JP2005278123A - Video receiver, program for functioning computer as video receiver, video providing device, and program for functioning computer as video providing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video receiver capable of displaying a CM video until the video of selected contents is displayed. <P>SOLUTION: A processing executed by a control part of the video receiver comprises steps of: transmitting a transmission request for contents for a menu image to a server (S602); receiving CM data from the server (S608); reproducing CM video on the basis of the CM data (S616) when content selection is determined to be completed (YES in step S614); receiving data of the selected contents (S618); and reproducing video of the selected contents (S622). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to control of a data transmission / reception apparatus, and more particularly to control of content data communication in broadband broadcasting.

  In recent years, digitalization of broadcasting has progressed, and multi-channel broadcasting channels have been promoted. In such a situation, it is possible to select and receive a broadcast desired by the user (that is, the viewer of the video) by bidirectional communication between the video transmission side and the reception side. In this case, in addition to the procedure for inputting the information of the program desired by the user, depending on the program, the input of the user's own information is prompted, so that the operation for the input becomes complicated for the user. is there.

  In order to solve such problems, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-77837 (Patent Document 1) discloses a data broadcast receiving apparatus that improves user convenience and operability. This apparatus includes a receiving unit that identifies and receives a data broadcast program, a storage unit that stores viewer information, and a storage unit that includes a plurality of video or audio components with a single identification information. An output unit that selects and outputs a video or audio component most suitable for the viewer information among the plurality of video or audio components based on the read viewer information.

According to the data broadcast receiving device disclosed in Patent Document 1, an optimal video can be displayed during data broadcast viewing according to viewer information. In addition, it is possible for broadcasters to effectively provide and view broadcasts, and broadcasters can easily obtain information required by viewers.
JP 2002-77837 A

  By the way, as one aspect of the above-mentioned digitization, a so-called VOD (Video On Demand) method in which a content provider transmits content data to a receiver after receiving a content request from the receiver is becoming widespread. is there. Here, the content means video or audio information provided as a movie, drama, news program or other digital data. In this VOD method, a request for content from the receiver side to the provider side, transmission of the requested content to the receiver, and decoding of the content data are executed, and the video desired by the user is displayed.

  However, for example, even in the data broadcast receiving apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, in a VOD system environment, a request for content from the receiving apparatus side to the providing side (transmitting apparatus) and a receiver for the requested content are made. And transmission of content data are executed. That is, since the receiving apparatus needs a certain waiting time until the content is reproduced, the user has to wait until the content is displayed after the content is selected. In this case, the display unit (for example, the monitor) of the receiving device is only capable of displaying that content is being received, and the display unit has not been effectively used.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a video receiver capable of shortening a time during which a video is not displayed on an image display unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a program for causing a computer to function as a video receiver capable of shortening a time during which video is not displayed on an image display unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a video providing apparatus capable of shortening a time during which a video is not displayed on a display unit of a content receiving apparatus.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a program for causing a computer to function as an image providing apparatus capable of shortening a time during which an image is not displayed on a display unit of a content receiving apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, the video receiving apparatus includes an input unit for receiving an instruction input, a communication unit for communicating data via a communication line, and a screen. Display means for displaying, storage means for storing data, and control means for controlling display of the screen based on the data. The control means outputs a display data transmission request for displaying a menu screen for selecting at least one or more contents from the plurality of contents based on the instruction, and displays based on the display data. A means for displaying a menu screen on the means, a means for storing video data in the storage means based on reception of video data for displaying video different from a plurality of contents, and at least based on an instruction Detection means for detecting completion of selection of one or more contents, and display control means for causing the display means to display a video based on the video data based on the completion of selection of the content.

  According to the video receiving apparatus having the above configuration, when the selection of content is completed, a video based on video data different from the content is displayed. Thereby, even when the content is not displayed, the display means can display the video, so that the user can enjoy the video. When the video is, for example, a commercial message (CM), the user can obtain new information while waiting for the content to be displayed.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of contents includes identification data for identifying each of the contents. The control means further includes means for outputting identification data of the selected content based on completion of selection of the content. When the identification data is output, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the video data.

  Preferably, the video data includes data for displaying a video and control data for indicating that the data is displayed prior to display of each content. The control means further includes means for detecting control data. When the control data is detected, the display control means causes the display means to display a video based on the video data.

  Preferably, the video data and the content data are encoded data encoded based on a predetermined standard. The video receiving apparatus further includes decoding means for decoding data encoded based on the standard. The display control means causes the display means to display a video based on the video data during the decryption of the content data.

  Preferably, the detection means detects that the content has been selected before the reception of all the video data is completed. The display control means causes the display means to display the video based on the content data after the reception of all the video data is completed.

  Preferably, the detection means detects that the content has been selected before the reception of all the video data is completed. The display control means causes the display means to display a video based on the video data that has been received.

