JP2010109548A - Information processing apparatus and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase a viewing and listening opportunity of a broadcast program in an information processing apparatus and an information processing method which select a specific type broadcast program and recommends the selected broadcast program to a user by more surely selecting the broadcast program of a specific broadcast pattern. <P>SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus includes an EPG acquisition section 120 which obtains the EPG data about the broadcast programs, a selecting section 170 which selects an object program, i.e. an object for deciding whether it is a special program satisfying predetermined conditions or not, out of a plurality of broadcast patterns of broadcast programs classified according to a predetermined criterion among the broadcast programs, and a broadcast pattern specification section 180 which specifies that the broadcast pattern of an object program is a special program by using the EPG data of a basic day, i.e. the broadcasting day of an object program, the EPG data in the past within predetermined days from the basic day, and the EPG data in the future within predetermined days from the basic day. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method having a function of prompting a user to view a broadcast program such as a television broadcast.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, recording apparatuses such as recorders that incorporate a large-capacity recording medium such as a hard disk and record a broadcast program such as a television broadcast have been widely used. Such a recording apparatus acquires EPG (Electrical Program Guide) information included in a broadcast signal obtained from a television broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station. The EPG information includes information representing the program title and broadcast time, and the recording device performs (reserved) recording of the program based on the broadcast time of the program included in the EPG information.

  Here, in such a recording apparatus, a program having a specific broadcast pattern (for example, a special program that is broadcast only once a year) is selected, and the selected broadcast program is presented to the user of the recording apparatus. Automatic recording, automatic playback, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “recommended”) may be performed. As a method for selecting such a special program or the like, for example, there is a method of inferring from the incidental information of the broadcast program such as a keyword considered to correspond to the program to be selected, a program genre, and a broadcast time length. That is, for example, when the keyword “special number” is included in the title of a program and the broadcast duration is 2 hours or more, the recording device selects the program as a special program and recommends it to the user. To do.

  As such a method, a keyword that the user has set, a user's viewing behavior, a keyword that corresponds to the program that the user wants to select is searched for a program that attracts the user's interest, and a notification that notifies the user of the hit program is received. An apparatus and a program notice method are disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, if a program distribution server and a viewing information storage server are installed on the network without using keywords, and the user has a strong tendency to view a certain type of program (for example, a special program), the user can use the viewing information storage server. Generate information about viewing trends. A technology is disclosed in which a program (for example, a special program) having a strong user viewing tendency is stored on the program distribution server by the viewing information storage server transmitting the information to the program distribution server. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). According to this technique, the user can easily select and view a specific type of program such as a special program.

JP 2003-18483 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-210336

  However, in the case of the apparatus and method described in Patent Document 1, the broadcast program in which the additional information included in the broadcast program does not include information that matches the keyword set by the user or the keyword included in the apparatus is the user. There is a problem that it is not selected as a recommended program (for example, a special program) and is not notified to the user.

  Further, since the technology described in Patent Document 2 uses information related to the viewing tendency of the user, it is necessary for the user to perform an act of repeatedly viewing a specific type of program and to make the viewing information storage server learn. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a long time before the user can easily select and view a specific type of program.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem. In an information processing apparatus and information processing method for selecting a specific type of broadcast program and recommending it to a user, the broadcast program having a specific broadcast pattern is more An object is to increase the number of viewing opportunities for the user of the broadcast program so that the user can select it reliably.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to an aspect of the present invention, an EPG acquisition unit that acquires EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data related to a broadcast program, and the broadcast program classified according to a predetermined criterion Among a plurality of broadcast patterns of a broadcast program, (A) it is broadcast only once within a predetermined period, or (B) it is broadcast two or more times within a predetermined period, but only one specific broadcast It is a target for determining whether or not the broadcast time length is a special program that is longer than the broadcast time length of other broadcasts and the broadcast time length of the specific one-time broadcast is longer than a predetermined broadcast time length. Using a selection unit for selecting a target program, EPG data of a reference date that is a broadcast date of the target program, EPG data before the previous day of the reference date, and EPG data after the next day of the reference date, There is provided an information processing apparatus including a broadcast pattern specifying unit that specifies that a broadcast pattern of the target program is the special program.

  In this way, in the present invention, the broadcast pattern specifying unit uses the EPG data to specify a special program from the broadcast pattern, so that a special program that could not be specified conventionally (for example, a keyword set by the user) It is also possible to find a broadcast program that does not include information that matches the keyword that the device has. In addition, since it does not depend on the user's viewing history, etc., it takes a long time for a user to easily select and view a specific type of program even if the program has few broadcasting opportunities such as a special program. Nor. Moreover, it is possible to increase viewing opportunities for the user of the broadcast program by displaying the broadcast program determined to be a special program by the broadcast pattern specifying unit by the display control unit.

  Here, the information processing apparatus may further include a display control unit that causes a display device to display a display indicating that the target program determined to be the special program by the broadcast pattern specifying unit is the special program. Good.

  At this time, the display control unit may display the list of special programs on the display device.

  Alternatively, the display control unit adds display data indicating that the target program is the special program to the EPG data acquired by the EPG acquisition unit, and adds the EPG data to which the display data is added to the EPG data. You may make it display on a display apparatus.

  Alternatively, when the display control unit switches from a channel on which one broadcast program is broadcast to a channel on which another broadcast program determined to be the special program is broadcast, the other broadcast program is You may make it display the display which shows that it is the said special program on a display apparatus.

  In addition, the broadcast pattern identification unit is the same broadcast program as the target program for all the broadcast programs broadcast in the past within the predetermined number of days, the reference date, and the future within the predetermined number of days. The number of the same program that is the same broadcast program as the target program in the past, the reference date, and the future is counted according to the determination result of the same program determination unit and the same program determination unit In the determination by the program number counting unit and the same program determination unit, when it is determined that the comparison program that is the broadcast program to be compared with the target program is not the same broadcast program as the target program, It is determined whether the broadcast time length of the target program is longer than the broadcast time length of the comparative program, and the minimum release of the special program in which the broadcast time length of the target program is preset. Broadcast of the target program according to the broadcast time length determination unit that determines whether or not it is longer than the time length and the number of the same programs by the program number counting unit or the determination result of the broadcast time length determination unit And a special program determination unit that determines whether or not the pattern is the special program.

