JP2014192596A - Program reproduction log data generating device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program reproduction log data generating device and the like that can reliably identify recorded program reproduced by a recording and reproducing device.SOLUTION: A set-top box (STB) 4 is connected with an HDMI output terminal 35 of a BD recorder 3 that is able to record a program in a state in which additional information specific to a broadcast signal is not compressed. When a digital signal output when the BD recorder 3 reproduces a recorded program is input to a control unit 44 via a first HDMI connection unit 45a, the control unit 44 extracts additional information included in the digital signal, and generates program reproduction log data to identify the program reproduced by the BD recorder 3 on the basis of the additional information. Then, the control unit 44 transmits the program reproduction log data to a management server 9 connected with an Internet network 10 via a radio communication unit 42. Consequently, "the program reproduction log data that can be associated with a recorded program in a one-to-one manner" transmitted by the STB 4 installed in each home of subjects is stored in a database comprised in the management server 9.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program reproduction log data generating apparatus and a program for generating program reproduction log data for specifying a recorded program reproduced by a recording / reproducing apparatus.

  Conventionally, for example, in order to investigate the audience rating of a TV program, a dedicated audience rating measuring terminal (hereinafter referred to as “terminal”) is connected to the audio output terminal of the TV, and the terminal matches the feature amount of audio output from the TV. There is known an audience rating survey system that transmits digitized data (hereinafter also referred to as “voice data”) and time data to a management server connected to the Internet network (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this audience rating survey system, audio data of all broadcasts for each broadcasting station is accumulated in the database retroactively from the present, and the management server converts the audio data of the viewing time transmitted from the terminal into audio The viewing time and viewing channel of the television are specified by performing a voice matching process that collates with broadcast audio data of all stations at the same time in the database.

  Also, in this type of audience rating survey system, paying attention to the fact that audio is output from the television when a recorded program is played back by the recording / playback device, the audio data of all broadcasts for each broadcast station is recorded for the past week or so. It has also been proposed to investigate the playback audience rating of a recorded program by using the same voice matching technique as that of a real-time audience rating survey during program broadcasting by augmenting the database to cover it.

JP 2010-239345 A

  However, in the conventional audience rating survey system, when trying to investigate the playback audience rating of a recorded program by relying only on audio data transmitted from the terminal, terrestrial broadcasting, multi-channel broadcasting such as BS / CS broadcasting, CATV, etc. A high-level server for accumulating audio databases and identifying programs and CMs that were viewed by audio-matching the audio data viewed from the terminals of many surveyed households with the massive broadcast audio data of all stations in the past. Requires capacity and cost.

  In addition, only audio data played at 1x speed can be matched with broadcast audio data, and the part that is played back with audio (there is a difference between 1.2 and 1.5x speed depending on the model) is which program or CM. It is not possible to identify.

  Also, since the recorded program is skipped or skipped, it is difficult to specify a partially viewed scene or CM. In particular, CMs are repeatedly broadcast in programs of a plurality of television stations. However, since CM audio data in audio data transmitted from a terminal exists in many programs in the audio database, in any station program. There has been a problem that it is difficult to specify whether the broadcast CM has been reproduced and viewed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program reproduction log data generation device and a program that can more reliably specify a recorded program reproduced by a recording / reproduction device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention can receive a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station in a transport stream format, and record a program while the additional information unique to the broadcast signal remains uncompressed. In the recording / reproducing apparatus, the program reproduction log data generating apparatus is connected to a digital output terminal for outputting a digital signal to a television when reproducing a recorded recorded program.

  The program reproduction log data generation apparatus of the present invention includes signal input means for inputting a digital signal output from the recording / reproduction apparatus, and communication means for connecting to the Internet network.

  Here, in the present invention, when the information extraction unit extracts the additional information included in the digital signal input by the signal input unit, the log data generation unit specifies the recorded program based on the additional information. The program playback log data is generated. The log data transmission means is configured to transmit the program reproduction log data to a database connected to the Internet network via the communication means.

  In such a configuration, when a recorded program is reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus, program reproduction log data based on the additional information specific to the broadcast signal that is the basis of the recorded program is transmitted to the database.

  For this reason, it is no longer necessary to prepare and store audio data at each time for each broadcasting station in the database, and the “recorded program and data” transmitted from the program reproduction log data generation device installed in each home is eliminated. “One-to-one correspondence data” (program reproduction log data) can be accumulated.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the management server can more reliably specify the recorded program reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus at each home based on the program reproduction log data stored in the database.

  The transport stream (hereinafter referred to as “TS”) format is a format adopted by many digital broadcasting standards around the world, including terrestrial / BS / CS digital broadcasting in Japan. A series of 188-byte fixed-length packets (hereinafter referred to as “TS packets”) is a broadcast signal transmitted in the TS format.

  Further, the additional information may be unique information inserted for each TS packet at the broadcasting station in accordance with a predetermined purpose. For example, the additional information is used for copy guard, viewing restriction, etc., and for each TS packet at the broadcasting station. It may be a randomly determined encryption code. In this case, for example, an encryption code covering all broadcasts for each broadcasting station is stored in the database, and the management server collates the encryption code extracted by the program reproduction log data generation device with the encryption code in the database. By doing so, it is possible to specify the recorded program that has been viewed more reliably.

  However, in such a configuration, the encryption code of each TS packet is prepared in advance for each recorded program and stored in the database, and the management server stores the program reproduction log data transmitted from the program reproduction log data generation device. It is necessary to perform code matching for checking the included encryption code with the encryption code in the database.

  Therefore, as additional information, an event information table (hereinafter referred to as “EIT”) including information related to the television program such as the name of the television program, the broadcast date and time, and the broadcast content among service information (hereinafter referred to as “SI”) in the MPEG-2 system. It is preferable to use a service description table (hereinafter referred to as “SDT”) including the names of broadcast channels of broadcast stations.