  Preferably, the detection means detects that the content has been selected before the reception of all the video data is completed. The display control unit causes the display unit to stop displaying the video based on the video data.

  Preferably, the video receiving apparatus further includes a detecting unit for detecting that the display of the video based on the video data is finished. The display control means causes the display means to display the video based on the video data again in response to the end of the video display.

  Preferably, the control means further includes means for detecting that the display of the video based on the video data is finished. The storage means further stores image data acquired in advance. The display control means causes the display means to display the video based on the image data in response to the end of the video display.

  Preferably, the control unit includes a reception detection unit that detects reception of content data for displaying the selected content, and displays the video based on the content data until the display of the video based on the video data ends. Display standby means for waiting for display.

  Preferably, the content data includes control data for indicating that the content is selected based on the instruction. The reception detection means detects that the received data is content data based on the control data.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores content data. The display standby means waits for the output of the content data stored in the storage means to the display means until the display of the video based on the video data is completed.

  Preferably, the content data is combined with control data for controlling the display order of the content. Based on the control data, the display standby means waits for the video display based on the content data until the video display based on the video data is completed.

  Preferably, the control data includes sequence data for indicating that the video based on the content data should be displayed after the display of the video based on the video data. The display control unit causes the display unit to display the video based on the content data after displaying the video based on the video data based on the order data.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the program causes a computer including display means for displaying a video to function as a video receiving device. The program receives a command input to a computer, communicates data via a communication line, displays a screen on a display means, stores data, and stores the data based on the data. And a control step for controlling the display. The control step outputs a display data transmission request for displaying a menu screen for selecting at least one or more contents from the plurality of contents based on the instruction, and displays based on the display data. A step of displaying a menu screen on the means; a step of detecting reception of video data for displaying video different from the plurality of contents; and a step of detecting completion of selection of the contents from the plurality of contents based on the instruction And a display control step for causing the display means to display the video based on the video data based on the completion of the selection of the content.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the video providing apparatus associates a communication means for communicating data with identification data for identifying content via a communication line, and transmits the video in response to a transmission request. Each content data and video based on a plurality of content data, storage means for storing video data different from the plurality of contents, data stored in the storage means, and data communicated by the communication means Control means for controlling the transmission of data. The control means outputs menu data for outputting menu data for displaying a menu in response to a menu screen display request for selecting a plurality of contents, and outputs video data based on the output of the menu data. Video data transmission control means for performing content data transmission control means for outputting content data of the selected content based on reception of identification data of the content selected from the plurality of contents.

  According to the video providing apparatus having the above configuration, video data corresponding to content different from the content corresponding to the transmission request is transmitted to the output source of the transmission request for the content (for example, a terminal that communicates via a communication line). The In this way, since the video based on the video data can be displayed, even if it takes time to transmit the content, some video can be provided. If it does in this way, the user of the receiving device of the picture can enjoy the picture, and can acquire new information from the picture.

  Preferably, the video providing apparatus communicates with a video receiving apparatus whose video playback is controlled based on control data for controlling video playback based on data transmitted by the communication means. The video data transmission control means includes a generating means for generating control data for controlling the reproduction of video based on the video data, a coupling means for coupling the control data to the head portion of the video data, and a combination of the control data. Transmitting means for transmitting the processed video data.

  Preferably, the control data includes data for causing the video playback device based on the content data to start displaying video in response to the end of display of the menu screen.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores a plurality of video data in association with each menu screen. The control data further includes a reproduction order predetermined for each of the video data among the plurality of video data. The combining means combines the reproduction order with the video data.

  Preferably, the control data includes a video playback condition based on the video data.

  Preferably, the playback condition includes at least one of a video playback order based on video data, a playback time, and a playback count.

  Preferably, the video providing apparatus communicates with a video receiving apparatus whose video playback is controlled based on control data for controlling video playback based on data transmitted by the communication means. The content transmission control unit includes a generation unit that generates control data for controlling reproduction of content video, a coupling unit for coupling the control data to the head portion of the content data, and content data combined with the control data. Transmitting means for transmitting.

  Preferably, the control data includes data for causing the video playback device based on the content data to start displaying the content based on the content data in response to the end of the video display based on the video data.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores a plurality of menu screens and a plurality of video data respectively associated with each menu screen.

  Preferably, the video providing apparatus further includes selection means for selecting video data to be transmitted from a plurality of video data based on a predetermined criterion.

  Preferably, the storage means further stores a content selection history. The selection means selects video data to be transmitted based on the selection history.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the program causes a computer to function as a video providing device. In this program, a step of communicating data with a computer via a communication line is associated with identification data for identifying content, and a plurality of content data transmitted in response to a transmission request is different from a plurality of contents. A step of preparing video data in advance and a control step of controlling transmission of each content data and video data based on the data prepared and communicated are executed. The control step includes a step of outputting menu data for displaying the menu in response to a display request for a menu screen for selecting a plurality of contents, and a step of outputting video data based on the output of the menu data. Outputting content data of the selected content based on reception of identification data of the content selected from the plurality of contents.