  At this time, the special program determination unit is (P) when the number of the same programs is counted by the program count unit, or (Q) the broadcast time length determination unit When it is determined that the broadcast time length of the target program is longer than the broadcast time length of the comparison program and the broadcast time length of the target program is longer than the minimum broadcast time length, the broadcast pattern of the target program is You may make it judge that it is the said special program.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an EPG acquisition step of acquiring EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data relating to a broadcast program, and the broadcast program are classified according to a predetermined standard. Among a plurality of broadcast patterns of the broadcast program, (A) broadcast only once within a predetermined period, or (B) broadcast twice or more within a predetermined period, but only one specific broadcast A target for determining whether or not the broadcast time length of a specific program is longer than the broadcast time length of another broadcast and the broadcast time length of the specific one-time broadcast is longer than a predetermined time length A selection step of selecting a program, EPG data of a reference date that is a broadcast date of the target program, EPG data before the reference date, and EPG data after the reference date And a step of determining whether or not the broadcast pattern of the target program is the special program, and a display indicating that the target program determined to be the special program by the broadcast pattern specifying unit is the special program And a display step of displaying the information on a display device.

  According to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus and information processing method for selecting a specific type of broadcast program and recommending it to a user, the broadcast pattern of the specific broadcast pattern is identified by identifying the broadcast pattern of the program based on the EPG data. The program can be selected more reliably, and the viewing opportunities for the user of the broadcast program can be increased.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

(Configuration of information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention)
<About functional configuration>
First, a functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a recording / reproducing apparatus 100 as an example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The recording / reproducing apparatus 100 receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station, reproduces a broadcast program based on the received broadcast signal, displays the program on a display device (not shown), and based on the received broadcast signal. Thus, the broadcast program can be recorded on a recording medium. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 includes a broadcast signal receiving unit 110, an EPG acquisition unit 120, a program recording unit 130, a storage unit 140, a program reproduction unit 150, and an operation input. Unit 160, target program selection unit 170, broadcast pattern identification unit 180, and display control unit 190.

  The broadcast signal receiving unit 110 receives a broadcast signal such as a television broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station via the antenna 19. The broadcast signal receiving unit 110 has a tuner (not shown) and can receive a broadcast program for each channel. Television broadcasting includes terrestrial analog broadcasting, terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS analog broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, other wired broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and the like.

  The EPG acquisition unit 120 acquires EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data related to a broadcast program transmitted from a broadcast station together with the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal reception unit 110. The EPG data includes, for example, information such as a broadcast program title, broadcast date, broadcast channel, broadcast start time, broadcast end time, and program genre. The EPG acquisition unit 120 stores the acquired EPG data in the storage unit 140.

  The program recording unit 130 records a broadcast program broadcast based on the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal receiving unit 110 in the storage unit 140 in accordance with a user input or the like. Specifically, the program recording unit 130 decodes the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal receiving unit 110 using an NTSC (National Television System Committee) decoder or the like, and then encodes the broadcast signal using an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method or the like. . Then, the program recording unit 130 stores the encoded broadcast signal in the storage unit 140.

  The storage unit 140 stores EPG data acquired by the EPG acquisition unit 120, broadcast programs recorded by the program recording unit 130, and the like. In addition to EPG data and broadcast programs, the storage unit 140 may store arbitrary information such as information related to reserved recording of programs and an ID for identifying the recording / playback apparatus 100. Examples of the storage unit 140 include a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and a BD (Blu-ray Disk (registered trademark)), a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. An arbitrary storage medium such as a dielectric memory or a tape-shaped storage medium can be used.

  The program reproducing unit 150 reproduces a broadcast program corresponding to the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal receiving unit 110 or the broadcast signal stored in the storage unit 140 in accordance with a user input or the like. Specifically, the program reproducing unit 150, when directly reproducing the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal receiving unit 110 (reproducing a live broadcast), converts the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal receiving unit 110 into an NTSC decoder. The decoded broadcast signal is transmitted to the display control unit 190. In addition, when reproducing the broadcast signal stored in the storage unit 140, the program reproduction unit 150 decodes the broadcast signal stored in the storage unit 140 using an MPEG decoder or the like, and the decoded broadcast signal is displayed. The data is transmitted to the display control unit 190.

  The operation input unit 160 generates operation signals corresponding to the operation contents of buttons, switches, remote controllers and their receivers provided on the side of the casing of the recording / playback apparatus 100 by the user, and the generated operation signals are used as the target program. The data is output to the selection unit 170, the display control unit 190, and the like.

The target program selection unit 170 selects a target program in response to an input of a user operation signal from the operation input unit 160. Here, the “target program” refers to the following (A) among a plurality of broadcast patterns of broadcast programs classified according to a predetermined standard from among a plurality of broadcast programs corresponding to a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station. ) Or a broadcast program that is a target for determining whether the program is a special program that satisfies the condition of (B).
(A) It is broadcast only once within a predetermined period.
(B) Although broadcasted twice or more within a predetermined period, the broadcast time length of only one specific broadcast is longer than the broadcast time length of other broadcasts, and the broadcast time length of a specific single broadcast Is longer than a predetermined broadcast time length (for example, the minimum broadcast time length for determining a special program).

  Specifically, for example, when a user selects a broadcast program to be reserved when the user wants to make a recording reservation, or the user changes a channel and selects a broadcast program of another channel for viewing. In such a case, the target program selection unit 170 may select a broadcast program or another channel to be reserved for recording in response to an operation signal indicating a reservation recording operation request or another channel display request from the operation input unit 160. Is selected as the target program.