  Specifically, the broadcast signal includes a packet identifier (hereinafter referred to as “PID”) for identifying SI as additional information for each TS packet defined by the MPEG-2 system. Is configured such that a television program can be recorded while SI and PID remain uncompressed.

  Using such a configuration, in the present invention, the information extraction means may extract an EIT including information related to a recorded program from the SI based on the PID included in the digital signal. From SI, a time offset table (hereinafter referred to as “TOT”) including the date and time when a broadcast signal as a basis of a recorded program is transmitted from the broadcast station, and an SDT including the name of the broadcast channel of the broadcast station And may be extracted.

  According to these configurations, it is not necessary to prepare and store the encryption code of each TS packet in advance for each recorded program in the database, and it is transmitted from the program reproduction log data generation device installed in each home. "Data that can directly specify a recorded program" (program reproduction log data) is accumulated.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, since the management server can directly specify the recorded program reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus in each home based on the program reproduction log data stored in the database, the audio matching It is not necessary to perform complicated processing such as code matching and code matching, and as a result, server load can be suppressed, and highly reliable data can be generated for audience rating survey of recorded programs.

  By the way, the present invention further comprises command code receiving means for receiving a command code transmitted from a remote controller for remotely operating the recording / playback apparatus, and the log data generating means receives the command code by the command code receiving means. In this case, command operation log data including the operation contents of the recording / playback apparatus is generated based on the command code, and the log data transmission means transmits the command operation log data generated by the log data generation means to the Internet via the communication means. You may transmit to the database connected to the network.

  According to such a configuration, on the basis of the command operation log data stored in the database by the management server, what kind of viewing operation is performed by the viewer during playback of the recorded program by the recording / playback apparatus at each home. Since it becomes possible to manage, viewing behavior in each recorded program can be investigated.

  Further, in the present invention, under the configuration in which the information extraction unit extracts the TOT, the log data generation unit includes a command including the TOT extracted by the information extraction unit either before or after the command code reception unit receives the command code. It is preferable to generate operation log data.

  According to such a configuration, the program reproduction log data generation device transmits the command operation log data including the TOT extracted immediately before or after the viewing operation to the database, so that the management server can determine which part of the recorded program. Since it is possible to manage whether or not the viewing operation has been performed, for example, it is possible to investigate a more detailed viewing behavior in each recorded program, for example, a portion of the recorded program that has been viewed and a portion that has not been viewed can be investigated.

  Further, in the present invention, when the recording / playback apparatus can record a television program in association with the EPG information of the television program, the information extracting means includes the EPG included in the digital signal. When the information is extracted and the log data generating means extracts the EPG information by the information extracting means, the program reproduction log data may be generated based on the EPG information.

  Even in this configuration, it is necessary to prepare and store audio data at each time for each broadcasting station in the database, and to prepare and store an encryption code for each TS packet for each recorded program. Thus, “data that can directly specify a recorded program” (program reproduction log data) transmitted from the program reproduction log data generation apparatus installed in each home is accumulated.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, since the management server can directly specify the recorded program reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus in each home based on the program reproduction log data stored in the database, the audio matching It is not necessary to perform complicated processing such as code matching and code matching, and as a result, server load can be suppressed, and highly reliable data can be generated for audience rating survey of recorded programs.

  The present invention can be distributed as a program on the market. Specifically, the program of the present invention receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcast station in a transport stream format, and in a recording / playback apparatus capable of recording additional information specific to the broadcast signal in an uncompressed state. A computer connected to a digital output terminal for outputting a digital signal when a recorded program is reproduced and having a signal input unit and a communication unit execute an information extraction step, a log data generation step, and a log data transmission step Is for.

  The program of the present invention can receive a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting station in a transport stream format and record a television program based on the broadcast signal in association with the EPG information of the television program. In a recording / playback apparatus, an information extraction step, a log data generation step, and a log data transmission step are connected to a digital output terminal that outputs a digital signal when playing a recorded program, and includes a signal input means and a communication means. It may be for executing.

  By incorporating these programs into the computer, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that produced by the program reproduction log data generation device of the present invention. The program is stored in a ROM or flash memory incorporated in the computer, and may be loaded into the computer from the ROM or flash memory, or may be loaded into the computer via a network. Good.

  Further, the above-described program may be used by being recorded on a recording medium in any form readable by a computer. Examples of the recording medium include a portable semiconductor memory (for example, a USB memory, a memory card (registered trademark), etc.).

1 is an overall view illustrating the configuration of a program reproduction log data generation device and an audience rating survey system. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of a television and a recording / reproducing apparatus. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the management server which has a database, and explanatory drawing which illustrates the contents of a database. It is a 1st flowchart which illustrates the outline | summary of the control processing which a program reproduction log data generation apparatus performs. It is a 2nd flowchart which illustrates the outline | summary of the control processing which a program reproduction log data generation apparatus performs.

Below, the audience rating survey system provided with the program reproduction log data generation device as an embodiment of the present invention is explained with a drawing.
<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, an audience rating survey system 1 of the present embodiment includes a television (TV) 2, a Blu-ray disc recorder (hereinafter referred to as "BD recorder") 3 as a recording / playback device, and a program playback log data generation device. As a set top box (STB) 4, an infrared remote controller 5, a wireless remote controller 6, a wireless router 7, a time server 8, and a management server 9.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the TV 2 includes a TV tuner 21, a display 22, a speaker 23, a control unit 24, an HDMI input terminal 25, and an infrared light receiving unit 26.

  The TV tuner 21 receives a television program (TV program) of each broadcast channel input via a cable (not shown) from various antennas that receive broadcast signals transmitted from a broadcast station in a transport stream (TS) format. It is a well-known thing to select.

  A broadcast station continuously transmits a transport signal (TS packet) defined by a well-known MPEG-2 system, thereby transmitting a broadcast signal indicating video, audio and various data constituting a TV program. Will be. Specifically, when a broadcast station encodes video, audio, and various data constituting a TV program, the receiving side can decrypt the data (including a work key) with a B-CAS card. Encrypting with the master key, the broadcasting station further encrypts with the work key so that the receiving side can decrypt it with the work key extracted with the master key. The broadcast station inserts additional information unique to the broadcast signal called service information (SI) for each TS packet when the encoded and encrypted data is multiplexed.