  According to the video receiving apparatus according to the present invention, another video, for example, a CM video is displayed before the content selected by the user can be displayed. Therefore, the user can display the video until the content is displayed. Can watch. In addition, the video providing apparatus can perform advertising and advertising activities using the time until the content is displayed. In this case, since the video related to the content can also be displayed, the effect of the advertising campaign can be improved.

  According to the program according to the present invention, the computer can function as a video receiving apparatus that displays another video, for example, a CM video, before the content selected by the user can be displayed.

  According to the video providing apparatus of the present invention, while the user selects content, data for displaying other video, such as CM data, is transmitted to the video receiving apparatus of the user. Therefore, it is possible to display other video on the display unit of the video receiving device while providing the content selected by the user. Therefore, other information can be provided during the waiting time until the content is displayed to the user. In this case, by displaying a video related to the content, for example, a CM video, it is possible to provide information that the user is interested in. Thereby, the effect of the advertising activity for the user can be enhanced.

  According to the program of the present invention, the computer can function as a video providing device that transmits display data for other video, for example, CM data, to the user's video receiving device while the user selects content.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the video receiver 100 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of video receiving apparatus 100.

  In FIG. 1, a video receiving apparatus 100 includes a network port 130 for communicating with an external video providing apparatus via a communication line 190 connected to the Internet 194, and an input unit 150 for receiving an instruction input from the outside. A memory buffer 120 for storing display data for displaying a menu screen for selecting a plurality of videos, a control unit 110 for executing a predetermined process based on an input instruction, and a memory buffer 120 An output IF (Interface) 140 for outputting stored data to the outside. The video receiving device 100 is connected to the output device 180 via the cable 192.

  1 is a video receiving terminal that can be connected to the Internet, for example, but is not limited thereto. Further, the video receiving apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 can display the video on the output device 180 to the outside, but instead of this, the output device 180 and other video display means may be incorporated. Such a video receiving apparatus is, for example, an Internet TV that can be connected to the Internet and receive digital video, or a computer system having a TV tuner function, but is not limited thereto.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the structure of the video receiver 100 is further demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail the hardware configuration of the video receiving apparatus 100.

  The control unit 110 includes a network control unit 112 for controlling communication via the network port 130, an output control unit 114 for controlling output of data to the outside, and video data output from the output control unit 114. And an AV (Audio Visual) decoder unit 116 for decoding. The control unit 110 further has a function for detecting a selection state on the menu screen based on an instruction input from the outside. This function is realized by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory buffer 120.

  In the video receiving device 100, when an instruction is input via the input unit 150, the control unit 110 executes predetermined processing based on data stored in advance in the memory buffer 120 and a program prepared in advance. The network control unit 112 outputs the data generated by this process via the network port 130. On the other hand, the video receiving apparatus 100 receives video data transmitted via the communication line 190 via the network port 130. This video data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory buffer 120. The video data is read from the memory buffer 120 by the output control unit 114 and output to the AV decoder unit 116. The AV decoder unit 116 decodes the video data (ie, digital data) by executing a predetermined process. The decoded signal is output to the output device 180 connected to the cable 192 via the output IF 140.

  With reference to FIG. 3, a data structure in video receiving apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating one mode of data stored in the memory buffer 120 of the video reception device 100.

  In FIG. 3A, display data for displaying the menu screen transmitted based on the user's transmission request is stored in area 300. When the accumulation of this data is completed, the output device 180 shown in FIG. 2 displays a predetermined menu screen. The user can start selecting a video desired to be viewed with reference to the menu screen. While the user makes such a selection, the video receiving apparatus 100 receives video data (that is, CM content) via the communication line 190. Data for this content is stored in area 310 (FIG. 3B). When the reception of the CM content is completed, the output device 180 displays the CM based on the content data. Meanwhile, the video receiving device 100 further receives video content data (that is, viewing content) selected by the user. This content data is stored in, for example, area 320 (FIG. 3C). When the storage of the viewing content is completed, the data is converted into a predetermined format and output to the output device 180. As a result, the output device 180 displays a video that the user desires to view.

  With reference to FIG. 4, a video providing apparatus having a function of transmitting CM content and viewing content data to video receiving apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of video providing apparatus 400.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the video providing apparatus 400 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 410, a memory buffer 420 for storing data processed by the CPU 410, and a content file for storing CM content and viewing content. 430 and a network port 440 for controlling data communication with the outside via the communication line 190. The memory buffer 420 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The content file 430 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The content file 430 stores at least one or more CM contents. When a plurality of CM contents are stored in advance, each CM content is stored in association with the viewing content. This association is performed based on, for example, the type and genre of viewing content. In this way, CM content can be selected according to the type of content selected by the video receiving apparatus 100. In addition, this makes it possible to transmit the CM content according to the user's preference of the video receiving device 100, so that the advertising effect of the CM content can be improved.

