JP2009021649A - Information processor and processing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To receive delivery information suitably even when the network between a terminal and a server is disconnected. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor (10) comprises a means (113) for temporarily storing operation history information, a means (112) for transmitting the history information to a distribution server (30), a means (115) for receiving the delivery information, and a means (114) for determining consistency between the delivery information and the history information, and a means (114) for controlling the transmission means to retransmit the history information to the distribution server when inconsistency is determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method capable of receiving and displaying distribution information distributed from a server while reproducing content such as a television program, and a computer that causes a computer to function as such an information processing apparatus. It relates to the technical field of the program.

  With the start of terrestrial digital broadcasting in 2003, network functions are becoming essentially essential functions for television broadcast receivers (hereinafter referred to as “TV terminals” as appropriate). Interactive functions and services such as information collection and information provision from users have been proposed for television terminals that have only received information from television broadcast stations using this network function. For example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, many services have been proposed for collecting user operation histories and providing viewing support and information distribution to users.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-033600 JP 2007-074483 A

  However, the above-described technology assumes that the connection to the network is always connected. Therefore, when a dial-up connection is made only for a predetermined time or when a network failure occurs, the user's operation history There is a technical problem that collection cannot be suitably performed. That is, there is a technical problem that the user's operation history cannot be collected when the network connection between the television terminal and the collection server is disconnected. For this reason, a difference may occur between the operation history regarded as transmitted by the television terminal and the operation history actually collected in the server. For this reason, the technical problem that distribution information different from the distribution information originally desired by the user (that is, distribution information appropriately selected or generated according to the operation history) is distributed from the server to the television terminal. Has a point.

  The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the conventional problems described above. For example, an information processing apparatus that can suitably receive distribution information even when a network connection between a terminal and a server is disconnected, and It is an object to provide a method and a computer program that causes a computer to function as an information processing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a storage unit that temporarily stores history information indicating an operation history of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation, and the storage unit. Transmitting means for transmitting the history information stored in the distribution information to a distribution server that distributes distribution information related to the history information to the information processing apparatus; and receiving the distribution information distributed from the distribution server And the distribution information received by the receiving means and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted by the transmitting means are determined to be consistent. The determination means, the distribution information received by the receiving means, and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted by the transmitting means have consistency. If it is determined that there is no, and control means for the history information stored in said storage means for controlling said transmitting means to transmit again to the distribution server.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing method according to claim 6 is an information processing apparatus including a storage unit that temporarily stores history information indicating an operation history of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation. A first transmission step of transmitting the history information stored in the storage means to a distribution server that distributes distribution information related to the history information to the information processing apparatus; The receiving step for receiving the distribution information distributed from the distribution server, the distribution information received by the receiving step, the history information stored in the storage means or the history transmitted by the first transmitting step A determination step of determining whether or not the information has consistency, the distribution information received by the reception step, and the history information stored in the storage means or the A second transmission step of retransmitting the history information stored in the storage means to the distribution server when it is determined that the history information transmitted in one transmission step is not consistent; Prepare.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a computer program according to claim 7 includes: a storage unit that temporarily stores history information indicating an operation history of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation; and a storage unit that stores the history information. Transmitting means for transmitting the stored history information to a distribution server that distributes distribution information related to the history information to the information processing apparatus; and receiving means for receiving the distribution information distributed from the distribution server Determining whether the distribution information received by the receiving unit and the history information stored in the storage unit or the history information transmitted by the transmitting unit have consistency And the distribution information received by the receiving unit and the history information stored in the storage unit or the history information transmitted by the transmitting unit are matched. And a control unit that controls the transmission unit so that the history information stored in the storage unit is transmitted again to the distribution server. A computer program for controlling a computer, which causes the computer to function as at least part of the transmission unit, the reception unit, the determination unit, and the control unit.

  The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, as the best mode for carrying out the invention, description will be given of embodiments relating to a list generation apparatus and method and a computer program of the present invention.

(Embodiment of information processing apparatus)
Embodiments according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention include a storage unit that temporarily stores history information indicating an operation history of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation, and the history information stored in the storage unit. A transmission means for transmitting distribution information related to the history information to a distribution server that distributes the information to the information processing apparatus, a reception means for receiving the distribution information distributed from the distribution server, and a reception means. Determining means for determining whether or not the received distribution information and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted by the transmitting means have consistency; and the receiving means And the distribution information received by the storage means and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted by the transmission means are determined to be inconsistent. In, and a control means for controlling said transmission means to transmit the history information stored in said storage means again to the distribution server.

