JP2006041574A - Contents distribution system, contents distribution apparatus and method, contents receiving apparatus and method, contents reproducing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To acquire other contents on the basis of information concealed in contents. <P>SOLUTION: A interpretation information attachment unit 25 conceals key information from a key information generating unit 22 and storage address information from a storage address acquisition unit 24 to broadcast contents and stores the resulting contents to a storage unit 26. A control unit 27 reads edited contents from the storage unit 26 and distributes the contents. An interpretation information acquisition unit 55 acquires storage address information and key information from output data generated via an antenna 51 and a use unit 54. A related contents request unit 56 requests a distributor 12 to distribute related contents on the basis of the stored address information. An external entry unit 87 receives the related contents distributed in response to the distribution request. A decoding unit 88 decodes the related contents by using the key information. The contents distribution system or the like is applicable to distribution systems of television broadcasting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a content distribution device and method, a content reception device and method, a content reproduction device and method, a recording medium, and a program, and in particular, for example, only when content is used, the content is concealed. The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a content distribution device and method, a content reception device and method, a content reproduction device and method, a recording medium, and a program that can acquire related content based on the information obtained.

  Conventionally, broadcasters that distribute television broadcasts for free are not collecting viewing fees from viewers, but by obtaining advertising revenues from advertisers (sponsors), content (so-called programs) ) Is produced and operated. In addition, for advertisers, television broadcasting is the largest advertising medium, and a great advertising effect can be expected for an unspecified number of viewers.

  In general, since a production cost is invested by an advertiser for a content with a higher audience rating, a broadcaster can produce high-quality content. This is based on the premise that a program with a higher audience rating has a larger number of viewers watching commercials. In other words, a program that has more viewers watching commercials can spend more on content production.

  By the way, the viewer does not necessarily watch the program in real time, but may play back the program recorded on the video tape at his / her favorite time. However, there are overwhelmingly more viewers watching the program in real time than viewers who are recording the program on videotape. Even if the viewer is recording the videotape, the CM will be skipped. There were thought to be few people. This is because in the case of a video tape, random playback such as skipping CMs was difficult.

  From the above, until now, it was possible to produce content by calculating and collecting the sponsor fee considering only the audience rating of viewers watching programs in real time.

  In recent years, with the advent of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) recorders, more users have recorded, played back, and watched programs than recorded and watched in real time regardless of whether or not the program is viewed. In addition, since the operation of skipping commercials has become relatively easy, the number of users who view commercials has decreased. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of commercials, which contributes to advertisers leaving the program. In other words, the cost of creating content has been reduced due to the absence of sponsors, which has led to a situation where the quality and quantity of content can be reduced.

  Therefore, for example, in order to enable viewers to actively watch commercials and increase the advertising effect of sponsors, CM points are accumulated when viewers watch commercials, and the accumulated CM points Depending on the situation, there is one that can receive a service from the sponsor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-46986 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the sponsor to provide a new service corresponding to the CM point, and there is a problem that the burden on the sponsor side increases.

  In addition, a system that can acquire new content (for example, present information of a program) only when the CM is viewed without being forced to view the CM by means of point accumulation is considered. It was not done.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and a system capable of acquiring new content based on information embedded in content only when the viewer views the CM. It is to provide.

  In the content distribution system of the present invention, the content distribution device stores storage means for storing related content related to the content, generation means for generating decryption information for acquiring the related content, and decryption information generated by the generation means In response to a request from the content receiving device, search for related content stored in the storage means, and an addition means for adding the content to the content, a first distribution means for delivering the content added by the addition means, A second distribution unit that distributes the content, and the content reception device outputs the first reception unit that receives the content, the output unit that outputs the content received by the first reception unit, and the output unit Based on the acquisition means for acquiring the decryption information added to the content, and the decryption information acquired by the acquisition means, And request means for requesting distribution of the communication content, characterized in that it comprises a second receiving means for receiving the related content which is distributed in response to a request by the requesting means.

  The content distribution apparatus of the present invention adds storage means for storing related content related to the content, generation means for generating decryption information for acquiring the related content, and decryption information generated by the generation means to the content Adding means, a first distribution means for distributing the content added by the addition means, and a second content for searching for and distributing related content stored in the storage means in response to a request from the content receiving device. And a distribution means.

  An encryption means for encrypting the related content can be further provided based on the decryption information generated by the generation means, and the storage means stores the related content encrypted by the encryption means. Can be.

  The content is composed of a plurality of content areas, the related content is composed of a plurality of related content areas, and the adding means distributes the decryption information by distributing to all, a part of the content area, or a predetermined area. Then, the encryption means can encrypt the related content area with the decryption information added to the content area.

  The adding means may conceal the decryption information in the content.

  The content may include at least advertisement information, and the decryption information may be added to the advertisement information.

  The decryption information can include address information of related content stored in the storage means and key information for decrypting the related content.

  The content distribution method of the present invention includes a storage step of storing related content related to content, a generation step of generating decryption information for acquiring the related content, and decryption information generated by the processing of the generation step An addition step to be added to the content, a first distribution step for delivering the content added by the processing of the addition step, and retrieval of related content stored by the processing of the storage step in response to a request from the content receiving device. And a second distribution step of distributing.

  The program recorded on the first recording medium of the present invention includes a storage step of storing related content related to the content, a generation step of generating decryption information for acquiring the related content, and a process of the generation step The generated decryption information is added to the content, the first delivery step for delivering the content added by the processing in the addition step, and the storage step in response to a request from the content receiving device. And a second distribution step of searching for and distributing related content that has been distributed to the computer.

  A first program of the present invention includes a storage step for storing related content related to content, a generation step for generating decryption information for acquiring the related content, and decryption information generated by the processing of the generation step. An addition step to be added to the content, a first distribution step to distribute the content added by the processing of the addition step, and retrieval of related content stored by the processing of the storage step in response to a request from the content receiving device And causing the computer to perform processing including a second distribution step of distributing.

  The content receiving apparatus of the present invention includes a first receiving unit that receives content distributed from the content distributing device, an output unit that outputs the content received by the first receiving unit, and an output unit that outputs the content. Acquiring decryption information added to the content, based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition means, request means for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content, and responding to requests by the request means And a second receiving means for receiving the related content distributed in this manner.

  Decoding means for decoding the related content received by the second receiving means based on the decryption information acquired by the acquiring means can be further provided.

  The second receiving means may receive the encrypted related content, and the decrypting means may decrypt the related content based on the key information included in the decryption information.

  The second receiving means receives a plurality of encrypted related contents, and the decrypting means decrypts each of the plurality of related contents based on the key information included in the decryption information, and the plurality of decrypted related contents Part or all of the content may be used to restore one or more related content.

  The request unit may request distribution of related content based on address information included in the decryption information.

  A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the content output by the output unit and the related content received by the second receiving unit may be further provided.

  A recording unit for recording the content received by the first receiving unit and a related content received by the second receiving unit, and a reproducing unit for reproducing the content recorded in the recording unit are further provided. The acquisition unit acquires the decryption information added to the content reproduced by the reproduction unit, and the request unit requests distribution of the related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition unit. The second receiving means can receive the related content distributed in response to the request by the requesting means.

  A synthesizing unit for synthesizing the content reproduced by the reproducing unit and the related content received by the second receiving unit may be further provided.

  The recording means may be further provided with a determination means for determining whether or not related content corresponding to the decryption information has already been recorded. The determination means determines that the related content has already been recorded. In this case, the requesting unit can be configured not to make a related content distribution request.

  If it is determined that related content corresponding to the decryption information has already been recorded, the determination unit further determines whether new related content can be acquired from the related content that has already been recorded. Can be.

  When it is determined by the determination means that new related content can be acquired, the request means requests distribution of the new related content based on the decryption information, and the second reception means is the request means. The new related content distributed in response to the request by the user can be received, and the recording means can update the related content already recorded to the new related content received by the second receiving means. .