  Incidentally, 13-bit information called a packet identifier (PID) that can identify this SI is given to the TS packet. For example, when the PID is 0x12, the SI is the name of the TV program, the broadcast date and time, the broadcast content. This indicates an event information table (EIT) including information related to a television program. For example, when the PID is 0x11, the SI indicates a service description table (SDT) including the name of the broadcast channel of the broadcast station. For example, when the PID is 0x14, SI indicates a time offset table (TOT) including the date and time when the broadcast signal is transmitted from the broadcast station. Thus, in the MPEG-2 system, one PID is always determined for each SI type.

  The HDMI input terminal 25 inputs a digital format video signal, audio signal, and control signal with a single cable in accordance with a communication interface standard called HDMI (registered trademark), and outputs the control signal as well. It is a well-known thing that can be done. In this embodiment, the STB 4 is connected to the second HDMI connection unit 45b.

  Note that the HDMI input terminal 25 inputs various video signals, audio signals, data signals, and control signals sent from the BD recorder 3 via the STB 4, and further controls signals and various kinds sent from the STB 4. It is used to input content and output a control signal generated by the control unit 24 to the STB 4.

  The infrared light receiving unit 26 receives the infrared code transmitted from the infrared remote controller 5 and outputs the infrared code to the control unit 24. The infrared remote controller 5 only needs to output information indicating the operation contents of the TV 2 by the user as an infrared code. The infrared remote controller 5 may be a dedicated remote controller attached to the TV 2 or the BD recorder 3 and has an infrared transmitter. However, it may be a smartphone or a mobile phone in which a program (application) for realizing the function as the dedicated remote controller is incorporated.

  The control unit 24 is configured around a known microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. The CPU uses the RAM as a work area based on a program stored in the ROM or flash memory. It is configured to execute various control processes.

  Specifically, the control unit 24, for example, causes the TV tuner 21 to select a broadcast channel corresponding to the viewing operation based on the infrared code input from the infrared light receiving unit 26, so that the TV program of the broadcast channel is selected. Then, the operation channel selection control for outputting the sound to the speaker 23 while performing the monitor output on the display 22 is executed.

  In the operation channel selection control, the control unit 24 inputs the broadcast signal of the broadcast channel selected by the TV tuner 21 and the TS packet constituting the broadcast signal is inserted into the main body of the TV 2 in advance. By decrypting with the master key recorded on the CAS card, and further decrypting with the work key thus taken out, the video, audio and various data constituting the TV program are decrypted. Then, EIT is extracted based on the PID included in the TS packet, and electronic program information (EPG information) is created based on the EIT.

  Incidentally, the EIT always includes information on the TV program currently being broadcast and information on the next TV program. For the broadcast station, information on the TV program other than the above-mentioned information on the own station and TV programs of other stations are included. Information is optionally included.

  Further, when the video signal, audio signal, and various data signals sent from the BD recorder 3 are input via the HDMI input terminal 25, the control unit 24 outputs the image based on the video signal and the data signal to the display 22 on the monitor 22 Or a voice based on a voice signal or a data signal is output to the speaker 23. Further, when various types of content sent from the STB 4 are input via the HDMI input terminal 25, the control unit 24 causes the display 22 to output an image corresponding to the content on the monitor 22 or to output sound corresponding to the content to the speaker. 23.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the BD recorder 3 includes a TV tuner 31, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) 32, a Blu-ray disc drive (hereinafter referred to as “BDD”) 33, and a control unit. 34, an HDMI output terminal 35, an infrared light receiving unit 36, and a USB terminal 37.

The TV tuner 31 is a well-known one that selects a TV program of each broadcast channel, like the TV tuner 21 of the TV 2.
The HDMI output terminal 35 is connected to the first HDMI connection unit 45a in the STB 4 and conforms to a communication interface standard called HDMI (registered trademark), which is a digital video signal, audio signal, data signal, and control signal. Is output to the TV 2 and used to input a control signal sent from the STB 4.

  Similar to the infrared light receiving unit 26 of the TV 2, the infrared light receiving unit 36 receives the infrared code transmitted from the infrared remote controller 5 and outputs the infrared code to the control unit 34. The infrared remote controller 5 only needs to output information indicating the operation contents of the BD recorder 3 by the user as an infrared code, and may be a dedicated remote controller attached to the BD recorder 3 or the TV 2 or an infrared transmitter. And a smartphone or mobile phone in which a program (application) for realizing the function as the dedicated remote controller is incorporated.

  The HDD 32 is a large-capacity storage medium, for example, for storing a recorded TV program (recorded program) out of TV programs received via the TV tuner 31 and playing back a recorded program stored therein. Used for.

  The BDD 33 is used for recording a recorded program or the like on a medium such as a Blu-ray disc or a DVD, or for reading a recorded program or various contents stored in the medium.

  The USB terminal 37 is a well-known device for connecting peripheral devices in accordance with a serial bus standard called USB, and is not only used as an interface for transmitting / receiving various data to / from the connected peripheral devices. It is also used as bus power for supplying power (power) from a host bus adapter (not shown) to peripheral devices.

  The control unit 34 is configured around a known microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. The CPU uses the RAM as a work area based on a program stored in the ROM or flash memory. It is configured to execute various control processes.

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 34 causes the TV tuner 31 to select a broadcast channel corresponding to the viewing operation based on the infrared code input from the infrared light receiving unit 36, so that the TV program of the broadcast channel is selected. Operation channel selection control is performed to reproduce and output the reproduction signal (video signal, audio signal, data signal) to the TV 2 via the HDMI output terminal 35 and the STB 4.

