JP2009258928A - Vod (video on demand) subscription - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a content subscription system by which a user who has acquired metadata of content to be purchased in the future, purchases the content without fail when determining the purchase of the content before purchase period comes, in an IPSP (IP Service Project) system. <P>SOLUTION: This terminal equipment is configured to, when receiving the subscription of content whose metadata have been acquired from a metadata server from a user, generate and store subscription information including purchase period information by using the metadata of the content, and to compare the current date information with the purchase period information in the subscription information afterwards, and to determine whether or not the content whose subscription has been accepted is released. Also, this terminal equipment is configured to, when determining that the content whose subscription has been accepted is released as the result of determination, notify the user of the result, and to automatically access a portal server to give guidance about a content purchase procedure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a video content distribution service of IPSP (IP Service Project) specifications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technology for a content purchase reservation service using metadata, which is a technology essential to an electronic content guide defined in the IPSP specification.

  In recent years, the standardization of protocols for video distribution platforms and viewing terminals targeting services such as IP broadcasting, VOD (Video On Demand), and download using networks such as NGN (Next Generation Network) has become the “IP Service Project” ( (Hereinafter referred to as “IPSP”).

  In the IPSP specification, a service of an electronic content guide (hereinafter referred to as “ECG”) is defined for a VOD streaming service and a content download service. “ECG” is a technology for efficiently searching for a desired content from a large number of digital data contents distributed on a network and easily accessing a server for performing a content purchase procedure. It is realized by standardized TV-Anytime metadata (hereinafter simply referred to as “metadata”). Metadata is data related to content and uses XML as an expression format. The contents described in the metadata are diverse, such as “title, contents, genre, performer, license information, server address information for content purchase procedure” and the like.

  Here, the IPSP specification VOD system will be briefly described. The IPSP system includes a metadata server that holds and provides metadata, a portal server that performs content purchase processing, a content server that holds and provides content, and the like. Hereinafter, an example of the flow of processing when a user purchases content will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG. First, when the user operates the terminal device to input a search request for the desired content, the terminal device transmits a request for metadata of the content for which the search request has been accepted to the metadata server. The metadata server that has received the request searches for metadata corresponding to the request content, and transmits the searched metadata to the terminal device. Then, the terminal device that has received the metadata displays a list of information on the content (title, content, genre, performer, fee, etc.) on the display using the metadata. The user determines which content to purchase based on the information regarding the displayed content.

  Next, when a user who has determined which content to purchase purchases the content determined by operating the terminal device, the terminal device accesses the portal server and performs a purchase procedure such as payment. I will guide you. When the purchase procedure by the portal server is completed, the user can receive content from the content server by streaming or downloading.

  The above describes the flow of processing when the content desired to be purchased is within the purchase available period. Among the metadata provided by the metadata server, the metadata of the content that can be purchased in the near future. Data is also included. “Metadata of content that can be purchased in the near future” has the meaning of a notice of new content distribution, but the user may decide to purchase the content based on the information. In such a case, since the content cannot be purchased yet, the purchase procedure cannot be performed naturally, and the user needs to wait until the content can be purchased. Since “content metadata that can be purchased in the near future” includes information such as the date and time of purchase, the user can grasp when the purchase can be made. However, since services such as “Purchase Reservation” for content that can be purchased in the future have not been proposed, users manage their own purchase period and access the portal server after the purchase period is reached. Must be done. In such a case, there is a possibility that the user forgets about the content as time passes, and when it is noticed, the purchase period (sales period) has passed and the content cannot be purchased. is there.

  Therefore, in the IPSP system, when a user who has acquired metadata of content that can be purchased in the future decides to purchase the content before the time when the content can be purchased, avoid the inconvenience as described above. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology related to a content purchase reservation system so that a user can purchase a desired content without forgetting it.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a purchase reservation for content distributed on a network. The invention described in Patent Document 1 is a technique for simplifying a purchase reservation procedure in a system in which content stored in a server on a network is purchased by downloading using a street terminal device provided in a convenience store or the like. It is. In the prior art, when a content purchase reservation is made, a reservation number or the like is issued to the user, and if a correct reservation number or the like is manually entered at the street terminal device after the content purchase time has come, the reservation is made. Content was downloaded to a user's storage medium via a street terminal device. In such a case, the user needs to manage the reservation number and the like by himself / herself, and also has to perform a troublesome work of manually inputting the reservation number and the like when downloading the content. The invention described in Patent Document 1 is a technique for avoiding troublesome work such as management and manual input of the reservation number, and specifically, when a reservation number is issued to a user in accordance with a content purchase reservation, The user's storage medium attached to the street terminal automatically stores the reservation number and the like. And, when it is possible to purchase, when the user attaches the storage medium to the street terminal device, the street terminal device automatically reads data such as a reservation number stored in the attached storage medium, Further, reference data for collating data such as the reservation number is acquired from a server on the network, and collation processing is performed on them. When the processing is normally completed, the street terminal device that has downloaded the content from the server on the network stores the content in the user's storage medium.
JP 2002-15193 A

  With this technology, it is possible for a user to make a purchase reservation for content to be distributed on the network in a relatively simple manner. However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not describe any means for notifying the user that it is time to purchase content. Therefore, the user still needs to manage by himself the time when the reserved content can be purchased. The invention described in Patent Document 1 manages information related to purchase reservations such as a reservation number in both the content distribution server and the user's storage medium, and when the content is purchased, the street terminal device uses the data, Sales to authorized users are realized by authenticating whether the user wearing the storage medium is the authorized user who reserved the content. In such a case, it becomes necessary to provide a means for avoiding unauthorized access such as impersonation, which makes a complicated reservation system, and increases the management cost on the server side. Furthermore, in the IPSP system, as described above, the provision of content is realized by a plurality of servers such as a metadata server, a portal server, and a content server. Becomes complicated. Further, if a large number of customer reservations are accepted and managed on the server side, data processing such as calculation for determining whether or not the purchase is possible becomes enormous, and the load on the server side becomes too large. Furthermore, when the reservation service is provided on the server side, a performance obligation to provide a complete service naturally occurs, and maintenance costs such as maintenance for completely operating the system increase. In such a case, as a matter of course, the sales price of the content is adversely affected. In this way, managing purchase reservations for a large number of customers on the server side is not an effective means because the burden on the server side becomes too large.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in the IPSP system, when a user who has acquired metadata of content that can be purchased in the future decides to purchase the content before the content can be purchased, the content is not forgotten. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content purchase reservation system or the like for enabling purchases to be made. Also, provide a content purchase reservation system, etc., so that even if the available purchase time of content that has been reserved for purchase is changed after reservation, the content can be purchased without forgetting it. Is an issue.

  As means for solving the above problems, the following inventions are provided.

  Reservation information including purchase time information using metadata (attribute data) of the content when the purchase reservation of the content for which metadata (attribute data) has been acquired from the metadata server (attribute data server) is received from the user. Is generated and held, and thereafter, by comparing the current date and time information and the purchase available time information included in the reservation information, it is possible to provide a terminal device that determines whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased. Further, as a result of the determination, if it is determined that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased, a terminal device that informs the user of that fact, or automatically accesses the portal server to guide the content purchase procedure I will provide a. In addition, after accepting a purchase reservation, automatically access the metadata server (attribute data server) periodically to check whether the metadata (attribute data) has changed, and if it is determined that it has changed Generates and holds new reservation information using the changed metadata (attribute data) and informs the user of the new reservation information. After that, the newly generated reservation information is stored. Provided is a terminal device that determines whether or not content that has been purchased and accepted for purchase can be purchased.

  Specifically, the following inventions are provided.

