JP2009218881A - Taste information management system and terminal unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correctly comprehend the trend of taste of a user regarding the content, prior to distribution. <P>SOLUTION: The taste information management system and a terminal unit are constituted, by including a terminal unit 10 equipped with a reservation input portion 13 which inputs the reception reservation of content by distribution signal receiving portion 11; a reception executing portion 21, which executes the reception of a distributed signal, based on the reception reservation input by the reservation input portion 13; and a transmitting portion 23, which transmits information about the reception reservation, after inputting the reception reservation by the reservation input portion 13 as a reservation information; and a management apparatus 30, equipped with a reception portion 33 which receives the reservation information transmitted from the terminal unit 10 and a taste information generating portion 34, which generates taste information regarding the content by tallying the reservation information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique suitable for use in collecting preference information related to content such as programs.

Conventionally, in the TV industry, the audience rating of a program is researched, and the program is evaluated and sponsors are attached. The sponsor pays a large production cost and plays a spot CM of 15 seconds or 30 seconds, but it is difficult to predict how this CM will be sent according to user needs.
Therefore, it is important to grasp user needs, and it is desired to accurately grasp the tendency of the user to watch a program.

For example, Patent Literature 1 below is a technique related to a method for generating viewing status information of content viewed on a mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal generates viewing status information about a TV broadcast that the user has viewed and uses the viewing status information. A technique for transmitting to a server is disclosed.
Patent Document 2 below discloses a technique for collecting accurate and real-time audience rating information by transmitting the audience information to the audience rating information center every time the viewing situation changes in a mobile phone with a television. .
JP 2005-176067 A JP 2006-180125 A

However, in the conventional audience rating information acquisition method, only audience rating information about a program that a viewer is actually viewing (or viewing) can be collected, and a program before broadcasting is collected by the user. There is a problem that viewing tendency cannot be acquired.
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to make it possible to accurately grasp a user's preference tendency regarding content before distribution.

  For this reason, the preference management system includes a distribution signal receiving unit that receives a content distribution signal, a reservation input unit that inputs a reception reservation of the content by the distribution signal receiving unit, and the reservation input unit A terminal device comprising: a reception execution unit that receives the distribution signal based on a reception reservation; and a transmission unit that transmits information related to the reception reservation as reservation information after the reception reservation is input by the reservation input unit; A receiving unit that is communicably connected to a terminal device via a communication line and receives the reservation information transmitted from the terminal device, and a preference information generation unit that aggregates the reservation information and generates preference information related to the content It is characterized by having a management device with

  The terminal device includes a distribution signal receiving unit that receives a content distribution signal, a reservation input unit that inputs a reception reservation of the content by the distribution signal receiving unit, and the reception reservation input by the reservation input unit. And a transmission execution unit for receiving the distribution signal and a transmission unit for transmitting information on the reception reservation as reservation information after the reception reservation is input by the reservation input unit.

According to the disclosed system or apparatus, at least one of the following effects or advantages can be obtained.
(1) Information used for analyzing viewer preferences can be easily collected.
(2) Viewer preference information can be collected before content distribution is started.

  (3) It is possible to efficiently create and provide content and CMs that meet customer needs by predicting and analyzing viewer preference information before content distribution.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(A) Description of First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a preference management system as a first embodiment of the present invention.
The preference management system 100 according to the first embodiment collects and manages viewer (content receiver) preference information about a television program (program; content) distributed from a broadcasting device (content distribution unit) 50. The management server 30 and a plurality of terminal devices 10 are provided.

The broadcast device 50 is managed by, for example, a television station and distributes broadcast signals (distribution signals) of television programs.
The broadcast device 50 can transmit a plurality of types of broadcast signals having the same program and different inserted CMs (advertisement information), that is, different sponsors.

  The terminal device 10 is a device used by a viewer for receiving and viewing a television program, receives a television broadcast signal (distributed signal; hereinafter may be referred to as a broadcast signal) distributed from the broadcasting device 50, and receives a television program. Can be reproduced (displayed on the display 12) and recorded. The terminal device 10 also has a reserved recording function for receiving and recording a television program at a time preset by the viewer (reserved time), and a reserved viewing for receiving the television program at the reserved time and displaying it on the display 12. It has a function.

Hereinafter, receiving and playing back or recording a TV program in the terminal device 10 may be simply referred to as a reception job. Similarly, these reception jobs are reserved and performed (reserved recording, Reservation viewing) may be referred to as a reservation job.
The terminal device 10 may be a built-in device installed in a viewer's house or the like, or may be a portable device (a mobile phone, a portable information processing device, a PDA) that can be carried by the viewer. Etc.). In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the terminal device 10 is configured as a mobile phone having a TV program playback / recording function.

Hereinafter, the function as the mobile phone in the terminal device 10 is realized by various known methods, and the description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 includes a tuner (distribution signal receiving unit) 11, a display 12, a speaker 14, a microphone 15, a keyboard 13, an interface (I / F) 16, a wireless communication unit 17, a CPU (Central Processing). A unit 20, a storage unit 18, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 8, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 9, and antennas 111 and 112 are provided.

The tuner 11 receives and selects a broadcast signal distributed from the broadcast device 50 and acquires an audio / video signal. As shown in FIG. 1, an antenna 111 is connected to the tuner 11, and the tuner 11 receives a television broadcast signal via the antenna 111.
For example, the tuner 11 can be realized by a so-called one seg tuner that receives a broadcast signal by one seg (1 seg; one segment partial reception service for mobile phones / mobile terminals).

The tuner 11 receives not only the broadcast signal related to the television program as described above but also SI (Service Information) such as EPG (Electronic Program Guide) distributed by the broadcast device 50 together with the broadcast signal. Also good.
Further, when receiving the broadcast signal, the tuner 11 distributes a plurality of types of broadcast signals from the broadcast device 50 with the same program and different sponsors, that is, different inserted CMs (advertisement information). In this case, a broadcast signal related to a sponsor selected by a key input unit (sponsor selection unit) 13 to be described later can be selectively received from the plurality of types of broadcast signals.

