JP2009122948A - Content distribution method, distribution system, and network control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for sharing and distributing video, audio, or other contents in a specified area, among a plurality of transmitting/receiving devices capable of reproducing and recording them, and to provide a distribution system to achieve the same. <P>SOLUTION: The network distribution system includes: a first delivery device (NT1) for delivering content to a requesting receiver device (NCx); a second delivery device (NT2) provided separately from the first delivery device, for delivering content to a requesting receiver device (NCx); and a control device (NT Agent) 1001, which collects information on functions of the first and second delivery devices as well as each of their functions' usage status to determine whether or not the requested functions are available. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention enables sharing of content within a specific area using a plurality of transmission / reception devices capable of reproducing and recording content including video, audio, etc., and a content distribution method between the transmission / reception devices within the specific area, and the same And a network management apparatus.

  As an example of a method for playing back or recording content including video and audio using a plurality of devices in a network, a method using a home server has already been proposed.

  For example, by using HAVi (Home Audio / Video interoperability) established as a higher standard of IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394, a receiver (tuner) or a recorder (video device) used in the home A television (TV) device, a monitor device, and the like can be handled as one network.

  Today, with the spread of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and optical fiber networks, content provided by communication carriers and Internet providers can be counted as options in addition to content provided by broadcasters.

  As a recording device (moving image recording device), for example, H.264 is available. With the video compression standard called H.264 / MPEG4 AVC (sometimes referred to simply as AVC) and the price of large-capacity hard disk drives, video content with a high scanning line density (1920 pixels / horizontal direction) called full high-definition (1080 pixels in the vertical direction) can also be recorded easily. As a recording medium, an HD (High-Definition) DVD standard optical disk, which has been developed as a DVD standard and has a recording capacity about five times that of the DVD standard, is also widely used.

  In addition, in a recorder device, a television device (monitor device) or an AV (Audio Video) controller (AV amplifier device), for example, a bidirectional communication interface typified by HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is installed. The recording / playback capability of the device and the presence or absence of connection of the device can be confirmed on the network.

  In Patent Document 1, a control server or a similar processor distributes data (including voice and video), voice, and control signals between a plurality of devices connected via a wired and / or wireless communication network. A device that can manage and efficiently control a networked device is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses that registration or cancellation of a plurality of devices owned by a user is efficiently performed.

Patent Document 3 discloses an example in which content downloaded by a main device called a home server can be transferred between the server and a slave that is permitted to reproduce the downloaded content. (Disclosed in HDB059015-1.)
Special table 2006-5255597 JP 2006-59330 A JP 2004-37981 A

  However, in each patent document, a server (NT agent) that controls a device to be controlled (target device (NT)) has a table for managing the usage status of functions of individual NT devices, and the total number that can be used. Generating a GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to the functions of all devices is not shown.

  An object of the present invention is to share content within a specific area using a plurality of transmission / reception devices capable of reproducing and recording content including video, audio, etc., and to distribute content between the transmission / reception devices within the specific area, and It is to provide a distribution system and a network management device that enable the above.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above-described problems, and is provided independently of the first distribution device that distributes the content to the requested receiving device and the first distribution device, and requested the content. A second distribution device that distributes to a receiving device, and the first and second distribution devices; or the first and second distribution devices, the first and second distribution devices, 2 is a network management apparatus that collects information on each function of the two distribution apparatuses and the usage status of each function, and manages whether or not the requested function is available.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, when there are a plurality of NT devices that can be used and connected to any NC (network client) device located on the network, a plurality of NT devices are connected to the user. The content desired by the user can be received (reproduced) or recorded without being conscious of the selection.

  Even when there is an available NT device, it is reserved if there is a reservation (recording or the like) that at least partially overlaps the playback time of the content received (played) by the (available) NT device. The user can understand that a given program (channel) is given priority.

  Further, when the NC device that the user watched (plays back content) immediately before is turned off and another NC device is turned on within a predetermined time, the channel (playback) received by the NC device turned off immediately before is turned on. It is also possible to continuously display the content) on the newly turned-on NC device.