  According to the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the history information temporarily stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the distribution server by the operation of the transmission unit. As a result, the distribution server analyzes the transmitted history information and distributes distribution information related to the history information (for example, a program list or advertisement information that matches the user's preference) to the information processing apparatus. The distributed distribution information is received by the operation of the receiving means. The received distribution information is output as video or audio, for example, and as a result, recognized by the user.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, when the distribution information is received, the received distribution information and the transmitted history information (in other words, the history information temporarily stored in the storage unit are determined by the operation of the determination unit. ) Are consistent with each other. The “consistent” state here indicates a state where no contradiction occurs. Specifically, if the received distribution information is distribution information that is consistent with the transmitted history information, it is determined that there is consistency. On the other hand, if the received distribution information is distribution information inconsistent with the transmitted history information, it is determined that there is no consistency. More specifically, for example, when the transmitted history information indicates an operation history of “recording a certain program (recording)”, the received distribution information includes information on the program. On the other hand, if the received distribution information includes information recommending viewing or recording of another program broadcasted at the same time as the program, the consistency is confirmed. It is determined that it does not have. Similarly, if the transmitted history information indicates an operation history of “deletion of a certain program”, the received distribution information includes information on the deleted program, and thus there is consistency. On the other hand, if the received distribution information does not include information related to the deleted program, it is determined that there is consistency.

  As a result of this determination, when it is determined that the information does not have consistency, it can be estimated that the history information transmitted by the transmission unit is not reflected in the distribution server. In other words, it can be estimated that the history information transmitted by the transmission means is not properly transmitted to the distribution server. As an example of this, when the history information is transmitted, the network connection between the information processing apparatus and the distribution server is disconnected. Therefore, in this case, the transmission unit is controlled so that the history information is transmitted again by the operation of the control unit.

  As a result, even if the history information cannot be appropriately transmitted because the network connection between the information processing apparatus and the distribution server is broken, the latest history information is then sent to the distribution server. You can send it again. For this reason, the distribution server can distribute the distribution information related to the latest history information to the information processing apparatus. That is, the information processing apparatus can receive distribution information related to the latest history information. For this reason, the inconvenience that incorrect delivery information is output as it is in the information processing apparatus can be suitably suppressed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when distribution information is received, it is determined whether or not the distribution information and the transmitted history information are consistent, and the history information is determined according to the determination result. Will be sent again. That is, it is not always necessary to retransmit the history information, and it may be selectively retransmitted when the distribution information is received. For this reason, it is not necessary to transmit history information again many times in vain, so that the processing load on the information processing apparatus can be reduced.

  In one aspect of the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes request means for requesting the distribution server to distribute the distribution information after the history information is transmitted again by the transmission means. .

  According to this aspect, even if the network information between the information processing apparatus and the distribution server has been disconnected and the history information cannot be appropriately transmitted, the latest information is then sent to the distribution server. It is possible to request distribution of distribution information according to the history information. As a result, the distribution server can distribute the distribution information related to the latest history information to the information processing apparatus. That is, the information processing apparatus can receive distribution information related to the latest history information.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the distribution information received by the reception unit, the history information stored in the storage unit, or the history information transmitted by the transmission unit, Is further provided with first erasure means for erasing the distribution information received by the reception means when it is determined that the information is not consistent.

  According to this aspect, when it is determined that there is no consistency, the distribution information received by the receiving unit is not the distribution information that should be originally desired, and thus is erased by the operation of the first erasing unit. . As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that unnecessary delivery information is erroneously output.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the distribution information received by the reception unit, the history information stored in the storage unit, or the history information transmitted by the transmission unit, When it is determined that the storage device has consistency, the storage device further includes second erasure means for erasing the history information temporarily stored in the storage means.

  According to this aspect, when it is determined that there is consistency, it can be estimated that the history information transmitted by the transmission unit has been appropriately transmitted to the distribution server. For this reason, since the history information temporarily stored in the storage means becomes unnecessary, the history information is erased by the operation of the second erasure means. Thereby, the inconvenience that the same history information is erroneously transmitted twice or more can be prevented. Furthermore, the recording capacity of the storage means can be used effectively.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the transmission means (i) when the history information is stored in the storage means when the information processing apparatus logs in to the distribution server The history information is transmitted to the distribution server, and (ii) when the information processing apparatus logs in to the distribution server and then logs out, when the control by the control unit is performed, History information is transmitted to the distribution server.

  According to this aspect, after the history information is transmitted during the login operation as the initial operation of the information processing apparatus, the history information is appropriately transmitted because the network connection between the information processing apparatus and the distribution server is temporarily disconnected. Even if it is not possible, the latest history information can be transmitted again to the distribution server. For this reason, the various effects mentioned above can be enjoyed suitably.