That is, the tuner 11 can selectively receive a CM related to the sponsor selected by the key input unit 13, and functions as a sponsor selection unit capable of selecting a sponsor related to the received program. It has become.
Note that the method of selecting a broadcast signal to be received according to the sponsor is, for example, to selectively receive a broadcast signal including sponsor identification information of the program in the broadcast signal distributed from the broadcast device 50. Can be performed.

The display 12 is a display device capable of displaying various information based on display control by a display control unit (not shown), and reproduces video data of a TV program generated by the tuner 11 and recorded data 183 described later. In addition to displaying video data, various information and messages presented to the viewer are displayed.
The display 12 displays a reservation input screen, a reservation cancellation input screen, a personal information transmission confirmation setting screen, a sponsor selection screen, etc., which will be described later, and functions as a display unit. Yes.

  The speaker 14 is an output device that outputs audio and is controlled by an audio controller (not shown) to output audio (audio data) of a TV program generated by the tuner 11, audio of recorded data 183 to be described later, and the like. . Further, when the terminal device 10 functions as a mobile phone, the speaker 14 outputs a voice during a call, a ringing tone, and the like. In addition, about the output of the audio | voice at the time of these calls, a ringing tone, etc., the speaker which implement | achieves these functions may be provided separately, and can be implemented in various deformation | transformation in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

The microphone 15 is an input device for inputting voice. For example, when the terminal device 10 functions as a mobile phone, the microphone 15 is used for voice input during a call.
The key input unit 13 is an input device for inputting various information. For example, a number key for inputting numbers, a move key for moving a pointer (not shown) displayed on the display 12, and the like. And a selection key.

  The numeric keys described above may have a function as a character key for inputting characters such as English letters, and these numeric keys and character keys may be provided separately. It can be implemented with deformation. Further, for example, by providing a touch panel display, the key input unit 13 and the display 12 described above may be realized by the same device.

  In the present embodiment, the viewer can use this key input unit 13 to input a television program recording or viewing reservation, that is, a reception job reservation (reception reservation). Specifically, the viewer follows the reservation input screen (not shown) displayed on the display 12, information about the program desired to be viewed or recorded (program registration information; for example, information specifying the program (program code) , Channel, start time, end time) and information related to recording and playback (condition information; for example, recording quality (playback quality) and storage location of recorded data) are input. Is transmitted to the reservation management unit 21, and the reservation management unit 21 stores it in the recording unit 18 as reservation information 181.

The control (processing) for displaying the reservation input screen on the display 12 is performed by, for example, the reservation management unit 21 (CPU 20).
The registration (input) of the program registration information described above is performed by, for example, displaying an electronic program guide (EPG) on the display 12 and selecting a program to be viewed or recorded from the EPG. May be.

  Further, the viewer can cancel (cancel) the reservation job (reception reservation) input as described above. In order to cancel the reservation job, for example, the terminal device 10 displays a reservation cancellation input screen (not shown) on the display 12, and the viewer selects the reservation job to be canceled on the reservation cancellation input screen. The key input unit 13 inputs an instruction (cancellation instruction) to cancel the selected reserved job. That is, the key input unit 13 functions as a cancellation instruction input unit capable of inputting a reception reservation cancellation instruction.

Then, the reservation management unit 21 deletes the reservation information 181 corresponding to the reservation job for which cancellation has been input from the key input unit 13 from the recording unit 18.
Further, the viewer can set / register whether or not to permit transmission of the viewer's personal information 182 (details will be described later) to the management server 30 described later using the key input unit 13. It is like that.

  Specifically, the viewer uses the key input unit 13 on the personal information transmission confirmation setting screen (not shown) displayed on the display 12 to selectively determine whether or not to permit transmission of the personal information 182. By inputting, it is possible to set / register whether transmission of personal information 182 is permitted. Note that the control (processing) for displaying the personal information transmission confirmation setting screen on the display 12 is performed by, for example, the reservation management unit 21 (CPU 20).

Information about whether or not to permit transmission of the input personal information 182 (permission information) is recorded as permission information 185 together with the personal information 182 in a predetermined area of the storage unit 18 to be described later. It has become. That is, the key input unit 13 functions as a permission input unit that inputs a transmission permission for permitting transmission of personal information.
Further, in the preference management system 100, when the broadcast device 50 distributes a plurality of types of broadcast signals having the same program and different sponsors, that is, different inserted CMs (advertisement information). Of these plural types of broadcast signals, it is possible to select a CM sponsor who desires viewing.

Specifically, the viewer uses the key input unit 13 on the sponsor selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display 12 to perform an input for selecting a sponsor who wants to view the CM. Information that identifies the selected sponsor is stored in the recording unit 18 as sponsor selection information 184 in association with the corresponding information of the corresponding program.
As a result, when the program for which the sponsor has been selected is subsequently viewed, the tuner 11 selects a broadcast signal into which the CM of the sponsor selected by the viewer is inserted among the plurality of types of broadcast signals. It is selected and received (channel selection) with priority.

In addition, the control (process) for displaying the sponsor selection screen on the display 12 is performed by, for example, the reservation management unit 21 (CPU 20).
Further, when a sponsor who wants to view a CM is selected by the viewer, the tuner 11 broadcasts the sponsor's CM selected by the viewer among the plurality of types of broadcast signals. The tuner 11 receives these plural types of broadcast signals, for example, and the television display unit 26 receives the plural types of received television broadcasts. Of these, the broadcast signal in which the CM of the sponsor selected by the viewer is inserted may be preferentially reproduced, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The interface (I / F) 16 controls the exchange of data and control signals between the units provided in the terminal device 10, and is configured as, for example, a bus interface.
The wireless communication unit 17 realizes wireless communication between the terminal device 10 and an external device, and is configured to include an antenna 112. For example, the wireless communication unit 17 is connected to the other party via a base station, various exchanges, or a public telephone network. Or a mobile phone or a base station or a packet gateway to connect to the Internet (communication line).