  The broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 uses EPG data on a reference date that is a broadcast date of the target program, past EPG data within a predetermined number of days from the reference date, and future EPG data within a predetermined number of days from the reference date, Specify the broadcast pattern of the target program. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is specified that the broadcast pattern of the target program is a special program. At this time, the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 acquires information indicating which broadcast program the target program is (for example, information such as a broadcast program title and a broadcast time zone) from the target program selection unit 170. In addition, the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 acquires the reference date and future EPG data from the EPG data acquisition unit 120, and extracts past EPG data from the storage unit 140.

Here, the “broadcast pattern” refers to the broadcast form of the broadcast program such as the frequency at which the broadcast program is broadcast and the broadcast period, and mainly includes the following five patterns.
(1) First broadcast pattern: Pattern in which two or more identical programs exist in the past within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week) or in the future within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week) (2) Second broadcast Pattern: A pattern in which the same program exists one by one in the past within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week) and the future within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week) (3) Third broadcast pattern: Within a predetermined number of days (for example, (1) A pattern in which the same program does not exist in the past, a predetermined number of days (for example, one week) and a reference date in the past (4) Fourth broadcast pattern: within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week) In the past, or in the future within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week), there are two or more identical programs, and the program is longer than the broadcast time length of the same program where the target program has two or more broadcast time lengths. (5) Fifth broadcast pattern: one same program exists in the past within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week) and the future within a predetermined number of days (for example, one week), and the target program A pattern in which the broadcast duration is longer than the broadcast duration of the same program, one each in the past and future

  Here, the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 according to the present embodiment mainly determines whether or not the target program is a special program. As described above, the broadcast format of the special program is roughly divided as described above. (A) a form that is broadcast only once within a predetermined period (a form that is not broadcast regularly but is broadcast only at a specific time), and (B) 2 that is broadcast within a predetermined period. The broadcast time length of only one specific broadcast is longer than the broadcast time length of other broadcasts, and the broadcast time length of a specific single broadcast is a predetermined broadcast time length (for example, , Which is longer than the minimum broadcast time for identifying a special program) (periodically broadcast, but only certain broadcasts have a longer broadcast time than other broadcasts) There is. Speaking of the above five broadcast patterns, the third broadcast pattern corresponds to the form (A), and the fourth and fifth broadcast patterns correspond to the form (B).

  Next, a specific example of such a broadcast pattern will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a broadcast pattern in the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2, since normal EPG data is often transmitted for one week from the date when the EPG data is acquired, the predetermined number of days in the first to fifth broadcast patterns is set to one week. It is said. In each of FIGS. 2A to 2E, the horizontal direction indicates the broadcast date, the vertical direction indicates the broadcast time zone, and the broadcast time zone is classified into morning, noon, night, and midnight. . In FIG. 2, the “morning” time zone is from 5:00 to 11:00, the “daytime” time zone is from 11:00 to 17:00, the “night” time zone is from 17:00 to 23:00, “ The time zone of “midnight” is set to 23:00 or later, but these are determined for convenience. In this case, the time zone of morning, noon, night, and midnight can be set as appropriate. Further, in FIG. 2, the day of the week corresponding to the reference date is circled, the target program is indicated by a black rectangle, and a program (hereinafter referred to as a target for comparison as to whether or not it is the same program as the target program). , Referred to as “comparative program”) in white rectangles. Further, the lengths in the vertical direction of the target program and the comparison program indicate the broadcast time length.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the predetermined number of days is one week, (a) corresponding to the first broadcast pattern, (b) corresponding to the second broadcast pattern, (b) corresponding to the weekly pattern, and the third broadcast pattern. There are five types of broadcast patterns: (c) special number pattern, corresponding to the fourth broadcast pattern (d) daily special number pattern, and (e) weekly special number pattern corresponding to the fifth broadcast pattern.

  (A) The daily pattern is, for example, a broadcast pattern of a program that is broadcast in a certain time period from Monday to Friday (12:00 to 13:00 in FIG. 2). The broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 uses the EPG for the past one week and the EPG for the future one week based on the reference date (Monday in FIG. 2) that is the broadcast date of the target program, and uses the past one week and the future one week. Whether or not there is the same program as the target program. As a result, the number of the same program as the target program among the comparison programs broadcast in the past week is two or more, or the number of the same programs as the target program among the comparison programs broadcast in the future one week is two or more. If present, the broadcast pattern identification unit 180 identifies the broadcast pattern of the target program as (a) a daily pattern.

  (B) The weekly pattern is, for example, a broadcast pattern of a program that is broadcast every fixed time on a certain day of the week (Tuesday 23: 00 to 24:00 in FIG. 2). The broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 uses the EPG for the past week and the EPG for the future week starting from the reference date (Tuesday in FIG. 2), and the same program as the target program is recorded in the past week and the future week. Investigate whether it exists. As a result, only one program is the same as the target program among the comparative programs broadcast in the past week, and only one program is the same as the target program among the comparative programs broadcast in the future week. If present, the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 specifies the broadcast pattern of the target program as (b) a weekly pattern.

  (C) A special number pattern is, for example, a program that is broadcast only during a certain period of time (such as during the year-end / New Year holidays or during the summer vacation) or only during the program modification period (for example, a special program broadcast only during the year-end / New Year holidays, The broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 uses the reference date (Saturday in FIG. 2) as a base point for the EPG on the reference date, the past, and the like. Using the EPG for one week and the EPG for the future one week, it is investigated whether the same program as the target program exists in the same day as the reference date, the past one week, and the future one week. When the same program as the target program does not exist in the comparison programs broadcast in one week and one week in the future (the number of the same programs as the target program is zero), the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 displays the target program. Broadcast pattern Identifying a ting (c) special program pattern.

  (D) The special number pattern is broadcast every day from, for example, a fixed time period from Monday to Friday (12: 00 to 13:00 in FIG. 2). The broadcast pattern of the program is longer than the predetermined broadcast time length (for example, the minimum broadcast time length for identifying a special program). The broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 uses the EPG for the past one week and the EPG for the future one week based on the reference date (Monday in FIG. 2) that is the broadcast date of the target program, and uses the past one week and the future one week. Whether or not there is the same program as the target program. As a result, the number of the same program as the target program among the comparison programs broadcast in the past week is two or more, or the number of the same programs as the target program among the comparison programs broadcast in the future one week is two or more. Exists, the broadcast time length of the target program on the reference date is longer than the broadcast time length of the same program, and the broadcast time length of the target program is equal to or longer than a predetermined broadcast time (for example, normal broadcast time + 30 minutes or 2 hours) In this case, the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 specifies the broadcast pattern of the target program as (d) a daily special number pattern.