  In the first invention, an attribute data holding unit that holds attribute data including purchaseable time information of content distributed by VOD, an attribute data server communication unit for communicating with the terminal device, and a request from the terminal device In response, an attribute data server having an attribute data output unit for outputting attribute data via the attribute data server communication unit, a terminal communication unit, a playback unit for playing back content distributed by VOD, a clock unit, Receives attribute data requests from the attribute data server device and outputs them via the terminal communication unit, and displays content information using attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request A content information display unit, a purchase reservation receiving unit for receiving a purchase reservation from the content displayed by the content information display unit, Reservation information generation / holding unit that generates and holds reservation information including purchaseable time information of content accepted for purchase reservation at the reservation reservation receiving unit using attribute data, and held in the reservation information generation / holding unit Purchasing by comparing the purchase date information obtained from the purchase date information obtained from the purchase date information obtained from the purchase date information and the purchase date information obtained from the clock portion with the purchase date information obtained from the watch portion. Provided is a VOD reservation system comprising a terminal device having a determination unit for determining whether or not a content for which a reservation has been accepted can be purchased.

  In the second invention, the terminal device is based on the first invention, and the terminal device further determines that the determination result in the determination unit is a determination result that the content accepted for the purchase reservation can be purchased. A VOD reservation system having a first notification unit for notifying that fact is provided.

  In the third invention, based on the first invention or the second invention, the attribute data holding unit of the attribute data server further obtains address information of the portal server device which is the server device to be accessed first for the purchase of content. A server device that has an address ancillary data holding means for holding attribute data included therein, and that the reservation information generation holding unit of the terminal device should first access to purchase the content for which the purchase reservation is received by the purchase reservation receiving unit Reservation information generation / holding means for generating and holding reservation information including address information of the portal server device using attribute data, and the terminal device determines the purchase reservation If the received content is determined to be available for purchase, it is indicated by the address information of the portal server device included in the attribute data. Providing VOD reservation system having a portal access unit for accessing the that address.

  In the fourth invention, based on any one of the first invention to the third invention, the attribute data holding unit of the attribute data server further includes a content ID for identifying which content attribute data and its attribute data ID version attachment data holding means for holding attribute data including version information of the terminal device, and the attribute data request reception output unit of the terminal device requests attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation is received by the purchase reservation reception unit. The terminal device further includes repeated attribute data request output means for repeatedly outputting at a predetermined timing, and the terminal device is further included in the attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request of the repeated attribute data request output means. A bar of attribute data used to generate the version information and the reservation information held in the reservation information generation / holding unit at that time The reservation information generation / holding unit of the terminal device has a newly received attribute if the comparison result obtained by the comparison unit indicates that the version information is different. There is provided a VOD reservation system having reservation information update holding means for generating and holding reservation information of contents for which reservation is received using data.

  In the fifth invention, the terminal device is based on the fourth invention, and when the terminal device obtains a comparison result that the version information is different as a result of the comparison in the comparison unit, the fact is given to the user, or A VOD reservation system having a second notification unit that notifies the contents of the updated attribute data is provided.

  In the sixth invention, based on the fourth invention or the fifth invention, the determination unit of the terminal device further obtains a comparison result that the version information is different as a result of the comparison in the comparison unit, and thereafter The reservation information update holding means uses the purchase timing information included in the reservation information generated and held using the newly received attribute data to determine whether the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased. Provided is a VOD reservation system having an update information determination means.

  The seventh invention provides the attribute data server according to any one of the first invention, the third invention, and the fourth invention.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided the terminal device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

  In the ninth invention, in response to a request from the terminal device, an attribute data server having an attribute data output step of outputting attribute data including purchaseable time information of contents distributed by VOD through the attribute data server communication step Using the processing method, the attribute data request acceptance output step for receiving the attribute data request to the attribute data server device and outputting it through the terminal communication step, and the attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request A content information display step for displaying content information, a purchase reservation reception step for receiving a purchase reservation from the contents displayed in the content information display step, and purchase of the content for which the purchase reservation has been received in the purchase reservation reception step Reservation information including possible time information is generated using attribute data Reservation information generation / holding step to be held, purchase date information acquisition step for acquiring the purchase date information of content included in the held reservation information, and purchase available in the current date / time information and purchase date information acquisition step There is provided a processing method of a VOD reservation system comprising a processing method of a terminal device having a determination step of determining whether or not a content for which a purchase reservation is accepted can be purchased by comparing timing information.

  In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, further, in the processing method of the terminal device, when the determination result in the determination step is a determination result that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased. The processing method of the VOD reservation system which has the 1st alerting | reporting step which alert | reports that with respect to a user is provided.

  The eleventh invention is based on the ninth invention or the tenth invention, and the reservation information generating and holding step of the processing method of the terminal device is the first for the purchase of the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted in the purchase reservation accepting step. Reservation information generation / holding substep for generating and holding reservation information including address information of a portal server device that is a server device to be accessed using attribute data, and the processing method of the terminal device is determined If the determination result in the step is a determination result that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased, the portal server which is the server device to be accessed first for the purchase of the content included in the attribute data A VOD reservation system having a portal access step for accessing an address indicated by device address information To provide a management method.

  The twelfth invention is based on any one of the ninth invention to the eleventh invention, and the attribute data request acceptance output step of the processing method of the terminal device is the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted in the purchase reservation acceptance step. The attribute data request output sub-step of repeatedly outputting the attribute data request at a predetermined timing is provided, and the processing method of the terminal device is attribute data in response to the attribute data request of the repeat attribute data request output sub-step. A comparison step of comparing the version information included in the attribute data received from the server with the version information of the attribute data used to generate the reservation information held at that time, and The reservation information generation / holding step receives a new comparison result when the comparison result in the comparison step shows that the version information is different. It provides a method of processing VOD reservation system having a reservation information update preserving substep of generating holds reservation information of the content attribute data using that accept the reservation.

  The thirteenth invention is based on the twelfth invention, and further, the processing method of the terminal device provides the user with a comparison result that the version information is different as a result of the comparison in the comparison step. Thus, there is provided a processing method of the VOD reservation system having a second notification step of notifying the fact or the contents of the updated attribute data.

  In the fourteenth invention, based on the twelfth invention or the thirteenth invention, the determination unit step of the processing method of the terminal device obtains a comparison result that the version information is different as a result of the comparison in the comparison step. After that, the reservation information update holding sub-step accepts the purchase reservation using the purchase available time information included in the reservation information generated and held using the newly received attribute data. Provided is a processing method of a VOD reservation system having an update information determination sub-step for determining whether content can be purchased.

  According to the VOD reservation system of the present invention, it is possible to make a purchase reservation for contents that can be purchased in the future without placing a burden on the server that provides the content sales service in the IPSP system. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the user forgets to purchase the content that the user wants to view.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to these embodiment at all, and can be implemented with various aspects in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

In addition, the relationship between the following embodiment and a claim is as follows. The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, and the like. The second embodiment will mainly describe claims 3, 7, 8, 11 and the like. The third embodiment will mainly describe claims 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, and 13. The fourth embodiment will mainly describe claims 6, 8, 14 and the like.
<< Embodiment 1 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 1>

  The attribute data server (metadata server) of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment holds attribute data (metadata) including content purchase timing information, and predetermined attribute data (metadata) in response to a request from the terminal device. Data) is transmitted.

In addition, when receiving the attribute data (metadata), the terminal device of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment displays content information on a display or the like using the received attribute data. And it has the function to receive the purchase reservation of the content which can be purchased in the future from the displayed content. When a purchase reservation is received, reservation information including purchase time information is generated and held using attribute data (metadata) of the content. And it has the function to judge whether the content which accepted the purchase reservation became available using the reservation information currently hold | maintained. Furthermore, when it is determined that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased, it has a function of notifying the user to that effect.
<Functional configuration of Embodiment 1>

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “VOD reservation system” of this embodiment is composed of an “attribute data server” (02A00) and a “terminal device” (02B00).

  The “attribute data server” (02A00) includes an “attribute data holding unit” (02A01), an “attribute data communication unit” (02A02), and an “attribute data output unit” (02A03). The “terminal device” (02B00) includes a “terminal communication unit” (02B01), a “playback unit” (02B02), a “clock unit” (02B03), an “attribute data request reception output unit” (02B04), “Content Information Display Unit” (02B05), “Purchase Reservation Accepting Unit” (02B06), “Reservation Information Generation Holding Unit” (02B07), “Purchasable Time Information Acquisition Unit” (02B08), “Judgment Unit (02B09). Moreover, you may have a "1st alerting | reporting part" (02B10).