  That is, in a system for redistributing a broadcast program or the like in a home, when there are a plurality of distribution devices (NT), the function information supplied by each distribution device (NC) is collected and managed, and all functions available in the home A distribution agent (NT agent) function for generating and supplying an integrated GUI application according to the system is provided, and the receiving device (NC) can remotely control broadcast programs and the like for each NT via the NT agent via the GUI application. By executing, it is possible to easily and efficiently use the functions of each NT without being particularly conscious of the functions and usage status of each NT.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of content sharing in a specific area to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied, a content distribution method between transmission / reception devices in the specific area, and connection of the transmission / reception devices that enables the content distribution method. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, an arbitrary number (m) of NCs (Network Clients) 1 to NCm are respectively an arbitrary number (n) of NTs (Network Targets) 1 to NTn existing in a specific area, for example, a home network. , NT agents (Network Target Agent) 1001 are connected to each other. The NT agent 1001 may be provided integrally with, for example, an arbitrary NT device (in the example of FIG. 1, an example in which the NT agent 1001 is provided integrally with the NT 2 is shown).

  An NT agent (Network Target Agent) 1001 has a function as a network server, for example, and information on currently available functions among the functions of individual NT devices that are connected, that is, operating statuses, individual connected Acquire and retain information related to the playback capability of the NC equipment. The functions managed by the NT agent 1001 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, but there are a plurality of functions, and the acquired results can be managed as a table (data), for example. In addition, the NT agent 1001 can display functions that can be used by any NT device among individual NT devices or functions that can be used by the entire network by displaying a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the NC device. A GUI application is held. The NT agent 1001 normally communicates with a connected NT device, but if the NT agent 1001 falls into a non-operating state due to trouble, power off (or disconnection of the outlet), etc. Information from each NT device is notified to the connected NC device.

  NT1 to NTn (NT equipment) are shown in FIG. 2 as an example. LAN (Local Area Network) controller / modem (Modem) 11, security module interface (SMIF) 13, PS (Packetized stream) / TS (Transport stream) A processing unit 15, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) processing unit 17, and a bus 19 for connecting them are included. The bus 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 that is a main control unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23 that holds an operation program of the CPU 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 25 that is used as a working memory, and a tuner. Input / output unit 27 used for input / output of video and audio (content), input of control signals from the user (channel selection by the tuner unit), information set by the user, reservation information, etc. NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) 29 is connected. In addition, each NT device has an HDD (Hard Disc Drive, large-capacity storage device) 31 that holds audio (Audio) and video (Video) content, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) standard or HD (High Definition), which is not shown. ) A disk drive device (recorder) capable of recording the acquired content on the DVD standard optical disk. Needless to say, a semiconductor memory (sometimes called a flash memory or a memory card) may be further held.

  That is, each NT device can select and acquire various contents (video and audio (sound), etc.) such as a specific channel or program provided by a broadcaster or a telecommunications carrier, or a graphical file. A tuner having a tuner function, for example, a TV tuner capable of receiving aerial wave (terrestrial) television broadcasting or satellite broadcasting using a broadcasting satellite, or a cable television tuner capable of receiving video content provided from a cable television station (STB) , Set Top Box), or a modem or splitter capable of acquiring content provided by a communication carrier or Internet provider, an IPTV reception function, and the like.

  Each NT device (NT1 to NTn) can be connected to the NT agent 1001 to obtain the reception capability and operating status of other NTx ("x" indicates the remaining NT). Each NT device normally communicates with the NT agent 1001. However, if the NT agent 1001 falls into a non-operating state due to trouble, power off (or disconnection of the outlet), etc. Information from the NT device is notified to the connected NC device.