(Embodiment of information processing method)
An embodiment according to the list generation method of the present invention is an information processing method in an information processing apparatus including a storage unit that temporarily stores history information indicating a history of operation of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation. A first transmission step of transmitting the history information stored in the storage means to a distribution server that distributes distribution information related to the history information to the information processing apparatus; and the distribution information distributed from the distribution server The receiving step for receiving distribution information, the distribution information received in the receiving step, and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted in the first transmission step have consistency. A determination step of determining whether or not the distribution information received by the reception step, the history information stored in the storage means, or the first transmission step If the signal has been the history information it is determined not to have a consistency, and a second transmission step of transmitting the history information stored in said storage means again to the distribution server.

  According to the embodiment of the information processing method of the present invention, it is possible to receive the same benefits as the various benefits of the above-described embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects in the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the information processing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Embodiment of computer program)
According to an embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, storage means for temporarily storing history information indicating an operation history of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation, and the history information stored in the storage means are stored. A transmission unit that transmits distribution information related to the history information to a distribution server that distributes to the information processing apparatus, a reception unit that receives the distribution information distributed from the distribution server, and a reception unit that receives the distribution information. A determination unit that determines whether or not the distribution information thus received and the history information stored in the storage unit or the history information transmitted by the transmission unit have consistency; and the reception unit The distribution information received and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted by the transmission means are determined to be inconsistent. An information processing apparatus (that is, the above-described information processing apparatus of the present invention described above) that controls the transmission means so that the history information stored in the storage means is transmitted again to the distribution server. A computer program for controlling a computer provided in the embodiment according to the present invention (including various aspects), wherein the computer is at least one of the transmission unit, the reception unit, the determination unit, and the control unit. Function as a part.

  According to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, if the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard disk that stores the computer program and executed by the computer, or If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present embodiment will be further clarified from examples described below.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the storage unit, the transmission unit, the reception unit, the determination unit, and the control unit are provided. According to the embodiment of the information processing method of the present invention, the information processing method includes a transmission process, a reception process, a determination process, and a control process. According to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, the computer is caused to function as at least part of the transmission means, the reception means, the determination means, and the control means. Therefore, for example, even when the network connection between the information processing apparatus and the distribution server is disconnected, the distribution information can be suitably received.

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

(1) Basic Configuration First, the basic configuration of an information distribution system 1 including a broadcast receiving device 10 as an embodiment according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the information distribution system 1 in the example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a broadcast receiving device 10 that constitutes a specific example of an “information processing apparatus” in the present invention, and a network 20 that is a wired or wireless communication network. , And a distribution server 30 connected to the broadcast receiving device 10 via the network 20.

  The broadcast receiving device 10 has a function of receiving broadcast waves such as television broadcast waves and cable broadcast waves and displaying broadcast content such as television programs included in the broadcast waves. In addition, the broadcast receiving device 10 has a function of analyzing operations caused by user operations and collecting the analysis results as operation history information. Furthermore, the broadcast receiving device 10 has a function of receiving distribution information distributed from the distribution server 30 via the network 20 and displaying content included in the distribution information. The detailed configuration of the broadcast receiving device 10 will be described later in detail (see FIG. 2).

  The distribution server 30 has a function of receiving operation history information transmitted from the broadcast receiving device 10. The received operation history information is recorded in an operation history information DB (Data Base) 31 in a format distinguishable for each user. Further, the distribution server 30 has a function of selecting or generating distribution information to be distributed to the broadcast receiving device 10 from the distribution information recorded in the distribution information DB 32 based on the received operation history information. More specifically, it has a function of selecting or generating distribution information related to operation history information. Further, the distribution server 30 has a function of distributing the selected or generated distribution information to the broadcast receiving device 10 via the network 20.

  As distribution information recorded in the distribution information DB 32 (in other words, distribution content included in the distribution information), for example, program information about broadcast content, notice information of broadcast content, and broadcasts often watched by users. Examples include introductory information related to content such as DVDs and magazines, shopping information about products introduced in broadcast content, and recommended playback information (recommended playlist information) of recorded broadcast content.

  Next, the basic configuration of the broadcast receiving apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the broadcast receiving apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast receiving device 10 includes a broadcast receiving unit 101, a recording unit 102, a storage unit 103, a reproducing unit 104, a recording / reproducing control unit 105, an operation history analyzing unit 111, and the present invention. Operation history information transmission unit 112 constituting a specific example of “transmission means” in FIG. 5, temporary storage unit 113 constituting a specific example of “storage means” in the present invention, “determination means” in the present invention, “control” Means "," requesting means "," first erasing means "and" second erasing means "constituting a specific example of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 and a specific example of" receiving means "in the present invention And a distribution information receiving unit 115 to be configured.