  Note that the functional blocks of the apparatus described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, a CPU, a RAM, a bus, or a secondary storage device (a storage medium such as a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, and a read drive for the medium) ), Hardware components such as printing devices, display devices, and other external peripheral devices, I / O ports for the external peripheral devices, driver programs for controlling these hardware, other application programs, and information input User interface.

  In addition, these hardware and software process the programs developed on the RAM with the CPU, and process, store, and output the data stored on the memory and hard disk, and the data input via the interface. Or used to control each hardware component. The present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus but also as a method. A part of the invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a software product used for causing a computer to execute such software, and a storage medium in which the product is fixed to a storage medium are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention (the same applies throughout this specification). Is).

The functional configuration of the “attribute data holding unit” (02A01), “attribute data communication unit” (02A02), and “attribute data output unit” (02A03) of the “attribute data server” (02A00) of this embodiment will be described below. To do. In addition, “terminal communication unit” (02B01), “playback unit” (02B02), “clock unit” (02B03), “attribute data request acceptance output unit” (02B04), and “content information” of “terminal device” (02B00) “Display section” (02B05), “Purchase reservation accepting section” (02B06), “Reservation information generation holding section” (02B07), “Purchase available time information acquisition section” (02B08), “Judgment section” (02B09), “No. The functional configuration of “One Notification Unit” (02B10) will be described.
<< Attribute data server (02A00) >>

  The attribute data server (02A00) according to the present embodiment is placed on a network such as an IPSP-specific NGN (Next Generation Network) and receives a request from a terminal device (02B00) described below. It is comprised so that such a process may be performed. The attribute data server (02A00) of this embodiment corresponds to a metadata server in the IPSP VOD system.

  The “attribute data holding unit” (02A01) is configured to hold attribute data including purchase time information of content distributed by VOD. “Attribute data” is data related to content. The expression format of attribute data can be described according to a standard for realizing ECG using “XML”. The contents described in the attribute data are various, and for example, “title, contents, genre, performer, license information, server address information for content purchase procedure” and the like can be considered. Such information is provided to the user, and is used as a material for searching and determining content to be purchased by the user. Note that the description content is an example, and the attribute data of the present embodiment may include other content, or may not include one or more of the content. However, it is an essential requirement that the attribute data held by the attribute data holding unit of the present embodiment includes “content purchaseable time information” (content sales period). The “content purchaseable time information” is information indicating the time when the content can be purchased at the VOD for each content, for example, “October 13, 2006 to September 29, 2008”. And so on.

  The “attribute data server communication unit” (02A02) is configured to be communicable with a terminal device (02B00) described below. The communication means can use a network such as NGN of the IPSP specification.

The “attribute data output unit” (02A03) is configured to output attribute data via the attribute data server communication unit in response to a request from the terminal device. That is, when the attribute data output unit (02A03) receives a request for attribute data from the terminal device (02B00) described below via the attribute data communication unit (02A02), the attribute data output unit (02A03) holds the attribute data. The attribute data corresponding to the request (title, genre, performer, etc.) is searched from the attribute data. Then, the retrieved attribute data is transmitted to the terminal device (02B00) via the attribute data communication unit (02A02).
<< Terminal device (02B00) >>

  The terminal device (02B00) of this embodiment can be connected to a network such as NGN, and any electronic device (PC, TV, etc.) having a function of playing back digital data content such as moving images acquired by downloading from the network. Applicable.

  The “terminal communication unit” (02B01) is configured to be able to communicate with the attribute data server (02A00) and the like. The communication means can use a network such as NGN of the IPSP specification.

  The “playback unit” (02B02) is configured to play content distributed by VOD. Specifically, when the terminal communication unit (02B01) receives digital data content such as a moving image by downloading or streaming from a content server constituting an IPSP specification VOD system, the playback unit (02B02) It is configured to acquire and execute a predetermined process such as a decoding process, expand the processed data on a VRAM and output it to a display or the like, or output a sound via a speaker.

  The “clock part” (02B03) is configured to acquire current date and time information. The means for the clock part (02B03) to acquire the date / time information is not particularly limited. For example, when the terminal device has a built-in clock, it may be acquired from the clock, or the terminal device may receive digital terrestrial broadcasting. When a corresponding tuner is provided, date / time information included in the digital broadcast may be acquired. The date and time information may be date information (○ year △ month □ day) that does not include time information (○ hour △ minute □ second), or date information that includes time information (○ year △ month). □ day ○ hour △ minute □ second).

  The “attribute data request acceptance output unit” (02B04) is configured to accept an attribute data request to the attribute data server device and output it via the terminal communication unit. The “attribute data request” to the attribute data server apparatus includes information for specifying desired content and instruction information for transmitting attribute data of the content specified by the information. The information for specifying the desired content includes not only information for specifying a single content such as “title of content” but also one or more contents such as “genre of content” and “performer of content”. The information may be specified. Moreover, what combined the above information may be used. When the attribute data request acceptance output unit (02B04) receives an attribute data request input by the user operating an operation key provided on the terminal device (02B00), a remote control for operating the terminal device (02B00), or the like. The received attribute data request is transmitted to the attribute data server (02A00) via the terminal communication unit (02B04).

  The “content information display unit” (02B05) uses the attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request, and uses the content information (“title”, “thumbnail image”, “time”, “price”, "Sales period", etc.). FIG. 3 shows an example in which the content information display unit (02B05) displays content information using the received attribute data. FIG. 3A is an example in which one or more attribute data received in response to an attribute data request is used to display a list of content information requested by the user. FIGS. 3B and 3C are examples in which detailed information of one content selected from the contents displayed in a list as shown in FIG. 3A is displayed using attribute data. It is. FIG. 3B shows an example of displaying content information within the purchase available period, and FIG. 3C shows an example of displaying content information before the purchase available period. 3B and 3C are different from each other in the icons ("purchase" and "purchase reservation") displayed in the lower right part of the display. When displaying the detailed information of one content selected from the list-displayed content (FIG. 3A), the content information display unit (02B05) determines whether the selected content can be purchased or before purchase. Is displayed and displayed as shown in FIG. 3B or 3C using appropriate background data. At this time, as means for identifying whether the selected content can be purchased or before purchase, the following means may be used. For example, the content information display unit (02B05) is configured to be able to use “purchasable time information (information of“ sales period ”in FIG. 3)” included in the attribute data. The current date and time information is configured to be obtainable from the clock unit (02B03). Then, when one content is selected so that detailed information is displayed from the list-displayed content, purchase time information is acquired from the attribute data of the content, and acquired from the clock unit By comparing with the current date and time information, it may be determined whether the content can be purchased or not. Or, in the attribute data, if there is a description of whether or not the purchase is currently possible, the description is configured to be identifiable, and based on the description, whether the content can be purchased or before purchase is determined. You may judge.

  The “purchase reservation reception unit” (02B06) is configured to receive a purchase reservation from the content displayed on the content information display unit. “Purchase reservation” is an operation for receiving a service that makes it possible to purchase content to be sold in the near future without forgetting it. The purchase reservation receiving unit (02B06) is configured to receive a purchase reservation for content that has already been held by the attribute data server (02A00) among content scheduled to be sold in the near future. As a means for accepting a reservation, a user's reservation input may be accepted from an interface as shown in FIG. 3C displayed by the content information display unit (02B05).

  The “reservation information generation / holding unit” (02B07) is configured to generate and hold reservation information including purchaseable time information of content whose purchase reservation has been received by the purchase reservation receiving unit using attribute data. . FIG. 4 shows an example schematically representing the data structure of “reservation information”. The reservation information includes “purchasable time information” indicating when the content can be purchased, “content ID” for identifying the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted, and for enabling the user to easily identify the content. “Title”, “Portal Server Location” which is address information of the portal server for performing a predetermined procedure for purchasing the content, “Attribute” indicating version information of attribute data used to generate the reservation information It may consist of "data version information". Creation of such information can be realized by using the contents described in the attribute data. Note that FIG. 4 is an example, and other information may be included. Alternatively, the attribute data may be used as reservation information as it is. The reservation information generation / holding unit (02B07) is configured to store and store the generated reservation information in a nonvolatile memory when generating the reservation information as described above using attribute data.