  NC1 to NCm (NC devices), as shown in FIG. 3, include a LAN controller / modem 111, a PS / TS processing unit 113, a decoder (Audio decoder) 115A for decoding an audio signal, and a decoder (Video) for decoding a video signal. decoder) 115D, GUI processing unit 117, and bus 119 for connecting them. The bus 119 is used for input / output of video and audio (content) between the CPU 121, the ROM 123, the RAM 125, and the NT device, which are main control units, and input of control signals (content selection, etc.) from the user. The input / output unit 127 and the NVRAM 129 that holds information set by the user, for example, are connected.

  That is, each NC device is, for example, an arbitrary number of TV (television) receivers prepared in the home, a monitor (display) device, an audio amplifier (controller), a speaker set connected to the audio amplifier, or the like It functions as a playback device that outputs audio and video content supplied from an NT device to a personal computer (PC) connected to the PC.

  Next, an example of the operation between the NT agent, each NT device, and each NC device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described.

  The program (contents) of the channel selected (close to the user's channel selection instruction) in the NT device selected in response to the channel selection instruction from NCx (the user's desired NC device) is shown in the figure. However, it is separated by a demultiplexer (Demultiplexer processor) and converted into, for example, a TTS (Transport stream (TS) with time stamp). The TTS is further subjected to processing necessary for IP (Internet Protocol) transmission, such as RTP (Remote Desktop Protocol) / UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and is output to NCx.

  In NCx, a video, that is, a video signal and a music (including sound), that is, an audio signal are separated and decoded by a video decoder 115D and an audio decoder 115A corresponding to each. The decoded video signal, that is, video is output to a display device represented by, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT, which is connected to an output terminal in advance, though not shown. Also, the decoded audio signal, that is, music or voice, is output to, for example, a speaker or an audio amplifier connected in advance to the output terminal (not shown).

  The NT agent 1001 has already been described with reference to FIG. 1, but an arbitrary number (n) of NT devices (NT1 to NTn shown in FIG. 1) located on the network (connected via the network) and The receiving capability and recording capability of the arbitrary number (m) of NC devices (NC1 to NCm shown in FIG. 1) and the current operation status can be acquired. Further, the NT agent 1001 can hold and manage the acquired result as a table (data), for example, as shown in FIG.

  The NT agent 1001 is also not described in detail, but various displays (referred to as icons) used for controlling an arbitrary number of NT devices and NC devices located on the network and receiving operation signals from the user, for example. Network control unit for GUI display for displaying the group on each NC device, memory holding data for GUI distribution, communication control unit for enabling connection to external server and Internet, etc. Including.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the activation of the NC device in the home network described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the operation of the NT device on the network. In FIG. 4, in a state where two (set) NT devices, that is, NT1 and NT2, and one (set) NC device are connected via the NT agent 1001 in the home network. A case where the NC device (one unit) is turned on by the user will be described as an example. In addition, it is assumed that each NT device, that is, NT1 and NT2 can receive a broadcast (BS) from a broadcasting satellite, and the BS tuner is operating in NT1.

  When the power supply of a specific NC device selected by the user is turned on, the NT agent 1001 communication start is requested from the operated (powered on) NC device (one unit, hereinafter referred to as NCx), and the NT agent 1001 Communication is established based on the response from [1]. NCx is a general television (TV) device including a video display unit (flat panel display or CRT) and an audio (sound) playback unit (speaker). NCx is connected to the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the NT agent 1001.

  Subsequently, the NT agent 1001 checks the function of each NT device and the usage status thereof, and holds the result ([*] NT connection information acquisition). Note that [*] NT connection information acquisition is not necessarily performed in time series. For example, when an NT device is added or deleted (removed), or when any NT device starts or ends, NT The information held by the NT agent 1001 is updated by notifying the NT agent 1001 from the device.

  Next, the GUI application is distributed from the NT agent 1001 to the NCx ([2]).

  Thereafter, in NCx, the GUI application distributed from the NT agent 1001 is activated, and a soft stack as shown in FIG. 6 is obtained ([3]).

      The user can select “BS program list” from the channel selection menu shown in FIG. 6 as an example ([6]).

  Next, a desired menu is selected and instructed by the user, for example, by operating a remote terminal (remote controller) (not shown). For example, when “channel selection” is instructed, “BS program list” can be selected from the channel selection menu shown in FIG. 7 as an example ([4]).