  The decryption information may be concealed in the content.

  The content may include at least advertisement information, and the decryption information may be added to the advertisement information.

  The content receiving method of the present invention includes a first receiving step for receiving content distributed from a content distribution device, an output step for outputting content received by the processing of the first receiving step, and processing of the output step An acquisition step for acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the step, a request step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, And a second reception step of receiving related content distributed in response to a request by the processing of the request step.

  The program recorded on the second recording medium of the present invention outputs the content received by the first receiving step for receiving the content distributed from the content distribution device and the processing of the first receiving step. Based on the output step, the decryption information added to the content output by the process of the output step, and the decryption information acquired by the process of the acquisition step, It is characterized by causing a computer to perform processing including a requesting step for requesting distribution and a second receiving step for receiving related content distributed in response to a request by processing of the requesting step.

  A second program of the present invention includes a first reception step for receiving content distributed from a content distribution device, an output step for outputting content received by the processing of the first reception step, and an output step An acquisition step for acquiring decryption information added to the content output by the processing, and a requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step; And a second reception step of receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by the processing of the request step.

  The content reproduction apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading unit that reads content recorded on a recording medium, an output unit that outputs the content read by the reading unit, and a decryption that is added to the content output by the output unit. An acquisition unit that acquires information, a request unit that requests the content distribution apparatus to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a related content that has been distributed in response to a request by the request unit Receiving means for receiving.

  Decoding means for decoding the related content received by the receiving means based on the decoding information acquired by the acquiring means can be further provided.

  The receiving unit may receive the related content that has been encrypted, and the decrypting unit may decrypt the related content based on key information included in the decryption information.

  The receiving means receives a plurality of encrypted related contents, and the decrypting means decrypts each of the plurality of related contents based on key information included in the decryption information, and one of the decrypted related contents. One or a plurality of related contents can be restored using a part or all of them.

  The request unit may request distribution of related content based on address information included in the decryption information.

  A synthesizing unit that synthesizes the content output by the output unit and the related content received by the receiving unit may be further provided.

  The decryption information may be concealed in the content.

  The content may include at least advertisement information, and the decryption information may be added to the advertisement information.

  The content playback method of the present invention includes a read step for reading content recorded on a recording medium, an output step for outputting content read by the process of the read step, and an addition to the content output by the process of the output step An acquisition step for acquiring the decrypted information, a request step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, and a request by the processing of the request step A receiving step of receiving the related content distributed accordingly.

  The program recorded on the third recording medium of the present invention includes a reading step for reading the content recorded on the recording medium, an output step for outputting the content read by the processing of the reading step, and an output step An acquisition step for acquiring decryption information added to the content output by the processing, and a requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step; And a reception step of receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by the processing of the request step.

  A third program of the present invention includes a read step for reading content recorded on a recording medium, an output step for outputting content read by the process of the read step, and a content output by the process of the output step. An acquisition step for acquiring the added decryption information, a request step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, and a request by the processing of the request step And a receiving step of receiving related content distributed in response to the processing.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, decryption information for acquiring related content is generated by the content distribution device, the decryption information is added to the content and distributed, and stored in response to a request from the content reception device. The related content is distributed, and the content receiving device receives and outputs the content, and the distribution of the related content is requested based on the decryption information added to the output content, and is distributed in response to the request. Related content that has been received is received.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, decryption information for acquiring the related content is generated, the decryption information is added to the content and distributed, and in response to a request from the content receiving device, the stored related content is stored. Searched and delivered.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, content is received and output, and based on the decryption information added to the output content, the content distribution device is requested to distribute related content, and in response to the request Related content that has been distributed is received.

  In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the content recorded on the recording medium is read and output, and the related content is distributed to the content distribution device based on the decryption information added to the output content. The related content requested and distributed in response to the request is received.

  According to the present invention, information for acquiring other content can be embedded in the content to be distributed. In particular, the information concealed in the content can be acquired only when the content is normally played back, and other content linked to the content can be acquired based on the information.

  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below. The correspondence relationship between the invention described in the specification and the embodiment is exemplified as follows. Although there is an embodiment which is described in the specification but is not described here as corresponding to the invention, it does not mean that the embodiment corresponds to the invention. It doesn't mean not. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to an invention, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to an invention other than the invention. Absent.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the embodiments described in the specification are described. In other words, this description does not deny the existence of other inventions described in the specification, that is, the existence of inventions that will be filed in division in the future, or that appear and are added by amendments.

  In the content distribution system according to claim 1 (for example, the distribution system 1 in FIG. 1), the content distribution device (for example, the content providing device 11 and the distribution device 12 in FIG. 1) stores related content related to the content. Storage means (for example, the storage unit 41 in FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S6 in FIG. 4) and generation means (for example, the process in step S4 in FIG. 4) for generating decryption information for acquiring related content 2 and the storage address acquisition unit 24 in FIG. 2 for executing the processing of step S7 in FIG. 4 and the adding means for adding the decryption information generated by the generating means to the content ( For example, the decryption information adding unit 25 in FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S8 in FIG. 4 and the first distribution unit that distributes the content added by the adding means. (For example, the control unit 27 in FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S10 in FIG. 4) and a second content that searches for and distributes the related content stored in the storage unit in response to a request from the content receiving device. Distribution means (for example, the control unit 42 in FIG. 2 that executes the processing of steps S42 and S43 in FIG. 6), and the content receiving device (for example, the television receiver 14 or the recording device 15 in FIG. 1) A first receiving means (for example, the antenna 51 of FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S21 of FIG. 5 or the antenna 81 of FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S51 of FIG. 7); Output means for outputting the content received by the receiving means (for example, the image processing section 71 and output section 72 in FIG. 2 for executing the processing in step S24 in FIG. 5 or S in FIG. 7). 2 that performs the process of FIG. 4 and an acquisition unit that acquires the decryption information added to the content output by the output unit (for example, the process of step S25 of FIG. 5). The decryption information acquisition unit 55 in FIG. 2 to execute or the decryption information acquisition unit 85 in FIG. 2 to execute the process of S64 in FIG. 8 and the distribution of the related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition means. Requesting means for requesting (for example, the related content requesting unit 56 in FIG. 2 that executes the processing in step S26 in FIG. 5 or the related content requesting unit 86 in FIG. 2 that executes the processing in S67 in FIG. 8) The second receiving means for receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by (for example, the external input unit 57 of FIG. 2 for executing the processing of step S27 of FIG. 5 or the processing of FIG. And an external input unit 87 in FIG. 2 for executing the process of step S68.

  The content distribution device according to claim 2 (for example, the content providing device 11 and the distribution device 12 in FIG. 1) executes storage unit (for example, the process of step S6 in FIG. 4) for storing related content related to the content. 2), generating means for generating decryption information for acquiring related content (for example, the key information generating unit 22 in FIG. 2 for executing the process of step S4 in FIG. 4, and FIG. 4). The storage address acquisition unit 24 in FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S7, and an adding unit that adds the decryption information generated by the generating unit to the content (for example, the process of step S8 in FIG. 4 is executed). The decryption information adding unit 25) and the first distribution means for distributing the content added by the addition means (for example, the control of FIG. 2 for executing the process of step S10 of FIG. 4) 27) and second distribution means for searching for and distributing related content stored in the storage means in response to a request from the content receiving apparatus (for example, a diagram for executing steps S42 and S43 in FIG. 6) 2 control unit 42).

  The content distribution apparatus according to claim 3 is an encryption unit that encrypts related content based on the decryption information generated by the generation unit (for example, the encryption of FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S5 of FIG. 4). 23), and the storage means stores the related content encrypted by the encryption means.

  The content distribution method according to claim 8 is a storage step (for example, step S6 in FIG. 4) for storing related content related to the content, and a generation step (for example, for generating decryption information for acquiring the related content). Steps S4 and S7 in FIG. 4 and an adding step (for example, step S8 in FIG. 4) for adding the decryption information generated by the processing of the generating step to the content, and distributing the content added by the processing of the adding step A first distribution step (for example, step S10 in FIG. 4), and a second distribution step for searching and distributing related content stored by the processing of the storage step in response to a request from the content receiving device ( For example, it includes steps S42 and S43) of FIG.