  Here, the content information display unit (02B05) may use the reservation information to display information on the content for which a purchase reservation is accepted. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the content information display unit (02B05) displays content information using reservation information. FIG. 5A is an example in which a list of information on contents for which purchase reservations are accepted is displayed. FIG. 5B is an example in which detailed information of one content selected from the content displayed as a list as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed. FIG. 5C is an example of a display in which a procedure for canceling a purchase reservation is performed by clicking the “reservation cancel” icon from the interface of FIG. 5B. In this way, an interface for accepting cancellation of a purchase reservation using reservation information may be displayed.

  The “purchasable time information acquisition unit” (02B08) is configured to acquire content purchaseable time information included in the reservation information held in the reservation information generation and holding unit. The purchase available time information acquired by the purchase available time information acquisition unit (02B08) is used to determine whether the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased by the determination unit (02B09) described below. . The purchase timing information acquisition unit (02B08) is not particularly limited as timing for acquiring the purchase timing information of the content included in the reservation information. For example, it may be acquired once a day at the change of date or once in one hour at the change of time. The timing is an arbitrary design item.

  The “determination unit” (02B09) determines whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased by comparing the current date and time information obtained from the clock unit with the purchaseable period information acquired by the purchaseable period information acquisition unit. It is configured to Specifically, by identifying the “content sales start time (time when the content can be purchased)” included in the purchase available time information, and comparing the information with the current date information, the content for which the purchase reservation has been received can be obtained. Determine if purchase is possible.

  The “first notification unit” (02B10) notifies the user that the determination result in the determination unit is a determination result that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased. It is configured as follows. The means to be notified by the first notification unit (02B10) is not particularly limited, and it is notified that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased by voice, characters, figures, images, or a combination thereof. Can do. The notification timing is not particularly limited, and for example, the determination unit (02B09) may notify the trigger that it has determined that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased. When the determination unit (02B09) determines that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted is available for purchase, if the terminal device is not activated, the content for which the determination unit (02B09) has received the purchase reservation is After determining that the purchase is possible, the trigger may be used to notify that the terminal device is first activated.

  <Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 1>

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration when the functional configuration of the attribute data server of the VOD reservation system is realized as hardware. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration when the functional configuration of the terminal device of the VOD reservation system is realized as hardware. Hereinafter, an example of means for realizing the functions of the attribute data server and the terminal device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the hardware diagrams of FIGS.
<< Attribute data server (Fig. 6) >>

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration when the functional configuration of the attribute data server of the VOD reservation system is realized as hardware. As shown in the figure, the attribute data server of the present embodiment includes a “CPU” (0601) and “main memory” that constitute an “attribute data holding unit”, an “attribute data server communication unit”, an “attribute data output unit”, and the like. Device "(0602)," program storage device "(0603)," user interface "(0604)," network interface "(0605)," HDD "(0606), etc., which are" system bus "(0607) Are connected to each other through a data communication path such as for transmitting / receiving and processing information.

First, the CPU (0601) develops and executes the attribute data request reception program in the work area of the main storage device (0602), and enters a standby state for receiving the attribute data request. After that, when the attribute data request transmitted from the terminal device by the user is received via the network interface (0605), it is stored in the data area of the main storage device (0602). When the attribute data specified by the attribute data request is retrieved from the HDD (0606) according to the attribute data search command of the attribute data transmission program developed in the work area of the main storage device (0602), the main memory is retrieved. The data is stored in the data area of the device (0602). After that, according to the attribute data transmission command of the attribute data transmission program, the attribute data is transmitted to the terminal device via the network interface (0605).
<< Terminal device (Fig. 7) >>

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration when the functional configuration of the terminal device of the VOD reservation system is realized as hardware. As shown in the figure, the terminal device of this embodiment includes a “terminal communication unit”, a “playback unit”, a “clock unit”, an “attribute data request reception output unit”, a “content information display unit”, and a “purchase reservation reception unit”. "CPU" (0701), "main storage device" (0702), which constitutes "part", "reservation information generation holding part", "purchasable time information acquisition part", "determination part", "first notification part", and the like , “Program storage device” (0703), “VRAM” (0704), “secondary storage device” (0705), “user interface” (0706), “network interface” (0707), “display” (0708), “Speaker” (0709), “Clock” (0710), “HDD” (0711), etc., which are connected to each other via a data communication path such as “System Bus” (0712). It is to transmit and receive and process information.

  First, the CPU (0701) retrieves the attribute data request acceptance interface data from the secondary storage device (0705) in accordance with the interface output command of the attribute data request acceptance program expanded in the work area of the main storage device (0702). The data is stored in the data area of the main storage device (0702). Then, using the data, an interface for accepting the attribute data request is output to the display (0708). Thereafter, when an input of an attribute data request is received via the user interface (0706), the attribute data request is stored in the data area of the main storage device (0702). Then, according to the attribute data request transmission program developed in the work area of the main storage device (0702), the attribute data request that accepted the input is transmitted to the attribute data server via the network interface (0707).

  Thereafter, when the attribute data transmitted from the attribute data server is received via the network interface (0707) according to the attribute data receiving program expanded in the work area of the main storage device (0702), the main storage device (0702). Stored in the data area. Then, when the attribute data display data is extracted from the secondary storage device (0705) according to the attribute data output program expanded in the work area of the main storage device (0702), the display (0708) is used using the data and the attribute data. ) Display content information as a list. Then, according to the purchase reservation acceptance program developed in the work area of the main storage device (0702), when a content purchase reservation is received via the user interface (0706), the purchase is made using the attribute data of the content for which the reservation has been received. Reservation information including possible time information is generated and stored in the secondary storage device (0705).

Thereafter, the reservation information stored in the secondary storage device (0705) is taken out every predetermined time in accordance with the purchase possibility determination program developed in the work area of the main storage device (0702), and the purchase available time from the reservation information. Retrieve information. When the current date and time information is acquired from the clock unit (0710), the current date and time information is compared with the information related to the time to start selling the content included in the purchaseable time information (information about the time when the content can be purchased). If the current date and time information is larger or the same as a result of the size comparison, the secondary storage device (0705) is used in accordance with the first notification program developed in the work area of the main storage device (0702). The notification data is taken out from () and stored in the data area of the main storage device (0702). Then, using the notification data, notification information such as character information and image information is output to the display (0708), or notification information of audio information is output via the speaker (0709).
<Processing flow of Embodiment 1>

An example of the processing flow for accepting a purchase reservation of the VOD reservation system of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. An example of the flow of processing for determining whether the terminal device of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment can purchase the content accepted for purchase reservation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
<< Purchase reservation process (Figure 8) >>

  First, when the terminal device receives an input of a content search request (S0801), the terminal device transmits the content attribute data request of the content received to the attribute data server (S0802). The attribute data server that has received the content attribute data request searches the attribute data corresponding to the received request (S0803), and transmits the searched attribute data to the terminal device (S0804).

The terminal device that has received the attribute data uses the received attribute data to display a list of information on the content that has received the search request (S0805). When an input for a purchase reservation is received from the contents displayed in a list (S0806), reservation information is generated and stored using the attribute data of the content for which the input for the reservation is received (S0807).
<< Process to determine if it is time to purchase (Figure 9) >>

  When a predetermined time elapses after accepting a purchase reservation (S0901), the terminal device extracts reservation information from the internal memory (S0902), and extracts purchaseable time information from the reservation information (S0903). When the current date / time information is acquired (S0904), it is determined whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased by comparing the purchase date / time information with the current date / time information (S0905).

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased (S0906), the fact is notified to the user by voice information, character information, image information, etc. (S0907). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not yet available for purchase (S0906), the above process is repeated after a predetermined time has elapsed (S0902 to S0905).

