JP2015046733A - Program distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program distribution system which allows a viewer to view etc. a favorite program by simple means, in order to further increase users of a program content.SOLUTION: The program distribution system 1 comprises: broadcast means for broadcasting a program content; distribution means for converting the program content to IP packets and distributing them onto an IP network 100 in synchronization with broadcast by the broadcast means; a television apparatus 13 for receiving and displaying the program content broadcasted by the broadcast means; and plural portable terminals 15 for receiving via the IP network 100 the program content distributed by the distribution means and displaying it.

Description

  The present invention relates to a program distribution system for distributing program content.

  Conventionally, television programs have been distributed in various formats such as terrestrial digital broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and IP broadcasting, and it is possible for the viewer side to receive a desired broadcasting arbitrarily (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). In addition, the terminal device for receiving the TV program is not limited to a general television, and various terminals such as a PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, and a smartphone are used. It can be said that convenience has improved remarkably.

Japanese Patent No. 4324818

  While there is a recent broadcasting situation that the method of providing program content is diversified, it is said that the diversification of the providing method is fully utilized for the business issue of increasing the number of viewers etc. of the program content It's hard to say.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and in view of the recent broadcasting situation as described above, it is intended to provide a program distribution system that allows viewers to view and listen to their favorite programs with easy means. Thus, the present invention is intended to further increase the number of users of the program content.

The present invention comprises a broadcasting means for broadcasting program content;
Distribution means for converting the program content into an IP packet and distributing it on an IP network in synchronization with the broadcast by the broadcast means;
A television set for receiving and displaying program content broadcast by the broadcasting means;
A program distribution system comprising: a plurality of portable terminal devices that receive and display program content distributed by the distribution means via an IP network.

  The program distribution system of the present invention includes distribution means for converting the program content into an IP packet and distributing it on the IP network in synchronization with the broadcast by the broadcast means, in addition to the broadcast means for broadcasting the program content. .

  In this program distribution system, broadcast program content can be received using a television device, and program content distributed in synchronization with the broadcast can be received by a portable terminal device via an IP network.

  In the program distribution system of the present invention, equipment such as a dedicated antenna and a tuner is not essential, and program content can be received by various portable terminal devices such as a personal computer, a smartphone (multifunctional mobile phone), and a tablet terminal. is there. Since these portable terminal devices do not require equipment such as an antenna or a tuner for receiving the program content, the favorite program content can be easily used anywhere.

  According to the program distribution system of the present invention, since the user side can view favorite program content with easy means, the number of users of the program content can be further increased.

The distribution means in the program distribution system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention redistributes program contents distributed in the past by a VOD (Video On Demand) system.
Here, the VOD method refers to a method of distributing program content in response to a request from the user. By redistributing the distributed program content using the VOD method, the program content can be received at any time according to the convenience of the user regardless of the time schedule of the providing side. Further improvement.

A program distribution system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of pieces of access information for giving access information for accessing a website on an IP network that distributes program content providing information related to gaming machines to the mobile terminal device. Including access information providing means provided in the game hall where the gaming machine is installed,
The website includes a web page displaying a list of program contents that can be redistributed in a VOD format.
In the mobile terminal device that has accessed the web page using the access information given at any game hall, the program content related to the gaming machine installed at any one of the game halls is preferentially displayed ( Claim 3).

If the access information given from the access information granting means provided in the game hall is used, the website can be easily accessed, and the program content relating to the gaming machine installed in the game hall is displayed in the web page. Displayed with priority. When it is intended to obtain information about a gaming machine installed in the game hall, program content related to the gaming machine can be easily selected in the web page. As described above, according to the program distribution system, it is possible to increase the player's willingness to play by providing information on the gaming machine installed in the game hall, and to improve the operation of the gaming machine installed in the gaming hall.
Note that displaying specific program content preferentially means displaying it higher than other program content, or displaying it more prominently than other program content.

In a program distribution system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the portable terminal device is granted an access right that allows free access to a pay website on an IP network that distributes program content that provides information about gaming machines. In order to do so, including an access right granting means provided in a game hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed,
The website includes a web page displaying a list of program contents that can be redistributed in a VOD format.
In a mobile terminal device that accesses the web page using the access right granted in any of the game halls, it relates to a gaming machine installed in any of the game halls within a preset time limit. The program content is displayed so as to be selectable (claim 4).

  If you visit a game hall, you will be able to receive program content related to the gaming machines installed in that game hall for free. The player can be motivated to come to the amusement hall, whereby the operation of the gaming machine installed in the amusement hall can be improved.