  The content receiving device according to claim 11 (for example, the television receiver 14 or the recording device 15 in FIG. 1) is a first receiving unit (for example, in FIG. 5) that receives the content distributed from the content distribution device. The antenna 51 of FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S21 or the antenna 81 of FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S51 of FIG. 7 and an output means that outputs the content received by the first receiving means (for example, 2, the image processing unit 71 and the output unit 72 in FIG. 2 for executing the process of step S24 in FIG. 5, or the image processing unit 91 and the output unit 92 in FIG. 2 for executing the process of S54 in FIG. Acquisition means for acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by (for example, the decryption information acquisition unit 5 of FIG. 2 for executing the processing of step S25 of FIG. 5) 2 or the decryption information acquisition unit 85 in FIG. 2 that executes the process of S64 in FIG. 8 and request means for requesting the content distribution apparatus to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition means. (For example, the related content requesting unit 56 of FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S26 of FIG. 5 or the related content requesting unit 86 of FIG. 2 that executes the process of S67 of FIG. 8) and a request by the request unit Second receiving means for receiving the related content distributed in this manner (for example, the external input unit 57 in FIG. 2 that executes the process in step S27 in FIG. 5 or the process in step S68 in FIG. 8). And an external input unit 87).

  The content receiving apparatus according to claim 12 is a decryption unit (for example, the process of step S27 in FIG. 5) that decrypts the related content received by the second reception unit based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition unit. The decoding unit 58 of FIG. 2 to be executed or the decoding unit 88 of FIG. 2 to execute the process of step S68 of FIG. 7 is further provided.

  The content receiving apparatus according to claim 16 executes a synthesizing unit that synthesizes the content output by the output unit and the related content received by the second receiving unit (for example, executes the process of step S28 in FIG. 5). 2 further includes a combining unit 73 in FIG. 2 or a combining unit 96 in FIG. 2 for executing the process of step S70 in FIG.

  The content receiving apparatus according to claim 17 is a recording unit that records the content received by the first receiving unit and the related content received by the second receiving unit (for example, step S56 in FIG. 7 and The recording unit 93 in FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S71 in FIG. 8 and the playback unit that plays back the content recorded in the recording unit (for example, the playback in FIG. 2 that executes the process in step S62 in FIG. 8). 95), the acquisition unit acquires the decryption information added to the content reproduced by the reproduction unit, and the request unit distributes the related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition unit. And the second receiving means receives the related content distributed in response to the request by the requesting means.

  The content receiving apparatus according to claim 19 determines whether or not related content corresponding to the decryption information has already been recorded in the recording means (for example, the process of step S65 in FIG. 8 is executed). The decryption information acquisition unit 85) is further provided, and when the determination unit determines that the related content has already been recorded, the request unit does not make a distribution content distribution request.

  The content receiving method according to claim 24 includes a first receiving step (for example, step S21 in FIG. 5 or step S51 in FIG. 7) for receiving content distributed from the content distribution device, and a first receiving step. An output step (for example, step S24 in FIG. 5 or S54 in FIG. 7) for outputting the content received by the processing of step 2, and an acquisition step for acquiring decryption information added to the content output by the processing of the output step ( For example, based on step S25 of FIG. 5 or S64 of FIG. 8 and the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquisition step, a request step (for example, FIG. 5) that requests the content distribution device to distribute related content. In step S26 or S67 in FIG. 8 and the request is processed in response to the request. Second receiving step of receiving related content came (e.g., step S68 in step S27 or 8 of FIG. 5), characterized in that it comprises a.

  The content playback apparatus (for example, the television receiver 14 of FIG. 1) according to claim 27 reads out the content recorded on the recording medium (for example, the medium 60 of FIG. 2) (step S82 of FIG. 9). 2 for executing the processing of FIG. 2 and output means for outputting the content read by the reading means (for example, the image processing unit 71 and the output unit 72 of FIG. 2 for executing the processing of step S83). Acquisition means for acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the output means (for example, the decryption information acquisition unit 55 in FIG. 2 that executes the process of step S84 in FIG. 9), and the acquisition means. Based on the decoded information, the request means for requesting the content distribution apparatus to distribute the related content (for example, in step S85 in FIG. 9). 2 for executing the processing, and receiving means for receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by the request means (for example, the external of FIG. 2 for executing the processing of step S86 of FIG. 9). And an input unit 57).

  The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 28 is a decoding unit that decodes the related content received by the receiving unit based on the decoding information acquired by the acquiring unit (for example, a diagram for executing the process of step S86 in FIG. 9). 2 decoding section 58).

  The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 32 is a synthesis unit that synthesizes the content output by the output unit and the related content received by the reception unit (for example, executes the process of step S87 in FIG. 9 in FIG. 2). It further comprises a synthesizing unit 73).

  The content reproduction method according to claim 35 includes a reading step (step S82 in FIG. 9) for reading the content recorded on the recording medium, and an output step (for example, outputting the content read by the processing of the reading step). Step S83), an acquisition step (for example, step S84 in FIG. 9) for acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the output step process, and the decryption information acquired by the acquisition step process A requesting step (for example, step S85 in FIG. 9) for requesting the content distribution apparatus to distribute related content, and a receiving step (for example, receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by the processing of the requesting step). Step S86) of FIG. 9 is included.

  In the program recorded on the recording medium according to claim 9 and the program according to claim 10, the embodiment (however, an example) corresponding to each step is the content distribution according to claim 8. In the program recorded on the recording medium according to claim 25 and the program according to claim 26, an embodiment (however, an example) corresponding to each step is described in claim 24. In the program recorded on the recording medium according to claim 36 and the program according to claim 37, the embodiment (however, an example) corresponding to each step is the same as the content receiving method described in claim 36. This is the same as the content reproduction method according to claim 35.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a distribution system 1 to which the present invention is applied. In the distribution system 1, a content providing device 11, a distribution device 12, a television receiver 14, and a recording device 15 are connected to each other via a network 13 such as the Internet.

  The content providing device 11 produces broadcast content (so-called program) into which the advertisement information (CM) provided from the advertiser 16 is inserted, and also creates related content to be newly provided when the broadcast content is viewed. . Further, the content providing apparatus 11 encrypts the produced related content, and then supplies it to the distribution apparatus 12 directly or via the network 13. Further, the content providing device 11 generates decryption information for acquiring the related content, conceals the generated decryption information in the broadcast content, and then distributes it to the television receiver 14 and the recording device 15.

  Here, the decryption information includes key information for decrypting the related content that is encrypted, information related to the storage destination of the related content in the distribution device 12 (hereinafter referred to as storage address information), and the like. These are information other than a viewable form (for example, digital watermark information).

  The distribution device 12 stores the related content supplied from the content providing device 11, reads predetermined related content in response to a request from the television receiver 14 or the recording device 15, and distributes it via the network 13. .

  The television receiver 14 receives and reproduces broadcast content distributed from the content providing apparatus 11. Further, when the broadcast content including the CM is normally reproduced, the television receiver 14 can acquire the decryption information concealed in the content, and based on the decryption information, the television 13 The distribution device 12 is requested to distribute related content. Further, the television receiver 14 receives the related content distributed from the distribution device 12 via the network 13, and decrypts and reproduces the related content based on the key information included in the previously obtained decryption information. To do.

  The recording device 15 is configured by, for example, an HDD recorder, and receives and records broadcast content distributed from the content providing device 11. When playback is instructed by the user, the recording device 15 reads the recorded content, supplies it to the television receiver 14 and plays it back. Further, when the broadcast content including the CM is normally reproduced, the recording device 15 can acquire the decryption information concealed in the content, and based on the decryption information, via the network 13 The distribution device 12 is requested to distribute related content. Further, the recording device 15 receives the related content distributed from the distribution device 12 via the network 13, decrypts the related content based on the key information included in the previously acquired decryption information, It is supplied to the television receiver 14 and reproduced.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the distribution system 1.