  The broadcast receiving unit 101 is configured to be able to receive broadcast waves such as TV broadcast waves and cable broadcast waves. For this reason, the broadcast receiving unit 101 includes, for example, an antenna capable of receiving a broadcast wave, a demodulation circuit that demodulates the received broadcast wave, and the like.

  The recording unit 102 is configured to be able to record (in other words, record) broadcast content included in the broadcast wave received by the broadcast receiving unit 101 in the storage unit 103 under the control of the recording / playback control unit 105. .

  The storage unit 103 is a storage device such as a hard disk, for example, and can record broadcast content. In addition, the broadcast content recorded can be output to the playback unit 104.

  The reproduction unit 104 is configured to be able to reproduce the broadcast content included in the broadcast wave received by the broadcast reception unit 101 and the broadcast content recorded in the storage unit 103 under the control of the recording / reproduction control unit 105. The reproduced broadcast content is actually displayed and output on an external device such as a display or a speaker. Further, the playback unit 104 is configured to be able to play the distribution content included in the distribution information distributed from the distribution server 30.

  The recording / playback control unit 105 controls recording and playback of broadcast content by controlling the recording unit 102 and the playback unit 104 based on user operation instructions. Further, the recording / playback control unit 105 can transmit the content of the operation (or the operation performed due to the operation) to the operation history analysis unit 111 when there is an operation instruction from the user. It is configured.

  The operation history analysis unit 111 analyzes the history of the user's operation (in other words, the operation of the broadcast receiving device 10) when the broadcast receiving device 10 performs an arbitrary operation due to the user's operation. At this time, the operation history analysis unit 111 is control information included in the broadcast wave received by the broadcast receiving unit 101 (for example, information indicating a detailed description of the broadcast content such as EPG information, which will be described later) ID, broadcast program ID, etc.) are acquired, and various types of information indicated by the control information are associated with user operations. As a result, operation history information is generated. The specific data structure of the operation history information will be described in detail later (see FIG. 5).

  The operation history information transmission unit 112 is configured to transmit the operation history information generated by the operation history analysis unit 111 to the distribution server 30 via the network 20 under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. ing.

  The temporary storage unit 113 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory, and temporarily stores operation history information that has not been transmitted to the distribution server 30 under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. It is configured to be possible.

  The transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 is configured to be able to control operations of the operation history information transmission unit 112, the temporary storage unit 113, and the distribution information reception unit 115. A specific control operation by the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 will be clarified in “Operation Principle” described later.

  The distribution information receiving unit 115 is configured to receive distribution information distributed from the distribution server 30 under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. The received distribution information is output to the playback unit 104.

(2) Operation Principle Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the operation principle of the information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, the broadcast receiving device 10 reproduces broadcast content. In parallel with the reproduction of the broadcast content, the broadcast receiving device 10 further collects the operation content of the broadcast receiving device 10 resulting from the user's operation as operation history information. The collected operation history information is transmitted to the distribution server 30. Thereafter, the distribution server 30 operates to distribute distribution information related to the operation history information to the broadcast receiving device 10. Thereafter, the broadcast receiving device 10 receives the distribution information to be distributed and reproduces the distribution content included in the distribution information.

  Hereinafter, operations from collection of operation history information to reception and reproduction of distribution information will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

(2-1) Operation History Information Collection Operation First, the “operation history information collection operation” in the information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart conceptually showing a flow of “operation history information collecting operation” in the information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the broadcast receiving device 10 is turned on (step S101). Here, for example, it is assumed that the power is switched on by the user performing an operation using an operation button provided in the remote controller or the broadcast receiving device 10. Further, it is assumed that the power of the broadcast receiving device 10 is automatically switched to ON when the user has instructed recording reservation (timer recording) or when the program guide is acquired.

  At this time, operation history information is generated by the operation of the operation history analysis unit 111, and the generated operation history information is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S102). Here, operation history information indicating an operation history for “power ON” in step S101 is generated.