  Although not shown, when a user selects a BS program (BS program A) from the BS channel selection list, that is, when a channel is selected, the NT (NT program 100) is delivered to the NT agent 1001 from the NCx. A predetermined command (“channel selection instruction”) is transmitted to the agent 1001 ([5]).

  At this time, the NT agent 1001 has an NT device that can be used, that is, a BS tuner, and the NT device that can currently use the BS tuner is notified from the table shown in FIG. 4 or from each NT device (table update information). ) Is specified (determined) based on ([A] NT determination).

  Here, for example, when it is determined that the BS tuner of the NT1 is available, the “channel selection instruction” is transmitted from the NT agent 1001 to the NT1 ([6]).

  Subsequently, communication between the NT agent 1001 and NT1 is established by a communication start request from the NT agent 1001 to NT1 and a response from the NT1 to the NT agent 1001 ([7]).

  When communication between the NT agent 1001 and NT1 is established, the currently broadcast “program” is distributed from the NT1 to the NT agent 1001 ([8]). That is, the BS program A that is selected and broadcast on the NCx is played back (video and audio output are output to the NCx).

  In accordance with such a time series, when a user designates “recording reservation” for “reserved recording” in a state where a program of a predetermined channel of BS broadcasting is being played back in NCx, “recording” is performed in NCx. A GUI application that enables an instruction (input) of “reservation” is started ([9]).

  The target program can be selected from the program guide provided by the GUI application, and “recording reservation” can be made. The user instructs “recording reservation” ([10]).

  By instructing “recording reservation” by the user, the NC device (NCx) instructed to “recording reservation” requests the NT agent 1001 to start communication, and based on the response from the NT agent 1001, NCx And the NT agent 1001 are established ([11]).

  Next, “recording reservation” is instructed from the NCx to the NT agent 1001 ([12]).

  Subsequently, an NT agent 1001 can use an available NT device, that is, a tuner used for “recording reservation”, or a program (content) to be recorded by “recording reservation” by connecting to a network or the like. Possible NT devices are specified (determined) based on the table shown in FIG. 4 or a notification (table update information) from each NT device ([B] NT determination).

  Here, for example, if it is determined in NT2 that a program (content) to be recorded can be recorded by “recording reservation”, the NT agent 1001 instructs “recording reservation” to NT2 ([13]).

  In response to this, the completion of “recording reservation” is notified (notified) from the NT 2 to the NT agent 1001 ([14]). At the same time, the management table shown in FIG. 4 is updated.

  Subsequently, the NT agent 1001 notifies (notifies) the completion of “recording reservation” to the NCx. In this case, the NT agent 1001 notifies the NCx of the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of NT2 ([15]).

  For example, when it is found that “recording reservation” requested by the user via the NT agent 1001 cannot be executed in all NT devices, that is, from each NT device to the NT agent 1001, “recording” is performed. When it is notified by “Reservation” that the program (content) to be recorded is not recordable, the NT agent 1001 notifies the NCx that “no available NT device exists”. Even when there is an NT device that can be used, if the NT device has a reservation (recording etc.) that at least partially overlaps the “recording reservation” instructed (selected) by [13], “When the reserved time is reached,“ already reserved program (channel) ”is received (recorded)” is displayed.

  FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D show examples of reception capabilities and operating conditions of individual NT devices held in advance in a built-in memory (not described in detail) of the NT agent 1001. 8A to 8D show examples of the XML format, but it is needless to say that the table format may be used as long as the reception capability and the operation status can be recorded.

  In FIG. 8A, <network Tuner Function List (hereinafter referred to as [a] in FIG. 8A is referred to as an NT function list)> indicates broadcast reception (recording) for each of arbitrary NT devices connected to the NT agent 1001. Ability and two-way communication ability are shown.