  The distribution means in the program distribution system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when distributing the program content, requests the portable terminal device to perform login processing using viewer identification information and a password, and a plurality of portable terminal devices When the log-in process with the same identification information is performed, only one of the mobile terminal devices is permitted to receive the program content (Claim 5).

  In this case, simultaneous login from a plurality of portable terminal devices using one piece of identification information can be prohibited while realizing a multi-device capable of receiving program content by various portable terminal devices. If simultaneous login from a plurality of portable terminal devices is prohibited, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a plurality of people view with one usage contract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the game information provision system in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the game information display apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the game information display apparatus in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the game information display apparatus which displays the two-dimensional code showing site access information in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the program schedule screen displayed on the portable terminal in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the re-distribution screen displayed on the portable terminal in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the re-distribution screen at the time of the access using site access information in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the program schedule screen at the time of the access using site access information in Example 1. FIG.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
(Example 1)
This example is an example of a program distribution system 1 that broadcasts and distributes program content that provides information related to gaming machines. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The program distribution system 1 of FIG. 1 is a system that includes broadcast means for broadcasting program content, and distribution means for converting the program content into IP packets and delivering them on an IP network in synchronization with the broadcast by the broadcast means. . The broadcast program content can be received and viewed by the television device 13. The distributed program content can be viewed using a personal computer (PC) 16 or a mobile terminal (mobile terminal device) 15 such as a smartphone 151 or a tablet terminal 152. In the program distribution system 1, since broadcasting by the broadcasting means and distribution by the distributing means are performed as simultaneous broadcasting (simultaneous retransmission), the television device 13 and the portable terminal 15 can simultaneously watch the same program. ing.

  The broadcast means of this example includes a broadcast distribution facility 10 that supplies program content, and a transmission facility that superimposes the supplied program content on a carrier wave to generate a broadcast radio wave and transmits the broadcast radio wave to the geostationary satellite 111. 11 and a repeater mounted on the geostationary satellite 111 so as to encrypt and relay the broadcast radio wave. The satellite radio wave relayed with the frequency changed by the repeater can be received by the satellite broadcast tuner 131 to which the parabolic antenna is connected. The satellite broadcast tuner 131 is a receiver in which a descrambling code is set on the premise of a satellite broadcast viewing contract, and constitutes the television device 13 together with the liquid crystal display 132. If a liquid crystal display 132 is connected to the satellite broadcast tuner 131, the program content can be viewed.

  The distribution means includes a broadcast distribution facility 10 for supplying program content, and a program distribution server 14 that converts the supplied program content into an IP packet and distributes it on the IP network 100. The IP packet distributed on the IP network 100 can be received by the portable terminal 15 such as the PC 16, the smartphone 151, and the tablet terminal 152 that can be connected to the IP network 100. The mobile terminal 15 or the like that has received the IP packet can reproduce the program content.

  The broadcast distribution facility 10 includes a control device (not shown) having a computer function. This control apparatus supplies program content to the transmission facility 11 and the program distribution server 14 in accordance with a program table in which a time schedule for broadcasting or the like is determined in advance. Furthermore, the program distribution server 14 can be supplied with the program content that has received a redistribution request from the portable terminal 15 or the like by the VOD method.

  The in-game system 2 on the game hall side including the game hall management device 20 is a system of each game hall for managing a plurality of game machines 5 such as slot machines 51 and pachinko gaming machines 52. The in-ground system 2 is configured with a game center management device 20 as a center. In the game hall, the game information display device 3 and the lending device 25 are individually installed for each gaming machine 5. The game information display device 3 is disposed on the upper side of the gaming machine 5, and the game medium lending device 25 is disposed in a space between the adjacent gaming machines 5.

  In the hall system 2, in addition to the game hall management device 20, a relay device 27 installed for each of the two gaming machines 5 is connected to the hall network 200. The gaming machine 5, the game information display device 3, and the lending device 25 are connected to the game hall management device 20 in a communicable state via the relay device 27. The game information related to each gaming machine 5 installed in the gaming hall is managed for each gaming machine 5 by the gaming hall management device 20.

  The game information managed by the game hall management device 20 is transmitted and stored, for example, by a data management server (not shown) operated outside the game hall by an information provider, and is managed separately for each game hall. The data management server can be accessed from a portable terminal 15 that can be connected to the IP network 100. A player possessing the portable terminal 15 can use a game information browsing service operated by the data management server.