The terminal device 10 is connected to the management server 30 described later via the Internet by the wireless communication unit 17.
The ROM 9 is a storage device that stores data and programs used in advance when the CPU 20 described below performs calculations and controls. The RAM 8 temporarily stores and expands data and programs when the CPU 20 performs calculations and controls. Storage device.

The CPU 20 performs various calculations and controls. In the terminal device 10, the CPU 20 executes a management program, for example, so as to be described later, a reservation management unit 21, a confirmation unit 22, a transmission unit 23, It functions as a recording unit 24, a reproduction unit 25, and a television display unit 26.
Note that programs (management programs) for realizing the functions as the reservation management unit 21, the confirmation unit 22, the transmission unit 23, the recording unit 24, the reproduction unit 25, and the television display unit 26 are, for example, a flexible disk, a CD ( CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disc, optical disc, optical It is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic disk. Then, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to the internal storage device or the external storage device, and uses it. The program may be recorded in a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and provided from the storage device to the computer via a communication path.

  When realizing functions as the reservation management unit 21, the confirmation unit 22, the transmission unit 23, the recording unit 24, the reproduction unit 25, and the television display unit 26, the functions are stored in an internal storage device (in the present embodiment, the RAM 8 and the ROM 9). The program is executed by the microprocessor of the computer (CPU 20 in this embodiment). At this time, the computer may read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the computer is a concept including hardware and an operating system, and means hardware that operates under the control of the operating system. Further, when an operating system is unnecessary and hardware is operated by an application program alone, the hardware itself corresponds to a computer. The hardware includes at least a microprocessor such as a CPU and means for reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 has a function as a computer. -ing

  Furthermore, as a recording medium in the present embodiment, in addition to the above-described flexible disk, CD, DVD, Blu-ray disk, magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, IC card, ROM cartridge, magnetic tape, punch card, internal storage of a computer Various computer-readable media such as a device (memory such as RAM or ROM), an external storage device, or a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed can be used.

The reservation management unit (reservation execution unit) 21 manages reservations for recording and viewing TV programs based on one or more reservation information 181 stored in the recording unit 18 to be described later. Based on this, reservations for recording and viewing TV programs are executed.
The reservation management unit 21 manages the reservation information 181 and executes the reservation job when the disclosure time registered in the reservation information 181 is reached. The TV program of the channel registered in the reservation information 181 is displayed. Recording and playback of Here, when the reserved job is recording, recording is performed with the recording quality registered as the condition information. That is, the reservation management unit 21 functions as a reception execution unit that receives a broadcast signal (distribution signal) based on a reception reservation.

In addition, the reservation management unit 21 stores and manages the reservation information 181 in the recording unit 18, and the viewer operates the key input unit 13 according to the reservation input screen (not shown) described above. The contents of the input reservation job (for example, program registration information and condition information) are stored in the recording unit 18 as reservation information 181.
Furthermore, when an instruction to cancel the reception reservation (cancellation instruction) is input from the key input unit 13 described above, the reservation management unit 21 receives reservation information 181 related to the reservation job from the storage unit 18 described later. It is supposed to be deleted.

The TV display unit 26 displays (reproduces) the TV program received by the tuner 11, and the reproduction unit 25 reproduces the TV program recording data 183 stored in the storage unit 18 described later. These reproduced TV program videos are displayed on the display 12 and the sound is output from the speaker 14.
The recording unit 24 records (records) the television program received by the tuner 11 as moving image (moving image) data (video data and audio data). In the present embodiment, the recording unit 24 The television program is stored in the storage unit 18 as recorded data 183.

  The recording unit 24 performs a recording process according to the control of the reservation management unit 21. When the reservation time (reservation start time) comes according to the control of the reservation management unit 21, a television program of a predetermined channel is obtained. The execution of the reservation job is started, recording of the recording data 183 is started (recording), and the recording is stopped at the end time of the program of the reservation job.

The recording unit 24 may include the SI information related to the program acquired by the tuner 11 from the broadcast signal as described above in the recording data 183 and store the SI information.
The confirmation unit 22 confirms the presence or absence of transmission permission for permitting transmission of the personal information 182, and confirms the permission information 185 input by the key input unit 13 and stored in the recording unit 18. Whether or not transmission of the personal information 182 to the management server 30 is permitted is confirmed.

  The transmission unit 23 transmits the reservation information 181 stored in the recording unit 18 to the management server 30, and after the reception reservation is input by the key input unit 13, the reservation information 181 is transmitted to the management server. 30, and by controlling the wireless communication unit 17 and the antenna 112, the terminal device 10 is connected to the management server 30 via the Internet to establish communication, and data communication to the management server 30 is performed. Is supposed to do.

For example, the transmission unit 23 receives a key input indicating that the viewer has completed input of program registration information and condition information using the key input unit 13 in accordance with the reservation input screen described above. The information (reservation information 181) stored in the recording unit 18 is transmitted to the management server 30 at the timing performed.
In addition, when the confirmation unit 22 described above confirms that transmission of the personal information 182 to the management server 30 is permitted, the transmission unit 23 sends the personal information 182 together with the reservation information 181 to the management server 30. It is supposed to send.

  Further, when a release instruction is input from the key input unit 13 described above, the transmission unit 23 transmits to the management server 30 release instruction notification information for notifying that the release instruction has been input. Also, as described above, when the viewer selects a sponsor who desires to view the CM via the key input unit 13, the transmission unit 23 stores the sponsor stored in the recording unit 18. The selection information 184 is transmitted to the management server 30.