  For example, in <nt_id> 0x01 </ nt_id (indicated by [b] in the NT function list)>, <terrestrial (indicated by [c] in the NT function list)> indicates that NT1 can receive a terrestrial television broadcast. Show. Similarly, <bs (indicated by [d] in the NT function list)> indicates that NT1 can receive a television broadcast (BS broadcast) from a broadcasting satellite. Note that <t_id (indicated by [e] and [f] in the NT function list)> indicates the meaning of “flag” indicating whether or not it is currently operating, and <t_id> 1 ([ f])> indicates that it is currently operating.

  <StorageInfo (indicated by [g] in the NT function list)> is information on a recording medium included in the NT1, and <hdd (indicated by [h] in the NT function list)> is the HDD 5 (see FIG. 2). <Dvd (indicated by [i] in the NT function list)> indicates that the disk drive unit 3 (see FIG. 2) is installed.

  In addition to the NT function list described above (FIG. 8A), <networkClientFunctionList (hereinafter referred to as [j] in FIG. 8B is referred to as NC function list)> is the NCx capability, that is, video reproduction capability (horizontal / Vertical resolution, (see [k] of NC function list)) and audio playback capability (list of owned audio decoders, (see [l] of NC function list)).

  As another list, <userList (hereinafter referred to as [m] in FIG. 8C is referred to as a user function list)> relates to user preferences (channels (programs) that have been selected in the past). Information and keywords (<searchKeyword (indicated by [n] in the user function list)>) are stored.

  On the other hand, <history_info (indicated by [o] in FIG. 8C)> is NCx, that is, information on a reproduction channel (content) in a television (TV) device that the user has viewed (reproduced content) immediately before. In order to view the channel (reproduced content) immediately after that by NC2 in the bedroom, if NC2 is turned on within a predetermined time after turning NC1 off, it has been received by NC1 until then. It is also possible to display the channel (reproduced content) on the NC 2. <History_info (indicated by [o] in FIG. 8C)> can also hold information regarding the mode of the playback channel (content) in the TV (TV) device that NCx, that is, the user viewed (plays back the content) immediately before. Yes, for example, audio playback conditions used to play music programs (contents), audio playback conditions used to play news programs, or language information selected when playing movies created overseas, etc. Is done. Thereby, specific content can be reproduced under more suitable reproduction conditions according to the user's preference.

  Note that <reservation_info (indicated by [p] in FIG. 8D)> is reservation information designated for the NT device. By referring to this, the user can use which NC device the user uses. The list reserved for recording can be easily displayed and used for playback.

  Also, <nt_directory_info (indicated by [q] in FIG. 8D)> records the functions and usage status of each NT device that can be used in the management table described with reference to FIG. Of course, it goes without saying that the recorded data is updated at any time in accordance with the change (including addition / deletion) of the state of the NT device described above.

  FIG. 9 shows another example of the activation of the NC device in the home network described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the operation of the NT device on the network. In FIG. 9, the home network is based on a state where two (set) NT devices, that is, NT1 and NT2, and one (set) NC device are connected via the NT agent 1001. I will explain.

  When the power supply of a specific NC device selected by the user is turned on, the NT agent 1001 communication start is requested from the operated (powered on) NC device (one unit, hereinafter referred to as NCx), and the NT agent 1001 Communication is established based on the response from [101]. NCx is a general television (TV) device including a video display unit (flat panel display or CRT) and an audio (sound) playback unit (speaker). NCx is connected to the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the NT agent 1001.

  Subsequently, the NT agent 1001 checks whether or not a restriction is imposed on the use function along with the function of each NT device and its use status, and holds the result ([C] use function restriction determination). . Note that [C] use function restriction determination will be described with reference to FIG. 10, but whether or not the user is authorized to use the NT agent 1001 and each connected NT device, or whether the individual NT device is used. Based on whether or not the user is a new user whose use is to be approved, the use function is limited as necessary.

  When the use function restriction determination ends, the GUI application is distributed from the NT agent 1001 to the NCx ([102]). The example in FIG. 9 shows a case where the user has no use function restriction, and is the same as the routine described in FIG. 4 (when communication between the NT agent 1001 and each NT device is possible).