  In the operation channel selection control, the control unit 34 inputs a broadcast signal of a broadcast channel selected by the TV tuner 31 and TS packets constituting the broadcast signal are inserted in the main body of the BD recorder 3 in advance. Decrypting with the master key recorded on the B-CAS card, and further decrypting with the work key taken out thereby, the video, audio and various data constituting the TV program are decrypted. Then, EIT is extracted based on the PID included in the TS packet, and electronic program information (EPG information) is created based on the EIT.

  Further, the control unit 34 performs program recording control for storing a TV program (recorded program) corresponding to a recording operation in the HDD 32 or a medium inserted in the BDD 33 based on the infrared code input from the infrared light receiving unit 36, for example. Run. Note that the control unit 34 sets a compression rate for storing a recorded program in accordance with a recording operation by the user, and when a recorded program is designated using EPG information, the EPG information is recorded in an uncompressed state. The program is recorded on the HDD 32 or media in association with the program. When the compression rate set by the control unit 34 is zero or small, the recorded program is recorded on the HDD 32 and the medium while the additional information such as PID and SI remains uncompressed. That is, the BD recorder 3 is configured to store the recorded program while the additional information unique to the broadcast signal and the EPG information related to the recorded program remain uncompressed.

  For example, the control unit 34 reads out a recorded program corresponding to the reproduction operation from the HDD 32 or the BDD 33 based on the infrared code input from the infrared light receiving unit 36 and reproduces the recorded program video, audio, or additional information. Recording / playback control for outputting the EPG information associated with the recorded program to the TV 2 side via the HDMI output terminal 35 as a digital signal is executed. In the recording / playback control, in addition to the playback operation, in accordance with various operations by the user, the program is fast-forwarded and rewinded, skipped, N (N> 1) double-speed playback (fast-forward playback with audio), pause, and stop. And so on. Hereinafter, various operations including a reproducing operation by the user are collectively referred to as a recording / reproducing operation.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, the management server 9 includes a network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network IF”) 91 connected to the Internet network 10 and the subjects selected to investigate the audience rating. It comprises a database 92 (such as a hard disk device) for storing program reproduction log data and command operation log data sent from the STB 4 installed in the home, and a control unit 93.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the database 92 includes program reproduction log data for identifying a recorded program reproduced by the BD recorder 3 connected to the STB 4 for each identification information for identifying the STB 4. , Command operation log data indicating the operation content of the BD recorder 3 is stored. In addition, the database 92 may store viewing operation log data indicating the operation content of the television 2.

  The program reproduction log data is stored in the database 92 in association with transmission date / time 94 and recorded program information 95 indicating either additional information or EPG information, and the command operation log data includes transmission date / time 94, BD Operation content information 96 indicating the operation content of the recorder 3 and the TV 2 and operation start timing information 97 based on the TOT are stored in association with each other. For example, in the command operation log data, operation content information individually indicating, for example, fast-forwarding and rewinding of a recorded program, skipping, N (N> 1) double-speed playback (fast playback with sound), pause, stop, etc. 96 is associated with the operation start timing information 97 indicating the start timing of each recording / playback operation and the transmission date and time 94 synchronized with the time recorded by the time server 8. The end timing of each recording / playback operation can be specified by the start timing of the recording / playback operation immediately after that. Further, the viewing operation log data can be stored in association with the transmission date 94 and viewing operation information indicating the operation content of the television 2.

  When receiving the program reproduction log data including the identification information via the network IF 91, the control unit 93 writes the transmission date and time 94 and the recorded program information 95 indicated by the program reproduction log data in the table 99 corresponding to the identification information.

And the control part 93 calculates the audience rating with respect to each video recording program based on several Formula 99 memorize | stored in the database 92 according to following Formula.
Audience rating = number of tables that can identify the target recorded program / number of samples x 100 (%)
However, the number of samples corresponds to the number of tables 99 (that is, the number of subjects) in the database 92, and the target recorded program is specified by the recorded program information 95. That is, the number of tables in which the target recorded program can be specified corresponds to the number of subjects who have watched the recorded program.

  Further, when the command operation log data including the identification information is received via the network IF 91, the control unit 93 stores the transmission date and time 94 and the operation content information 96 indicated by the program reproduction log data in the table 99 corresponding to the identification information. In addition to writing, operation start timing information 97 indicating at which timing the operation content information 96 is operated in the recorded program is generated based on the TOT indicated by the program reproduction log data, and the operation start timing information 97 is transmitted as the transmission date and time. 94 and the operation content information 96 are written in the table 99.

  That is, since the TOT is information including the date and time when the broadcast signal is transmitted from the broadcasting station, the program playback log data including the TOT extracted when the STB 4 inputs the recording / playback operation by the user is managed by the management server. 9, it is possible to specify the timing in the recorded program in which the operation content indicated by the operation content information 96 is performed, and to generate the operation start timing information 97. Thereby, the control unit 93, for example, which part of the reproduced recorded program has been fast-forwarded or skipped, which part has been reproduced without fast-forwarding or skipping, and which part has been reproduced at N (N> 1) double speed (audio) Since it is possible to specify whether or not it has been played quickly, the detailed audience rating at each time in the recorded program can be investigated.

  Note that, when the viewing operation log data including the identification information is received via the network IF 91, the control unit 93 writes the transmission date and time 94 and the viewing operation information indicated by the viewing operation log data in the table 99 corresponding to the identification information. But you can.

  That is, since the viewing operation information includes information for switching viewing channels as information indicating the operation content of the television 2, the control unit 93 sets each time at the same time indicated by the transmission date 94 based on the viewing operation log data. TV programs viewed at home can be identified.

And the control part 93 can calculate the audience rating for every time with respect to each TV program based on several table 99 memorize | stored in the database 92 according to following Formula.
Audience rating = number of real-time viewers / number of samples x 100 (%)
However, as for the real-time viewing number, the viewing operation information 95 corresponding to the target TV program is written, and the viewing channel is switched from the transmission date 94 where the target time is associated with the viewing operation information 95. This corresponds to the number of tables 99 that exist until it is received (which can be identified from the subsequent transmission date and time 94) (that is, the number of subjects viewing the target TV program at the target time).