  The content providing apparatus 11 includes a content production unit 21, a key information generation unit 22, an encryption unit 23, a storage address acquisition unit 24, a decryption information addition unit 25, a storage unit 26, a control unit 27, and a transmission unit 28. .

  The content production unit 21 produces broadcast content in which the advertisement information (CM) provided by the advertiser 16 is inserted into the content (program), and newly provides it when the broadcast content is viewed. Create related content linked to broadcast content. The key information generation unit 22 generates key information for encrypting the related content produced by the content production unit 21, and supplies the key information to the encryption unit 23 and the decryption information addition unit 25, respectively.

  The encryption unit 23 encrypts the related content produced by the content production unit 21 using the key information supplied from the key information generation unit 22, and supplies the encrypted related content to the distribution device 12. The storage address acquisition unit 24 acquires storage address information in the storage unit 41 of the distribution device 12 of the encrypted related content and supplies it to the decryption information addition unit 25.

  The decryption information addition unit 25 conceals the key information supplied from the key information generation unit 22 and the storage address information supplied from the storage address acquisition unit 24 as decryption information (Watermark) in the broadcast content, and as edited content. The data is stored in the storage unit 26. The control unit 27 reads the edited content stored in the storage unit 26 and distributes it via the transmission unit 28. Details of the process of concealing the decryption information in the content will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The distribution device 12 includes a storage unit 41, a control unit 42, and a transmission / reception unit 43.

  The storage unit 41 stores encrypted related content supplied from the content providing apparatus 11. The control unit 42 reads out predetermined related content stored in the storage unit 41 based on the storage address information included in the related content distribution request supplied from the transmission / reception unit 43 and supplies the read related content to the transmission / reception unit 43. The transmission / reception unit 43 receives a related content distribution request transmitted from the television receiver 14 or the recording device 15 via the network 13 and supplies it to the control unit 42. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 43 distributes the related content supplied from the control unit 42 to the television receiver 14 or the recording device 15 via the network 13.

  The television receiver 14 includes an antenna 51, a tuner 52, a demodulation unit 53, a use unit 54, a decryption information acquisition unit 55, a related content request unit 56, an external input unit 57, a decryption unit 58, and a drive 59. The use unit 54 includes an image processing unit 71, an output unit 72, and a synthesis unit 73.

  The antenna 51 receives the broadcast content that has been distributed. The tuner 52 tunes the broadcast content received by the antenna 51 and selects a reception wave of a predetermined channel. The demodulator 53 demodulates the received wave of the predetermined channel selected by the tuner 51. The image processing unit 71 performs predetermined image processing on the data demodulated by the demodulation unit 53. The output unit 72 generates output data from data that has been subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 71.

  The decryption information acquisition unit 55 acquires the decryption information from the output data generated by the output unit 72, supplies the storage address information included in the decryption information to the related content request unit 56, and receives the key information included in the decryption information. It supplies to the decoding part 58.

  The related content request unit 56 requests the distribution device 12 to distribute related content via the network 13 based on the storage address information supplied from the decryption information acquisition unit 55. The external input unit 57 receives the related content distributed from the distribution device 12 via the network 13 in response to the distribution request from the related content request unit 56. The decryption unit 58 decrypts the related content received by the external input unit 57 using the key information supplied from the decryption information acquisition unit 55.

  The synthesizing unit 73 newly obtains the output data generated by the output unit 72 (that is, broadcast content that is normally distributed) and the data decoded by the decoding unit 58 (that is, linked to the broadcast content). Related content) is synthesized (superimposed) and output to a display or a speaker.

  A medium 60 is appropriately attached to the drive 59 as necessary, and the recorded content read from the medium 60 is supplied to the use unit 54 for playback, or the data output from the use unit 54 is stored in the medium. 60.

  The recording device 15 includes an antenna 81, a tuner 82, a demodulator 83, a use unit 84, a decryption information acquisition unit 85, a related content request unit 86, an external input unit 87, and a decryption unit 88. The image processing unit 91, the output unit 92, the recording unit 93, the HDD 94, the playback unit 95, and the synthesis unit 96 are configured.

  The antenna 81 through the demodulation unit 83 and the decoding information acquisition unit 85 through the decoding unit 88 have the same configurations as the antenna 51 through the demodulation unit 53 and the decoding information acquisition unit 55 through the decoding unit 58 of the television receiver 14, respectively. The description thereof is omitted.

  The image processing unit 91 performs predetermined image processing on the data demodulated by the demodulation unit 83. The output unit 92 generates output data from the data that has been subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 91. The recording unit 93 performs a predetermined compression process on the output data generated by the output unit 92 and stores (records) it as recorded data in the HDD 94. The reproduction unit 95 reads out and reproduces the recorded data stored in the HDD 94 and performs a predetermined expansion process on the reproduction data.

  The synthesizing unit 96 newly acquires the reproduction data expanded by the reproduction unit 95 (that is, broadcast content that is normally distributed) and the data decoded by the decoding unit 88 (that is, linked to the broadcast content). Related content) is synthesized (superimposed) and output to a display or a speaker. The decryption unit 88 supplies the decrypted data to the HDD 94 via the recording unit 93 and stores it therein. As with the television receiver 14, the output data generated by the output unit 92 of the recording device 15 is not compressed and stored, but is directly combined with the output from the decoding unit 88 by the combining unit 96. Also good.

  Next, details of the process of concealing the decryption information in the content will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3A schematically shows a state in which advertisement information CMA1 to CMA3 is inserted between the contents A1 to A4, respectively. The decryption information WMA1 is concealed in the area of the content A1, and the decryption information WMA1 ′ is concealed in the area of the advertisement information CMA1.

  The decryption information WMA1 and the decryption information WMA1 ′ may be exactly the same information, or true decryption information may be obtained by the decryption information WMA1 + decryption information WMA1 ′. The same applies to the decryption information in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Here, description will be given below assuming that decryption information WMA1 = decryption information WMA1 ′ (the same applies to the decryption information in FIGS. 3B and 3C).

The content production unit 21 of the distribution apparatus 11 produces the related content A1 ′ linked to the content A1 to A4 and supplies it to the encryption unit 23. The key information generation unit 22 generates key information KeyA1 for encrypting the related content A1 ′. The encryption unit 23 encrypts the related content A1 ′ with the key information KeyA1 and stores it in the storage unit 41 of the distribution device 12. The storage address acquisition unit 24 acquires the storage address information URLA1 in the storage unit 41 of the related content A1 ′. The decryption information adding unit 25 generates decryption information WMA1 from the key information KeyA1 generated by the key information generation unit 22 and the storage address information URLA1 acquired by the storage address acquisition unit 24. This decryption information WMA1 is expressed by the following equation (1).
WMA1 = URLA1 + KeyA1 (1)

  Then, the decryption information adding unit 25 conceals the decryption information WMA1 in the content A1 and the advertisement information CMA1, respectively, and then stores the decrypted information WMA1 in the storage unit 26 as edited content. Thereafter, the control unit 27 reads the edited content from the storage unit 26 and distributes it via the transmission unit 28.

  The decoding information acquisition unit 55 of the television receiver 14 that has received this content acquires decoding information from the output data output via the antenna 51, the tuner 52, the demodulation unit 53, the image processing unit 71, and the output unit 72. Then, the storage address information URLA1 is supplied to the related content request unit 56, and the key information KeyA1 is supplied to the decryption unit 58.

  The related content request unit 56 requests the distribution device 12 to distribute related content based on the storage address information URLA1. Upon receiving this request, the control unit 42 of the distribution apparatus 12 acquires the related content A1 ′ stored in the storage address information URLA1 from the storage unit 41 and distributes it to the television receiver 14 via the transmission / reception unit 43.

