is, when the element name is “genre”, the value of the element is classified as “music”, and when the element name is “performer”, the value of the element is classified as “Tamori” and “SMAP”, respectively. When the existing element / appearance number database of the user A is detected, the database is updated and registered by executing steps 200 to 205 (step 105).

  According to the illustrated example, the data of the user A and the user B are accumulated in the element / appearance number database 30 before the update registration. For user A, for example, 12 “baseball” appear as genres and 10 “Shigeo Nagashima” appear as performers, and the number is registered. In addition, for example, four “variety” appear as other genres, and four “Tamori” appear as performers, and the number is registered. For user B, there are 20 “comed” as the element (genre) and 20 “Tamori” as the value (performer), and the number is registered. Then, according to the viewing by the user A this time, the number of appearances of “Tamori” in the user A in the element / appearance number database 30 is counted up from 4 to 5 based on the execution results of Steps 200 to 205, and “Music” "(Genre)" and "SMAP" (Performer) are newly registered as registration number 1 respectively.

  Further, the search key candidate generation server 3 acquires search key candidates from the element / appearance number database 30 based on the corresponding viewer user and element information.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing a process of acquiring search key candidates. First, after the display of the video search screen is executed by operating the set top box 5 (step 300), the viewing user information, element information to be searched, and search key candidates are requested (step 301). At this time, the search key candidate generation server 3 acquires search key candidates based on the corresponding viewer user and element information from the element / appearance number database 30 (step 302). The acquired search key candidates are newly displayed on the search key input portion of the video search screen in the display means 6 via the set top box 5 (step 303).

  FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step 302. First, when a search key candidate acquisition command is received (step 400), it is determined whether or not element information for the viewer information exists in the element / appearance number database 30 (step 401). At this time, if it is determined that the element information exists in the element / appearance number database 20 (yes), the elements and the appearance numbers are sorted in the order of appearance numbers and transmitted to the set top box 5 (step 402). . On the other hand, if it is determined that the element information does not exist (no), a NULL value is transmitted to the set top box 5 (step 403). The element information is provided and registered in the element / appearance number database (step 404).

  FIG. 6 is a display example of the video content search screen. Here, search key candidate buttons 501 having “Nagashima Shigeo”, “Tamori”, and “SMAP” as keywords are displayed below the key input column 500 for performing a normal keyword search. The search key candidate buttons 501 are displayed in a column in order from the largest number of element appearances.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment for implementing the digital content distribution system of the present invention. The digital content distribution system of this embodiment includes a video content distribution server 1, a metadata management server 2, a broadband network 4, and a set top box 5. The video content distribution server 1 and the metadata management server 2 are installed on the digital content distribution side. The broadband network 4 communicates the digital content distribution station and the viewer-side set top box 5. Display means 6 such as a TV is connected to the set top box 5.

  The video content distribution server 1 has a database 10 for storing video content. Then, the video content and metadata which is additional information regarding the video content acquired from the metadata management server 1 are supplied to the set top box 10. The metadata may be described in a prescribed format such as TV-Anytime or MPEG-7, and various additional information related to video content is described therein. Note that conventional transmission means such as wireless may be employed for information transmission from the digital content distribution station to the set top box 5.

  The metadata management server 2 has a database 20 that stores metadata related to video content, and this is associated with the video content stored in the video content distribution server 1 and the content ID.

  The set-top box 5 is a means for controlling selection of processing desired by the user or transmission / reception of video, request data, etc. In this embodiment, metadata of video content viewed by the viewer or video content reserved for recording is provided. For each viewer and each element, the element / appearance number database 50 is included. The element / application number database 50 is similar to the table format of the element / appearance number database shown in FIG. 2A. The number of occurrences of data elements is accumulated.

  FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing a process of registering elements and appearance numbers in the element / appearance number database 50. First, when video search / viewing / recording reservation is executed by operating the set top box 5 (step 600), search / viewing / recording reservation log information is transmitted to the meta management server 2 (step 601). Next, the metadata of the video is requested to the metadata management server 2 (step 602). The metadata management server 2 transmits the metadata of the video to the set top box 5 (step 603). Here, the set top box 5 disassembles and classifies the metadata for each element (step 604), and further registers the elements of this metadata in the element / appearance number database 50 (step 605).

  FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step 605. First, upon receiving a control signal for starting registration in the element / appearance number database 50 (step 700), all the elements of the metadata are used to calculate the number of appearances (step 701). It is determined whether or not it has been registered in the number database 30 (step 702). At this time, if it is determined that an element has already been registered (yes), the number of occurrences of the element is counted up (step 703). On the other hand, if it is determined that the same element does not exist (no), an element record is added and the number of appearances is set to 1 (step 704). In this way, all elements of the metadata and the number of appearances thereof are registered in the element / appearance number database 50 (step 705), and the registration process ends. For a specific example of the registration process, refer to the example in the first embodiment disclosed in FIG.

  Further, the set top box 5 acquires search key candidates from the element / appearance number database 50 based on the corresponding viewer user and element information.

  FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing the process of acquiring search key candidates. First, after the display of the video search screen is executed by operating the set top box 5 (step 800), viewing user information, element information to be searched, and search key candidates are requested (step 801). At this time, search key candidates based on the corresponding viewer user and element information are acquired from the element / appearance number database 50 in the set top box 5 (step 802). The acquired search key candidates are newly displayed on the search key input portion of the video search screen on the display means 6 via the set top box 5 (step 803).

  FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing the detailed process of step 802. First, when a search key candidate acquisition command is received (step 900), it is determined whether or not element information for viewer information exists in the element / appearance number database 50 (step 901). At this time, if it is determined that the element information exists in the element / appearance number database 50 (yes), the elements and appearance numbers are sorted in the order of appearance numbers and transmitted to the set top box 5 (step 902). . On the other hand, if it is determined that the element information does not exist (no), a NULL value is transmitted to the set top box 5 (step 903). The element information is registered in the element / appearance number database (step 904). For the display example of the video content search screen, refer to the example in the first embodiment disclosed in FIG.

  In the digital content distribution system and search key candidate generation method described in the above embodiment, the processing steps shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 8 and 9 can be configured by a computer program, and this program can be executed by the computer. Needless to say, a recording medium, for example, FD (floppy disk (registered trademark)), which can read a program for realizing the function by the computer or a program for causing the computer to execute the processing step, for example. It can also be recorded, stored, or distributed on an MO, ROM, memory card, CD, DVD, removable disk, or the like. It is also possible to provide the above program via a network such as the Internet or e-mail.

  Then, the present invention can be implemented by installing the program from these recording media into a computer, or by downloading the program from a network and installing the program into the computer. However, installation on a computer is a computer unit, and when there are multiple computers to be installed due to multiple devices and systems, it is natural that the program is installed for each necessary processing part. is there. In this case, the program may be recorded on a recording medium corresponding to a computer, or downloaded via a network.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a digital content distribution system of the present invention. (A) Example of tabular format of element / appearance number database, (b) Specific example. (A) The flowchart which showed the process which registers the element and appearance number to a search key candidate production | generation server, (b) The flowchart which showed the detailed process of step 105. FIG. Explanatory drawing of the process which registers the element of the classified metadata into an element and appearance number database. (A) The flowchart which showed the process of acquiring a search key candidate, (b) The flowchart which showed the detailed process of step 302. FIG. A display example of a video content search screen. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a digital content distribution system of the present invention. (A) The flowchart which showed the process which registers the element and appearance number to a search key candidate production | generation server, (b) The flowchart which showed the detailed process of step 605. FIG. (A) The flowchart which showed the process of acquiring a search key candidate, (b) The flowchart which showed the detailed process of step 802. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Video content delivery server, 10 ... Database 2 ... Metadata management server, 20 ... Database 3 ... Search key candidate generation server, 30 ... Element / appearance number database 4 ... Broadband network 5 ... Set top box, 50 ... Element / appearance Number database 6 ... display means 500 ... key input field, 501 ... search key candidate button