  Note that (d) the broadcast time zone of the program with the daily special number pattern is the same as the broadcast time zone (normal broadcast time zone) of the same program (the broadcast start time is the same) in FIG. However, it is not always necessary to be in the same broadcast time zone, and may be another broadcast time zone. In addition, (d) when a program with a special number pattern is broadcast every day in a different broadcast time zone, the same program may be broadcast as usual in the same broadcast time zone.

  (E) The weekly special number pattern is broadcasted at a certain time period of a certain day of the week (Tuesday 23: 00 to 24:00 in FIG. 2), for example. The broadcast pattern of the program is longer than the broadcast (broadcast of the comparative program) and longer than a predetermined broadcast time (for example, the minimum broadcast time length for identifying a special program). The broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 uses the EPG for the past week and the EPG for the future week starting from the reference date (Tuesday in FIG. 2), and the same program as the target program is recorded in the past week and the future week. Investigate whether it exists. As a result, only one program is the same as the target program among the comparative programs broadcast in the past week, and only one program is the same as the target program among the comparative programs broadcast in the future week. Exists, the broadcast time length of the target program on the reference date is longer than the broadcast time length of the same program, and the broadcast time length of the target program is equal to or longer than a predetermined broadcast time (for example, normal broadcast time + 30 minutes or 2 hours) In this case, the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 specifies the broadcast pattern of the target program as (e) a weekly special number pattern.

  Note that (d) as in the case of the daily special number pattern, the broadcast time zone of the (e) weekly special number pattern program is the same as the broadcast time zone (normal broadcast time zone) of the same program in FIG. Although it is a band (broadcast start time is the same), it is not always necessary to be the same broadcast time zone, and may be another broadcast time zone. (E) When a program with a special number pattern is broadcast every week in a broadcast time zone different from normal, the same program may be broadcast as usual in the same broadcast time zone.

  Next, a detailed functional configuration of the broadcast pattern identification unit 180 according to the present embodiment that identifies a broadcast pattern as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 mainly includes an identical program determining unit 181, a program count counting unit 183, a broadcast pattern time length determining unit 185, and a special program determining unit 187.

  The same program determination unit 181 determines all broadcast programs (comparison programs) to be broadcast in each period of the past within a predetermined number of days (for example, the past one week), the future within the predetermined number of days (for example, the future one week), and the reference date. ), It is determined whether it is the same broadcast program as the target program. More specifically, the same program determination unit 181 acquires information indicating which broadcast program the target program is (for example, information such as a broadcast program title and a broadcast time zone) from the target program selection unit 170, and the past The EPG data is extracted from the storage unit 140, and the reference date and future EPG data are acquired from the EPG acquisition unit 120. Based on the acquired information, the same program determination unit 181 determines whether the comparison program and the target program broadcast in the past are the same for all broadcast programs broadcast in the past, the reference date, and the future. No, whether the comparison program broadcast in the future and the target program are the same, and whether the comparison program broadcast on the same day as the reference date and the target program are the same . The same program determination unit 181 notifies the program count unit 183 of the determination result. Further, when the same program determination unit 181 determines that the target program and the comparison program are the same as a result of the determination, the same program determination unit 181 notifies the broadcast time length determination unit 185 of the determination result.

  The number-of-programs counting unit 183 counts the number of the same programs that are the same broadcast programs as the target program in each period of the past, future, and reference date according to the determination result of the same program determination unit 181. Specifically, the program number counting unit 183 increases the count number of the same program by 1 each time the comparison program and the target program are determined to be the same as a result of the determination by the same program determination unit 181. This counting of the same program is performed for broadcast programs on all of the past, future, and reference dates. The program count unit 183 notifies the special program determination unit 187 of the counted number of the same program.

  In the determination by the same program determination unit 181, the broadcast time length determination unit 185 determines that the broadcast time length of the target program is greater than the broadcast time length of the comparison program when it is determined that the comparison program is not the same broadcast program as the target program. It is determined whether it is long or not, and whether the broadcast time length of the target program is longer than a preset minimum broadcast time length (for example, normal broadcast time + 30 minutes or 2 hours). The broadcast time length determination unit 185 notifies the special program determination unit 187 of the determination result regarding the broadcast time length.

  The special program determination unit 187 determines the number of the same program in the past, the reference date, and the present notified from the program count unit 183, and the broadcast time length notified from the broadcast time length determination unit 185 as necessary. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the broadcast pattern of the target program is a special program. Specifically, first, the special program determination unit 187 selects the target program when the number of identical programs notified from the program number counting unit 183 is 0 (when the same broadcast program as the target program does not exist). Judged as a special program. In addition, even if the number of the same programs notified from the program number counting unit 183 is 1 or more, the special program determining unit 187 receives a program with the same program broadcast time length from the broadcast time length determining unit 185. When the determination result that the broadcast time length is longer than the broadcast time length and the broadcast time length of the target program is longer than the minimum broadcast time length is notified, the target program is determined to be a special program. In this case, the special program determination unit 187 determines whether the target program is the above-described fourth broadcast pattern (for example, (d) daily special number pattern) based on the number of identical programs notified from the program number counting unit 183. It can also be determined whether or not the fifth broadcast pattern (for example, (e) weekly special number pattern).

  Further, the special program determination unit 187 notifies the display control unit 190 of the determination result as to whether or not the target program is a special program. Further, the special program determination unit 187 may record information related to the broadcast program determined as the special program (information related to the program title, the broadcast date, etc.) in the storage unit 140.

  Next, a more detailed functional configuration of the above-described same program determination unit 181 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the same program determination unit 181 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the same program determination unit 181 mainly includes a similarity calculation unit 181a, an identity determination unit 181b, a broadcast start time comparison unit 181c, and a broadcast time length comparison unit 181d.