  Next, returning to FIG. 1, the time server 8 is a server that is connected to the Internet network 10 and distributes standard time information for adjusting the time of a computer connected to the Internet network 10 to the standard time.

The wireless router 7 is a well-known one for connecting to the Internet network 10 and making the subject's home a wireless local area network (wireless LAN) environment.
<Configuration of STB>
The STB 4 includes an internal clock 41, a wireless communication unit 42, two infrared code input units 43, a control unit 44, two HDMI connection units 45, two infrared code reception units 46, a USB terminal 47, The power supply unit 48 is provided. And in STB4 of this embodiment, the internal clock 41, the radio | wireless communication part 42, the two infrared code input parts 43, and the control part 44 are stored in the stick-shaped housing | casing (not shown).

  The power supply unit 48 is connected to the USB terminal 37 of the BD recorder 3 and is configured to receive power from the BD recorder 3 via the USB terminal 37 and supply the power to the units 41 to 47.

  Similar to the USB terminal 37 of the BD recorder 3, the USB terminal 47 is for connecting a peripheral device in accordance with a serial bus standard called USB. In this embodiment, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like is connected as the peripheral device. can do.

  The infrared code receiver 46 receives the infrared code transmitted from the infrared remote controller 5 in the same manner as the infrared receiver 26 of the TV 2 and the infrared receiver 36 of the BD recorder 3, and inputs the corresponding infrared code to the corresponding infrared code. This is output to the unit 43. In the present embodiment, of the two infrared code receivers 46, the first infrared code receiver 46a is installed at a position adjacent to the infrared receiver 26 of the TV 2, and the second infrared code receiver 46b is a BD recorder. 3 is disposed adjacent to the infrared light receiving unit 36. Thereby, the infrared code transmitted from the infrared remote controller 5 is received by the infrared light receiving unit 26 of the TV 2 and the infrared light receiving unit 36 of the BD recorder 3, and the infrared code is transmitted via one of the two infrared code receiving units 46. It is input to the code input unit 43.

  The infrared code input unit 43 is configured to input a user operation content indicated by the infrared code output from the infrared code receiving unit 46 to the control unit 44. In the present embodiment, of the two infrared code input units 43, the first infrared code input unit 43 a is connected to the first infrared code reception unit 46 a, and the operation content for the TV 2 by the user is transmitted to the control unit 44. The second infrared code input unit 43b is connected to the second infrared code receiving unit 46b, and inputs the operation contents of the user to the BD recorder 3 to the control unit 44.

  The HDMI connection unit 45 includes a first HDMI connection unit 45 a connected to the HDMI output terminal 35 of the BD recorder 3 and a second HDMI connection unit 45 b connected to the HDMI input terminal 25 of the TV 2. The first HDMI connection unit 45a is used to input a digital signal output from the BD recorder 3 via the HDMI output terminal 35, and the second HDMI connection unit 45b receives the digital signal and various contents. Used to output to TV2.

  The wireless communication unit 42 is configured to perform short-range wireless communication using radio waves in a predetermined communication frequency band such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark), and is transmitted from the wireless remote controller 6 that supports these short-range wireless communication. The received wireless code is received, and the wireless code is output to the control unit 44. The wireless remote controller 6 only needs to output information indicating the operation contents of the TV 2 or the BD recorder 3 by the user as a wireless code, and may be a dedicated remote controller attached to the TV 2 or the BD recorder 3. It may be a smartphone or a mobile phone in which a program (application) for realizing a function as a dedicated remote controller is incorporated. The wireless communication unit 42 receives the wireless code transmitted from the wireless remote controller 6 using the wireless LAN via the wireless router 7.

  Further, the wireless communication unit 42 acquires various WEB contents from a server connected to the Internet network 10 via the wireless router 7, and logs data generated by the control unit 44 via the wireless router 7. It is also used for transmission to the management server 9 connected to the Internet network 10.

  The internal clock 41 is a clock used for recording time when the control unit 44 generates program reproduction log data or command operation log data, and is synchronized with the time recorded by the time server 8. .

  The control unit 44 is configured around a known microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. The CPU uses the RAM as a work area based on a program stored in the ROM or flash memory. It is configured to execute the following STB control process. The program may be used by being loaded into a microcomputer via a network. The program may be recorded on a recording medium in any form readable by the CPU and used. Examples of the recording medium include a portable semiconductor memory (for example, a USB memory, a memory card (registered trademark), etc.).

<STB control processing>
Next, STB control processing executed by the control unit 44 (CPU) of the STB 4 will be described along the flowchart of FIG. This process is started when the power supply unit 48 of the STB 4 is connected to the USB terminal 37 of the BD recorder 3 and is repeatedly executed while power is supplied from the BD recorder 3 via the USB terminal 37.

  First, when this process is started, in S110, the CPU of the control unit 44 determines whether or not it is a preset adjustment timing of the internal clock 41. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S120. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to S140.

  In S <b> 120, the time server 8 connected to the Internet network 10 is accessed via the wireless communication unit 42, and standard time information indicating the current standard time is acquired from the time server 8. Thereafter, in subsequent S130, the internal clock 41 is adjusted based on the standard time information acquired in S120, and the time of the internal clock 41 is synchronized with the standard time recorded by the time server 8, and the process proceeds to S140.

  In S140, it is determined whether or not a browser operation using a mouse or a keyboard by the user is input via the USB terminal 47. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S150, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to S160.

  In S150, based on the browser operation input in S140, a server (not shown) connected to the Internet network 10 is accessed via the wireless communication unit 42, WEB content provided from the server is received, and an HDMI connection is made. A WEB control process for outputting the WEB content to the TV 2 via the unit 45 is executed, and the process proceeds to S160.