  Accordingly, the GUI application distributed from the NT agent 1001 is activated in the NCx, and a soft stack as shown in FIG. 6 is presented to the NCx ([103]). The desired menu can be selected by operating the (remote control). For example, when “channel selection” is selected, “BS program list” 711 is selected and displayed from the channel selection menu shown in FIG. 7 as an example ([104]).

  When the “BS program list” 711 is selected and displayed by the user, NCx transmits a predetermined cond (“channel selection instruction”) to the NT agent 1001 so that the NT agent 1001 selects the BS program A (“channel selection instruction”). [105]).

  At this time, the NT agent 1001 has an NT device that can be used, that is, a BS tuner, and the NT device that the BS tuner can use at this time is notified from the table shown in FIG. 5 or from each NT device (table update information). ) Is specified (determined) based on ([D] NT determination). Here, for example, when it is determined that the BS tuner of the NT1 is available, the “channel selection instruction” is transmitted from the NT agent 1001 to the NT1 ([106]).

  Subsequently, communication between the NT agent 1001 and NT1 is established by a communication start request from the NT agent 1001 to NT1 and a response from the NT1 to the NT agent 1001 ([107]), and between the NT agent 1001 and NT1. Is established, the “program list” or the currently broadcast “program” is distributed from NT1 to NT agent 1001 ([108]). That is, in NCx, a program broadcast on the selected “BS channel” is reproduced (video and audio output are output to NCx).

  In accordance with such a time series, when a user designates “recording reservation” for “reserved recording” in a state where a program of a predetermined channel of BS broadcasting is being played back in NCx, “recording” is performed in NCx. A GUI application that enables an instruction (input) of “reservation” is requested to the NT agent 1001, and the GUI application is distributed from the NT agent 1001 to the NCx and activated ([109]).

  Hereinafter, by distributing the GUI application, “recording reservation” becomes possible in response to the GUI application distributed from the user, and “recording reservation” is instructed by the user ([110]).

  By instructing “recording reservation” by the user, the NC device (NCx) instructed to “recording reservation” requests the NT agent 1001 to start communication, and based on the response from the NT agent 1001, NCx And the NT agent 1001 are established ([111]).

  Next, “recording reservation” is instructed from NCx to NTx 1001 to NCx ([112]).

  Subsequently, an NT agent 1001 can use an available NT device, that is, a tuner used for “recording reservation”, or a program (content) to be recorded by “recording reservation” by connecting to a network or the like. Possible NT devices are specified (determined) based on the table shown in FIG. 5 or a notification (table update information) from each NT device ([E] NT determination).

  Here, for example, if it is determined in NT2 that a program (content) to be recorded can be recorded by “recording reservation”, the NT agent 1001 instructs “recording reservation” to NT2 ([113]). In response, NT2 notifies (notifies) the completion of “recording reservation” to the NT agent 1001 ([114]). At the same time, the management table shown in FIG. 5 is updated.

  Subsequently, the NT agent 1001 notifies (notifies) the completion of “recording reservation” to the NCx. In this case, the NT agent 1001 is notified of the NT2 URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to the NCx ([115]).

  For example, when it is found that “recording reservation” requested by the user via the NT agent 1001 cannot be executed in all NT devices, that is, from each NT device to the NT agent 1001, “recording” is performed. When it is notified by “Reservation” that the program (content) to be recorded is not recordable, the NT agent 1001 notifies the NCx that “no available NT device exists”. Even when there is an NT device that can be used, if there is a reservation (recording or the like) at least partially overlapping with the “recording reservation” instructed (selected) by [113] in the NT device, “When the reserved time is reached,“ already reserved program (channel) ”is received (recorded)” is displayed.

  FIG. 10 shows the “usage function restriction” schematically shown in FIG. 9, that is, whether the user is authorized to use the NT agent 1001 and each connected NT device, or whether each NT device is used. An example of a process for determining whether or not to limit the use function as necessary based on whether or not the user is a new user to be approved will be described.