  Hereinafter, the apparatus which comprises the program delivery system 1 of this example is demonstrated. First, the gaming machine 5, the gaming information display device 3, the gaming hall management device 20, and the portable terminal 15 installed in the gaming hall will be outlined. Thereafter, the program distribution server 14 that distributes program contents via the IP network 100 will be outlined.

First, the apparatus which comprises the in-site system 2 is demonstrated.
(Game machine)
As the gaming machine 5, there are a slot machine 51 and a pachinko gaming machine 52.
The slot machine 51 is a gaming machine in which a game is started by changing a symbol in accordance with an operation of a start lever. In the game of the slot machine 51, a winning is generated by a combination of symbols stopped and displayed in accordance with the operation of the stop button. As a winning combination, in addition to a small combination and a replay combination in which a medal payout is set as a bonus privilege, a bonus combination that triggers the occurrence of a bonus state in which the winning probability of the small combination is set is set. As the bonus combination, a BB combination that is the most advantageous BB (big bonus) state with a large number of payouts and an RB combination corresponding to the RB (regular bonus) state are set.

  In the game of the slot machine 51, the game can be started by inserting a predetermined number of medals, and a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the type of the winning combination. The number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals inserted by the player from the number of medals paid out according to the winning is the number of medals acquired by the player through the game.

The slot machine 51 has a game signal external output function, and outputs the following game signals to the relay device 27 as the game progresses.
(1) Safe signal (payout signal): Output once each time a medal corresponding to a prize is awarded.
(2) Out signal (insertion signal): Output for the number of medals consumed in the game. Output in response to the start of the game.
(3) Start signal: A signal indicating that the game has started. Output when symbol variation starts in response to an effective operation of the start lever.
(4) Bonus signal: a level signal that is output during the continuation of the bonus game. There are a BB signal corresponding to the BB state and an RB signal corresponding to the RB state.

  The pachinko gaming machine 52 is a pachinko gaming machine called a so-called seven machine, and is a gaming machine that is played using balls as gaming media. In the game of the pachinko gaming machine 52, a lottery random number for jackpot determination is extracted in accordance with the winning of a ball at a predetermined starting port, and the jackpot lottery is executed, and the symbol variation starts. When the big win lottery is won, the big win win is notified by the stop display of the matched symbols such as “777”. When a big win is generated, a big win state is started in which a round game opened by a so-called attacker is opened a plurality of times.

The pachinko gaming machine 52 has a game signal external output function, and outputs the following game signals to the relay device 27 as the game progresses.
(1) Safe signal (payout signal): Output once for every 10 payout balls. The safe (the number of payout balls) is the number of safe signals × 10 balls.
(2) Out signal (input signal): Output once for every 10 balls used. Out (the number of balls used) is the number of out signals × 10 balls. Strictly speaking, the out signal is output not from the pachinko gaming machine 52 but from a ball collecting device provided for collecting used balls.
(3) Start signal: One pulse is output per symbol change (actual action, start processing) triggered by winning at the start opening.
(4) Jackpot signal: A status signal that is level-output while the jackpot state is continuing.

(Game information display device)
The game information display device 3 is a device that is individually provided in a 1: 1 ratio for each gaming machine 5 and displays various game information related to the gaming machine 5 such as the number of jackpots and the number of games. The game information display device 3 has a function of counting game data received from the gaming machine 5 side via the relay device 27 and counting the game data to generate various game information. The generated game information is displayed by the game information display device 3 and is transmitted to the game hall management device 20 and managed for each gaming machine 5.

  In particular, the game information display device 3 of this example has a function as an access information providing unit that provides site access information (access information) for accessing the program distribution server 14 via the IP network 100. In addition to the URL information of the website provided by the program distribution server 14, the site access information includes a game hall ID that is game hall identification information. The detailed configuration and functions of the game information display device 3 will be described later in detail.

(Amusement center management device)
The game hall management device 20 is a device that manages various devices installed in the game hall. The game hall management device 20 includes an output unit that includes a liquid crystal display, a printer (not shown), and the like, a device body that executes various arithmetic processes, and an input unit that includes a keyboard and a mouse (not shown). The main body of the apparatus has a control function centered on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes arithmetic processing, a storage function that uses a hard disk drive, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and various signals or information The communication function etc. which transmit / receive are received.