  In S160, it is determined whether or not a user has input a recording / playback operation via the infrared code input unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 42. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S170, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to S180. . Note that the recording / reproducing operation here is an operation (reproducing operation) for replaying a recorded program first, and other operations such as fast-forwarding, rewinding, skipping, N (N> 1) double speed reproduction, pausing, stopping, etc. It is assumed that this is not a variety of operations.

  In S170, a recording log control process for generating program reproduction log data and command operation log data in accordance with the recording / reproducing operation input in S160 and transmitting it to the management server 9 is activated, and the process proceeds to S180.

  In S180, it is determined whether or not a user has input a program viewing operation via the infrared code input unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 42. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S190, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns to S110.

  In S190, the timing (date and time) when the program viewing operation is input in S180 is read from the internal clock 41, and the read date and time is set as the transmission date and time 94. The viewing operation information indicating the content of the program viewing operation input in S180 and the transmission date and time 94 And viewing log control processing for transmitting to the management server 9 connected to the Internet network 10 through the wireless communication unit 42 together with identification information predetermined for each individual STB 4. , Return to S110.

<Recording log control processing>
Here, the recording log control process executed by the control unit 44 (CPU) of the STB 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when this process is started, in S210, the CPU of the control unit 44 receives the digital signal output from the HDMI output terminal 35 of the BD recorder 3 based on the presence / absence of input from the first HDMI connection unit 45a. It is determined whether or not it has been detected. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S220. If a negative determination is made, the process waits until a digital signal is detected.

  In S220, additional information included in the digital signal input via the first HDMI connection unit 45a in S210 is extracted. Specifically, based on the PID included in the digital signal, at least EIT or SDT and TOT are extracted from the SI included in the digital signal.

  In subsequent S230, it is determined whether or not the TOT has been extracted in S220. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S240, and if EIT is extracted but the TOT is not extracted, the process proceeds to S250. Note that the TOT is information including the date and time when the TS packet is transmitted from the broadcast station in detail. Therefore, the TOT can be used to specify the playback location of the recorded program by the BD recorder 3.

  In S240, the TOT extracted in S220 is stored in the RAM of the control unit 44, and the process proceeds to S250. Note that when the TOT is already stored in the RAM of the control unit 44, the TOT stored in the RAM may be updated to the TOT extracted in S220.

  In S250, it is determined whether or not EPG information recorded in the recorded program by the BD recorder 3 is included from the digital signal input via the first HDMI connection unit 45a in S210, and this EPG information is extracted. If YES in step S260, the process advances to step S260. If EPG information cannot be extracted, the process advances to step S270.

  In S260, program reproduction log data including the EPG information extracted in S250 is generated, stored in the RAM of the control unit 44, and the process proceeds to S280. On the other hand, in S270, program reproduction log data including the additional information extracted in S220 is generated, stored in the RAM of the control unit 44, and the process proceeds to S280.

  The program reproduction log data includes information indicating either EPG information or additional information as recorded program information 95, and the date and time read from the internal clock 41 when the recorded program information 95 is extracted as the transmission date and time 94. It consists of information 95 and transmission date 94. Further, the additional information is composed of EIT, or composed of SDT and TOT. Incidentally, it is assumed that the EIT always includes information related to the recorded program being reproduced by the BD recorder 3, and information related to the recorded program is arranged so as to be distinguishable from other TV programs. The SDT includes information related to the name of the broadcast channel of the recorded program, and the TOT includes information related to the date and time when the broadcast signal that is the basis of the recorded program is transmitted as described above. Therefore, the recorded program can be specified by both information.

  In S280, command operation log data including the latest TOT stored in the RAM of the control unit 44 is generated and stored in the RAM of the control unit 44. The command operation log data is read from the internal clock 41 when the recording / playback operation is input, with information indicating the content of the recording / playback operation input via the infrared code input unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 42 as the operation content information 96. The operation content information 96, the transmission date and time 94, and the TOT that is the basis of the operation start timing information 97 are configured with the transmission date and time as the transmission date and time 94.

  In subsequent S290, it is determined whether or not the transmission timing is set in advance. If it is not the transmission timing, the process proceeds to S295, and if it is the transmission timing, the process proceeds to S300.

  In S295, it is determined whether another recording / playback operation by the user has been input via the infrared code input unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 42. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to S280, and a negative determination is made. Return to S210. The other recording / playback operations here are operations other than the operation of playing back the recorded program (playback operation) first, and fast forward / rewind, skip, N (N> 1) double speed playback, pause of the recorded program , And other various operations such as stopping.

  In S300, the program reproduction log data stored in S260 or S270 and the command operation log data stored in S280 are transmitted through the wireless communication unit 42 together with the identification information determined in advance for each individual STB4. To the management server 9 connected to the Internet network 10, and the process returns to S210.

  Note that this process (recording log control process) is performed in step S280 when the recorded program reproduced by the BD recorder 3 is stopped by the recording / reproducing operation in S160 (including when the program is forcibly terminated by another operation). After the data is generated and stored in the RAM, the process ends. Then, when the BD recorder 3 reproduces the recorded program again by the recording / reproducing operation of S160, it is activated.

<Effect>
As described above, in the audience rating survey system 1 of the present embodiment, the STB 4 extracts the additional information included in the digital signal output from the BD recorder 3, and based on the additional information, the BD recorder 3 The program reproduction log data for specifying the recorded program reproduced by the above is generated and transmitted to the management server 9 connected to the Internet network 10.

  For this reason, the database 92 of the management server 9 does not need to prepare and store audio data at each time for each broadcasting station in advance, and the “recorded program and data” transmitted from the STB 4 installed in each home. Data that can be handled on a one-to-one basis (program reproduction log data) is accumulated. Thereby, the management server 9 can more reliably identify the recorded program reproduced by the BD recorder 3 in each home based on the program reproduction log data stored in the database 92.