Claims (20)

A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
A set-top that is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server and metadata of the video content, and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content In a digital content distribution system equipped with a box,
When the viewer searches for the video content stored in the content distribution server, the metadata related to the video content viewed by the viewer is classified and stored in a database for each viewer and each element. A digital content distribution system comprising a search key candidate generation server that generates search key candidates from the application frequency of metadata related to video content viewed in the past stored in the database. The search key candidate generation server stores, for each viewer, metadata related to video content that the viewer has reserved for recording when the viewer makes a recording reservation for the video content stored in the content distribution server in accordance with a digital content distribution schedule. And a search key candidate is generated from the application frequency of metadata related to video content reserved for recording stored in the database when a viewer searches for video content. The digital content distribution system according to claim 1. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
Digital content comprising a set-top box connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, storing video content distributed from the video content distribution server, and controlling transmission / reception of the stored video content In the distribution system,
The set-top box stores a database, and metadata about video content viewed by the viewer when the viewer searches for video content stored in the content distribution server for each viewer and each element. Digital content distribution characterized by generating search key candidates from the frequency of filing metadata related to previously viewed video content stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content system. The set-top box stores metadata related to video content reserved by the viewer for each viewer and elements when the video content stored in the content distribution server is reserved for recording in accordance with a digital content distribution schedule. A search key candidate is generated based on the frequency of filing of metadata related to video content reserved for recording stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content, and is classified and stored in each database. Item 4. The digital content distribution system according to Item 3. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
It is provided in a digital content distribution system that includes a set-top box that is connected to a network and stores video content distributed from a video content distribution server and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content. A search key candidate generation server that generates key candidate information,
When the viewer searches for the video content stored in the content distribution server, the metadata related to the video content viewed by the viewer is classified and stored in a database for each viewer and each element. A search key candidate generation server that generates a search key candidate from the frequency of filing metadata related to video content viewed in the past stored in the database when searching for a search key. When the viewer makes a recording reservation for the video content stored in the content distribution server in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule, the metadata related to the video content reserved for recording by the viewer is classified into a database for each viewer and each element. 6. The search key according to claim 5, wherein the search key candidate is generated from the frequency of filing metadata related to the video content reserved for recording and stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content. Candidate generation server. A metadata management server that stores metadata of a plurality of video contents, and a video content distribution server that accumulates the plurality of video contents, acquires the metadata of the video contents from the metadata management server, and distributes the metadata together with the video contents Provided in the digital content distribution system provided,
Connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server, controls transmission / reception of the stored video content, and searches for video content A set-top box for generating key candidate information for
A database is stored, and metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer when the viewer searches for video content stored in the content distribution server is classified and stored in the database for each viewer and each element. A set-top box that generates search key candidates from the frequency of filing metadata related to previously viewed video content stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content. When the viewer makes a recording reservation for the video content stored in the content distribution server in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule, the metadata related to the video content reserved for recording by the viewer is classified into a database for each viewer and each element. 8. The set top according to claim 7, wherein the search key candidate is generated from the frequency of filing metadata related to the video content reserved for recording stored in the database when the viewer searches for video content. box. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
A set-top that is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server and metadata of the video content, and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content Box and
A search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system comprising a search key candidate server that generates a search key candidate when a viewer searches for video content by keyword,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated for each viewer by element and accumulating the elements and the number of occurrences of the elements in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
Supplying the search result together with the number of appearances as search key candidate information to the set top box;
When the transmitted search key candidate information is displayed via the set top box and the search key candidate is selected as a search key, the search key candidate generation server searches for video content based on the search key. Process,
A search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system, comprising: supplying the search result to the set top box. The search key candidate creation method for video content in the digital content distribution system according to claim 9,
Digital content distribution characterized by having a step of temporarily storing metadata related to video content that the viewer has reserved for recording in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server A method for creating search key candidates for video content in the system. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
A set-top that is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server and metadata of the video content, and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content A search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system comprising a box,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the set-top box;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated in the set-top box by element and accumulating the element and the number of occurrences of the element in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