  The decryption unit 58 of the television receiver 14 decrypts the related content A1 ′ received by the external input unit 57 using the key information KeyA1. The synthesizing unit 73 synthesizes the related content A1 ′ decrypted by the decrypting unit 58 with the contents A1 to A4 output from the output unit 72, and outputs them.

  The storage address information URLA1 may be an actual URL (for example, http://www.xxx.xxx/), number information such as “000001”, or the like so as not to increase the size, or A combination thereof (for example, http://www.xxx.xxx/000001) may be used.

  FIG. 3B schematically shows a state where advertisement information CMB1 to CMB3 are inserted between the contents B1 to B4, respectively. Decryption information WMB1 to WMB4 is concealed in each area of the contents B1 to B4, and decryption information WMB1 ′ to WMB3 ′ is concealed in each area of the advertisement information CMB1 to CMB3.

  The content production unit 21 of the distribution apparatus 11 produces the related content B1 ′ linked to the content B1 to B4 and supplies it to the encryption unit 23. The key information generation unit 22 generates key information KeyB1 to KeyB4 for encrypting the related content B1 ′. The encryption unit 23 encrypts the related content B1 ′ with the key information KeyB1 to KeyB4, and stores it in the storage unit 41 of the distribution device 12. The storage address acquisition unit 24 acquires the storage address information URLB in the storage unit 41 of the related content B1 ′ and divides it into URLB1 to URLB4. For example, the storage address information URLA1 described in FIG. 3A is divided by dividing the storage address information URLB = “000001” into URLB1 = “00”, URLB2 = “00”, URLB3 = “00”, and URLB4 = “01”. The same address can be realized.

The decryption information adding unit 25 generates decryption information WMB1 to WMB4 from the key information KeyB1 to KeyB4 generated by the key information generation unit 22 and the storage address information URLB1 to URLB4 acquired by the storage address acquisition unit 24, respectively. . The decryption information WMB1 to WMB4 are expressed by the following equations (2) to (5).
WMB1 = URLB1 + KeyB1 (2)
WMB2 = URLB2 + KeyB2 (3)
WMB3 = URLB3 + KeyB3 (4)
WMB4 = URLB4 + KeyB4 (5)

  The decryption information adding unit 25 conceals the decryption information WMB1 to WMB4 in the contents B1 to B4 and the advertisement information CMB1 to CMB3, respectively, and then stores them in the storage unit 26 as edited contents. Thereafter, the control unit 27 reads the edited content from the storage unit 26 and distributes it via the transmission unit 28.

  The decoding information acquisition unit 55 of the television receiver 14 that has received this content acquires decoding information from the output data output via the antenna 51, the tuner 52, the demodulation unit 53, the image processing unit 71, and the output unit 72. The stored address information URLB1 to URLB4 is combined and supplied to the related content requesting unit 56, and the key information KeyB1 to KeyB4 is restored and supplied to the decrypting unit 58. Here, for the restoration of the key information, for example, by using an exclusive-OR circuit, the result of exclusive OR operation, or by connecting the key information KeyB1 to KeyB4, Information KeyB is obtained.

  The related content request unit 56 requests the distribution device 12 to distribute related content based on the storage address information URLB (= URLB1 + URLB2 + URLB3 + URLB4). Upon receiving this request, the control unit 42 of the distribution apparatus 12 acquires the related content B1 ′ stored in the storage address information URLB from the storage unit 41 and distributes it to the television receiver 14 via the transmission / reception unit 43.

  The decryption unit 58 of the television receiver 14 decrypts the related content B1 ′ received by the external input unit 57 using the restored key information KeyB (= KeyB1 + KeyB2 + KeyB3 + KeyB4). The synthesizing unit 73 synthesizes the related contents B1 ′ decrypted by the decrypting unit 58 with the contents B1 to B4 output from the output unit 72, and outputs them.

  FIG. 3C schematically shows a state in which advertisement information CMC1 to CMC3 is inserted between the contents C1 to C4, respectively. Decryption information WMC1 to WMC4 is concealed in each area of contents C1 to C4, and decryption information WMC1 ′ to WMC3 ′ is concealed in each area of advertisement information CMC1 to CMC3.

  The content production unit 21 of the distribution apparatus 11 produces the related content C1 ′ to C4 ′ linked to the content C1 to C4 and supplies the related content C1 ′ to C4 ′ to the encryption unit 23. The key information generation unit 22 generates key information KeyC1 to KeyC4 for encrypting the related contents C1 ′ to C4 ′, respectively. The encryption unit 23 encrypts the related contents C1 ′ to C4 ′ with the key information KeyC1 to KeyC4, respectively, and stores them in the storage unit 41 of the distribution device 12. The storage address acquisition unit 24 acquires storage address information URLC1 to URLC4 in the storage unit 41 of the related contents C1 ′ to C4 ′, respectively.

The decryption information adding unit 25 generates decryption information WMC1 to WMC4 from the key information KeyC1 to KeyC4 generated by the key information generation unit 22 and the storage address information URLC1 to URLC4 acquired by the storage address acquisition unit 24, respectively. . The decryption information WMC1 to WMC4 are expressed by the following equations (6) to (9).
WMC1 = URLC1 + KeyC1 (6)
WMC2 = URLC2 + KeyC2 (7)
WMC3 = URLC3 + KeyC3 (8)
WMC4 = URLC4 + KeyC4 (9)

  Then, the decryption information adding unit 25 conceals the decryption information WMC1 to WMC4 in the contents C1 to C4 and the advertisement information CMC1 to CMC3, respectively, and then stores them in the storage unit 26 as edited contents. Thereafter, the control unit 27 reads the edited content from the storage unit 26 and distributes it via the transmission unit 28.

  The decoding information acquisition unit 55 of the television receiver 14 that has received this content acquires decoding information from the output data output via the antenna 51, the tuner 52, the demodulation unit 53, the image processing unit 71, and the output unit 72. Then, the storage address information URLC1 to URLC4 is supplied to the related content request unit 56, and the key information KeyC1 to KeyC4 is supplied to the decryption unit 58.

  The related content request unit 56 requests the distribution device 12 to distribute related content based on the storage address information URLC1 to URLC4. Upon receiving this request, the control unit 42 of the distribution apparatus 12 acquires the related contents C1 ′ to C4 ′ stored in the storage address information URLC1 to URLC4 from the storage unit 41, and receives the television image via the transmission / reception unit 43. Delivered to the machine 14.

  The decrypting unit 58 of the television receiver 14 decrypts the related contents C1 ′ to C4 ′ received by the external input unit 57 using the key information KeyC1 to KeyC4, respectively. The synthesizing unit 73 synthesizes the related contents C1 ′ to C4 ′ decrypted by the decrypting unit 58 with the contents C1 to C4 output from the output unit 72 and outputs them. The related contents C1 ′ to C4 ′ may be unique contents, or may be combined to form one content.

  Also, in FIG. 3C, for example, related content C1 ′ obtained by playing back content C1 and advertising information CMC1, related content C1 ′ obtained by playing back content C1, C2 and advertising information CMC1, CMC2, content C1 through C3, and advertising. The related content C3 ′ obtained by playing the information CMC1 to CMC3, the contents C1 to C4, and the related content C4 ′ obtained by playing the advertisement information CMC1 to CMC4 (CMC4 not shown) are changed in quality, respectively. However, the longer the content and advertisement information are viewed, the higher quality related content can be acquired.

  Further, the decryption information is concealed in a part of the content and the advertisement information as shown in FIG. 3A or concealed in each of the content and the advertisement information as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content may be distributed and concealed with predetermined content and advertisement information (not shown).

  As described above, broadcast content and related content linked to the content are synthesized and output. Thus, for example, the following can be considered as interlocking.