  The content file 430 may store a selection history of each viewing content in association with each viewing content. For example, the number of times each content is selected, the viewing time, and the like may be associated with the content. Furthermore, it may be associated with each piece of data for identifying the video receiving device 100. In this way, the preference of the user of the video receiving apparatus 100 can be acquired, so that CM or viewing content corresponding to the user can be further provided.

  Note that the device for storing these data may be in other modes. Further, for example, the content file 430 is not necessarily stored in the video providing apparatus 400, and may be an external database that can sequentially output necessary data in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 410.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the data structure of the video providing apparatus 400 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of data storage by the content file 430 of the video providing apparatus 400.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the content file 430 includes a table structure having data items including a content number, a content name, a recording time, other attribute information, and a storage address of the content data. For example, in the area 510, the content name of the content number “00001” is “movie”. The recording time for this content is 2 hours. Data for displaying this content is stored at the address “abcd”. That is, video data for displaying the content having the content number “0001” is stored in a data area 550 starting from the address abcd in a predetermined data format (for example, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)).

  Similarly, in the area 520 of the content file 430, the content represented by the content number “CM001” is, for example, an airline commercial. The recording time for this content is 30 seconds. The data of this content is stored at address “wxyz”. That is, data for displaying the video represented by the content number “CM001” is stored in the area 560 starting from the address “wxyz”.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the control structure of video receiving apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by control unit 110 of video receiving apparatus 100.

  In step S602, control unit 110 of video reception device 100 transmits a menu screen content transmission request to the server based on a user instruction. Here, the server is, for example, the video providing apparatus 400 shown in FIG. In this case, settings for transmission are performed in advance. Moreover, the server to which the transmission request is sent can be changed by changing the setting.

  In step S604, control unit 110 receives content display data from video providing apparatus 400. This display data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory buffer 120.

  In step S606, control unit 110 transmits information notifying that video content is being selected to video providing apparatus 400. In step S608, control unit 110 receives CM content data from video providing apparatus 400. This data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory buffer 120.

  In step S610, control unit 110 reads the CM content data from memory buffer 120 and decodes it. This decoding process is performed in the AV decoder unit 116, for example. In step S612, control unit 110 stores the decoded CM content data in a predetermined area of memory buffer 120.

  In step S614, control unit 110 determines whether content selection has been completed based on an instruction input via input unit 150. This determination is performed, for example, when a signal indicating completion of selection is output from input unit 150 to control unit 110. If content selection has been completed (YES in step S614), the process proceeds to step S616. If not (NO in step S614), the process returns to step S606.

  In step S616, control unit 110 causes output device 180 to display CM video based on the CM data stored in memory buffer 120. That is, the data is output to the output device 180 connected to the cable 192 via the output IF 140. As a result, the output device 180 displays the CM video.

  In step S618, control unit 110 receives data of the selected content via network port 130. In step S620, control unit 110 stores the received data in a predetermined area of memory buffer 120. In step S622, control unit 110 reproduces the content video based on the data. That is, the data stored in the memory buffer 120 is read to the output control unit 114. The output control unit 114 outputs the data to the AV decoder unit 116. The AV decoder unit 116 converts the data into a format that can be output and outputs it to the output IF 140. As a result, the output device 180 can display a predetermined content video based on the data.

  In step S624, control unit 110 determines whether or not reception of data of the selected content has been completed. This determination is made based on whether or not data indicating that the content data is the last is detected in the data transmitted from video providing apparatus 400, for example. If the data of the selected content has been received (YES in step S624), the process ends. If not (NO in step S624), the process returns to step S618.

  Note that the display timing of the CM video in step S616 is not limited to the above timing. For example, the timing at which data for identifying the selected content is output to the video providing apparatus 400 may be used. Further, when the selection of the content is completed, the CM video may be displayed in response to detecting data for identifying that the data that can be output is a CM video. Further, when it is detected that the data of the selected content is being decrypted, a CM video may be displayed. In addition, after the CM video is displayed, if the content data cannot be displayed yet, the video may be displayed again. As a result, the output device 180 can display some video, and thus can provide information to the user.

  Further, when the reproduction of the CM video in step S616 is completed, if the data of the selected content has not been received yet, the CM video may be reproduced again. Alternatively, other videos, for example, videos played back in the past or videos based on image data stored in the memory buffer 120 in advance may be played back. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the video display on the output device 180 from being interrupted.