As the cancellation instruction notification information, a genre and a reservation time may be transmitted to the management server 30 in addition to information (program identification information, program name) for identifying the program for which the reservation has been canceled. Good.
In addition, when the confirmation unit 22 described above confirms that transmission of the personal information 182 to the management server 30 is permitted, the transmission unit 23 sends the personal information 182 to the management server 30 together with the release instruction notification information. May be transmitted.

  The storage unit 18 is a recording device that stores various data, an OS (Operating System), and a program, and includes, for example, an HDD (Hard disk drive) or a semiconductor storage device (memory). As shown in FIG. 1, reservation information 181, personal information 182, recording data 183, sponsor selection information 184 and permission information 185 are stored in the storage unit 18.

The reservation information 181 is information related to the content of the reservation job input by the viewer using the key input unit 13, and as described above, for example, information for specifying the channel, start time, end time, and program ( For example, it is composed of program registration information consisting of G code) and condition information consisting of recording quality (reproduction quality) and recording data storage destination.
The reservation information 181 includes the contents (for example, program registration information and condition information) of a reservation job input by the viewer via the key input unit 13 in accordance with the reservation input screen displayed on the display 12, and the reservation management unit 21. Is generated by storing in the recording unit 18.

The personal information 182 is personal information regarding the owner (viewer) of the mobile terminal 10 and is information indicating the characteristics of the viewer. For example, the name, age, gender, e-mail address, etc. of the owner are included. It is provided. The personal information 182 may include only part of the information, or may include information other than those described above, such as blood type and occupation.
That is, as the personal information 182, for example, it is desirable to provide various information used in so-called market research, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The recording unit 18 functions as a personal information storage unit that stores the personal information 182 related to the owner of the terminal device 10 by storing the personal information 182.
The recorded data 183 is TV program data received by the tuner 11 and generated and stored by the recording unit 24.

  The sponsor selection information 184 is information indicating a sponsor who wishes to view the CM, which is selected by the viewer using the key input unit 13 on the sponsor selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display 12. The sponsor selection information 184 is configured by associating information for identifying a sponsor (for example, an identification symbol or a sponsor name thereof) with a corresponding program to the identification information.

The permission information 185 is information indicating whether or not transmission of the personal information 182 to the management server 30 is permitted. For example, “1 (High)” or “0 (Low) is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 18. "Is recorded as a flag.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of the recording unit 18 of the terminal device 10 of the preference management system 100 as the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 18 includes three areas 18 a, 18 b, and 18 c, and these areas 18 a, 18 b, and 18 c have various types depending on the use in the terminal device 10. The information is stored.
For example, the area 18a stores viewer information related to the mobile phone function and communication function of the terminal device 10, such as personal information 182 and permission information 185, and the area 18b stores reservation information 181 and recorded data. Information relating to viewing of television programs such as 183 and sponsor selection information 184 is stored. The area 18c stores an application for causing the terminal device 10 to function.

  The management server 30 is communicably connected to the terminal device 10 via a communication line, and generates preference information 36 related to the program based on the reservation information 181 transmitted from the terminal device 10, as shown in FIG. In addition, an information processing apparatus (computer, server computer) including a communication unit 41, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 38, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 39, and an HDD (Hard disk drive) 32 is provided. Configured.

The management server 30 is installed in an information center or the like of a research organization that investigates viewers' preferences.
The communication unit 41 connects the management server 30 to the Internet so as to be communicable, and is configured by, for example, a LAN interface. The management server 30 is connected to the Internet via the communication unit 41 so as to be communicable with one or more terminal devices 10 that are also connected to the Internet.

In addition, the specific method for connecting the management server 30 and the plurality of terminal devices 10 can be implemented using various known methods, and description of the specific configuration and function is omitted.
The ROM 38 is a storage device that stores in advance data and programs used when the CPU 31 described below performs calculations and controls, and the RAM 39 temporarily stores and expands data and programs when the CPU 31 performs calculations and controls. Storage device.

The CPU 31 performs various calculations and controls. In the management server 30, the CPU 31 functions as a receiving unit 33 and a preference information generating unit 34, which will be described later, by executing a preference management program, for example. It is supposed to be.
The receiving unit 33 receives various information transmitted by the transmitting unit 23 of the terminal device 10, and receives, for example, reservation information 181, personal information 182, sponsor selection information 184, and permission information 185. It has become.

  The receiving unit 33 controls the communication unit 41 to connect the management server 30 to the Internet and establish communication with the plurality of terminal devices 10 described above. A variety of information transmitted from is received. Further, the information received by the receiving unit 33 is stored in a predetermined storage area such as the HDD 32 or the RAM 39.

The preference information generation unit 34 aggregates the reservation information 181 transmitted from the transmission unit 23 of the terminal device 10 and generates the preference information 36 related to the program. The preference information generation unit 34 stores the generated preference information 36 in the HDD 36.
Here, the preference information 36 is information indicating the tendency of the viewer's preference, and is generated by counting the reservation information 181 transmitted from each of the plurality of terminal devices 10. For example, the preference information generation unit 34 can obtain the number of recording reservations and the number of viewing reservations for each program by totaling (totaling) recording reservations and viewing reservations for the plurality of terminal devices 10 for each program. Can be used as the preference information 36 representing the viewer's preference tendency.

Note that the preference information generation unit 34 may generate various types of information as the preference information 36. For example, based on the personal information 182 transmitted from the terminal device 10 together with the reservation information 181, the age, sex, region, occupation, A preference tendency (reservation tendency) may be obtained for each blood type.
In addition, the preference information generation unit 34 may obtain a preference tendency (reservation tendency) for each keyword included in the genre, broadcast time, broadcast station, performer, sponsor, and program introduction regarding the program.

Information such as genres, broadcast times, broadcast stations, performers, sponsors, and keywords included in program introductions related to these programs can be easily obtained from EPG or IEPG (Internet Electronic Program Guide) provided by the broadcasting device 50 or the like. It is desirable that the management server 30 has a configuration for acquiring these EPGs and IEPGs.
In addition, the management device 30 is also configured to aggregate the release instruction notification information transmitted from the transmission unit 23 of the terminal device 10, and the preference information generation unit 34 also generates the preference information 36 based on the aggregation result. It is supposed to be.