  Also, in the audience rating survey system 1, the STB 4 broadcasts an EIT including information related to a recorded program or a broadcast signal that is the basis of the recorded program from the SI based on the PID included in the digital signal. A time offset table (hereinafter referred to as “TOT”) including the date and time when transmitted from the station and an SDT including the name of the broadcast channel of the broadcast station are extracted.

  Therefore, since the management server 9 can directly specify the recorded program reproduced by the BD recorder 3 at each home based on the program reproduction log data stored in the database 92, the voice matching and code matching can be performed. It is not necessary to perform such complicated processing, and as a result, the server load can be suppressed, and highly reliable data used for the audience rating survey of the recorded program can be generated.

  Also, in the audience rating survey system 1, when the STB 4 receives a command code (infrared code or wireless code) indicating a program viewing operation by the user via the infrared code input unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 42, the STB 4 includes the command code. Based on this, command operation log data including the operation content of the BD recorder 3 is generated and transmitted to the management server 9 connected to the Internet network 10.

  For this reason, the management server 9 manages, based on the command operation log data stored in the database 92, what program viewing operation is performed by the viewer while the recorded program is played back by the BD recorder 3 in each home. This makes it possible to investigate the viewing behavior of each recorded program.

  In the audience rating survey system 1, the STB 4 generates command operation log data including the TOT extracted from the digital signal either before or after the command code is received by the infrared code input unit 43 or the wireless communication unit 42.

  Therefore, since the management server 9 can manage which part of the recorded program the program viewing operation is performed, for example, the recorded part can be examined for the part that is viewed and the part that is not viewed. More detailed viewing behavior in the program can be investigated.

  Also, in the audience rating survey system 1, when the STB 4 can extract the EPG information included in the digital signal output from the BD recorder 3, the program reproduction data is generated based on the EPG information, and the Internet network 10 to the management server 9 connected to 10. Therefore, the management server 9 can more directly specify the recorded program reproduced by the BD recorder 3 in each home based on the program reproduction log data stored in the database 92.

<Correspondence with Invention>
In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 42 is a communication unit, the first HDMI connection unit 45a is a signal input unit, the wireless communication unit 42 and the infrared code input unit 43 are command code reception units, and the processes of S210 to S220 are performed. The control unit 44 corresponds to an example of an information extraction unit, the control unit 44 that performs the processing of S230 to S295 corresponds to an example of a log data generation unit, and the control unit 44 that performs the processing of S300 corresponds to an example of a log data transmission unit.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it is possible to implement in various aspects.

  For example, in the audience rating survey system 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the EPG information can be extracted in the operation log control process, the control unit 44 (CPU) of the STB 4 does not generate program reproduction log data including additional information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even when EPG information can be extracted, program reproduction log data including additional information may be generated and stored in the RAM.

  In the audience rating survey system 1 of the above embodiment, the control unit 44 of the STB 4 transmits program reproduction log data and command operation log data (and viewing operation log data) to the management server 9, and the management server 9 records the recorded program. Although the audience rating of (and TV program) is calculated, it is not limited to this.

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 44 of the STB 4 transmits address information for specifying the WEB content output to the TV 2 by the WEB control to the management server 9, and the management server 9 records the recorded program (and the TV program). In addition, the access view for the WEB content may be calculated. When the control unit 44 of the STB 4 performs various viewing operations such as volume increase / decrease, program guide, and caption data display by the user, command operation log data (or viewing operation log data) including information on the viewing operation is performed. May be transmitted to the management server 9, and the management server 9 may store and manage the command operation log data (or viewing operation log data) in the database 92.

  In the audience rating survey system 1 of the above embodiment, the control unit 44 of the STB 4 transmits various log data including the transmission date and time 94 to the management server 9, but the management server 9 replaces this with the database 92. Information indicating the reception date and time of various types of log data may be managed.

  In the audience rating survey system 1 of the above embodiment, the management server 9 calculates the household audience rating in each home, but may calculate the individual audience rating in each home. Specifically, for example, color buttons such as red, blue, green, and yellow are assigned to the remote controllers 5 and 6 in advance for each individual in the family, and the person who operates the remote controls 5 and 6 is assigned to himself / herself. You may self-report by pressing. In this case, when the STB 4 receives the signal code of each color button from the remote controllers 5 and 6, the STB 4 records the signal code and appropriately stores various log data including information for identifying individuals in the family to the management server 9. Just send it.

  Further, for example, by connecting an imaging device such as a WEB camera to the USB terminal 47 of the STB 4 and performing a known face recognition process by the control unit 44, it is possible to specify an individual in the family being viewed. If the family includes twins with the same gender, it may be difficult to distinguish the faces of the twins in the face recognition process, but in such a case the twins are identified as the same person in the face recognition process. However, it is possible to investigate the trend of audience rating at least with respect to gender and age.

  In addition, the STB 4 of the above embodiment is connected to the BD recorder 3 and the TV 2 and relays digital signals such as video signals and audio signals output from the BD recorder 3 to the TV 2, but is limited to such a configuration. For example, of the two HDMI output terminals 35 included in the BD recorder 3, one HDMI output terminal 35 is connected to the STB 4 and the other HDMI output terminal 35 is connected to the TV 2, so that a digital signal is obtained. It may be configured not to relay.

  In the audience rating survey system 1 of the above embodiment, the STB 4 extracts SI such as EIT, SDT, and TOT as additional information, generates program reproduction log data, and transmits it to the management server 9. It is not limited to. For example, the STB 4 extracts a work key (encryption code) as additional information under the configuration in which the BD recorder 3 records a TV program in an uncompressed state that is not decrypted with the work key included in the TS packet, Program reproduction log data may be generated and transmitted to the management server 9. In this case, for example, a work key (encryption code) covering all broadcasts for each broadcasting station is stored in the database 92 in advance, and the management server 9 stores the work key (encryption code) extracted in the STB 4 in the database. By comparing with the work key (encryption code) in 92, the recorded program viewed can be specified.