  Here, a specific configuration of the operation history information will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operations that can be performed by the broadcast receiving device 10 (in other words, events that can occur in the broadcast receiving device 10), and FIG. 5 conceptually shows the data structure of the operation history information. FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a typical operation example (event example) when the broadcast receiving device 10 is used. In this operation example, at 7:00:00 (hereinafter, the hour, minute and second are omitted and displayed as 7: 00: 00: 00), the broadcast receiving device 10 is turned on by the user's operation. Yes. Thereafter, the broadcast receiving device 10 makes a recording reservation for the broadcast content A starting from 19:00 at 7:00 by user operation. Thereafter, at 7:00:00, the broadcast receiving device 10 is turned off by a user operation. Thereafter, at 18:58:00, in order to start recording of the broadcast content A reserved for recording, the broadcast receiving device 10 is turned on. Thereafter, at 19:00: 00, the broadcast receiving device 10 starts recording (recording) the broadcast content A reserved for recording. Thereafter, at 19:55:00, the broadcast receiving device 10 stops the recording (recording) of the broadcast content A reserved for recording. Thereafter, at 19:56:00, the recording reservation is completed, so the broadcast receiving device 10 switches the power OFF. Thereafter, the user returns home, and at 22:30, the broadcast receiving device 10 is turned on by the user's operation. Thereafter, at 22:35:00, the broadcast receiving device 10 starts reproduction of the broadcast content A recorded by the recording reservation by a user operation. After that, at 22:40:00, the broadcast content A is switched to CM, so that the broadcast receiving device 10 performs a skip operation (fast forward operation) by the user's operation. Thereafter, since the broadcast content A was not boring, the reproduction of the broadcast content A was stopped at 22:45:00 and the broadcast content A was deleted at 22:47:00 by the user's operation. Thereafter, at 22:50:00, the broadcast receiving device 10 starts reproduction of the broadcast content B broadcasted live by a user operation. Thereafter, at 23:15:00, the broadcast receiving device 10 is turned off by a user operation.

  Based on such an operation history (in other words, a user operation history) of the broadcast receiving device 10, operation history information is generated each time the operation occurs. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the operation history information includes, for example, a user ID for identifying which user's operation has been performed and which title (recorded broadcast content). ), A broadcast program ID for identifying which broadcast content (broadcast content being broadcast) was identified, and the operation It includes event date / time information indicating the date and time performed, time information for specifying a playback location at the time of playback, a recording time at the end of recording, an editing location at the time of editing, and operation content information indicating operation content (operation content).

  For example, the operation history information shown in FIG. 5 indicates that the broadcast content with the broadcast program ID 001 and the title ID 02 at 10:30 on April 20, 2007 by the operation of the user with the user ID 001. As a title, an operation history that is recorded for 30 minutes is shown. Also, the broadcast content with the broadcast program ID 002 recorded as the title with the title ID 04 at 18:30 on April 21, 2007 by the operation of the user with the user ID 001 is the elapsed time. Indicates an operation history that the data is reproduced from a position of 5 minutes. Also, the broadcast content with the broadcast program ID 003 recorded as the title with the title ID 08 was deleted at 18:30 on March 21, 2007 by the operation of the user with the user ID 002. The operation history is shown. In addition, an operation history is shown in which the broadcast content with the broadcast program ID 005 is viewed at 18:30 on March 21, 2007 by the operation of the user with the user ID 003. Further, an operation history is shown in which the power is switched on at 18:30 on March 21, 2007 by the operation of the user whose user ID is 002.

  When the operation history information is stored in the temporary storage unit 113, the operation history information is formatted in a format suitable for transmission in consideration that the operation history information is transmitted to the distribution server 30 after the storage. After the conversion, the operation history information may be recorded. For example, in the operation history shown in FIG. 5, “The power is switched on at 18:30 on March 21, 2007 by the operation of the user whose user ID is 002”. ID = 001 & event date and time = 2007/03 / 21_18: 30: 00 & operation content = power ON << line feed >>>> is preferably stored in the temporary storage unit 113 after being converted to a format having one record. A “line feed code” added to the end of one record indicates the end of one record.

  In FIG. 3 again, after that, the broadcast receiving apparatus 10 performs a login operation to the distribution server 30 (step S103). For example, a user of the broadcast receiving device 10 performs a login operation by inputting a user ID and a password.

  As a result of the determination in step S103, if it is determined that the login operation has been normally completed (step S103: Yes), then operation history information is temporarily stored under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. It is determined whether it is stored in the storage unit 113 (step S104).

  As a result of the determination in step S104, when it is determined that the operation history information is not stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S104: No), the operation proceeds to step S108.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S104, if it is determined that the operation history information is stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S104: Yes), the operation history that is controlled by the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 The operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 is transmitted to the distribution server 30 by the operation of the information transmission unit 112 (step S105). Here, any communication protocol may be used. For example, when using HTTP, a header is added according to the POST method of HTTP, and the operation history information is transmitted in a state where the operation history information subjected to the format conversion described above is stored in the payload.