  By starting an arbitrary receiving (reproducing) device NCx, communication is started between the NCx and the NT agent 1001 and a connection is established (S11).

  In the NT agent 1001, the authentication condition input from the NCx (via the authentication GUI) is compared with the authentication (approval) condition stored in the NT agent 1001 in advance (S12).

  When the input authentication condition is authenticated (approved) (S13-YES), the user information held in the NT agent 1001 is referred to (S14).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the user has a restriction on the use function (S15), and if it is confirmed that the user has no restriction (S15-NO), the GUI without the restriction on the use function is set to NCx. (S16). On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the user is a restricted user (S15-YES), a GUI with a restricted use function is distributed to NCx (S17).

  If authentication is not obtained in the previous authentication (S13-NO), it is determined whether or not to register as a new user (S18). If the user is registered (S19), user information is created. (S20). Of course, if there is no user registration (S18-NO), the network cannot be operated.

  FIG. 11 shows still another example of the activation of the NC device in the home network described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the operation of the NT device on the network. In FIG. 11, the home network is based on a state in which two (set) NT devices, that is, NT1 and NT2, and one (set) NC device are connected via the NT agent 1001. I will explain.

  When the power of a specific NC device selected by the user is turned on, whether or not the dedicated connection mode is set in the operated NC device (power is turned on) (1 unit, hereinafter referred to as NCx). It is determined ([X] dedicated connection mode determination).

  Here, for example, when it is found that a dedicated connection mode is set between NCx and NT1, communication is started between NCx and NT1, and a connection is established ([201]).

  Subsequently, the GUI application is distributed from NT1 to NCx ([202]).

  Hereinafter, in NCx, the GUI application distributed from NT1 is activated, and a GUI screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (presented) on the video display unit of NCx ([203]).

  From the GUI screen displayed on the NCx, the user selects and instructs a desired menu by a response to the GUI screen, for example, operation of a remote terminal (remote controller) (not shown). For example, when “channel selection” 611 is selected, “BS program list” 711 is selected from the channel selection menu shown in FIG. 7 as an example ([204]).

  When “BS program list” 611 is selected by the user, a predetermined command (“channel selection instruction”) is transmitted from NTx to NT1 to display “BS program list” on NT1 ([205]). .

  Hereinafter, in NT1, the channel (program) designated by the user is selected, and the “program list” or the currently broadcast “program” is distributed to NCx ([206]). That is, in NCx, a program broadcast on the selected “BS channel” is reproduced (video and audio output are output to NCx).

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a process for setting the “dedicated connection mode” schematically shown in FIG. 11, that is, a state in which only NT1 is connected to NCx which is a receiving terminal prepared by the user.

  First, when the receiving (reproducing) apparatus NCx is activated, the function information of NCx is referred to (S1).

  Next, it is determined from the referenced function information whether or not the “dedicated connection mode” is set in the NCx (S2).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the “dedicated connection mode” is set (S2-YES), communication with the NT designated in the “dedicated connection mode” is started (S3).

  Hereinafter, it is determined whether or not the connection between NCx and NT is possible (S4).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the “dedicated connection mode” is not set (S2-NO), NCx is connected to NT agent 1001, and whether or not the connection between NCx and NT agent 1001 is permitted. It is judged (S4).

  On the other hand, if the connection between NCx and NT specified in the “dedicated connection mode” or the connection between NCx and NT agent 1001 cannot be established in step S4 (S4-NO), the NT connection information is Referenced (S5), connection to the next NT is started (S6).

  As described above, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, when there are a plurality of NT devices that can be connected to an arbitrary NC (network client) device located on the network and used, Thus, it is possible to receive (reproduce) or record content desired by the user without being conscious of selection of a plurality of NT devices.

  Even when there is an available NT device, it is reserved if there is a reservation (recording or the like) that at least partially overlaps the playback time of the content received (played) by the (available) NT device. The user can understand that a given program (channel) is given priority.