  With reference to FIG. 7, a control structure of video providing apparatus 400 that transmits content data to video receiving apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by CPU 410 of video providing apparatus 400. This process is executed, for example, when the video providing apparatus 400 receives a signal including specific control data from the video receiving apparatus 100.

  In step S 702, CPU 410 of video providing apparatus 400 receives a menu screen content transmission request from video receiving apparatus 100. This transmission request is, for example, predetermined data regarding communication of video data between the video receiving device 100 and the video providing device 400. In step S 704, CPU 410 transmits menu screen display data to video receiving apparatus 100.

  In step S706, CPU 410 receives information indicating that content is being selected from video receiving apparatus 100. In step S708, CPU 410 transmits the CM content data to video receiving apparatus 100. Control data for controlling the reproduction of the CM video in the video receiving apparatus 100 is added to this data. The control data includes, for example, data for displaying the CM video again when the display of the CM video is completed and the content display preparation is not completed. That is, when the video receiving apparatus 100 has a control structure capable of executing processing based on the control data, video playback is controlled based on the control data. The structure of the control data will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The CM data can be transmitted to the video receiving device 100 even when the above information is not received from the video receiving device 100. That is, this transmission may be performed subsequent to the transmission of the menu screen display data in step S704.

  In step S 710, CPU 410 receives viewing content information from video receiving apparatus 100. This information includes, for example, a content number and other identification data for identifying the content. In step S712, CPU 410 searches for content data in content file 430 based on the received information. This search is performed by referring to the storage address associated with the content number, for example.

  In step S714, CPU 410 transmits the retrieved content data for viewing to video receiving apparatus 100. At this time, when the content data amount is large, a part (hereinafter referred to as a transmission block) is sequentially transmitted. Further, data for controlling the display of the viewing content is coupled to the header of the content data. For example, in the first transmission block of the content transmitted to the video receiving device 100, control data for causing the video display based on this block to wait until the display of the CM content is completed before the video display. Combined. Thereby, when the video receiving apparatus 100 displays a CM, it is possible to prevent the display from being interrupted in the middle. In addition, data to be sequentially displayed on the video reception device 100 is combined with the transmission blocks after the first transmission block. Thereby, even if the video data of the viewing content is divided and transmitted to the video receiving device 100, the viewing content is continuously reproduced and displayed.

  With reference to FIG. 8, an example of a data structure communicated between video receiving apparatus 100 and video providing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8A is a diagram conceptually showing data for displaying a CM video transmitted from the video providing apparatus 400 to the video receiving apparatus 100. FIG. 8B is a diagram conceptually showing the first packet of content data selected by the user. FIG. 8C is a diagram conceptually showing a packet for displaying content following the packet.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the CM video display data is provided with data representing a playback mode for controlling video playback. For example, when the process for decoding the received data and reproducing it immediately is set, the reproduction mode is set as “1”. When the video receiving device 100 receives the video display data to which the control data having such effective settings is added, the control unit 110 of the video receiving device 100 outputs the video display data to the output IF 140.

  On the other hand, the display data for the selected content is different from the CM video display data for the above mode. That is, as shown in FIG. 8B, the playback mode is set to “0” for the first packet of the content and transmitted to the video receiving apparatus 100. Here, the case where the reproduction mode is “0” means that the display data is not immediately displayed even after being decoded. In this case, the control unit 110 stores the data in the memory buffer 120 until reproduction is possible, and does not output the data via the output IF 140 to the outside. Therefore, even if the content display data is decoded during the reproduction of the CM video display data, the video of the content is not displayed until the reproduction of the CM video is completed.

  Thereafter, when the reproduction of the content is started, data for displaying the content is sequentially transmitted from the video providing apparatus 400 to the video receiving apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 8C, the data transmitted at this time is given data with the playback mode set to “1”. The display data to which this data is added is output via the output IFF 140 immediately after decoding, like the CM video display data shown in FIG. Therefore, the content selected by the user is reproduced sequentially.

  Note that the control data included in the data communicated between the video receiving device 100 and the video providing device 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, other playback modes may be included. In this case, for example, data indicating that the repeat reproduction mode is valid may be used as the control data. When the video receiving apparatus 100 has a control structure corresponding to such a mode, if the video receiving apparatus 100 detects reception of control data corresponding to the mode, the video receiving apparatus 100 repeatedly reproduces and displays the CM video. Can do. Therefore, for example, when the display of the CM video ends, if the selected content is not yet in a displayable state (for example, if data reception has not been completed, data decoding is completed). If not, the CM video is displayed again. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the output device 180 from being in a state where no video is displayed.