  At this time, the operation history information related to one operation may be transmitted by one transmission operation. Or in order to improve transmission efficiency, you may comprise so that the operation history information concerning several operation | movement may be transmitted by one transmission operation. In this case, in order to distinguish a plurality of records included in operation history information related to a plurality of operations, a line feed code or the like may be added between the records.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the operation history information transmitted to the distribution server 30 is registered in the distribution server 30 under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 (step S106). For example, when the operation history information is transmitted using HTTP, if the status code “200 OK” is returned from the distribution server 30, the operation history information may be regarded as registered in the distribution server 30. Further, in consideration of the fact that HTTP cannot determine the completion of registration in an application that actually performs processing using operation history information, in order to determine the success of registration at the actual application level, the distribution server 30 Unique information may be added to the status information returned more.

  When it is determined that the operation history information transmitted to the distribution server 30 is registered in the distribution server 30 as a result of the determination in step S106 (step S106: Yes), the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 Is no longer necessary, the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 is deleted under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 (step S107). Thereafter, the operation proceeds to step S108.

  However, when it is desired to save the operation history information on the broadcast receiving device 10 side, the operation in step S107 may be configured not to be performed. However, when the operation in step S107 is not performed (that is, the operation history information is not deleted), for example, a transmission flag is added to identify whether the operation history information has been transmitted or not transmitted. It is preferable to make it possible.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S106, when it is determined that the operation history information transmitted to the distribution server 30 has not been registered in the distribution server 30 (step S106: No), the operation proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, it is determined whether or not the power of the broadcast receiving device 10 is switched off (step S108).

  As a result of the determination in step S108, if it is determined that the power of the broadcast receiving device 10 is switched off (step S108: Yes), after the logoff operation is performed (step S109), transmission / storage / distribution control is performed. Under the control of the unit 114, operation history information indicating an operation history for the “log-off operation” is generated and stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S110). Thereafter, the operation is terminated.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S108, when it is determined that the power of the broadcast receiving device 10 cannot be switched off (step S108: No), the broadcast receiving device 10 subsequently performs an operation (event). It is determined whether or not (step S111).

  As a result of the determination in step S111, when it is determined that the broadcast receiving device 10 has performed an operation (step S111: Yes), an operation history regarding the operation is stored under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. The operation history information shown is generated and stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S112). Then, it returns to step S108 and the operation | movement after step S108 is repeated.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S111, if it is determined that the broadcast receiving device 10 is not operating (step S111: No), the process returns to step S108, and the operations after step S108 are repeated.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S103, when it is determined that the login operation has not been completed normally (step S103: No), no information is exchanged with the distribution server 30, and the broadcast receiving device 10 Works standalone. In this case, it is determined whether or not the power of the broadcast receiving device 10 is switched off (step S113).

  As a result of the determination in step S113, if it is determined that the power of the broadcast receiving device 10 is switched off (step S113: Yes), the operation until then is under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. The operation history information indicating the operation history is generated and stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S114). Thereafter, the operation is terminated.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S113, when it is determined that the power of the broadcast receiving device 10 cannot be switched off (step S113: No), the broadcast receiving device 10 subsequently performs an operation (event). It is determined whether or not (step S115).

  As a result of the determination in step S115, when it is determined that the broadcast receiving device 10 has performed an operation (step S115: Yes), an operation history regarding the operation is stored under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. The operation history information shown is generated and stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S116). Then, it returns to step S103 and the operation | movement after step S103 is repeated.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S115, if it is determined that the broadcast receiving device 10 is not operating (step S115: No), the process returns to step S103, and the operations after step S103 are repeated.

  Thus, in this embodiment, every time the broadcast receiving device 10 operates, operation history information is generated and stored in the temporary storage unit 113. Further, the operation history information need not be transmitted to the distribution server 30 every time it is generated. In the present embodiment, when the login operation is performed, the operation history information stored so far is transmitted to the distribution server 30 at once.

(2-2) Distribution Information Reception Operation Next, the “distribution information reception operation” in the information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart conceptually showing a flow of “distribution information receiving operation” in the information distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not distribution information has been distributed from the distribution server 30 under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 (step S201). As a mode in which the distribution information is distributed from the distribution server 30, the distribution information may be distributed regularly or irregularly from the distribution server 30 side, or an inquiry from the broadcast receiving device 10 ( For example, the distribution server 30 may be configured to distribute distribution information in response to polling.