  The similarity calculation unit 181a calculates the similarity between the program title of the target program acquired from the EPG acquisition unit 120 and the program title of the comparison program acquired from the EPG acquisition unit 120 or the storage unit 140. The similarity between the program titles is calculated based on the LCS (Longest Common Subsequence) length of the two program titles of the target program and the comparison program so that the longer the LCS length, the higher the similarity.

Here, “LCS” refers to a common partial sequence in which one or more character strings appear in the same order between two program titles. For example, assuming that the program title of the target program is “ABB” and the program title of the comparative program is “AAB”, when calculating these LCS lengths, there are the following four patterns for associating the two titles.
(1) First pattern: a common partial sequence A exists between the first letter A of the title of the target program and the first letter A of the title of the comparison program, and the second letter B of the title of the target program There is a common subsequence B by the third letter B of the title of the comparative program.
(2) Second pattern: A common partial sequence A exists between the first letter A of the title of the target program and the first letter A of the title of the comparison program, and the third letter B of the title of the target program There is a common subsequence B by the third letter B of the title of the comparative program.
(3) Third pattern: A common partial sequence AB exists between the first and second characters AB of the title of the target program and the second and third characters AB of the title of the comparison program.
(4) Fourth pattern: a common partial sequence A exists between the second letter A of the title of the target program and the first letter A of the title of the comparison program, and the third letter B of the title of the target program There is a common subsequence B by the third letter B of the title of the comparative program.

  In this case, in the first pattern, since the common partial sequence A and the common partial sequence B exist, the LCS length is 2 (= 1 + 1). Similarly, in the second pattern, since the common partial sequence A and the common partial sequence B exist, the LCS length is 2 (= 1 + 1). In the third pattern, since the common partial sequence AB exists, the LCS length is 2. Furthermore, in the fourth pattern, since the common partial sequence A and the common partial sequence B exist, the LCS length is 2 (= 1 + 1).

  As described above, there may be a plurality of patterns for associating the common partial sequences of two program titles, and it is known that the LCS length is uniquely determined. However, if the LCS length is used as it is for the similarity between two program titles, the following problems arise.

  For example, since the common subsequences of “sparrow beehive” and “start tonight blue sky” which are different program titles are “su” and “no”, the LCS length is 2 (= 1 + 1). For example, the common partial sequence of “light blue regular flights” and “light blue”, which are the titles of the same program, is “light blue”, so the LCS length is 2. Thus, when the common partial sequence of two program titles is short and the LCS length is about 2, the two programs may be different or may be the same program. This means that if the LCS length is adopted as the similarity that is a criterion for determining whether or not two program titles belong to the same program, the common part of the two program titles is short (for example, the LCS length). If the program title is the same program, it becomes difficult to determine whether the two program titles belong to the same program.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the sum of squares of the lengths of the common subsequences is employed as the similarity so that the similarity increases as the common subsequence increases. Hereinafter, the similarity using such a sum of squares is described as LCS-sq. According to this similarity calculation method, the LCS-sq of “sparrow honeycomb” and “night sky blue sky” which are program titles indicating different programs is 2 (= 1 ² +1 ² ). In addition, the common partial sequence of “light blue regular flights” and “light blue” which are the titles of the same program is “light blue” LCS-sq is 4 (= 2 ² ), and even if the LCS length is the same value, the same program It can be determined whether or not.

However, if the sum of squares of the lengths of the common subsequences is simply adopted as the similarity, the similarity value changes depending on what is considered as the common subsequence in the program title. In this embodiment, the pattern having the longest common partial sequence on the head side of the program title is employed and the similarity LCS-sq is calculated. For example, in the title “Masahiro Nakayama's Wednesday Sports Heaven” and the title “Masahiro Nakayama's Spoten” indicating the same program, the common subsequences are “Masahiro Nakayama's” and “Spo”, so the similarity LCS-sq is 29 (= 5 ² +2 ² ).

  Note that the sum of squares of the lengths of the common partial sequences is calculated for all patterns of combinations of the common partial sequences of the two program titles, and the maximum value is set as the similarity LCS-sq between the two program titles. It may be.

  Further, the similarity calculation unit 181a outputs the calculated similarity LCS-sq to the identity determination unit 181b (the broadcast start time comparison unit 181c and the broadcast time length comparison unit 181d as necessary).

  The identity determination unit 181b determines whether or not the target program and the comparison program are the same program based on the similarity LCS-sq input from the similarity calculation unit 181a, and the determination result is a program number counting unit. It outputs to 183 (broadcast time length determination unit 185 if necessary). Specifically, for example, the identity determination unit 181b determines whether or not the similarity LCS-sq is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 4) set in advance, and as a result, the similarity LCS-sq is If it is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the program is the same, and if the similarity LCS-sq is less than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the program is different.

  At this time, when there are two or more comparison programs having a similarity LCS-sq with the target program equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the identity determination unit 181b determines the top two programs (TMP1, TMP1, TMP1 2) may be selected. In this case, the identity determination unit 181b notifies the similarity calculation unit 181a that there are two or more comparison programs whose similarity LCS-sq with the target program is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and broadcasts the similarity calculation unit 181a. You may make it make the start time comparison part 181c and the broadcast time length comparison part 181d output the calculation result of similarity LCS-sq.

  The broadcast start time comparison unit 181c, when there are two or more comparison programs whose similarity LCS-sq with the target program is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, broadcast start times of the top two programs (TMP1, 2) and the broadcast of the target program The start time is compared, and the comparison result is output to the identity determination unit 181b. Then, the identity determination unit 181b determines that the program whose broadcast start time is closer to the broadcast start time of the target program (the difference between the broadcast start times is smaller) of TMP1 and TMP2 is the same program as the target program. . When the difference between the broadcast start times of TMP1 and TMP2 is the same, input of a comparison result by the broadcast time length comparison unit 181d is awaited.