In the above description, the processing for extracting reservation information every predetermined time and determining whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased has been described. However, the predetermined time (for example, 0:00:00) is reached. It is possible to determine whether the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted can be purchased by taking out the reservation information at the time of purchase, or the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted by taking out the reservation information triggered by starting the terminal device can be purchased It may be judged whether or not. This premise is the same in the “processing for determining whether or not it is possible to purchase” of the terminal device in all the following embodiments.
<Effect of Embodiment 1>

  The VOD reservation system of the present embodiment has a function of accepting a purchase reservation for content that can be purchased in the future, and further has a function of notifying the user when it is determined that the content can be purchased.

As a result, the user can avoid the inconvenience that the content that can be purchased in the future is forgotten over time and the content cannot be purchased.
<< Embodiment 2 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 2>

  The attribute data server of the VOD reservation system of the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, and further includes address information of a portal server device that is a server device for performing processing for content purchase (payment procedure etc.). The attribute data is held, and predetermined attribute data is transmitted in response to a request from the terminal device.

In addition, the terminal device of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment. Further, when a content purchase reservation is accepted, a reservation including address information of the portal server device is used using the content attribute data of the content. Generate and maintain information. When it is determined that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased, the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted by automatically accessing the portal server device using the reservation information and guiding the user to purchase the content. Is informed that purchase is possible.
<Functional configuration of Embodiment 2>

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “VOD reservation system” of this embodiment is composed of an “attribute data server” (10A00) and a “terminal device” (10B00).

  The “attribute data server” (10A00) includes an “attribute data holding unit” (10A01), an “attribute data communication unit” (10A02), and an “attribute data output unit” (10A03). "(10A01) has" address adjunct data holding means ". The “terminal device” (10B00) includes a “terminal communication unit” (10B01), a “playback unit” (10B02), a “clock unit” (10B03), an “attribute data request reception output unit” (10B04), “Content Information Display Unit” (10B05), “Purchase Reservation Accepting Unit” (10B06), “Reservation Information Generation Holding Unit” (10B07), “Purchasable Time Information Acquisition Unit” (10B08), “Judgment Unit ”(10B09) and“ portal access unit ”(10B11), and the“ reservation information generation / holding unit ”(10B07) has“ reservation information generation / holding means with address ”.

  The functional configurations of the “attribute data communication unit” (10A02) and the “attribute data output unit” (10A03) of the “attribute data server” (10A00) of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The detailed description of is omitted. In addition, the “terminal communication unit” (10B01), “reproduction unit” (10B02), “clock unit” (10B03), and “attribute data request reception output unit” (10B04) of the “terminal device” (10B00) of this embodiment. The “content information display unit” (10B05), the “purchase reservation reception unit” (10B06), the “purchasable time information acquisition unit” (10B08), and the “determination unit” (10B09) are also functionally similar to those of the first embodiment. Since it is the same, detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

Hereinafter, the “attribute data holding unit” (10A01) of the “attribute data server” (10A00) of this embodiment and the “portal access unit” (10B11) of the “terminal device” (10B00) ) And the “reservation information generation holding unit” (10B07) “functional reservation information generation holding unit” will be described.
<< Attribute data server (10A00) >>

The “address adjunct data holding means” of the “attribute data holding unit” (10A01) is configured to hold attribute data including address information of a portal server device that is a server device to be accessed first for content purchase. Has been. Here, the “portal server device” is a server device for performing a predetermined procedure for content purchase, and the portal server device performs a settlement process according to a user's payment procedure, or a content license. Process. The address information of the portal server device may be a URL or an IP address.
<< Terminal device (10B00) >>

  The “reservation information generation / holding means with address” of the “reservation information generation / holding unit” (10B07) uses the reservation information including the address information of the portal server device, which is the server device to be accessed first for content purchase, as the attribute. Generated and stored using data. The functional configuration is realized in the same manner as the “reservation information generation and holding unit (10B07) generates and holds reservation information including purchaseable time information using attribute data” described in the first embodiment. can do. Therefore, detailed description here is omitted.

The “portal access unit” (10B11) determines the portal server device address information included in the reservation information when the determination result in the determination unit is a determination result that the content accepted for the purchase reservation can be purchased. It is comprised so that the address shown by may be accessed. That is, when the portal access unit (10B11) obtains a determination result that “the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased” from the determination unit (10B09), the address information of the portal server device is obtained from the reservation information of the content. To get. And it is comprised so that a portal server apparatus may be accessed via a terminal communication part (10B01). The portal access unit (10B11) is not particularly limited in timing for accessing the portal server device. For example, the determination unit (10B09) automatically determines that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased. You may access In addition, when the determination unit (10B09) determines that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted is available for purchase, if the terminal device has not been activated, the content for which the determination unit (10B09) has received the purchase reservation has been determined. After determining that the purchase is possible, the trigger may be automatically accessed when the terminal device is first activated. When accessing the portal server device, a message such as “There is content that can be purchased. Do you want to access the portal server device?” Is displayed immediately before the access, and the user selects “YES”. Automatic access may be performed only when is selected. On the other hand, when the user selects “NO”, the same guidance may be displayed again after a predetermined time has elapsed.
<Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 2>

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration when the functional configuration of the terminal device of the VOD reservation system is realized as hardware. Since the configuration when the functional configuration of the attribute data server of the present embodiment is realized as hardware can be realized according to the configuration described in the first embodiment (FIG. 6), the detailed description here is as follows. Omitted.
<< Terminal device (Fig. 11) >>

  As shown in FIG. 11, the terminal device of this embodiment includes a “terminal communication unit”, a “playback unit”, a “clock unit”, an “attribute data request reception output unit”, a “content information display unit”, and a “purchase reservation”. “CPU” (1101), “main storage device” (1102) constituting “accepting unit”, “reservation information generation / holding unit”, “purchasable time information acquisition unit”, “determination unit”, “portal server access unit”, and the like ), “Program storage device” (1103), “VRAM” (1104), “secondary storage device” (1105), “user interface” (1106), “network interface” (1107), “display” (1108) , “Speaker” (1109), “clock unit” (1110), “HDD” (1111), etc., and these are data communication processes such as “system bus” (1112). By being connected to each other to transmit and receive and process information. Hereinafter, an example of a unit that realizes a function when the terminal device of the present embodiment determines that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased will be described using the hardware diagram of FIG. 11.

  The CPU (1101) generates reservation information including the address information of the portal server using the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted, and stores the generated reservation information in the secondary storage device (1105). The reservation information stored in the secondary storage device (1105) is extracted every predetermined time in accordance with the purchase possibility determination program developed in the work area of the main storage device (1102), and purchase time information is obtained from the reservation information. Take out. When the current date / time information is acquired from the clock unit (1110), the current date / time information is compared with the information related to the time to start selling the content included in the purchase available time information (information about the time when the purchase is possible). If the current date and time information is larger or the same as a result of the size comparison, the secondary storage device (in accordance with the portal server automatic access program developed in the work area of the main storage device (1102)) The automatic access guidance data is extracted from 1105), and an interface for prompting selection of whether or not to access the portal server is output to the display (1108).

  Then, when an input of “accessing the portal server” is received from the user via the user interface (1106), the address information of the portal server included in the reservation information is extracted. Then, the portal server is accessed via the network interface (1107) using the extracted address information.

In addition, although the above demonstrated the function which displays the guidance to that effect on a display and notifies a user before accessing a portal server automatically, the said function is not an essential function in this embodiment.
<Processing flow of Embodiment 2>

Hereinafter, an example of a processing flow in which the terminal device of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
<< Process to determine if it is time to purchase (Figure 12) >>

  When a predetermined time elapses after accepting a purchase reservation (S1201), the terminal device extracts reservation information from the internal memory (S1202), and extracts purchaseable time information from the reservation information (S1203). When the current date / time information is acquired (S1204), it is determined whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased by comparing the purchase date / time information with the current date / time information (S1205).

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the content accepted for purchase reservation can be purchased (S1206), the address information of the portal server is extracted from the reservation information (S1207). Then, the portal server is accessed using the retrieved address information (S1208).