  As a result of the determination in step S201, when it is determined that the distribution information is not distributed from the distribution server 30 (step S201: No), the process returns to step S201 and continues to determine whether the distribution information is distributed. To do.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S201, if it is determined that the distribution information is distributed from the distribution server 30 (step S201: Yes), then, under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 Then, it is determined whether or not the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 exists (step S202). That is, it is determined whether or not operation history information that has not been distributed to the distribution server 30 remains in the temporary storage unit 113.

  If it is determined that the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 does not exist as a result of the determination in step S202 (step S202: No), all of the operation history information generated in the broadcast receiving device 10 is It can be determined that the data has been properly transmitted to the distribution server 30. Therefore, it can be determined that the distribution information distributed from the distribution server 30 in step S201 is distribution information based on the latest operation history information. Therefore, the distribution information is output to the reproduction unit 104, and the distribution information is converted into screen display information by the operation of the reproduction unit 104 (step S208). Thereafter, the distribution information is reproduced by the operation of the reproducing unit 104 (step S209). For example, the distribution content corresponding to the distribution information is displayed by superimposing or replacing at least part of the broadcast content displayed on the broadcast receiving device 10. As a result, the user can view the distributed content.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S202, when it is determined that the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 exists (step S202: Yes), the operation history information that the distribution server 30 has actually completed reception and It is considered that there is a high possibility that there is a difference between the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (in other words, the latest operation history information). In other words, the connection between the broadcast receiving device 10 and the distribution server 30 via the network 20 has been cut off (more specifically, for example, the dial-up network connection has been closed, or there is a network failure. It is highly probable that the operation history information could not be transmitted to the distribution server 30 due to the occurrence of the occurrence etc. Or, since the operation history information is accumulated after the login operation, the operation history information actually received by the distribution server 30 and the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (so to say, the latest It is considered that there is a high possibility that a difference has occurred between this and the operation history information.

  Therefore, in this case, consistency exists between the distribution information distributed from the distribution server 30 and the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114. It is determined whether or not (step S204).

  Here, the term “consistency” refers to a state where “consistency exists” where no contradiction occurs. Specifically, for example, when the transmitted operation history information indicates an operation history of “recording (recording) of broadcast content A”, the distributed distribution information includes information regarding the broadcast content A. If this is the case, it is determined that consistency exists, and on the other hand, the distributed distribution information may include information recommending viewing / recording of other programs broadcast at the same time as the broadcast content A. For example, it is determined that there is no consistency. Similarly, if the transmitted history information indicates an operation history of “deletion of broadcast content B”, if the distributed distribution information includes information about the deleted broadcast content B, consistency exists. On the other hand, if the distributed distribution information does not include information regarding the deleted broadcast content B, it is determined that there is consistency.

  As a result of the determination in S204, when it is determined that there is consistency between the distribution information distributed from the distribution server 30 and the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 (step S204: Yes), the distribution information is converted into information for screen display (step S208), and the distribution information is reproduced (step S209).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S204, if it is determined that there is no consistency between the distribution information distributed from the distribution server 30 and the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 ( Step S204: No), it is considered that the distribution information is not distribution information reflecting the latest operation history information. Accordingly, in this case, the distributed distribution information is deleted under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 (step S205). Thereafter, the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 is transmitted again to the distribution server 30 by the operation of the operation history information transmission unit 112 under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 (step S206). Thereafter, the distribution server 30 is requested to distribute distribution information again under the control of the transmission / storage / distribution control unit 114 (step S207).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the connection of the network 20 between the broadcast receiving device 10 and the distribution server 30 is disconnected, the operation history information cannot be appropriately transmitted. Thereafter, the latest operation history information can be transmitted to the distribution server 30 again. For this reason, the distribution server 30 can distribute the distribution information related to the latest operation history information to the broadcast receiving device 10. That is, the broadcast receiving device 10 can receive distribution information related to the latest operation history information (in other words, distribution information having consistency with the latest operation history information). For this reason, the inconvenience that incorrect delivery information is output as it is in the broadcast receiving device 10 can be suitably suppressed. Therefore, the broadcast receiving device 10 can receive distribution information reflecting the latest operation history information.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the distribution information is received and the operation history information is stored in the temporary storage unit 113 and there is no consistency between the distribution information and the operation history information, the operation history information It is enough to send again. That is, it is not necessary to always retransmit the operation history information, and it may be selectively retransmitted when the distribution information is received. For this reason, it is not necessary to transmit operation history information again many times in vain, and as a result, the processing load on the broadcast receiving device 10 can be reduced.

  In addition, since the distribution information that does not have consistency with the operation history information is deleted, the operation history information can be retransmitted and new distribution information can be distributed independently. . Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the delivery information that does not have consistency from being reproduced by mistake.