(1) In the baseball broadcast, the player's performance information data is acquired as related content, and is displayed on the screen.
(2) In a baseball broadcast, a slow motion image or a video taken from another angle is acquired as related content and displayed.
(3) When a recorded news or weather forecast program is reproduced, the subsequent progress or change is acquired as related content and displayed.
(4) In an application video such as a prize, only a user who has normally viewed a program acquires and displays a quiz hint or the like as related content.
(5) In a program, only a user who has normally viewed the program acquires and displays a free gift application video as related content.
(6) In music programs or video programs, high sound quality data and high image quality data are acquired as related contents, and are switched from low sound quality data and low image quality data and output.
(7) When all the CMs of a predetermined advertiser are viewed, the next CM (for example, a rare CM) provided by the advertiser is acquired and displayed.
(8) Relevant content is received, and external devices such as a vibration pad, a reclining seat, an odor generating device, and an acceleration sensation device are controlled based on this data.

  As described above, only when the user normally views the CM, the related content linked to the broadcast content can be acquired, and the content providing apparatus 11 can provide the program as a more interesting service. .

  Next, broadcast content distribution processing executed by the content providing apparatus 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 1, the administrator of the content providing apparatus 11 makes a sponsor contract with the advertiser 16. In step S2, the content production unit 21 produces broadcast content in which the advertisement information (CM) provided by the advertiser 16 is inserted into the content (program). In step S3, the content production unit 21 produces related content linked to the broadcast content to be newly provided when the broadcast content produced in the process of step S2 is normally viewed.

  In step S4, the key information generation unit 22 generates key information for encrypting the related content produced in the process of step S3. In step S5, the encryption unit 23 encrypts the related content produced in step S3 using the key information generated in step S4. In step S <b> 6, the encryption unit 23 supplies the related content encrypted in the process of step S <b> 5 to the distribution device 12 and stores it in the storage unit 41.

  In step S7, the storage address acquisition unit 24 acquires the storage address information of the related content stored in the storage unit 41 of the distribution device 12 in the process of step S6. In step S8, the decryption information adding unit 25 is produced in the process of step S2 using the key information generated in the process of step S4 and the storage address information acquired in the process of step S7 as decryption information (Watermark). The broadcast content is concealed (for example, FIGS. 3A to 3C).

  In step S9, the decryption information adding unit 25 stores the broadcast content in which the decryption information is concealed in the process of step S8 in the storage unit 26 as edited broadcast content. In step S <b> 10, the control unit 27 reads the edited content stored in the storage unit 26 in the process of step S <b> 9 and distributes it via the transmission unit 28.

  Through the above broadcast content distribution processing, the content providing device 11 produces related content linked to the broadcast content, generates decryption information for acquiring the related content, conceals the decryption information in the broadcast content, Can be delivered to viewers.

  Next, content reception processing executed by the television receiver 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S21, the antenna 51 receives the broadcast wave (that is, broadcast content) distributed by the process of step S10 of FIG. 4 described above. In step S22, the tuner 52 tunes the broadcast content received in the process of step S21, and selects a reception wave of a predetermined channel. In step S23, the demodulator 53 demodulates the received wave of the predetermined channel selected in the process of step S22.

  In step S24, the image processing unit 71 performs predetermined image processing on the data demodulated in step S23. The output unit 72 generates output data from the image-processed data. In step S25, the decryption information acquisition unit 55 acquires decryption information including key information and storage address information from the output data generated in the process of step S24. In step S <b> 26, the related content request unit 56 requests the distribution device 12 to distribute the related content via the network 13 based on the storage address information acquired in the process of step S <b> 25. The distribution apparatus 12 that has received this request searches for and distributes the related content based on the storage address information included in the reception request (details thereof will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6).

  In step S27, the external input unit 57 acquires related content distributed from the distribution device 12 via the network 13 in response to the distribution request by the process of step S26. The decryption unit 58 decrypts the related content using the key information acquired in the process of step S25. In step S28, the synthesizer 73 synthesizes the output data (broadcast content) generated in the process of step S24 and the data (related content) decoded in the process of step S27, and outputs them to a display, a speaker, or the like. .

  Through the above content reception processing, the television receiver 14 newly acquires related content linked to the broadcast content based on the decryption information obtained when the received broadcast content (including CM) is normally reproduced. can do.

  Next, the related content distribution processing executed by the distribution device 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S41, the control unit 42 determines whether or not a related content distribution request has been received from a viewer (for example, the television receiver 14) via the transmission / reception unit 43, and receives the related content distribution request. Wait until If it is determined that the related content distribution request transmitted by the process of step S26 of FIG. 5 has been received, the process proceeds to step S42, and the control unit 42 is based on the storage address information included in the distribution request. Thus, the predetermined related content stored in the storage unit 41 is searched. In step S43, the control unit 42 distributes the related content searched in the process of step S42 via the transmission / reception unit 43.

  Through the related content distribution processing described above, the distribution device 12 can search and distribute the corresponding related content based on the storage address information included in the distribution request from the viewer.

  According to the above, the viewer can watch the program by concealing the decryption information (storage address information and key information) for acquiring related content linked to the broadcast content in the content area and CM area of the broadcast content. Sometimes decryption information is obtained, and based on the decryption information, related content can be obtained and decrypted in real time. At that time, for example, by restricting the acquired related content to be viewed in the CM area (for example, by synchronizing the related content with synchronization information for matching the audio and video in the CM area) The person can reproduce the related content only when the user normally views the CM without skipping it.

  Also, for example, if the storage address information for acquiring the related content is concealed in the broadcast content area and the key information for decrypting the related content is concealed in the CM area, the viewer can watch the program. Sometimes, storage address information is acquired, and related contents can be acquired simultaneously based on the storage address information. Then, the viewer can obtain the key information by viewing the CM, and can decrypt the related content. The decrypted related content is displayed in a superimposed manner on the broadcast content, or switched to a reproduction-dedicated channel and reproduced within the frame.

  Furthermore, for example, by concealing decryption information (storage address information and key information) for acquiring related content in the CM area, the viewer can acquire the decryption information only when viewing the CM. The related content can be acquired and decrypted based on the decryption information. The decrypted related content is displayed in a superimposed manner on the broadcast content, or switched to a reproduction-dedicated channel and reproduced within the frame.

  As described above, the content providing apparatus 11 does not forcibly show the CM, but provides the broadcast content that makes the user want to see the CM so that the viewer can receive a higher quality service ( That is, in order to acquire related content and play it back, the user can naturally watch the commercial without skipping the commercial or switching to another channel.

  Further, in the above, an example in which broadcast content is viewed in real time and related content is acquired based on decryption information included in the broadcast content has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, For example, even when broadcast content is recorded and reproduced, related content can be acquired.

  Next, content recording processing executed by the recording device 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S51, the antenna 81 receives the broadcast wave (that is, broadcast content) distributed by the process of step S10 of FIG. 4 described above. In step S52, the tuner 82 tunes the broadcast content received in the process of step S51, and selects a reception wave of a predetermined channel. In step S53, the demodulator 83 demodulates the received wave of the predetermined channel selected in the process of step S52.

  In step S54, the image processing unit 91 performs predetermined image processing on the data demodulated in step S53. The output unit 92 generates output data from the image-processed data. In step S55, the recording unit 93 performs a predetermined compression process on the output data generated in the process of step S54. In step S56, the recording unit 93 stores (records) the data subjected to the compression process in step S55 in the HDD 94 as recorded data.

  Through the content recording process described above, the recording device 15 can record the received broadcast content (including CM) on the HDD 94.

  Next, recorded content playback processing executed by the recording device 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S61, the playback unit 95 determines whether or not playback is instructed by the user via an input unit (not shown), and waits until playback is instructed. If it is determined that reproduction has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S62, and the reproduction unit 95 reads out and reproduces predetermined data instructed by the user among the data recorded in the HDD 94. In step S63, the reproduction unit 95 performs a predetermined expansion process on the data reproduced in the process of step S62.