  Alternatively, the control data may be given according to the order of output from the video providing apparatus 400. That is, this order may correspond to the playback condition in the video receiving apparatus 100. Here, the playback conditions refer to conditions when the video receiving apparatus 100 plays back video, such as the playback order, the number of playbacks, and the playback time. For example, when the control data includes a playback order and the video reception device 100 has a control structure that displays video based on the received data based on the playback order, a plurality of control structures are displayed. Even if the data is transmitted separately, the video is played based on the order given by the control data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the CM video from being suddenly displayed while the content is being displayed, or the video receiving apparatus 100 from being in a state where no video is displayed.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the screen displayed on the output device 180 connected to the video receiver 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating transition of the display screen of the output device 180. FIG.

  FIG. 9A is an example of a screen displayed when the user instructs display of the content menu. For example, when the user performs an operation for displaying a menu by pressing an operation button on a remote control device (not shown), a screen shown in FIG. 9A is displayed. When a signal corresponding to this operation is transmitted from the video receiving apparatus 100 to the video providing apparatus 400 and data stored in the content file 430 of the video providing apparatus 400 is transmitted to the video receiving apparatus 100, this screen is displayed. The

  FIG. 9B is an example of a CM screen displayed during downloading of content data selected by the user. This screen is displayed based on data (data 520 in FIG. 5) stored in the content file 430 of the video providing apparatus 400, for example, as shown in FIG. Note that this CM may be irrelevant to the currently selected content or may have a relationship. When a CM related to the content is displayed, for example, a genre of the content selected by the user, for example, a CM related to movies, dramas, travel, sports, etc. is displayed. For this purpose, a content ID (Identification) for identifying the screen is assigned to each menu screen for content selection, and CM data associated with the ID is assigned to the content file of the video providing apparatus 400. It may be stored in 430. Accordingly, since the CM related to the content selected by the user is displayed, it is possible to provide at least information that the user is interested in, and thus the advertising effect can be enhanced.

  FIG. 9C shows a display screen of content selected by the user. That is, the content is displayed subsequent to the CM display shown in FIG. Therefore, the output device 180 connected to the video receiving device 100 displays another video (for example, CM) until preparation for displaying the content, for example, reception of data and decoding of data, is completed. Thereby, the display of the screen in the output device 180 can be used effectively.

  The operations of video receiving apparatus 100 and video providing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

  When the user executes a predetermined process via the input unit 150 of the video receiving device 100 and inputs a menu display instruction, the video receiving device 100 transmits a transmission request for the menu screen content to the video providing device 400 ( Step S602). When the video providing apparatus 400 receives a menu screen content transmission request from the video receiving apparatus 100 (S702), the content data is transmitted to the video receiving apparatus 100 (step S704). When the video receiving device 100 receives the data (step S604), the output device 180 connected to the video receiving device 100 displays a predetermined menu screen.

  While the user selects content with reference to the menu, the video receiving device 100 transmits information notifying the video providing device 400 that the content is being selected (step S606). When the video providing apparatus 400 receives the information from the video receiving apparatus 100 (step S706), the CM content data is transmitted to the video receiving apparatus 100 (step S708, FIG. 8A). When the video receiving apparatus 100 receives the content data (step S608), a predetermined conversion process is executed, and the decoded CM data is stored in the memory buffer 120 (steps S610 and S612).

  When the user selects content that the user desires to view and presses a selection confirmation button (not shown) (YES in step S614), output device 180 connected to video receiving device 100 displays a CM video (step). S616, FIG. 9B). When the user completes the selection of content, the completion is notified to the video providing apparatus 400 (step S710). The video providing apparatus 400 searches the content file 430 for content that the user desires to view (step S712), and transmits the searched data to the user's video receiving apparatus 100 (step S714). The video receiving device 100 receives content data from the video providing device 400 while reproducing the CM video (step S618, FIGS. 8B and 8C). When the reception of this data is completed and a predetermined process is executed (step S620), the output device 180 connected to the video receiving device 100 plays back the video of the content that the user desires to view (step S622, FIG. 9 (C)).

  As described above, video receiver 100 according to the present embodiment receives data (for example, CM data) to be displayed on video receiver 100 while the user selects content. When the user completes the content selection, a video based on the CM data is displayed. The content data selected by the user while the video receiving device 100 is reproducing the CM is transmitted from the video providing device 400 to the video receiving device 100. The content data is decoded during display of the CM video and converted into a displayable signal. In this way, when the reproduction of the CM video by the video receiving device 100 is completed, the video receiving device 100 can continuously display the content video selected by the user. As a result, the time during which nothing is displayed on the output device 180 from when the user completes the selection until the selected content is displayed can be shortened.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment, if the user completes the content selection operation before preparation for reproduction of the CM video is completed, the CM video is prepared until preparation for reproduction of the CM video is completed. This is different from the video receiving apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment in that the data is continuously received.

  Note that the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the hardware configuration of the video receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. That is, the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by a program executed by the control unit, and the hardware configuration thereof is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, description of the hardware configuration will not be repeated here.