  Furthermore, when the distribution information having consistency with the operation history information is received, the operation history information stored in the temporary storage unit 113 is deleted. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the same operation history information from being transmitted twice by mistake. In addition, the recording capacity of the temporary storage unit 113 can be used effectively.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made on the broadcast receiving device 10 that receives and reproduces broadcast content. However, even a broadcast receiving device that receives and reproduces content received by a user via a predetermined wired communication network or wireless communication network can enjoy the various effects described above by performing the operations described above. Needless to say, you can. Similarly, even a device that plays back content recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD or Blu-ray Disc, or content that is streamed or downloaded via the Internet or the like, performs the above-described operation. It goes without saying that the various effects described above can be enjoyed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information processing accompanying such changes can be made. Apparatuses and methods, and computer programs are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows notionally the basic composition of the information delivery system concerning a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the basic composition of the broadcast receiving apparatus which concerns on a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows notionally the flow of the "operation history information collection operation | movement" in the information delivery system based on a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation | movement which the broadcast receiving apparatus can perform (in other words, the event which may generate | occur | produce in a broadcast receiving apparatus). It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the data structure of operation history information. It is a flowchart which shows notionally the flow of the "delivery information reception operation | movement" in the information delivery system based on a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information delivery system 10 Broadcast receiving apparatus 20 Network 30 Information delivery server 101 Broadcast receiving part 102 Recording part 103 Accumulation part 104 Playback part 105 Recording / reproduction control part 111 Operation history analysis part 112 Operation history information transmission part 113 Temporary storage part 114 Transmission and transmission Storage / Distribution Control Unit 115 Distribution Information Receiving Unit

Claims (7)

Storage means for temporarily storing history information indicating a history of operation of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation;
Transmitting means for transmitting the history information stored in the storage means to a distribution server that distributes distribution information related to the history information to the information processing apparatus;
Receiving means for receiving the distribution information distributed from the distribution server;
Determining means for determining whether or not the distribution information received by the receiving means and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted by the transmitting means have consistency; ,
When it is determined that the distribution information received by the reception unit and the history information stored in the storage unit or the history information transmitted by the transmission unit are not consistent, An information processing apparatus comprising: control means for controlling the transmission means so as to retransmit the history information stored in the storage means to the distribution server.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a request unit that requests the distribution server to distribute the distribution information after the history information is transmitted again by the transmission unit.   When it is determined that the distribution information received by the reception unit and the history information stored in the storage unit or the history information transmitted by the transmission unit are not consistent, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first erasing means for erasing the distribution information received by the receiving means.   When it is determined that the distribution information received by the reception unit and the history information stored in the storage unit or the history information transmitted by the transmission unit have consistency, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second erasure unit that erases the history information temporarily stored in the storage unit.   The transmission means (i) transmits the history information to the distribution server when the information processing apparatus logs in to the distribution server and the history information is stored in the storage means, and (ii) The history information is transmitted to the distribution server when the control unit performs control between the time when the information processing apparatus logs in to the distribution server and the time when the information processing apparatus logs out. The information processing apparatus according to 1. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus including a storage unit that temporarily stores history information indicating an operation history of the information processing apparatus caused by a user operation,
A first transmission step of transmitting the history information stored in the storage means to a distribution server that distributes distribution information related to the history information to the information processing apparatus;
A receiving step of receiving the distribution information distributed from the distribution server;
Determining whether or not the distribution information received in the reception step and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted in the first transmission step are consistent. Process,
When it is determined that the distribution information received in the reception step and the history information stored in the storage means or the history information transmitted in the first transmission step are not consistent. An information processing apparatus comprising: a second transmission step of transmitting again the history information stored in the storage means to the distribution server.   Storage means for temporarily storing history information indicating an operation history of the information processing apparatus caused by a user's operation; and the history information stored in the storage means, and distribution information related to the history information A transmission unit that transmits to a distribution server that distributes to the information processing device; a reception unit that receives the distribution information distributed from the distribution server; the distribution information received by the reception unit; and the storage unit Determining means for determining whether or not the stored history information or the history information transmitted by the transmitting means is consistent; the distribution information received by the receiving means; and the storing means The history information stored in the storage means when it is determined that the history information stored in the history information or the history information transmitted by the transmission means is not consistent A computer program for controlling a computer provided in an information processing apparatus comprising control means for controlling the transmission means so as to retransmit information to the distribution server, the computer comprising the transmission means and the reception means A computer program that functions as at least a part of the determination unit and the control unit.

Images