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not yet available for purchase (S1206), the above process is repeated after a predetermined time (S1202 to S1205).
<Effect of Embodiment 2>

  The VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment has a function of accepting purchase reservations of contents that can be purchased in the future. Further, when the contents can be purchased, the portal server for performing the content purchase procedure is automatically accessed. It has the function to do.

As a result, the user can recognize that the content desired to be purchased can be purchased, and can avoid troublesome operations (such as address input) for accessing the portal server.
<< Embodiment 3 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 3>

  The attribute data server of the VOD reservation system of the present embodiment is based on the first or second embodiment, and further includes a “content ID” for identifying which content attribute data and “version information” of the attribute data. The attribute data is stored, and predetermined attribute data is transmitted in response to a request from the terminal device.

The terminal device of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment is based on the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, when the content purchase reservation is received and reservation information is generated and held, the purchase reservation is made at a predetermined timing thereafter. Reacquire the attribute data of the accepted content. Then, it is determined whether the reacquired attribute data is different from the attribute data used when generating the reservation information. If it is determined that the content is different, the reacquired attribute data is used to generate the reservation information. While holding, it is characterized by notifying the user of a change in contents.
<Functional configuration of Embodiment 3>

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “VOD reservation system” of this embodiment includes an “attribute data server” (13A00) and a “terminal device” (13B00).

  The “attribute data server” (13A00) includes an “attribute data holding unit” (13A01), an “attribute data communication unit” (13A02), and an “attribute data output unit” (13A03). "(13A01) has" ID version attachment data holding means ". The “terminal device” (13B00) includes a “terminal communication unit” (13B01), a “playback unit” (13B02), a “clock unit” (13B03), an “attribute data request reception output unit” (13B04), "Content information display part" (13B05), "Purchase reservation reception part" (13B06), "Reservation information generation and holding part" (13B07), "Purchase available time information acquisition part" (13B08), ”(13B09),“ first notification unit ”(13B10), and“ comparison unit ”(13B12), and the“ attribute data request reception output unit ”(13B04) is a“ repeated attribute data request output unit ”. The “reservation information generation / holding unit” (13B07) includes “reservation information update holding unit”. The “terminal device” (13B00) may include a “second notification unit” (13B13).

  The functional configurations of the “attribute data communication unit” (13A02) and the “attribute data output unit” (13A03) of the “attribute data server” (13A00) of this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the like. The detailed description in is omitted. Also, the “terminal communication unit” (13B01), “playback unit” (13B02), “clock unit” (13B03), “content information display unit” (13B05), “ The functional configurations of the “Purchase Reservation Acceptance Unit” (13B06), “Purchase Available Time Information Acquisition Unit” (13B08), “Judgment Unit” (13B09), and “First Notification Unit” (13B10) are also the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description here is omitted.

Hereinafter, the “attribute data storage unit” (13A01) of the “attribute data server” (13A00) of this embodiment, the “ID version attachment data holding unit”, and the “comparison unit” (13B12) of the “terminal device” (13B00). ), “Second notification unit” (13B13), “repeated attribute data request output unit” of “attribute data request reception output unit” (13B04), and “reservation information generation holding unit” (13B07) “reservation” A functional configuration of the “information update holding unit” will be described.
<< Attribute data server (13A00) >>

The “attribute data holding unit” (13A01) “ID version adjunct data holding means” holds the attribute data including the content ID for identifying the attribute data of which content and the version information of the attribute data. It is configured. “Attribute data” is data related to content. However, since the attribute data holding unit (13A01) holds attribute data of a large number of contents, a means for identifying which content attribute data each attribute data needs is required. Become. The means can be realized, for example, by describing, in each attribute data, information (content ID) for identifying which content attribute data the attribute data is. Moreover, there is a possibility that the contents of part of the information described in the attribute data (sales period, etc.) may change due to changes in circumstances. In such a case, attribute data changed to new contents is generated, but means for avoiding confusion with previous attribute data of the contents (attribute data before changing contents) is required. The means can be realized, for example, by describing version information in each attribute data. The ID version adjunct data holding means of the attribute data holding unit (13A01) is configured to hold attribute data including a content ID and version information.
<< Terminal device (13B00) >>

  The “repeated attribute data request output unit” of the “attribute data request reception output unit” (13B04) is configured to repeatedly output the attribute data request for the content for which the purchase reservation reception unit has received the purchase reservation at a predetermined timing. It is configured. Here, the means for recognizing the content for which the “repeated attribute data request output means” has accepted the purchase reservation is realized by making it possible to use the reservation information held by the reservation information generation holding section (13B07). May be. Specifically, the reservation information generation / holding unit (13B07) is configured to generate and hold reservation information including a content ID, and the repetitive attribute data request output unit acquires the content ID included in the reservation information. It may be configured to identify content for which a purchase reservation has been accepted. The “predetermined timing” at which the repetitive attribute data request output means repeatedly outputs the attribute data request for the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted may be, for example, “output once a day at a predetermined time” or “terminal device” "Every time you start" Alternatively, “in principle, output once a day at a predetermined time, but if the terminal device is not activated at that time, it may be output when the terminal device is activated for the first time after the time has elapsed”. Repetitive attribute data request is output when content is available for purchase without the user's knowledge, and the content is periodically changed to prevent the user from suffering unexpected disadvantages. This is to check for the presence or absence. Therefore, the “predetermined timing” is not limited to the above-described example as long as it can achieve the object, and may be other timing.

  The “comparison unit” (13B12) holds the version information included in the attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request of the repeated attribute data request output unit, at that time, in the reservation information generation and holding unit. It is configured to compare with version information of attribute data used to generate the reservation information. As a means for realizing the comparison, for example, the reservation information generation and holding unit (13B07) is configured to generate and hold reservation information including “content ID” and “version information” (example: FIG. 4). ). When the comparison unit (13B12) acquires the attribute data received in response to the attribute data request from the repeated attribute data request output unit, the comparison unit (13B12) acquires “content ID” and “version information” included in the attribute data. Then, the reservation information including the same “content ID” as the acquired “content ID” is searched for and acquired from the reservation information held by the reservation information generation holding unit (13B07). Then, “version information” included in the acquired reservation information may be acquired and compared with “version information” acquired from the attribute data received in response to the attribute data request of the repeated attribute data request output means. The comparison here is for determining whether or not the version information is the same. Therefore, a desired comparison can be realized by comparing the size of each version information.

  The “reservation information update / holding unit” of the “reservation information generation / holding unit” (13B07) obtains the comparison result that the version information is different as a result of the comparison in the comparison unit, and the newly received attribute data It is configured to generate and hold reservation information of contents that are used and accept reservations. When reservation information is generated and held using newly received attribute data, the reservation information generated and held using attribute data of the previous version is deleted at the same time. May be.

When the comparison result that the version information is different is obtained as a result of comparison in the comparison unit, the “second notification unit” (13B13) informs the user of the fact or updated attribute data. It is configured to notify the contents. Here, “when a comparison result that version information is different as a result of comparison in the comparison unit is obtained” is a case where the content of the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted has been changed. That is, “notifying the user of the fact” is intended to notify the user that the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted has been changed. The notification means is not particularly limited, and the above can be notified by voice, characters, figures, images, or a combination thereof. Further, the second notification unit (13B13) may notify “the contents of the updated attribute data” instead of the notification or in combination with the notification. As a means to display the contents of the updated attribute data, first, compare the contents of each information ("purchasable time information", "price", etc.) included in the attribute data, and determine whether or not they are the same Identify the information changed in. When the changed information is identified, the contents of the information included in the newly acquired attribute data may be acquired and notified to the user by displaying it on the display. Note that the timing of notification as described above is not particularly limited. For example, the process is executed when a comparison result indicating that the version information is different is obtained from the comparison unit (13B12), and notification is made to the user. May be. In the case where the content of the updated attribute data is notified to the user as described above, the reservation information generated and held by the reservation information generation / holding unit (13B07) is included in the attribute data. It is desirable to include all information.
<Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 3>

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration when the functional configuration of the terminal device of the VOD reservation system is realized as hardware. Since the configuration when the functional configuration of the attribute data server of the present embodiment is realized as hardware can be realized according to the configuration described in the first embodiment (FIG. 6), the detailed description here is as follows. Omitted.
<< Terminal device (Fig. 14) >>

  As shown in FIG. 14, the terminal device of this embodiment includes a “terminal communication unit”, a “playback unit”, a “clock unit”, an “attribute data request reception output unit”, a “content information display unit”, and a “purchase reservation”. "CPU" (1401), "main part", "reservation information generation holding part", "purchasable time information acquisition part", "determination part", "comparison part", "second notification part", etc. “Storage device” (1402), “Program storage device” (1403), “VRAM” (1404), “Secondary storage device” (1405), “User interface” (1406), “Network interface” (1407), “ Display ”(1408),“ Speaker ”(1409),“ Clock ”(1410),“ HDD ”(1411), etc., which are data communication paths such as“ System Bus ”(1412) Thus it is interconnected to transmit and receive and process information. Hereinafter, using the hardware diagram of FIG. 14, the terminal device according to the present embodiment checks whether or not the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted has been changed, and is executed when it is determined that the content has been changed. An example of means for realizing the will be described.