For example, the preference information generating unit 34 calculates the number of reservations canceled from the number of recording reservations and the number of viewing reservations for each program obtained by counting (totaling) the recording reservations and viewing reservations for each program. By subtracting, the accuracy of the preference information 36 can be improved.
Moreover, the preference information generation part 34 calculates | requires the cancellation | release number of a recording reservation for every program, and the cancellation | release number of a viewing reservation for every program by totaling the cancellation instruction notification information transmitted from the some terminal device 10 for every program (total). These pieces of information can be used as the preference information 36 representing the viewer's preference tendency.

  Note that the preference information generation unit 34 may generate various types of information as the preference information 36 based on the cancellation instruction notification information. For example, the preference information generation unit 34 generates personal information 182 transmitted together with the cancellation instruction notification information from the terminal device 10. Based on age, gender, region, occupation, blood type, preference tendency (reservation cancellation tendency) may be obtained, and regarding the program, its genre, broadcast time, broadcast station, performer, sponsor, program introduction A preference tendency (reservation cancellation tendency) may be obtained for each keyword included in the keyword, and various information can be used as the preference information 36.

The preference information 36 generated by the preference information generating unit 34 can be reflected in program creation, CM creation, various campaigns, etc., for example, in a television station, a program production company, an advertising agency, or the like.
A preference information generation method in the preference information management system 100 configured as described above according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart (steps A10 to A50) shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a case where a viewer makes a recording reservation for a program as a reservation job will be described.

For example, when the viewer operates the key input unit 13 or the like of the terminal device 10 to input that the program recording reservation is to be performed, the reservation management unit 21 displays a reservation input screen on the terminal device 10 display 12. Let
The viewer inputs various information (reservation information; for example, channel, start time, end time, recording quality) necessary for recording reservation on this reservation input screen (step A10). Then, on this reservation input screen, it is confirmed whether or not the recording reservation can be set with the input reservation information, and the viewer inputs on the reservation input screen that the recording reservation is not performed. In such a case (see the “No” route in step A10), the process ends.

If the viewer inputs on the reservation input screen to make a recording reservation (refer to the “Yes” route in step A10), the reservation management unit 21 next displays personal information on the display 12. Display the transmission confirmation setting screen.
In this personal information transmission confirmation setting screen, the viewer uses the key input unit 13 to selectively input whether or not transmission of the personal information 182 is permitted. The input information (permission information) is: The permission information 185 is recorded together with the personal information 182 in a predetermined area of the storage unit 18.

  The confirmation unit 22 confirms the permission information 185 (step A20). When the permission information 185 permits transmission of personal information, that is, when the flag “1 (High)” is set. (See the “Yes” route in step A20), the transmission unit 23 transmits the personal information 182 and the sponsor selection information 184 together with the reservation information 181 to the management server 30 (step A30). In the management server 30, the preference information generation unit 34 generates preference information 36 based on the received reservation information 181 and personal information 182 (step A50).

  On the other hand, if the permission information 185 does not permit the transmission of personal information, that is, if the flag “0 (Low)” is set (see the “No” route in Step A20), the transmission unit 23 Transmits the reservation information 181 to the management server 30 (step A40), and proceeds to step A50. In this case, in the management server 30, the preference information generation unit 34 only generates the preference information 36 based on the reservation information 181.

Next, processing when canceling a reserved job in the terminal device 10 of the preference information management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart (steps B10 to B30) shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the case where the viewer cancels the recording reservation of the program will be described.
For example, when the viewer operates the key input unit 13 or the like of the terminal device 10 to input to cancel the program recording reservation, the reservation management unit 21 displays the reservation cancel input screen on the terminal device 10 display 12. Is displayed.

  The viewer selects a reservation job to be canceled on the reservation cancellation input screen, and inputs an instruction (cancellation instruction) for canceling the selected reservation job from the key input unit 13. Then, the reservation management unit 21 confirms whether or not the recording reservation can be canceled on the reservation cancellation input screen (step B10), and the viewer does not cancel the recording reservation on the reservation cancellation input screen. Is entered (see the “No” route in step B10), the process ends without canceling the recording reservation.

In addition, when the viewer inputs on the reservation cancellation input screen to cancel the recording reservation (see the “Yes” route in step B10), the reservation management unit 21 stores the corresponding reservation information 181. While deleting from the part 18, the transmission part 23 transmits the release instruction notification information to the management server 30 (step B20).
Here, when the confirmation unit 22 confirms that the transmission of the personal information 182 to the management server 30 is permitted, and confirms that the transmission of the personal information 182 is permitted, the transmission unit 23 However, the personal information 182 may be transmitted to the management server 30 together with the release instruction notification information.

  Then, in the management server 30, the preference information generation unit 34 generates the preference information 36 based on the received release instruction notification information (step B30), and the process is terminated. Here, when the permission information 185 permits the transmission of the personal information 182 and the transmission unit 23 also transmits the personal information 182, the preference information generation unit 34 is based on the release instruction notification information and the personal information 182. Thus, the preference information 36 is generated.

  Thus, according to the preference information management system 100 as the first embodiment of the present invention, when a viewer makes a program viewing reservation or recording reservation in the terminal device 10, the reservation information 181 is transmitted to the management server 30. Then, the preference information generation unit 34 generates the preference information based on the reservation information 181, so that the viewer's preference information can be collected before the broadcast (distribution) of the program is started.