  Further, when the NC device that the user watched (plays back content) immediately before is turned off and another NC device is turned on within a predetermined time, the channel (playback) received by the NC device turned off immediately before is turned on. It is also possible to continuously display the content) on the newly turned-on NC device.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to any of the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in any of the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of content sharing in a specific area, a content distribution method between transmission / reception devices in the specific area, and connection of transmission / reception devices that enables the content distribution method. Schematic which shows an example of NT (network target) apparatus used in the network in a specific area (home network) shown in FIG. Schematic which shows an example of NC (network client) apparatus used in the network in a specific area (home network) shown in FIG. Schematic which shows an example of starting of NC apparatus in a home network demonstrated using FIGS. 1-3, and operation | movement of NT (target) apparatus on a network. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a table (data) acquired and held by an NT agent in the home network described with reference to FIGS. Schematic which shows an example of the soft stack which NC apparatus acquires in the home network demonstrated using FIGS. 1-3. Schematic which shows an example of the selection screen (GUI display) displayed based on a user's selection. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the capabilities and operating conditions of individual NT devices / NC devices held in advance by an NT agent in the home network described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the capabilities and operating conditions of individual NT devices / NC devices held in advance by an NT agent in the home network described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of reception capability and operation status of individual NT devices / NC devices held in advance in an NT agent in the home network described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of reception capability and operation status of individual NT devices / NC devices held in advance in an NT agent in the home network described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Schematic which shows another example of starting of NC apparatus in a home network demonstrated with FIGS. 1-3, and operation | movement of NT apparatus on a network. “Usage function restriction” schematically shown in FIG. 9, that is, whether the user is authorized to use the NT agent 1001 and each connected NT device, or the use of each NT device should be approved Schematic which shows an example of the process which discriminate | determines whether a use function is restrict | limited as needed based on whether it is a new user. Schematic which shows another example of starting of NC apparatus in a home network demonstrated by FIGS. 1-3, and operation | movement of NT apparatus on a network. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a process for setting a state in which only NT1 is connected to NCx which is a receiving terminal prepared by a user, that is, the “dedicated connection mode” schematically shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  1001 ... NT agent device, NC1 to NCm ... Network Client (network client) device, NT1-NTn ... Network Target (network target) device.

Claims (9)

  A first distribution device that distributes content to a requested receiving device; a second distribution device that is provided independently of the first distribution device and distributes content to the requested receiving device; Each of the first and second distribution apparatuses is provided in the first or second distribution apparatus, or is formed so as to be capable of being combined with the first and second distribution apparatuses. A network management device that collects information about usage status and manages whether the requested function is available. A first distribution device that distributes content to the requested receiving device;
A second distribution device that is provided independently of the first distribution device and distributes the content to the requested receiving device;
A management device that collects information about each function of the first and second distribution devices and the usage status of each function, and manages whether or not the requested function is available;
A network distribution system comprising:   3. The network distribution according to claim 2, wherein the management device creates a management table based on the collected functions of the first and second distribution devices and information on the usage status of the functions. system.   When the management device is notified of the update of the usage status of the functions possessed by each of the first and second distribution devices, or the first and second distribution devices are connected to the network; 3. The network distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the management table is updated by detecting deletion from the network.   The management device receives the information for causing the receiving device to display a user interface screen for accepting selection of an available function among the acquired functions of the first and second delivery devices. The network distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the network distribution system is supplied to a device.   The network distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the management apparatus acquires and manages user information via a receiving apparatus. A receiving device for receiving and playing the content;
In the normal state in which the management device and the first and second distribution devices are normally connected, the receiving device is connected (communication) only with the management device. The network distribution system according to claim 2.   The management device, when only a connection (communication) with one of the first and second distribution devices is requested via the reception device, the requested distribution device and the reception device 8. The network distribution system according to claim 7, wherein a mode for connecting only the network is set. Collect information about each function of the first and second distribution devices on the network and the usage status of each function,
A content distribution method comprising: supplying content to a receiving device from a distribution device capable of using the requested function when the function requested from the receiving device is available based on the collected information.

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