  The game hall management device 20 has a function of collecting and managing game information related to each game machine 5 installed in the game hall from the game information display device 3 installed for each game machine 5. The game information related to each gaming machine 5 managed by the game hall management device 20 is transferred to a data management server (not shown) outside the game hall in association with the game hall ID.

(Mobile device)
The program distribution service can be used using a mobile terminal 15 having a function of connecting to the IP network 100, such as a multi-function mobile phone called a so-called smartphone 151, a tablet terminal 152, or the like. The portable terminal 15 includes a large touch panel type liquid crystal display and can execute various functions in response to a touch operation on the display screen 150. Furthermore, the portable terminal 15 has a camera function, and can read a two-dimensional code such as a captured QR code (R). Each mobile terminal 15 stores a mobile ID serving as identification information.

  As the portable terminal 15, there are two types of terminals having different communication function specifications. The first portable terminal 15 has a function of accessing the IP network 100, a wireless LAN function such as WiFi, an infrared communication function, and the like. In addition to these communication functions, the second portable terminal 15 has a proximity non-contact communication function.

Next, the program distribution server 14 will be described.
(Program distribution server)
The program distribution server 14 managed by the program provider is an Internet server that distributes program content using the IP network 100.
The program distribution server 14 includes a control function centered on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing, a storage function that uses a hard disk drive, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and various signals. Or it is a computer apparatus provided with the communication function etc. which transmit / receive information. The program distribution server 14 can be connected to peripheral devices (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display and a printer, input devices (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse.

  There are two types of program content distribution methods by the program distribution server 14. The first distribution method is a method (simultaneous broadcast) for distributing the program content in synchronization with the broadcast of the program content. The second distribution method is a VOD method distribution method in which a specific program content is redistributed to a specific user in response to a request from the user.

  The program distribution server 14 manages a user ID and an authentication password, which are identification information of a user who has signed a use contract for the program distribution service and has paid the usage fee. The program distribution server 14 can collate the login user ID input at the time of access from the mobile terminal 15 and, when authenticated by the password, allows the use of the program distribution service by permitting login to the website. .

  The program distribution server 14 of this example is compatible with multiple devices, and can be logged in by any of the PC 16, the tablet terminal 152, and the smartphone 151. On the other hand, duplicate access using one user ID is not allowed. For example, when the login state is from the smartphone 151, login from the tablet terminal 152 using the same user ID is not allowed. This avoids the possibility that the program content is viewed at a plurality of locations by one user ID.

  The program distribution server 14 has a function of calculating the audience rating. The program distribution server 14 of this example calculates the ratio of the number of login IDs, which is the number of logged-in user IDs, to the number of contract IDs, which is the number of user IDs distributed according to the usage contract, and calculates this ratio. Calculated as audience rating.

  Further, the program distribution server 14 of this example stores a game hall ID which is an identification number of each game hall, and also stores model list data representing the model of the gaming machine 5 installed in each game hall. Are managed in association with. The program distribution server 14 can specify the model of the gaming machine 5 installed in each game hall via the game hall ID.

  Next, the game information display device 3 installed individually for each gaming machine 5 in the game hall will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the game information display device 3 is a device including a liquid crystal display unit 33 formed of a large liquid crystal display. On the lower side of the display screen 330 of the liquid crystal display unit 33, a call button 341 and a data switching button 343 are arranged, and on the upper side, a lamp unit 32 is arranged. A reader reading surface 351 of a non-contact reader / writer 35, which will be described later, is formed in the right end on the lower side of the display screen 330 and on the right side of the data switching button 343.

  The liquid crystal display unit 33 is a display unit that can be touch-operated with a touch panel 33P (FIG. 3) stacked thereon. Various information such as a jackpot history and past game information can be displayed on the display screen 330 of the liquid crystal display unit 33. The display on the display screen 330 can be switched as appropriate according to the operation of the data switching button 343, and a two-dimensional code (described later with reference to FIG. 4) representing site access information for accessing the program distribution server 14 is displayed. It is also possible to make it.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game information display device 3 is electrically configured around a control unit 31. The control unit 31 includes a CPU 311 that executes software to perform various calculations, a ROM 312 as a memory unit, a RAM 314, and an I / O unit 315 that inputs and outputs signals. For the control unit 31, an I / F unit 38 that performs signal transmission / reception with the outside, a liquid crystal display unit 33, a lamp unit 32 that has an employee calling function, a touch panel 33 </ b> P, a call button 341, a data switching button 343, A non-contact reader / writer 35 or the like for proximity non-contact communication is electrically connected. The non-contact reader / writer 35 reads information such as a portable ID from the portable terminal 15 close to the reader reading surface 351.