  The CPU (1402) generates reservation information including the content ID and version information using the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted, and stores the generated reservation information in the secondary storage device (1405). When predetermined timing information is extracted from the secondary storage device (1405) according to the attribute data request retransmission program developed in the work area of the main storage device (1402), it is stored in the data area of the main storage device (1402). Then, it is monitored that the predetermined timing specified by the predetermined timing information is reached.

  Thereafter, when it is determined that the predetermined timing has come, the reservation information is extracted from the secondary storage device (1405), and the content ID included in the reservation information is acquired. Then, a request for attribute data of the content specified by the content ID is transmitted to the attribute data server via the network interface (1407). Thereafter, when the attribute data is received from the attribute data server via the network interface (1407), it is stored in the data area of the main storage device (1402).

After that, according to the reservation information update program developed in the work area of the main storage device (1402), the version information of the newly acquired attribute data and the version information included in the reservation information specified by the same content ID are Compare and process. If the comparison result is “same”, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of the comparison is “mismatch”, the reservation information is generated and stored using the newly acquired attribute data. Then, according to the second notification program developed in the work area of the main storage device (1402), when the notification data is taken out from the secondary storage device (1405), the display (1408) and the speaker (1409) are controlled, and the content is controlled. Outputs that there is a change in the information.
<Processing flow of Embodiment 3>

Hereinafter, an example of a processing flow in which the terminal device of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment confirms whether the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted has been changed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
<< Process to confirm whether the attribute data of the content for which a purchase reservation has been accepted has been changed (FIG. 15) >>

  When the terminal device is activated after receiving the purchase reservation (S1501), the terminal device monitors whether a predetermined timing has been reached (S1502). If it is determined that the predetermined timing has been reached (S1502), the reservation information is extracted from the internal memory (S1503), and the content ID is extracted from the reservation information (S1504). Thereafter, an attribute data request for the content specified by the extracted content ID is transmitted to the attribute data server (S1505).

  Thereafter, when the attribute data transmitted by the attribute data server that has received the attribute data request is received (S1506), version information is extracted from the received attribute data (S1507). Also, version information is extracted from the reservation information including the same content ID (S1508), and the two pieces of extracted version information are compared (S1509).

As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the version information is different (S1510), reservation information is generated using the newly received attribute data and stored (S1511). Then, the user is notified that the content information has been changed (S1512). Thereafter, the same processing is repeated (S1501 to S1512) until the terminal device is turned off (S1513). On the other hand, if it is determined that the version information is different (S1510), the processing (S1502 to S1512) is repeated until the terminal device is turned off (S1511).
<Effect of Embodiment 3>

  The VOD reservation system of the present embodiment has a function of accepting purchase reservations of contents that can be purchased in the future, and further confirms whether the contents described in the attribute data of the contents accepting purchase reservations have changed. It has a function. And when the content of the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation is accepted is changed, it has a function of generating reservation information using the new attribute data and notifying the user to that effect.

As a result, even if information such as the sales period and price of the content that has been reserved for purchase is changed after the reservation, the user can be surely recognized that, and the content information has changed. Possible disadvantages can be avoided.
<< Embodiment 4 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 4>

The terminal device of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment is based on the first, second, or third embodiment. Furthermore, the attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted is changed, and a new received attribute data is used. When the reservation information is generated and stored, it is then determined whether the content can be purchased using the newly generated and stored reservation information.
<Functional Configuration of Embodiment 4>

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the VOD reservation system according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “VOD reservation system” of this embodiment is composed of an “attribute data server” (16A00) and a “terminal device” (16B00).

  The “attribute data server” (16A00) includes an “attribute data holding unit” (16A01), an “attribute data communication unit” (16A02), and an “attribute data output unit” (16A03). "(16A01) has" ID version attachment data holding means ". The “terminal device” (16B00) includes a “terminal communication unit” (16B01), a “playback unit” (16B02), a “clock unit” (16B03), an “attribute data request reception output unit” (16B04), "Content information display part" (16B05), "Purchase reservation reception part" (16B06), "Reservation information generation and holding part" (16B07), "Purchase available time information acquisition part" (16B08), ”(16B09),“ first notification unit ”(16B10), and“ comparison unit ”(16B12), and the“ attribute data request acceptance output unit ”(16B04) includes“ repeated attribute data request output means ”. The “reservation information generation and holding unit” (16B07) has “reservation information update holding unit”, and the “determination unit” (16B09) has “update information determination unit”.

  The “attribute data holding unit” (16A01), “attribute data communication unit” (16A02), “attribute data output unit” (16A03), and “attribute data holding unit” of the “attribute data server” (16A00) of the present embodiment. The functional configuration of the “ID version adjunct data holding unit” in (16A01) is the same as that in the first embodiment and the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, the “terminal communication unit” (16B01), “reproduction unit” (16B02), “clock unit” (16B03), and “attribute data request reception output unit” (16B04) of the “terminal device” (16B00) of this embodiment. "Content information display part" (16B05), "Purchase reservation reception part" (16B06), "Reservation information generation and holding part" (16B07), "Purchase available time information acquisition part" (16B08), and "First notification part" (16B10) and "repetitive attribute data request output means" of "attribute data request reception output section" (16B04) and functional configuration of "reservation information update holding means" of "reservation information generation holding section" (16B07) Since it is the same as that of Embodiment 1 etc., detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the “update information determination unit” of the “determination unit” (16B09) of the “terminal device” (16B00) of the present embodiment will be described.
<< Terminal device (16B00) >>

When the “update information determination means” of the “determination unit” (16B09) obtains a comparison result that the version information is different as a result of the comparison in the comparison unit, the reservation information of the reservation information generation / holding unit is thereafter obtained. The update holding means uses the purchaseable time information included in the reservation information generated and held using the newly received attribute data to determine whether the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased. It is configured. As specific means for realizing the above, for example, when the reservation information update holding unit of the reservation information generation holding unit uses the new attribute data to generate the reservation information, the attribute data of the previous version is used. The reservation information generated in this way may be deleted, and it may be realized by always specifying only one reservation information from one content ID. Note that the update information determination means uses the reservation information to determine whether the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased, according to the configuration of the determination unit described in the first embodiment. be able to. Therefore, detailed description here is omitted.
<Hardware Configuration of Embodiment 4>

Since the configuration when the functional configuration of the attribute data server of the present embodiment is realized as hardware can be realized according to the configuration described in the first embodiment (FIG. 6), the detailed description here is as follows. Omitted. In addition, the configuration when the functional configuration of the terminal device of the present embodiment is realized as hardware can be realized in accordance with those described in the first, second, and third embodiments (FIGS. 7, 11, and 14). Therefore, detailed description here is omitted.
<Processing Flow of Embodiment 4>

Since the flow of characteristic processing (processing by the update information determination unit of the determination unit) in the VOD reservation system of the present embodiment can be realized according to the processing described in the first embodiment (FIG. 9), here. The detailed description of is omitted.
<Effect of Embodiment 4>

  The VOD reservation system of the present embodiment has a function of accepting purchase reservations of contents that can be purchased in the future, and further has a function of confirming whether or not the contents described in the attribute data of the contents have changed. If the content of the attribute data of the content for which a purchase reservation has been accepted is changed, reservation information is generated using the new attribute data, and thereafter, the purchase information is generated using the newly generated reservation information. It has a function of determining whether or not the content for which the reservation has been accepted can be purchased.