That is, a variety of viewer preferences can be acquired, and viewer viewing preferences can be accurately grasped.
In addition, this makes it possible to predict and analyze the program, genre, time zone, etc. desired by the viewer before broadcasting the program, and refer to preference information at sponsors, TV stations, agencies, CM production companies, etc. Efficiently create and provide programs and commercials that match

Furthermore, for example, by using a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone) having a one-segment reception function as the terminal device 10, preference information can be easily collected from many viewers using such a terminal device. The accuracy of various statistical data can be improved.
When the reservation job is canceled (released) in the terminal device 10, the release instruction notification information is transmitted to the management server 30, and the preference information generation unit 34 generates preference information based on the release instruction notification information. Therefore, it is possible to collect viewer preference information before the broadcast (distribution) of the program is started. For example, it is investigated and analyzed in advance why the reservation job is canceled. Thus, it is possible to take measures to improve the audience rating of the program.

  Further, by collecting the viewer's personal information 182 together with the reservation information and the release instruction notification information, detailed preference information based on the viewer's personal information 181 can be generated, and the information accuracy and reliability of the preference information can be generated. Can be improved. In addition, based on the preference information generated based on the personal information 182 of the viewer, measures for effectively improving the audience rating of the program can be performed by appropriately changing the program preview, CM, etc. Can do.

Furthermore, the personal information 181 of the viewer can be collected according to the viewer's intention.
(B) Description of Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a preference management system as a second embodiment of the present invention.

Similar to the preference information management system 100 of the first embodiment, the preference information management system 100a according to the second embodiment also collects viewer preference information about the TV program (program) distributed from the broadcasting device 50. The management server 30 and the plurality of terminal devices 10 are configured.
The preference management system 100a according to the second embodiment includes a point management function associated with a viewer reservation job in addition to the functions of the preference information management system 100 according to the first embodiment.

In the figure, the same reference numerals as those described above indicate the same or substantially the same parts, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the preference information system 100 a of the second embodiment, in the management server 30 of the first embodiment, the CPU 31 has a point management unit 35 in addition to functions as a reception unit 33 and a preference information generation unit 34. And the viewer DB 37 in the HDD 32, and other parts are configured in the same manner as the preference information management system 100 of the first embodiment.

  The point management unit 35 manages the reservation job performed by the viewer quantitatively. That is, the point management unit 35 includes a viewer database (DB) 37 for managing viewers, and the number of reservation jobs for each viewer based on the reservation information 181 transmitted by the transmission unit 23 of the terminal device 10. Are accumulated and counted (managed).

For example, the viewer DB 37 manages the viewer's name, telephone number, gender, region, age, address, and e-mail address (e-mail), and manages points associated with the reservation job in association with each other. It has become.
In the preference information management system 100, the point management unit 35 manages viewer points for each sponsor. The transmission unit 23 of the terminal device 10 uses the reservation information 181, personal information 182 and sponsors. When the setting information 184 is transmitted to the management server 30, the point management unit 35 adds the viewer's points related to the sponsor of the program registered in the sponsor setting information 184.

Thereby, the management server 30 can know that the viewer has preferentially selected the viewing of the program provided by the specific sponsor.
Registration processing performed in advance for performing viewer point management in the preference information management system 100a as the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to a flowchart (steps C10 to C30) shown in FIG. To do.

In realizing the point management function in the preference information management system 100a of the second embodiment, viewer information is registered in the viewer DB 37 in the management server 30 in advance.
For the viewer registration (new registration), first, the terminal device 10 performs point management (point service) application processing (step C10).
For example, a Web server (not shown) configured to be able to communicate with the terminal device 10 via the Internet is provided, and a point service application screen (not shown) is provided on a Web site provided by the Web server. Access to the screen by the terminal device 10 and input the viewer's name, phone number, gender, region, age, address, e-mail address (e-mail), and send the point service application process These pieces of information are transmitted to the management server 30 and registered in the viewer DB 37 (step C20).

The application processing method is not limited to the method performed via the Web server as described above, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, by sending an email containing the viewer's name, phone number, gender, region, age, address, and email address (e-mail) to the specified email address, the information contained in this email May be transmitted to the management server 30 and registered in the viewer DB 37, or the personal information 182 may be transmitted from the terminal device 10 to the management server 30 by the transmission unit 23 and registered in the viewer DB 37. Further, the viewer may send the above-mentioned information to a predetermined transmission destination (information center) by FAX or mail, input the information at the information center, and register it in the viewer DB 37.

After the registration of the viewer information in the viewer DB is completed, a notification that the registration to the point service is completed is sent from the information center (management server 30) to the viewer by e-mail or the like. (Step C30), and the registration process is completed.
Next, a usage example of the point management function in the preference information management system 100a of the second embodiment will be described according to the flowchart (steps D10 to D50) shown in FIG.

The terminal device 10 makes a reservation (reservation job) regarding the program, and the transmission unit 23 transmits the reservation information 181 and the personal information 182 to the management server 30 (step D10).
The management server 30 identifies the viewer by referring to the viewer DB 37 based on the personal information 182, and reserves information 181 for the viewer's points (point data) regarding the sponsor related to the program. Accumulated points are added based on (step D20).

The point management unit 35 manages the points of the viewer. For example, the point management unit 35 detects that the total of the points of the viewer has reached a predetermined value (the points have been accumulated). Yes.
And when the point management part 35 detects that the total of a viewer's point reached | attained the predetermined value prescribed | regulated previously, the privilege according to the total value of the point is provided with respect to a viewer. (Step D30). In the example shown in FIG. 7, as a privilege, the viewer can watch other pay programs provided by the sponsor of the program for which the viewer has performed the reservation job for free.

  When the viewer's points are accumulated, the point management unit 35 provides the viewer with “viewable viewing guidance” so that the viewer can watch other paid programs provided by the sponsor for free. (Step D40). This “viewable guide” is performed by, for example, sending an e-mail to the e-mail address of the customer registered in the viewer DB 37.