  In step S64, the decryption information acquisition unit 85 acquires decryption information including key information and storage address information from the reproduction data subjected to the decompression process in the process of step S63. In step S65, the decryption information acquisition unit 85 determines whether the related content corresponding to the storage address information is already stored in the HDD 94, and if the related content corresponding to the storage address information is already stored in the HDD 94. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S66, and it is further determined whether or not new related content can be acquired from the stored related content. For example, when the related content stored is content with a time limit, if the time limit has expired, it is determined that acquisition of new related content is possible.

  If it is determined in step S66 that new related content can be acquired, or if it is determined in step S65 that the related content corresponding to the storage address information is not stored in the HDD 94, the process proceeds to step S67. The related content request unit 86 requests distribution of the related content to the distribution device 12 via the network 13 based on the storage address information acquired in the process of step S64. The distribution apparatus 12 that has received this request searches for and distributes the related content through the processing in steps S42 and S43 in FIG. 6 described above.

  In step S68, the external input unit 87 acquires related content distributed from the distribution device 12 via the network 13 in response to the distribution request by the processing in step S67. The decrypting unit 88 decrypts the related content using the key information acquired in the process of step S64.

  If it is determined in step S66 that new related content cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S69, and the playback unit 95 stores the storage address acquired in the process of step S64 among the related content stored in the HDD 94. Read related content corresponding to information. The decryption unit 88 decrypts the related content read from the HDD 94 using the key information acquired in the process of step S64.

  After step S68 or step S69, in step S70, the synthesizer 96 reproduces the reproduction data (broadcast content) expanded in step S63 and the data decoded in step S68 or step S69 (related). Content) and output to the display or speaker of the television receiver 14. In step S <b> 71, the recording unit 93 performs a predetermined compression process on the data (related content) decrypted in the process of step S <b> 68 or step S <b> 69 if necessary, and stores it in the HDD 94. However, since the data decrypted in step S68 is newer than the data stored in the HDD 94, the old data is updated to the new data.

  Through the above recorded content playback processing, the recording device 15 newly acquires related content linked to the broadcast content based on the decoding information obtained when the recorded broadcast content (including CM) is normally played back. be able to.

  In the above, the example in which the related content is acquired based on the decryption information included in the received broadcast content has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is recorded on a recording medium, for example. It is also possible to acquire the related content based on the decryption information obtained when the content with CM is reproduced.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, a description will be given of a process of reproducing content with CM recorded on the medium 60 attached to the drive 59, which is executed by the television receiver 14.

  In step S81, the image processing unit 71 determines whether or not reproduction is instructed by the user via an input unit (not shown), and waits until the reproduction is instructed. If it is determined that reproduction has been instructed, the process advances to step S82, and the image processing unit 71 reads predetermined data instructed by the user from among the data recorded on the medium 60 attached to the drive 59. . In step S83, the image processing unit 71 performs predetermined image processing on the data read out in step S82. The output unit 72 generates output data from the image-processed data.

  In step S84, the decryption information acquisition unit 55 acquires decryption information including key information and storage address information from the output data generated in the process of step S83. In step S85, the related content request unit 56 requests the distribution device 12 to distribute the related content via the network 13 based on the storage address information acquired in the process of step S84. The distribution apparatus 12 that has received this request searches for and distributes the related content through the processing in steps S42 and S43 in FIG. 6 described above.

  In step S86, the external input unit 57 acquires related content distributed from the distribution device 12 via the network 13 in response to the distribution request by the processing in step S85. The decryption unit 58 decrypts the related content using the key information acquired in the process of step S84. In step S87, the synthesis unit 73 synthesizes the output data (broadcast content) generated in the process of step S83 and the data (related content) decoded in the process of step S86, and outputs the synthesized data to a display or a speaker. .

  Through the above recording media playback process, the television receiver 14 newly creates related content linked to the content based on the decryption information obtained when the content with CM recorded on the media 60 is played back normally. Can be acquired.

  According to the present invention, the content providing device 11 can provide more attractive content by concealing decryption information for acquiring related content linked to content in the content region and the CM region. It becomes. On the other hand, in order for viewers to receive higher quality services (to obtain related content), viewers should naturally watch commercials without skipping commercials or switching to other channels. Become.

  Further, according to the present invention, the content providing apparatus 11 may appropriately update the related content to the latest one. The related content re-storing process in that case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S101, the content production unit 21 newly broadcasts the broadcast content that has been produced (for example, already produced by the processing in step S2 in FIG. 4) when the content is normally viewed. Reproduce related content linked to the content. In step S102, the key information generation unit 22 searches for generated key information (for example, generated in the process of step S4 in FIG. 4). In step S103, the encryption unit 23 encrypts the related content re-produced in the process of step S101 using the key information searched in the process of step S102. In step S <b> 104, the encryption unit 23 supplies the related content encrypted in the process of step S <b> 103 to the distribution device 12 and causes the storage unit 41 to store the related content.

  By the related content re-storing process, the content providing apparatus 11 can always provide the latest content to the viewer. For this reason, viewers can naturally watch commercials without losing interest.

  In the above, the content providing apparatus 11 distributes broadcast content, and the distribution apparatus 12 distributes related content linked to the broadcast content. However, the content providing apparatus 11 distributes both broadcast content and related content. You may make it deliver.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, or can be executed by software using a personal computer or the like. In this case, for example, the content providing apparatus 11, the distribution apparatus 12, the television receiver 14, and the recording apparatus 15 include a computer 200 as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 or a program loaded from a storage unit 208 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. To do. The RAM 203 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 201 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via the bus 204. An input / output interface 205 is also connected to the bus 204.

  The input / output interface 205 includes an input unit 206 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal display), an output unit 207 including a speaker, and a hard disk. A communication unit 209 including a storage unit 208 and a modem is connected. The communication unit 209 performs communication processing via the network 13 including the Internet.

  A drive 210 is connected to the input / output interface 205 as necessary, and a removable medium 211 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately attached, and a computer program read from them is It is installed in the storage unit 208 as necessary.

  When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the recording medium is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body, and includes a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk (registered trademark)) on which the program is recorded. Removable media consisting of optical disks (including CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disks (including MD (mini-disk) (registered trademark)), or semiconductor memory In addition to the configuration 211, the configuration includes a ROM 202 on which a program is recorded and a hard disk included in the storage unit 208, which is distributed to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order in the order in which it is included, but is not necessarily processed in chronological order, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the delivery system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of a delivery system. It is a figure explaining the detail of the process which conceals decoding information in a content. It is a flowchart explaining a broadcast content delivery process. It is a flowchart explaining a content reception process. It is a flowchart explaining a related content delivery process. It is a flowchart explaining a content recording process. It is a flowchart explaining a recorded content reproduction process. It is a flowchart explaining a recording media reproduction process. It is a flowchart explaining a related content re-storing process. It is a block which shows the structural example of a computer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Distribution system, 11 Content provision apparatus, 12 Distribution apparatus, 13 Network, 14 Television receiver, 15 Recording apparatus, 16 Advertiser, 21 Content production part, 22 Key information generation part, 23 Encryption part, 24 Storage address acquisition Unit, 25 decoding information addition unit, 26 storage unit, 27 control unit, 28 transmission unit, 41 storage unit, 42 control unit, 42 transmission / reception unit, 51 antenna, 52 tuner, 53 demodulation unit, 54 use unit, 55 decoding information acquisition unit , 56 related content request unit, 57 external input unit, 58 decoding unit, 59 drive, 60 media, 71 image processing unit, 72 output unit, 73 combining unit, 81 antenna, 82 tuner, 83 demodulating unit, 84 using unit, 85 Decryption information acquisition unit, 86 related content Tsu requesting unit, 87 an external input unit, 88 decoding section, 91 image processing unit, 92 output unit, 93 recording unit, 94 HDD, 95 playback unit 96 combining unit

Claims (37)