  With reference to FIG. 10, the control structure of the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the control unit of the video reception apparatus according to the present embodiment, that is, control unit 110 in FIG. The same processes as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same step numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

  In step S1010, control unit 110 determines whether or not preparation for reproduction of the CM video has been completed. This determination is made based on, for example, whether a control code indicating the end of the CM video data has been received, or whether a predetermined decoding process has been completed when the code has been received. . If preparation for reproduction of the CM video has been completed (YES in step S1010), the process proceeds to step S616. If not (NO in step S1010), the process proceeds to step S608.

  The operation of the video reception apparatus according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. The description of the same operation as that in the above-described embodiment will not be repeated here.

  When the user completes the selection of content (YES in step S614), if the video reception device has not completed preparations for CM video playback (NO in step S1010), the video reception device The data reception and decryption process is continued (steps S608 and S610). Thereafter, when the video reception device completes preparation for reproduction of the CM video (YES in step S1010), the video reception device displays the CM video on output device 180 (step S616).

  As described above, according to the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment, the CM video is not displayed until preparation for reproduction of the CM video is completed. When the preparation is completed, the CM video is displayed, so that the user can view the CM to the end after selecting the content. Thereby, the advertising effect by CM can be improved.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment starts the content reproduction without reproducing the CM video when the user completes the content selection operation before the preparation for reproducing the CM video is completed. It differs from the video receiver 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments in that it has a function.

  Note that the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the hardware configuration of the video receiving apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. That is, the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by a program executed by the control unit, and the hardware configuration thereof is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, description of the hardware configuration will not be repeated here.

  With reference to FIG. 11, the control structure of the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the control unit of the video reception apparatus according to the present embodiment, that is, control unit 110 in FIG. The same processes as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same step numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

  In step S1110, control unit 110 determines whether or not preparation for reproduction of the CM video has been completed. This determination is made based on, for example, whether a control code indicating the end of the CM video data has been received, or whether a predetermined decoding process has been completed when the code has been received. . If preparation for reproduction of the CM video has been completed (YES in step S1110), the process proceeds to step S616. If not (NO in step S1110), the process proceeds to step S618.

  The operation of the video reception apparatus according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described. The description of the same operation as that in the above-described embodiment will not be repeated here.

  When the user completes selection of content (YES in step S614), if the video reception device has not completed preparations for CM video playback (NO in step S1110), the video reception device selects Received content data is received (step S618). Therefore, the reproduction of the content is started without displaying the CM video (step S622).

  As described above, according to the video receiving apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the preparation for reproducing the CM video is not completed when the selection of the content is completed, the CM video is displayed. The selected content is displayed without it. Therefore, the user can view the content without waiting for the display.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The present invention is applicable to a video receiving device and a video providing device in a video communication system capable of bidirectional data communication.

It is a block diagram (the 1) showing the hardware constitutions of the video receiver which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram (the 2) showing the hardware constitutions of the video receiver which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the one aspect | mode of the data stored in the video receiver which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the image | video provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the data structure in the image | video provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process which the video receiver which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process which the video provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure showing an example of the data structure communicated between the video receiver which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a video provision apparatus. It is a figure showing the screen displayed on the output device connected to the video receiver which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process which the video receiver which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process which the video receiver which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention performs.

Explanation of symbols

  100 video receiver, 110 control unit, 112 network control unit, 114 output control unit, 116 AV decoder unit, 120, 420 memory buffer, 130, 440 network port, 140 output IF, 150 input unit, 180 output unit, 190 communication Line, 192 cable, 194 Internet, 400 video providing device, 410 CPU, 430 content file.

Claims (27)