  Alternatively, in a configuration in which the BD recorder 3 records a TV program in which known audio watermark information is embedded, the STB 4 extracts the audio watermark information representing the broadcast channel code, date and time information as additional information. Then, the program reproduction log data may be generated and transmitted to the management server 9. In this case, for example, the management server 9 can specify the recorded program that has been viewed based on the audio watermark information extracted in the STB 4. Note that since the audio watermark information digitally output from the HDMI output terminal 35 of the BD recorder 3 is extracted by the STB 4, it is possible to extract accurate information with less noise than the analog signal.

  In the audience rating survey system 1 of the above embodiment, the STB 4 includes the power feeding unit 48 and is configured to receive power supply from the BD recorder 3 via the USB terminal 37. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of this, it may be configured to be connected to the TV 2 by USB and receive power supply, or may be connected to a household outlet and receive power supply.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Audience rating survey system, 2 ... TV, 3 ... BD recorder, 4 ... STB, 5 ... Infrared remote control, 6 ... Wireless remote control, 7 ... Wireless router, 9 ... Management server, 10 ... Internet network, 31 ... TV tuner, 32 ... HDD, 33 ... BDD, 34 ... control unit, 35 ... HDMI output terminal, 42 ... wireless communication unit, 43 ... infrared code input unit, 44 ... control unit, 45 ... HDMI connection unit, 46 ... infrared code receiving unit, 91 ... Network IF, 92 ... Database, 93 ... Control part.

Claims (8)

In a recording / playback apparatus capable of receiving a broadcast signal transmitted in a transport stream format from a broadcast station and recording additional information unique to the broadcast signal in an uncompressed state, the digital signal is output when the recorded program is played back. Connected to the digital output terminal for output to the TV,
A signal input means for inputting a digital signal output from the recording / playback apparatus via the digital output terminal;
A communication means for connecting to the Internet network;
Information extraction means for extracting the additional information contained in the digital signal input by the signal input means;
Log data generating means for generating program reproduction log data for specifying a recorded program reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus based on the additional information when the additional information is extracted by the information extracting means;
Log data transmission means for transmitting the program reproduction log data generated by the log data generation means to a database connected to the Internet network via the communication means;
A program reproduction log data generation device comprising: The broadcast signal includes a packet identifier for identifying service information as the additional information for each transport packet defined by the MPEG-2 system.
The recording / playback apparatus can record the television program while the service information and the packet identifier remain uncompressed,
2. The information extracting unit extracts an event information table including information related to the recorded program from the service information based on a packet identifier included in the digital signal. The program reproduction log data generation device described in 1. The broadcast signal includes a packet identifier for identifying service information as the additional information for each transport packet defined by the MPEG-2 system.
The recording / playback apparatus can record the television program while the service information and the packet identifier remain uncompressed,
The information extraction means includes a date and time when a broadcast signal that is a basis of the recorded program is transmitted from a broadcast station from the service information based on a packet identifier included in the digital signal. 3. The program reproduction log data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a time offset table and a service description table including names of broadcast channels of the broadcast station are extracted. Command code receiving means for receiving a command code transmitted from a remote controller for remotely operating the recording / playback device,
The log data generating means, when receiving the command code by the command code receiving means, generates command operation log data including the operation content of the recording / playback device based on the command code,
4. The log data transmitting unit transmits the command operation log data generated by the log data generating unit to a database connected to the Internet network through the communication unit. The program reproduction log data generation device according to any one of the above. The information extraction means includes a date and time when a broadcast signal that is a basis of the recorded program is transmitted from a broadcast station from the service information based on a packet identifier included in the digital signal. Extract the time offset table,
The log data generating unit generates the command operation log data including a time offset table extracted by the information extracting unit either before or after receiving the command code by the command code receiving unit. Item 5. The program reproduction log data generation device according to Item 4. In a recording / playback apparatus capable of receiving a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting station in a transport stream format and recording a television program based on the broadcast signal in association with EPG information of the television program, It is connected to the digital output terminal for outputting a digital signal to the TV when playing,
A signal input means for inputting a digital signal output from the recording / playback apparatus via the digital output terminal;
A communication means for connecting to the Internet network;
Information extracting means for extracting the EPG information contained in the digital signal input by the signal input means;
Log data generating means for generating program reproduction log data for specifying a recorded program reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus based on the EPG information when the EPG information is extracted by the information extracting means;
Log data transmission means for transmitting the program reproduction log data generated by the log data generation means to a database connected to the Internet network via the communication means;
A program reproduction log data generation device comprising: In a recording / playback apparatus capable of receiving a broadcast signal transmitted in a transport stream format from a broadcast station and recording additional information unique to the broadcast signal in an uncompressed state, the digital signal is output when the recorded program is played back. A signal input means connected to a digital output terminal for outputting to a television and for inputting a digital signal output from the recording / playback apparatus via the digital output terminal, and a communication means for connecting to the Internet network are provided. On the computer,
An information extraction step of extracting the additional information contained in the digital signal input by the signal input means;
A log data generating step for generating program reproduction log data for specifying a recorded program reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus based on the additional information when the additional information is extracted by the information extracting step;
A log data transmission step of transmitting the program reproduction log data generated by the log data generation step to a database connected to the Internet network via the communication means;
A program that executes In a recording / playback apparatus capable of receiving a broadcast signal transmitted from a broadcasting station in a transport stream format and recording a television program based on the broadcast signal in association with EPG information of the television program, A signal input means connected to a digital output terminal for outputting a digital signal to a television at the time of reproduction, inputs a digital signal output from the recording / playback apparatus via the digital output terminal, and is connected to the Internet network. A computer having communication means for
An information extraction step of extracting the EPG information contained in the digital signal input by the signal input means;
When the EPG information is extracted by the information extracting step, a log data generating step for generating program reproduction log data for specifying a recorded program reproduced by the recording / reproducing apparatus based on the EPG information;
A log data transmission step of transmitting the program reproduction log data generated by the log data generation step to a database connected to the Internet network via the communication means;
A program that executes