In a content distribution system comprising a content distribution device for distributing content and a content reception device for receiving the content,
The content distribution device includes:
Storage means for storing related content related to the content;
Generating means for generating decryption information for acquiring the related content;
Adding means for adding the decryption information generated by the generating means to the content;
First distribution means for distributing the content added by the addition means;
Second distribution means for searching for and distributing the related content stored in the storage means in response to a request from the content receiving device;
The content receiving device is:
First receiving means for receiving the content;
Output means for outputting the content received by the first receiving means;
Obtaining means for obtaining the decryption information added to the content outputted by the output means;
Request means for requesting distribution of the related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition means;
And a second receiving means for receiving the related content distributed in response to the request from the requesting means. In a content distribution device that distributes content,
Storage means for storing related content related to the content;
Generating means for generating decryption information for acquiring the related content;
Adding means for adding the decryption information generated by the generating means to the content;
First distribution means for distributing the content added by the addition means;
A content distribution apparatus comprising: a second distribution unit that searches for and distributes the related content stored in the storage unit in response to a request from the content reception device. Further comprising an encryption means for encrypting the related content based on the decryption information generated by the generation means;
The content distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores the related content encrypted by the encryption unit. The content is composed of a plurality of content areas,
The related content is composed of a plurality of related content areas,
The adding means adds the decryption information by distributing to all, a part of the content area, or a predetermined area,
The content distribution apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the encryption unit encrypts the related content area with the decryption information added to the content area. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adding unit conceals the decryption information in the content. The content includes at least advertising information,
The content distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the decryption information is added to the advertisement information. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the decryption information includes address information of the related content stored in the storage unit and key information for decrypting the related content. In a content distribution method of a content distribution apparatus for distributing content,
Storing a related content related to the content;
Generating the decryption information for obtaining the related content;
An adding step of adding the decryption information generated by the processing of the generating step to the content;
A first distribution step of distributing the content added by the processing of the addition step;
A content distribution method comprising: a second distribution step of searching for and distributing the related content stored by the processing of the storage step in response to a request from the content receiving device. In a program that causes a computer to perform content distribution processing of a content distribution device that distributes content,
Storing a related content related to the content;
Generating the decryption information for obtaining the related content;
An adding step of adding the decryption information generated by the processing of the generating step to the content;
A first distribution step of distributing the content added by the processing of the addition step;
A second distribution step of searching for and distributing the related content stored by the processing of the storage step in response to a request from the content receiving device; Recording media. In a program that causes a computer to perform content distribution processing of a content distribution device that distributes content,
Storing a related content related to the content;
Generating the decryption information for obtaining the related content;
An adding step of adding the decryption information generated by the processing of the generating step to the content;
A first distribution step of distributing the content added by the processing of the addition step;
A program that causes a computer to execute a second distribution step of searching for and distributing the related content stored by the processing of the storage step in response to a request from a content receiving device. In a content receiving device that receives content,
First receiving means for receiving the content distributed from the content distribution device;
Output means for outputting the content received by the first receiving means;
Obtaining means for obtaining the decryption information added to the content outputted by the output means;
Request means for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition means;
A content receiving apparatus comprising: a second receiving unit configured to receive the related content distributed in response to a request from the request unit. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a decrypting unit that decrypts the related content received by the second receiving unit based on the decryption information acquired by the acquiring unit. The second receiving means receives the related content encrypted,
The content receiving apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the decrypting unit decrypts the related content based on key information included in the decryption information. The second receiving means receives a plurality of related contents encrypted,
The decrypting unit decrypts each of the plurality of related contents based on key information included in the decryption information, and uses one or a plurality of related contents by using a part or all of the plurality of decrypted related contents. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the content is restored. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the requesting unit requests distribution of the related content based on address information included in the decryption information. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a combining unit that combines the content output by the output unit and the related content received by the second receiving unit. Recording means for recording the content received by the first receiving means and the related content received by the second receiving means;
Replaying means for replaying the content recorded in the recording means,
The acquisition means acquires the decryption information added to the content reproduced by the reproduction means,
The request unit requests distribution of the related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition unit,
The content receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second receiving unit receives the related content distributed in response to a request from the requesting unit. 18. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a combining unit that combines the content reproduced by the reproducing unit and the related content received by the second receiving unit. The recording means further comprises determination means for determining whether related content corresponding to the decryption information has already been recorded,
The content receiving apparatus according to claim 17, wherein when the determination unit determines that the related content has already been recorded, the request unit does not make a distribution request for the related content. If it is determined that the related content corresponding to the decryption information has already been recorded, the determination unit further determines whether or not new related content can be acquired from the related content that has already been recorded. The content receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the content receiving device is determined. When it is determined by the determining means that the new related content can be acquired, the requesting means requests distribution of the new related content based on the decryption information,
The second receiving means receives the new related content distributed in response to the request by the requesting means,
The content receiving apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the recording unit updates the related content already recorded to the new related content received by the second receiving unit. The content receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the decryption information is concealed in the content. The content includes at least advertising information,
The content receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the decryption information is added to the advertisement information. In a content receiving method of a content receiving device that receives content,
A first receiving step of receiving the content distributed from the content distribution device;
An output step of outputting the content received by the processing of the first reception step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the processing of the output step;
A requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquiring step;
And a second receiving step of receiving the related content distributed in response to the request in the request step. In a program that causes a computer to perform content reception processing of a content receiving device that receives content,
A first receiving step of receiving the content distributed from the content distribution device;
An output step of outputting the content received by the processing of the first reception step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the processing of the output step;
A requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquiring step;
And a second receiving step of receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by the processing of the request step. A recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded. In a program that causes a computer to perform content reception processing of a content receiving device that receives content,
A first receiving step of receiving the content distributed from the content distribution device;
An output step of outputting the content received by the processing of the first reception step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the processing of the output step;
A requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquiring step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a second reception step of receiving the related content distributed in response to a request by the processing of the request step. In a content playback apparatus for playing back content recorded on a recording medium,
Reading means for reading the content recorded on the recording medium;
Output means for outputting the content read by the reading means;
Obtaining means for obtaining the decryption information added to the content outputted by the output means;
Request means for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the acquisition means;
A content reproduction apparatus comprising: a reception unit configured to receive the related content distributed in response to a request from the request unit. 28. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a decrypting unit that decrypts the related content received by the receiving unit based on the decryption information acquired by the acquiring unit. The receiving means receives the related content encrypted,
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the decryption unit decrypts the related content based on key information included in the decryption information. The receiving means receives a plurality of encrypted related contents;
The decrypting unit decrypts each of the plurality of related contents based on key information included in the decryption information, and uses one or a plurality of related contents by using a part or all of the plurality of decrypted related contents. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the content is restored. 28. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the request unit requests distribution of the related content based on address information included in the decryption information. 28. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a combining unit that combines the content output by the output unit and the related content received by the receiving unit. The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the decryption information is concealed in the content. The content includes at least advertising information,
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the decryption information is added to the advertisement information. In a content playback method of a content playback apparatus for playing back content recorded on a recording medium,
A reading step of reading the content recorded on the recording medium;
An output step of outputting the content read by the processing of the read step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the processing of the output step;
A requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquiring step;
And a receiving step of receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by the processing of the requesting step. In a program for causing a computer to perform content playback processing of a content playback device that plays back content recorded on a recording medium,
A reading step of reading the content recorded on the recording medium;
An output step of outputting the content read by the processing of the read step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the processing of the output step;
A requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquiring step;
And a receiving step of receiving the related content distributed in response to the request by the processing of the request step. A recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded. In a program for causing a computer to perform content playback processing of a content playback device that plays back content recorded on a recording medium,
A reading step of reading the content recorded on the recording medium;
An output step of outputting the content read by the processing of the read step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the decryption information added to the content output by the processing of the output step;
A requesting step for requesting the content distribution device to distribute related content based on the decryption information acquired by the processing of the acquiring step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a reception step of receiving the related content distributed in response to a request by the processing of the request step.

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