Then, the viewer who has received the “viewable guide” can view the pay program provided by the sponsor for free (step D50).
Next, a point management method in the preference information management system 100a as the second embodiment will be described according to the flowchart (steps E10 to E50) shown in FIG.
For example, when the viewer operates the key input unit 13 or the like of the terminal device 10 to input that the program recording reservation is to be performed, the reservation management unit 21 displays a reservation input screen on the terminal device 10 display 12. Let

  The viewer inputs various information (reservation information; for example, channel, start time, end time, recording quality) necessary for recording reservation on this reservation input screen. At this time, if there is a sponsor who wishes to view the CM, the viewer desires to view the CM using the key input unit 13 on the sponsor selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display 12. Make a sponsor selection. Then, the reservation management unit 21 confirms whether or not the sponsor can be selected on the sponsor selection screen (step E10), and the viewer inputs that the sponsor is not selected on the sponsor selection screen. If it is performed (refer to the “No” route in step E10), the sponsor is not selected and the normal reservation process is performed, and the process according to the flowchart (steps A10 to A50) shown in FIG. Step E50), the process ends.

Further, when the viewer inputs on the sponsor selection screen that the sponsor is selected (see the “Yes” route in step E10), the reservation management unit 21 next displays personal information on the display 12. Display the transmission confirmation setting screen.
In this personal information transmission confirmation setting screen, the viewer uses the key input unit 13 to selectively input whether or not transmission of the personal information 182 is permitted. The input information (permission information) is: The permission information 185 is recorded together with the personal information 182 in a predetermined area of the storage unit 18.

  The confirmation unit 22 confirms the permission information 185 (step E20). When the permission information 185 permits transmission of personal information, that is, when the flag “1 (High)” is set. (See the “Yes” route in step A20), the transmission unit 23 transmits the personal information 182 and the sponsor selection information 184 together with the reservation information 181 to the management server 30 (step E30). In the management server 30, the preference information generation unit 34 generates preference information 36 based on the received reservation information 181 and personal information 182, and further performs cumulative addition of points for the viewer (step E40).

On the other hand, if the permission information 185 does not permit the transmission of personal information, that is, if the flag “0 (Low)” is set (see the “No” route in Step E20), the process returns to Step E50. Transition. In this case, in the management server 30, the preference information generation unit 34 only generates the preference information 36 based on the reservation information 181.
As described above, according to the preference information management system 100a as the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above, and the selection of the sponsor by the viewer in the terminal device 10 By acquiring the result as sponsor selection information 184 in the management apparatus 30, the management server 30 can know that the viewer has preferentially selected viewing of the program provided by the specific sponsor, and the viewer's The preference for the sponsor can be easily acquired.

Further, by managing the reservation job performed by the viewer quantitatively, the viewer's preference tendency can be grasped quantitatively, and the viewer's preference can be easily managed.
Further, when the cumulative total of the viewer's points reaches a predetermined value for a specific sponsor, the specific sponsor is granted a privilege according to the cumulative total of the points. Therefore, the viewer can be easily enclosed and the CM effect can be increased.

(C) Others In each embodiment described above, the program for realizing the functions of the management server 30 as the reception unit 33, the preference information generation unit 34, and the point management unit 35 is, for example, a flexible disk, a CD (CD-CD). ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disc, optical disc, magneto-optical disc Etc., and is provided in a form recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. Then, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to the internal storage device or the external storage device, and uses it. The program may be recorded in a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and provided from the storage device to the computer via a communication path.

  When realizing the functions as the reception unit 33, the preference information generation unit 34, and the point management unit 35, the program stored in the internal storage device (RAM 39 or ROM 38 in this embodiment) is stored in a microprocessor of the computer (this embodiment). Then, it is executed by the CPU 31). At this time, the computer may read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the terminal device 10 is a mobile terminal having a playback / recording function for a TV program such as a mobile phone having a one-segment reception / recording function has been described. For example, the terminal device 10 may be a built-in device installed in a viewer's house or the like, or may be realized by combining a television and a recording device.

Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, when the CPU 20 of the terminal device 10 executes the viewing management program, the reservation management unit 21, the confirmation unit 22, the transmission unit 23, the recording unit 24, the reproduction unit 25, and the television display unit 26 are displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and some of these functions may be executed by other programs.
For example, the functions of the playback unit 25 and the television display unit 26 described above may be realized by the CPU 20 executing a television display program or a video playback program, and the above-described recording may be performed by the CPU 20 executing the recording program. The function as the unit 24 may be realized, and the function as the terminal device 10 in the present invention may be realized by causing the CPU 20 to execute various combinations of these programs. These program configurations and their functions can be implemented with various modifications.

  Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the management server 30 is configured to have the functions as the preference information generation unit 34 and the point management unit 35 (viewer DB 37), but is not limited thereto. For example, the functions as the point management unit 35 and the viewer DB 37 may be provided in another server computer connected to the management server 30 via a communication line.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example is described in which a television program is distributed as content, and the terminal device 10 receives the television program by the tuner 11 and reserves recording or viewing. The present invention is not limited, and the type of content to be distributed and the distribution method thereof can be implemented with various modifications.
For example, the terminal device 10 may be provided with a radio tuner as the tuner 11 to receive a radio program as content. In the terminal device 10, various information such as video and audio distributed over the Internet is used as content. You may receive it. In this case, the LAN interface or the like provided in the terminal device 10 functions as a distribution signal receiving unit.

If each embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, the present invention can be implemented and manufactured by those skilled in the art.
(D) Supplementary Note (Supplementary Note 1) A distribution signal receiving unit that receives a distribution signal of content, a reservation input unit that inputs a reception reservation of the content by the distribution signal receiving unit, and the reception input by the reservation input unit A terminal device comprising: a reception execution unit that receives the distribution signal based on a reservation; and a transmission unit that transmits information on the reception reservation as reservation information after the reception reservation is input by the reservation input unit;
A receiving unit that is communicably connected to the terminal device via a communication line and receives the reservation information transmitted from the terminal device, and preference information generation that aggregates the reservation information and generates preference information related to the content A preference information management system characterized by comprising a management device comprising a department.