  As a result, even if the sales period of the content that has been reserved for purchase is changed after the reservation, the user is notified that the content can be purchased based on the changed sales period without any troublesome operations. Can receive.

Sequence diagram explaining the flow of processing of the IPSP specification VOD system Functional block diagram of Embodiment 1 An example of display using attribute data An example of reservation information schematically An example of display using reservation information Schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the attribute data server of the first embodiment 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device according to a first embodiment. Sequence diagram showing the flow of processing of the VOD system of the first embodiment The flowchart figure which shows the flow of a process of the terminal device of Embodiment 1. Functional block diagram of Embodiment 2 The conceptual diagram which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of the terminal device of Embodiment 2. The flowchart figure which shows the flow of a process of the terminal device of Embodiment 2. Functional block diagram of Embodiment 3 The conceptual diagram which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of the terminal device of Embodiment 3. The flowchart figure which shows the flow of a process of the terminal device of Embodiment 3. Functional block diagram of Embodiment 4

Explanation of symbols

02A00 Attribute data server 02A01 Attribute data holding unit 02A02 Attribute data communication unit 02A03 Attribute data output unit 02B00 Terminal device 02B01 Terminal communication unit 02B02 Playback unit 02B03 Clock unit 02B04 Attribute data request reception output unit 02B05 Content information display unit 02B06 Purchase reservation reception unit 02B07 Reservation information generation holding unit 02B08 Purchaseable time information acquisition unit 02B09 determination unit 02B10 first notification unit

Claims (14)

An attribute data holding unit for holding attribute data including information on the available time of purchase of content distributed by VOD;
An attribute data server communication unit for communicating with the terminal device;
An attribute data output unit that outputs attribute data via the attribute data server communication unit in response to a request from the terminal device;
An attribute data server having
A terminal communication unit;
A playback unit for playing back content distributed by VOD;
A clock part,
An attribute data request reception / output unit that receives an attribute data request to the attribute data server device and outputs the request via the terminal communication unit;
A content information display unit that displays content information using attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request;
A purchase reservation accepting unit for accepting a purchase reservation from the content displayed by the content information display unit;
A reservation information generation and holding unit that generates and holds reservation information including purchaseable time information of content that has received a purchase reservation at the purchase reservation reception unit, using attribute data;
A purchaseable time information acquisition unit for acquiring the purchaseable time information of the content included in the reservation information held in the reservation information generation holding unit;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the content accepted for purchase reservation can be purchased by comparing the current date and time information obtained from the clock unit and the purchaseable time information acquired by the purchaseable time information acquisition unit;
A terminal device having
VOD reservation system consisting of The terminal device
The determination unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a first notification unit that notifies the user of the fact that the determination result in the determination unit is a determination result that the content accepted for purchase can be purchased. VOD reservation system. The attribute data holding unit of the attribute data server
Address adjunct data holding means for holding attribute data including address information of a portal server device that is a server device to be accessed first for the purchase of content,
The reservation information generation and holding unit of the terminal device
With the address that generates and holds reservation information using the attribute data, including address information of the portal server device that is the server device that should be accessed first for the purchase of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted by the purchase reservation reception unit Reservation information generation and holding means,
The terminal device
If the determination result in the determination unit is a determination result that the content accepted for the purchase reservation can be purchased, the address for accessing the address indicated by the address information of the portal server device included in the reservation information The VOD reservation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a portal access unit. The attribute data holding unit of the attribute data server
A content ID for identifying which content attribute data and an ID version adjunct data holding means for holding attribute data including version information of the attribute data;
The attribute data request reception output unit of the terminal device
Repetitive attribute data request output means for repeatedly outputting a request for attribute data of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted by the purchase reservation receiving unit at a predetermined timing;
The terminal device
Use the version information included in the attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request of the repeated attribute data request output means to generate the reservation information held in the reservation information generation and holding unit at that time A comparison unit for comparing with the version information of the attribute data
The reservation information generation and holding unit of the terminal device
Reservation information update that generates and retains reservation information for content that has been accepted using newly received attribute data when a comparison result that the version information is different is obtained as a result of comparison in the comparison unit The VOD reservation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a holding unit. The terminal device
As a result of comparison in the comparison unit, when a comparison result indicating that the version information is different is obtained, a second notification unit for notifying the user or the content of the updated attribute data is further provided. The VOD reservation system according to claim 4. The determination unit of the terminal device
As a result of comparison in the comparison unit, if a comparison result indicating that the version information is different is obtained, then the reservation information generated and held by using the attribute data newly received by the reservation information update holding means 6. The VOD reservation system according to claim 4, further comprising update information determination means for determining whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased using the purchase available time information included in.   The attribute data server according to claim 1.   The terminal device as described in any one of Claim 1 to 6. A processing method of an attribute data server having an attribute data output step of outputting attribute data including purchaseable time information of content distributed by VOD through an attribute data server communication step in response to a request from a terminal device;
An attribute data request acceptance output step for accepting an attribute data request to the attribute data server device and outputting it via a terminal communication step;
A content information display step for displaying content information using attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request;
A purchase reservation acceptance step for accepting a purchase reservation from the content displayed in the content information display step;
Reservation information generation and holding step for generating and holding reservation information including purchaseable time information of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted in the purchase reservation reception step, using attribute data;
A purchase time information acquisition step for acquiring the purchase time information of the content included in the held reservation information;
A processing method of the terminal device having a determination step of determining whether or not the content accepted for purchase reservation can be purchased by comparing the current date and time information and the purchaseable time information acquired in the purchaseable time information acquisition step;
A processing method for a VOD reservation system comprising: The processing method of the terminal device is as follows:
10. The first notification step of notifying the user of the fact that the determination result in the determination step is a determination result that the content accepted for purchase reservation can be purchased. Processing method of VOD reservation system. The reservation information generation holding step of the processing method of the terminal device
With an address that generates and holds reservation information using the attribute data, including address information of the portal server device that is the server device that should be accessed first for the purchase of the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted in the purchase reservation acceptance step Reservation information generation holding sub-step,
The processing method of the terminal device is
If the determination result in the determination step is a determination result that the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased, the portal that is the server device to be accessed first for the purchase of the content included in the attribute data The processing method of the VOD reservation system according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a portal access step for accessing an address indicated by the address information of the server device. The attribute data request acceptance output step of the processing method of the terminal device is:
A repetitive attribute data request output sub-step for repeatedly outputting a request for attribute data of the content whose purchase reservation has been accepted in the purchase reservation receiving step at a predetermined timing;
The processing method of the terminal device is
The version information included in the attribute data received from the attribute data server in response to the attribute data request in the repeated attribute data request output sub-step is used to generate the reservation information held at that time. A comparison step for comparing with version information;
The reservation information generation holding step of the processing method of the terminal device
If the comparison result in the comparison step shows that the version information is different, the reservation information update that generates and holds the reservation information of the content for which the reservation is accepted using the newly received attribute data The method of processing a VOD reservation system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a holding sub-step. The processing method of the terminal device is
As a result of comparison in the comparison step, when a comparison result indicating that the version information is different is obtained, a second notification step of notifying the user or the content of the updated attribute data is further provided. The processing method of the VOD reservation system according to claim 12. The determination part step of the processing method of the terminal device is:
If the comparison result in the comparison step shows that the version information is different, the reservation information generated and held by the reservation information update holding sub-step using the newly received attribute data thereafter 14. The processing method of the VOD reservation system according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising an update information determination sub-step for determining whether or not the content for which the purchase reservation has been accepted can be purchased using the purchase available time information included in the information.

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