  The broadcast time length comparison unit 181d determines that the top two programs (when the difference between the broadcast start times of TMP1 and TMP2 is the same when there are two or more comparison programs having a similarity LCS-sq with the target program equal to or greater than a predetermined value, The broadcast time length of TMP 1 and 2) is compared with the broadcast time length of the target program, and the comparison result is output to the identity determination unit 181b. Then, the identity determination unit 181b determines that the program whose broadcast time length is closer to the broadcast time length of the target program (the difference between the broadcast time lengths is smaller) of TMP1 and TMP2 is the same program as the target program. .

  The description of the functional configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 will be continued with reference to FIG. 1 again.

  The display control unit 190 D / A converts the broadcast signal transmitted from the program reproduction unit 150, and displays video and audio based on the D / A converted broadcast signal on the display device 50 connected to the recording / reproduction device 100. Control to output. The display device 50 may be separate from the recording / reproducing device 100 as in the present embodiment, or may be a device in which the display device 50 and the recording / reproducing device 100 are physically integrated. In the present embodiment, the display control unit 190 displays a display (special program display) indicating that the target program determined as a special program by the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 is a special program on the display screen of the display device 50. Let Thereby, the display that the broadcast program is the special program can be made conspicuous so that the user of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 does not miss the viewing of the broadcast program determined to be the special program.

As a special program display method, for example, there are the following three methods.
(1) A list of broadcast programs specified as a special program is displayed on the display device 50.
(2) Display data indicating that the target program is a special program is added to the EPG data acquired by the EPG acquisition unit, and the display device 50 displays the EPG data to which the display data is added.
(3) When a channel that broadcasts one broadcast program is switched to a channel that broadcasts another broadcast program determined to be a special program, it indicates that the other broadcast program is a special program. The display is displayed on the display device 50.

  According to the method of (1), it becomes easy for the user to collectively check only the broadcast programs determined to be special programs. The method (1) can be realized, for example, by preparing “genre-by-genre program guide” as an EPG (electronic program guide) display method and preparing items for displaying only “special programs” as its subcategories. . When an item displaying only this “special program” is selected, only the special program is listed and displayed (see FIG. 8 described later).

  According to the method (2), not only a special program but also other broadcast programs can be confirmed. The method (2) can be realized, for example, by adding a predetermined display such as a mark or symbol indicating a special program to the special program column on the EPG (see FIG. 9 described later).

  According to the method (3), it is possible to increase opportunities for a user who searches for a program that he / she wants to view while zapping to view the special program. The method (3) means, for example, a special program on the display screen of the display device 50 after the channel switching when the channel determined to be a special program is switched to a channel on which the program is broadcast by a user operation. This can be realized by displaying a predetermined mark or symbol to be displayed (see FIG. 10 described later).

  In addition to this, the display control unit 190 automatically records a broadcast program determined to be a special program by the recording / playback apparatus 100 and causes the display device 50 to display a list of automatically recorded broadcast programs, Information regarding the special program (program title, broadcast start time, broadcast time length, etc.) may be displayed on the display device 50 a predetermined time before the broadcast start time of the broadcast program determined to be a program.

  Thus, according to the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 which concerns on this embodiment, the broadcast pattern specific | specification part 180 was not able to specify conventionally by specifying a special program from a broadcast pattern using EPG data. It is also possible to find a special program (for example, a broadcast program that does not include information that matches a keyword set by the user or a keyword held in the apparatus). In addition, since it does not depend on the user's viewing history, etc., it takes a long time for a user to easily select and view a specific type of program even if the program has few broadcasting opportunities such as a special program. Nor. In addition, for broadcast programs determined to be special programs by the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180, the display control unit 190 displays special programs, thereby increasing the viewing opportunities for users of the broadcast programs.

  1 to 4 described above show configuration examples of functions realized by a CPU (see FIG. 5) described later executing a program. These functions may be realized by different programs, may be realized by a single program, or may be realized as hardware.

<About hardware configuration>
Next, a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment for realizing the functions described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 as an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a storage device 14, an input device 15, a drive 16, a network interface (I / F) 18, and a tuner. 20, an encoder 21, and a decoder 22 are connected via a bus 12.

  The CPU 11 controls the overall processing of the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 and executes the programs stored in the ROM 13 to realize the functions described above, and the functions interact with each other to search for programs and programs. Recording / playback, broadcast pattern identification, special program display, etc. are executed.

  The ROM 13 is connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 12 and stores programs for realizing the above-described functions.

  The storage device 14 includes a hard disk drive, a detachable semiconductor memory, and the like, and stores encoded data of recorded programs, acquired EPG data, program information of each program acquired from the EPG data, and the like.

  The input device 15 includes buttons, switches, a remote controller, a receiver thereof, and the like provided on the side surface of the housing of the recording / reproducing device 100. Also, the input device 15 is operated, for example, on a display screen of a display device (not shown), a cursor button that is operated when a cursor is moved to indicate a selection target, and a determination operation. A decision button is also included.

  The drive 16 is a device capable of inserting and ejecting the removable medium 17, and reads data stored in the removable medium 17 inserted into the drive 16 and writes data to the removable medium 17. .

  Network I / F 18 includes Ethernet (registered trademark), i. Connect to an external device or the network 5 via LINK (trademark), USB, or the like. The network I / F 18 is connected to a predetermined server via the network 5 to acquire AV data and the like, distribution schedule information of the AV data (corresponding to EPG data of television broadcasting), and the AV data. Information (corresponding to TV broadcast program information) and the like.

  The tuner 20 receives a television broadcast signal via the antenna 19 or a CATV network, extracts a video signal and an audio signal of a program to be reproduced or recorded from the received broadcast signal, and outputs them to the encoder 21. Further, the tuner 20 extracts EPG data from the television broadcast signal and outputs it to the storage device 14 via the bus 12. For example, when the EPG data is distributed by a predetermined server on the Internet, the EPG data may be acquired from the server.

  The encoder 21 converts the video signal and audio signal of the program input from the tuner 20 into, for example, the MPEG2 system or H.264. The encoding is performed using an encoding method such as the H.246 / AVC method, and AV encoded data as a result of encoding is output to the storage device 14 via the bus 12.