(Appendix 2) The terminal device is
A personal information storage unit for storing personal information related to the owner of the terminal device;
The preference information management system according to appendix 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the personal information together with the reservation information.
(Supplementary note 3) The terminal device
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not transmission permission for permitting transmission of the personal information is provided,
The preference information management system according to appendix 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits the personal information when the confirmation unit confirms that the transmission of the personal information is permitted.

(Supplementary note 4) The terminal device
A cancellation instruction input unit capable of inputting a cancellation instruction of the reception reservation input by the reservation input unit;
When the release instruction is input by the release instruction input unit, the transmission unit notifies the management apparatus of release instruction notification information that notifies the management apparatus that the release instruction has been input. Send
In the management device,
The preference information management system according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein the preference information generation unit generates the preference information based on the release instruction notification information.

(Supplementary Note 5) In the terminal device,
A sponsor selection unit capable of selecting a sponsor related to the content to be received;
The distribution signal receiving unit receives the advertisement information related to the sponsor selected by the sponsor selection unit when receiving the distribution signal;
The transmission unit transmits sponsor selection information indicating the sponsor selected by the sponsor selection unit together with the reservation information to the management device,
In the management device,
The preference information generation unit generates, as the preference information, a selection tendency for the sponsor regarding the owner of the terminal device based on the sponsor selection information transmitted from the terminal device. The preference information management system according to any one of 1 to appendix 4.

(Supplementary Note 6) Based on the distribution signal receiving unit that receives the content distribution signal, the reservation input unit that inputs the reception reservation of the content by the distribution signal receiving unit, and the reception reservation input by the reservation input unit A terminal device comprising: a reception execution unit that receives the distribution signal; and a transmission unit that transmits information related to the reception reservation as reservation information after the reception reservation is input by the reservation input unit.

(Appendix 7) A personal information storage unit for storing personal information related to the owner of the terminal device is provided.
The terminal device according to appendix 6, wherein the transmission unit transmits the personal information together with the reservation information.
(Supplementary note 8) A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not transmission permission for permitting transmission of the personal information is provided,
The terminal device according to appendix 7, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the personal information when it is confirmed by the confirmation unit that transmission of the personal information is permitted.

(Supplementary Note 9) A cancellation instruction input unit capable of inputting a cancellation instruction for the reception reservation input by the reservation input unit is provided.
When the release instruction is input by the release instruction input unit, the transmission unit notifies the management apparatus of release instruction notification information that notifies the management apparatus that the release instruction has been input. The terminal device according to any one of appendix 6 to appendix 8, wherein the terminal device transmits the terminal device.

(Supplementary Note 10) A sponsor selection unit capable of selecting a sponsor related to the received content is provided.
The distribution signal receiving unit receives the advertisement information related to the sponsor selected by the sponsor selection unit when receiving the distribution signal;
The transmission unit transmits sponsor selection information indicating the sponsor selected by the sponsor selection unit to the management apparatus together with the reservation information, according to any one of appendix 6 to appendix 9, Terminal device.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to collection of preference information for content distributed via a communication line such as the Internet.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the preference management system as 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the example of a structure of the recording part of the terminal device of the preference management system as 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production | generation method of the preference information in the preference information management system as 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of cancellation of the reservation job in the terminal device of the preference information management system as 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the preference management system as 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the registration process performed in advance in order to perform a viewer's point management in the preference information management system as 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the usage example of the point management function in the preference information management system of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the point management method in the preference information management system as 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

8,39 RAM
9,38 ROM
10 Terminal device 11 Tuner (distribution signal receiver)
12 Display 13 Key input unit 14 Speaker 15 Microphone 16 Interface (I / F)
17 wireless communication unit 18 storage unit (personal information storage unit, reservation information storage unit, sponsor selection information storage unit, permission information storage unit)
20,31 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Reservation management part 22 Confirmation part 23 Transmission part 24 Recording part 25 Playback part 26 Television display part 30 Management server (management apparatus)
32 HDD
33 Reception Unit 34 Preference Information Generation Unit 35 Point Management Unit 36 Preference Information 37 Viewer DB
41 Communication Unit 50 Broadcasting Device 100, 100a Preference Information Management System 111, 112 Antenna 181 Reservation Information 182 Personal Information 183 Recorded Data 184 Sponsor Selection Information 185 Permission Information 18a, 18b, 18c Area

Claims (5)

A distribution signal receiving unit for receiving a distribution signal of the content, a reservation input unit for inputting a reception reservation of the content by the distribution signal receiving unit, and the distribution signal based on the reception reservation input by the reservation input unit A terminal device comprising: a reception execution unit that performs reception; and a transmission unit that transmits information on the reception reservation as reservation information after the reception reservation is input by the reservation input unit;
A receiving unit that is communicably connected to the terminal device via a communication line and receives the reservation information transmitted from the terminal device, and preference information generation that aggregates the reservation information and generates preference information related to the content A preference information management system characterized by comprising a management device comprising a department. The terminal device
A personal information storage unit for storing personal information related to the owner of the terminal device;
The preference information management system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the personal information together with the reservation information. The terminal device
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not transmission permission for permitting transmission of the personal information is provided,
The preference information management system according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits the personal information when the confirmation unit confirms that the transmission of the personal information is permitted. The terminal device
A cancellation instruction input unit capable of inputting a cancellation instruction of the reception reservation input by the reservation input unit;
When the release instruction is input by the release instruction input unit, the transmission unit notifies the management apparatus of release instruction notification information that notifies the management apparatus that the release instruction has been input. Send
In the management device,
The preference information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the preference information generation unit generates the preference information based on the reservation cancellation information.   A distribution signal receiving unit for receiving a distribution signal of the content, a reservation input unit for inputting a reception reservation of the content by the distribution signal receiving unit, and the distribution signal based on the reception reservation input by the reservation input unit A terminal device comprising: a reception execution unit that performs reception; and a transmission unit that transmits information related to the reception reservation as reservation information after the reception reservation is input by the reservation input unit.

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