Input means for accepting input of instructions;
A communication means for communicating data via a communication line;
Display means for displaying a screen;
Storage means for storing the data;
Control means for controlling the display of the screen based on the data,
The control means includes
Means for outputting a display data transmission request for displaying a menu screen for selecting at least one or more contents from a plurality of contents based on the instructions;
Means for causing the display means to display the menu screen based on the display data;
Means for storing the video data in the storage means based on reception of video data for displaying video different from the plurality of contents;
Detection means for detecting completion of selection of the at least one content based on the instruction;
A video receiving apparatus comprising: display control means for causing the display means to display a video based on the video data based on completion of selection of the content. Each of the plurality of contents includes identification data for identifying each of the contents,
The control means further includes means for outputting the identification data of the selected content based on completion of selection of the content,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the identification data is output, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the video data. The video data includes data for displaying the video, and control data for representing that the data is displayed prior to display of each content,
The control means further includes means for detecting the control data,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control data is detected, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the video data. The video data and the content data are encoded data encoded based on a predetermined standard,
The video receiving device further includes a decoding unit for decoding data encoded based on the standard,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the video data during the decoding of the content data. The detecting means detects that the content has been selected until all the video data has been received,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the content data after all reception of the video data is completed. The detecting means detects that the content has been selected until all the video data has been received,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the video data that has been received. The detecting means detects that the content has been selected until all the video data has been received,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to stop displaying video based on the video data. The video receiving device further includes a detecting unit for detecting that the display of the video based on the video data is finished,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the video data again in response to the end of the display of the video. The control means further includes means for detecting that display of the video based on the video data is finished,
The storage means further stores image data acquired in advance,
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the image data in response to the end of the display of the video. The control means includes
Reception detection means for detecting reception of content data for displaying the selected content;
The video receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display standby means for causing the display means to wait for display of video based on the content data until display of video based on the video data ends. The content data includes control data for indicating that the content is selected based on the instruction,
The video reception device according to claim 10, wherein the reception detection unit detects that the received data is the content data based on the control data. The storage means stores the content data,
The video reception device according to claim 10, wherein the display standby unit waits for output of the content data stored in the storage unit to the display unit until display of the video based on the video data is completed. Control data for controlling the display order of the content is combined with the content data,
The video reception device according to claim 10, wherein the display standby unit waits to display a video based on the content data until display of the video based on the video data ends based on the control data. The control data includes sequence data for indicating that a video based on the content data is to be displayed after display of a video based on the video data,
The video reception device according to claim 13, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display a video based on the content data after displaying the video based on the video data based on the order data. A program for causing a computer comprising display means for displaying video to function as a video receiving device, the program being
Receiving instructions,
Communicating data via a communication line;
Displaying a screen on the display means;
Storing the data;
A control step for controlling display of the screen based on the data;
The control step includes
Outputting a display data transmission request for displaying a menu screen for selecting at least one or more contents from a plurality of contents based on the instructions;
Displaying the menu screen on the display means based on the display data;
Detecting reception of video data for displaying video different from the plurality of contents;
Detecting completion of selection of content from the plurality of content based on the instruction;
And a display control step for causing the display means to display a video based on the video data based on completion of the selection of the content. A communication means for communicating data via a communication line;
Storage means for storing a plurality of content data associated with identification data for identifying content and transmitted in response to a transmission request, and video data different from the plurality of contents;
Control means for controlling transmission of each of the content data and the video data based on data stored in the storage means and data communicated by the communication means;
The control means includes
Menu transmission control means for outputting menu data for displaying the menu in response to a display request for a menu screen for selecting the plurality of contents;
Video data transmission control means for outputting the video data based on the output of the menu data;
And a content transmission control unit configured to output content data of the selected content based on reception of the identification data of the content selected from the plurality of content. The video providing device is a device that communicates with a video receiving device whose playback of video is controlled based on control data for controlling playback of video based on data transmitted by the communication means,
The video data transmission control means includes
Generating means for generating the control data for controlling reproduction of video based on the video data;
Coupling means for coupling the control data to the head of the video data;
The video providing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: transmission means for transmitting the video data combined with the control data.   18. The video providing device according to claim 17, wherein the control data includes data for causing a video playback device based on the content data to start displaying the video in response to the end of display of the menu screen. . The storage means stores a plurality of the video data in association with each menu screen,
The control data further includes a predetermined playback order for each of the video data in the plurality of video data,
The video providing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the combining unit combines the reproduction order with the video data.   The video providing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the control data includes a video playback condition based on the video data.   21. The video providing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the playback condition includes at least one of a video playback order, a playback time, and a playback count based on the video data. The video providing device is a device that communicates with a video receiving device whose playback of video is controlled based on control data for controlling playback of video based on data transmitted by the communication means,
The content transmission control means includes
Generating means for generating the control data for controlling reproduction of the video of the content;
Coupling means for coupling the control data to the head of the content data;
The video providing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: transmission means for transmitting the content data combined with the control data.   The control data includes data for causing a video playback device based on the content data to start displaying content based on the content data in response to the end of video display based on the video data. 22. The image providing device according to 22.   The video providing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of the menu screens and a plurality of the video data respectively associated with the menu screens.   25. The video providing apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising selection means for selecting video data to be transmitted from the plurality of video data based on a predetermined criterion. The storage means further stores a selection history of the content,
24. The video providing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the selection unit selects video data to be transmitted based on the selection history. A program for causing a computer to function as an image providing device, the program being
Communicating data via a communication line;
Preparing in advance a plurality of content data associated with identification data for identifying content and transmitted in response to a transmission request, and video data different from the plurality of contents;
Based on the data prepared in advance and the data to be communicated, a control step for controlling transmission of each of the content data and the video data is executed,
The control step includes
Outputting menu data for displaying the menu in response to a display request for a menu screen for selecting the plurality of contents;
Outputting the video data based on the output of the menu data;
Outputting content data of the selected content based on reception of the identification data of the content selected from the plurality of content.

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