  The decoder 22 decodes the AV encoded data read from the storage device 14 and input via the bus 12, and outputs the decoded video signal and audio signal to the output device 23. The encoder 21 and the decoder 22 may be realized by software. Further, for example, when a television broadcast signal has already been encoded, such as terrestrial digital broadcast or BS digital broadcast, it may be recorded in an encoded state, or after being decoded by the decoder 22. The encoder 21 may be encoded again and recorded.

(Processing flow of information processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention)
The configuration of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment has been described above by taking the recording / reproducing apparatus 100 as an example. Subsequently, referring to FIG. 6, according to this embodiment using such an information processing apparatus. A flow of processing in the information processing method will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an overall processing flow of the information processing method according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing method according to the present embodiment includes an EPG acquisition process (S10), a target program selection process (S20), a special program determination process (S30), a display process (S40), Are executed in this order. However, the EPG acquisition process (S10) and the target program selection process (S20) are not necessarily in this order, and the EPG acquisition process may be executed after the target program selection process, or both are executed simultaneously. May be. Hereinafter, each process will be described.

  The EPG acquisition process (S10) is a process in which the EPG acquisition unit 120 acquires EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data related to a broadcast program transmitted from the broadcast station together with the broadcast signal received by the broadcast signal reception unit 110.

  Next, in the target program selection process (S20), the target program selection unit 170 selects a broadcast program among a plurality of broadcast patterns classified according to a predetermined standard from broadcast programs in accordance with a user operation input or the like. (A) broadcasts only once within a predetermined period, or (B) broadcasts twice or more within a predetermined period, but the broadcast length of only one specific broadcast is broadcast of another broadcast This is a process of selecting a target program which is a target for determining whether or not a special program is longer than the time length and the broadcast time length of a specific broadcast is longer than a predetermined time length. Specifically, for example, when a user selects a broadcast program to be reserved when the user wants to make a recording reservation, or the user changes a channel and selects a broadcast program of another channel for viewing. In such a case, the target program selection unit 170 responds to a signal such as a reservation recording operation request or a display request for another channel from an input unit (not shown), Select the broadcast program of the channel as the target program.

  Next, in the special program determination process (S30), the broadcast pattern identification unit 180 causes the EPG data on the reference date that is the broadcast date of the target program, the past EPG data before the reference date, and the next day after the reference date. This is a process for determining whether or not the broadcast pattern of the target program is a special program using the future EPG data.

  Here, the flow of the special program determination process according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of special program determination processing according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 shows an example in which it is determined whether the target program is a special program using EPG data for the past week, the current day of the reference date, and the future week.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the special program determination process, first, parameters are initialized (S101). Specifically, among the programs broadcast in the past week, the programs broadcast on the reference day, and the programs broadcast in the future week, the number of the same programs as the target program T, the past one week, the reference date The counter i for comparing the program for the next week and the target program T (hereinafter referred to as “counter i for comparison program”) is set to 0.

  Next, in the past week, the reference date, and the future week, the count of the same number of broadcast programs as the target program T (hereinafter referred to as “count of the same program”) is processed. The process is repeated until the number N of broadcast programs for one week, the reference date and the future one week is reached (S103). In this process, first, the same program determination unit 181 of the broadcast pattern identification unit 180 uses the past EPG data extracted from the storage unit 140, the reference date acquired from the EPG acquisition unit 120, and the future EPG data. It is determined whether or not the past comparison program P [i] to be compared with whether or not the same program as T is the same program as the target program T (S105).

  For example, as described above, this determination is performed for the target program T and the comparative program P [i] by the similarity of the program titles (the square sum LCS-sq of the LCS length of the common subsequence of the program titles), the program start time. This is done by using the difference in the broadcast time length.

  As a result of the determination in step S105, when it is determined that the target program T and the comparison program P [i] are the same program, the program number counting unit 183 of the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 increases the number of the same program by one. (S107).

  Next, the broadcast time length determination unit 185 determines whether or not the broadcast time length of the target program T is longer than the broadcast time length of the comparison program P [i], and the broadcast time length of the target program T is a special program. It is determined whether it is longer than the minimum broadcast time length (S109). As a result of this determination, the broadcast time length of the target program T is longer than the broadcast time length of the comparative program P [i], and the broadcast time length of the target program T is greater than or equal to the minimum broadcast time length for determining that it is a special program. If it is determined that there is, the special program determination unit 187 determines that the target program T is a special program (S115). On the other hand, as a result of the determination in S109, the broadcast time length of the target program T is shorter than the broadcast time length of the comparison program P [i], or the minimum broadcast time length for determining that the broadcast time length of the target program T is a special program. If it is determined that at least one of the conditions is satisfied, the program number counting unit 183 increments the counter i by 1 (S111).

  Also, as a result of the determination in step S105, also when it is determined that the target program T and the comparison program P [i] are different programs, the program number counting unit 183 increments the counter i by 1 (S111). As described above, the series of processing from step S105 to S111 is repeated until the counter i reaches the number of broadcast programs N for the past one week, the reference date, and the future one week. Proceed to the next process (S113).

  In step S113, the program number counting unit 183 outputs the result of counting the same program to the special program determining unit 187, and based on the output result, the special program determining unit 187 has the same number of programs as the target program T is 0. It is determined whether or not (S113). As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the same number of programs as the target program T is 0, the special program determination unit 187 determines the target program T as a special program (S115). On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S113, if it is determined that the same number of programs is not 0 (that is, 1 or more), the special program determination process ends.

  Subsequently, the display process (S40) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8-10 is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display method of the special program display by the display control part which concerns on this embodiment.

The display process is a process for causing the display device 50 to display a display indicating that the target program determined to be a special program by the broadcast pattern specifying unit 180 is a special program. As an aspect of this display processing, for example, as described above, there are three patterns.
(1) A list of broadcast programs specified as a special program is displayed on the display device 50.
(2) Display data indicating that the target program is a special program is added to the EPG data acquired by the EPG acquisition unit, and the display device 50 displays the EPG data to which the display data is added.
(3) When a channel that broadcasts one broadcast program is switched to a channel that broadcasts another broadcast program determined to be a special program, it indicates that the other broadcast program is a special program. The display is displayed on the display device 50.