The search result is supplied to the set top box as search key candidate information together with the number of appearances, and when the search key candidate is selected as the search key, the set top box searches the video content based on the search key. And a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system. The search key candidate creation method for video content in the digital content distribution system according to claim 11,
A digital content distribution system comprising a step of temporarily storing metadata relating to video content recorded by a viewer in accordance with a digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the set top box Search key candidate creation method for video content in Japan. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
A set-top that is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server and metadata of the video content, and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content Box and
A program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method by a computer in a digital content distribution system including a search key candidate server that generates search key candidates when a viewer searches video content by keyword. ,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated for each viewer by element and accumulating the elements and the number of occurrences of the elements in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
Supplying the search result together with the number of appearances as search key candidate information to the set top box;
When the transmitted search key candidate information is displayed via the set top box and the search key candidate is selected as a search key, the search key candidate generation server searches for video content based on the search key. Process,
A program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system, comprising the step of supplying the search result to the set top box. A program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in a digital content distribution system according to claim 13 by a computer,
Digital content distribution characterized by having a step of temporarily storing metadata related to video content that the viewer has reserved for recording in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server A program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a system by a computer. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
A set-top that is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server and metadata of the video content, and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content A program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system comprising a box,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the set-top box;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated in the set-top box by element and accumulating the element and the number of occurrences of the element in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
The search result is supplied to the set top box as search key candidate information together with the number of appearances, and when the search key candidate is selected as the search key, the set top box searches the video content based on the search key. And a computer-executable program for creating a search key candidate for video content in a digital content distribution system. A program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system according to claim 15 by a computer,
A digital content distribution system comprising a step of temporarily storing metadata relating to video content recorded by a viewer in accordance with a digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the set top box A program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in the computer. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
A set-top that is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server and metadata of the video content, and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content Box and
A program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in a digital content distribution system having a search key candidate server for generating search key candidates when a viewer searches video content by keyword is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated for each viewer by element and accumulating the elements and the number of occurrences of the elements in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
Supplying the search result together with the number of appearances as search key candidate information to the set top box;
When the transmitted search key candidate information is displayed via the set top box and the search key candidate is selected as a search key, the search key candidate generation server searches for video content based on the search key. Process,
And a step of supplying the search result to the set top box. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in a digital content distribution system. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in a digital content distribution system according to claim 17 by a computer,
Digital content distribution characterized by having a step of temporarily storing metadata related to video content that the viewer has reserved for recording in accordance with the digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the search key candidate generation server A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content in the system. A metadata management server storing metadata of a plurality of video contents;
A video content distribution server that accumulates a plurality of video content, acquires metadata of the video content from the metadata management server, and distributes the video content together with the video content;
A set-top that is connected to a network that communicates with the metadata management server and the video content distribution server, stores video content distributed from the video content distribution server and metadata of the video content, and controls transmission / reception of the stored video content A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing a search key candidate creation method for video content by a computer in a digital content distribution system comprising a box,
Temporarily storing metadata related to video content viewed by the viewer in a storage area for the viewer in the set-top box;
Categorizing the metadata accumulated in the set-top box by element and accumulating the element and the number of occurrences of the element in a database;
When the viewer searches for video content, searching the viewer's database for an element equal to the element being searched;
The search result is supplied to the set top box as search key candidate information together with the number of appearances, and when the search key candidate is selected as the search key, the set top box searches the video content based on the search key. And a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in a digital content distribution system. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing a video content search key candidate creation method in a digital content distribution system according to claim 19 by a computer,
A digital content distribution system comprising a step of temporarily storing metadata relating to video content recorded by a viewer in accordance with a digital content distribution schedule in a storage area for the viewer in the set top box The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program which performs the search key candidate creation method of the video content in FIG.

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