  In the method (1), for example, as shown in FIG. 8, as a display method of the EPG (electronic program guide) 121 displayed on the display screen 51, an item 121a of “genre-based program guide” is prepared. This can be realized by preparing an item 121b that displays only “special programs” as a category. When the item 121b displaying only this “special program” is selected by a control signal based on a user operation or the like, a screen 121c listing only the special program is displayed. According to such a display method, it becomes easy for the user to collectively check only broadcast programs determined to be special programs.

  Further, the method (2) can be realized by adding a predetermined display such as a mark 121e or a symbol indicating a special program to the special program column 121d on the EPG 121, as shown in FIG. According to such a display method, the user can check not only a special program but also other broadcast programs, and it becomes easy to select and watch a special program from a large number of broadcast programs.

  Furthermore, in the method (3), for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when a program determined to be a special program is switched to a channel on which a program is broadcast by a user operation or the like, the display device 50 after channel switching On the display screen 51, a predetermined display such as a mark 121e or a symbol indicating a special program can be realized. In this case, the display control unit 190 may display the title 121f of the special program together with the mark 121e indicating the special program. According to such a display method, it is possible to increase opportunities for a user who searches for a program that he / she wants to view while zapping to view the special program.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the information processing apparatus is a recording / reproducing apparatus has been described. However, the information processing apparatus is not limited to the recording / reproducing apparatus, and an apparatus having only a recording function and an apparatus having only a reproducing function. Also, a device in which the recording / reproducing device and the display device are integrated, a display device having a built-in recording medium, or the like may be used.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the broadcast pattern in the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the broadcast pattern specific | specification part in the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the same program determination part in the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the information processing apparatus in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the whole process of the information processing method which concerns on the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special program determination process which concerns on the same embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display method of the special program display by the display control part which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the display method of the special program display by the display control part which concerns on the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the further another example of the display method of the special program display by the display control part which concerns on the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Display apparatus 100 Recording / reproducing apparatus 110 Broadcast signal receiving part 120 EPG acquisition part 130 Program recording part 140 Storage part 150 Program reproducing part 160 Operation input part 170 Target program selection part 180 Broadcast pattern specific | specification part 181 Same program determination part 181a Similarity calculation Unit 181b broadcast start time comparison unit 181c broadcast time length comparison unit 181d identity determination unit 183 program number count unit 185 broadcast time length determination unit 187 special program determination unit 190 display control unit

Claims (8)

An EPG acquisition unit that acquires EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data relating to a broadcast program;
Among a plurality of broadcast patterns of the broadcast program classified according to a predetermined standard from the broadcast programs, (A) it is broadcast only once within a predetermined period, or (B) two within a predetermined period. The broadcast time length of only one specific broadcast is longer than the broadcast time length of other broadcasts, and the broadcast time length of the specific single broadcast is longer than a predetermined broadcast time length. A selection unit for selecting a target program that is a target for determining whether the program is a long special program;
Using the EPG data of a reference date that is the broadcast date of the target program, past EPG data within a predetermined number of days from the reference date, and future EPG data within a predetermined number of days from the reference date, A broadcast pattern specifying unit for specifying that the broadcast pattern is the special program;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that causes a display device to display a display indicating that the target program determined to be the special program by the broadcast pattern specifying unit is the special program.   The display device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display a list of the special programs.   The display control unit adds display data indicating that the target program is the special program to the EPG data acquired by the EPG acquisition unit, and displays the EPG data to which the display data is added as the display device The display device according to claim 2, which is displayed on the screen.   The display control unit is configured to switch the other broadcast program from the channel on which one broadcast program is broadcast to the channel on which another broadcast program determined to be the special program is broadcast. The display device according to claim 2, wherein a display indicating that the program is a program is displayed on the display device. The broadcast pattern specifying unit
The same program determination unit that determines whether the broadcast program is the same as the target program for all the broadcast programs broadcast in the past within the predetermined number of days, the reference date, and the future within the predetermined number of days ,
According to the determination result of the same program determination unit, a program number counting unit that counts the number of the same program that is the same broadcast program as the target program in the past, the reference date, and the future;
In the determination by the same program determination unit, when it is determined that the comparison program that is the broadcast program to be compared with the target program is the same broadcast program as the target program, the broadcast time of the target program Broadcast that determines whether or not the broadcast time length of the comparison program is longer than the comparison program and whether or not the broadcast time length of the target program is longer than the preset minimum broadcast time length of the special program A time length determination unit;
A special program determination unit that determines whether the broadcast pattern of the target program is the special program according to the number of the same programs by the program number counting unit or the determination result of the broadcast time length determination unit; ,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The special program determination unit may be configured such that (P) the number of the same programs is counted by the program count unit, or (Q) the broadcast time length determination unit When it is determined that the broadcast time length is longer than the broadcast time length of the comparison program and the broadcast time length of the target program is longer than the minimum broadcast time length, the broadcast pattern of the target program is the special program. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information processing apparatus is determined to be. An EPG acquisition step of acquiring EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data relating to a broadcast program;
Among a plurality of broadcast patterns of the broadcast program classified according to a predetermined standard from the broadcast programs, (A) it is broadcast only once within a predetermined period, or (B) two within a predetermined period. The broadcast time length of only one specific broadcast is longer than the broadcast time length of other broadcasts, and the broadcast time length of the specific single broadcast is longer than a predetermined time length. A selection step of selecting a target program for which it is determined whether or not it is a special program;
Using the EPG data of a reference date that is the broadcast date of the target program, past EPG data within a predetermined number of days from the reference date, and future EPG data within a predetermined number of days from the reference date, A determination step of determining whether a broadcast pattern is the special program;
A display step of causing a display device to display a display indicating that the target program determined to be the special program by the broadcast pattern specifying unit is the special program;
Including an information processing method.

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