  The game signals that the game information display device 3 captures from the gaming machine 5 via the relay device 27 include (1) a safe signal, (2) an out signal, (3) a start signal, (4) a bonus signal or a jackpot signal, etc. There is.

Examples of the game information related to the slot machine 51 that the game information display device 3 counts include the following game data.
(1) BB count: The number of occurrences of the BB state.
(2) Number of RBs: Number of occurrences of RB state.
(3) Number of starts between bonuses: Number of starts (number of games) since the last bonus state ended.
(4) Cumulative number of starts today: The total number of starts (number of games) after opening on the day.
(5) Number of difference medals: The medal balance as seen from the player side. The number of medals is calculated by subtracting the inserted number added one by one every time the insertion signal is received from the number of payouts added one by one every time the payment signal is received.

Examples of game information related to the pachinko gaming machine 52 that the game information display device 3 counts include the following game data.
(1) Number of jackpots: Number of jackpot conditions.
(2) Number of starts between bonuses: The number of starts after the end of the previous jackpot.
(3) Cumulative start count today: Cumulative start count after opening on that day.
(4) Number of difference balls: Balance seen from the player side. The number of difference balls is calculated by subtracting the number of throwing balls added by 10 balls each time a throwing signal is received from the number of payout balls that are incremented by 10 balls every time a payout signal is received.

  A display screen 330 in FIG. 2 is a display example of game information related to the pachinko gaming machine 52. The display screen 330 of the game information display device 3 is configured around a center display frame 331 disposed substantially at the center. On the left side of the center display frame 331, a jackpot display column 332 is arranged, and from the top, the jackpot counts for today, the previous day, and two days before are displayed. On the right side of the center display frame 331, a display box 337 for the maximum number of jackpots, a display box 338 for the number of start of jackpots, and a display field 339 for the cumulative number of starts today are arranged. Further, below the center display frame 331, a graph display field 335 for displaying the latest 10 jackpot start times as a bar graph is arranged. The display screen 330 in FIG. 2 is an example in which a variation graph of the number of balls is displayed in the center display frame 331.

  In particular, the game information display device 3 of this example has a function as an access information providing unit, and displays the site access screen illustrated in FIG. 4 in the center display frame 331 by appropriately operating the data switching button 343. it can. On this site access screen, a two-dimensional code representing the site access information and a message prompting the portable terminal 15 to read the two-dimensional code are arranged.

  The site access information includes URL information of a website that provides a program distribution service, a game hall ID that is identification information of a game hall, and the like. As will be described in detail later, if this site access information is used, a website providing a program distribution service can be immediately accessed, and program contents related to the gaming machine 5 installed in the game arcade can be easily viewed. Become.

  Next, a method for using the program distribution service using the portable terminal 15 in the program distribution system 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, a normal service use procedure that does not depend on site access information will be described, and then a service use procedure using site access information will be described.

  In the case of normal service use that does not depend on site access information, first, a website provided by the program distribution server 14 is accessed via the mobile terminal 15 and login is performed on a login screen (not shown). If the user ID and password for login are input on this login screen, the login can be completed and the program distribution service can be used. For unregistered players who have not obtained a login user ID, etc., use the program distribution service by performing the procedure for new member registration using the new registration screen displayed on the mobile terminal 15. The user ID and the like can be acquired, and login is possible.

  On the portable terminal 15 that has logged in, the program guide screen of FIG. 5 including the program guide of the program content representing the time schedule of the program content distributed in synchronization with the broadcast is displayed. In the program guide on the program guide screen shown in FIG. 6, when the display frame of the program content to be viewed is touched, the program content can be viewed or reserved for viewing.

  A demand button 155 for requesting redistribution of program content distributed in the past is arranged below the program guide. When the demand button 155 is touch-operated, the display screen 150 of the portable terminal 15 is switched to the redistribution screen of FIG. On the redistribution screen, redistributable program contents are listed in order from the newest at the time of broadcasting. If the display frame of the program content to be viewed is touch-operated, the program content can be viewed after being redistributed.

  Next, a procedure for using a program distribution service based on site access information will be described. In using the site access information, it is necessary to capture the two-dimensional code using the camera function of the portable terminal 15 according to the message in the site access screen of FIG. 4 and read the site access information.

  In the mobile terminal 15 that has read the site access information, the website of the URL information included in the site access information is automatically displayed in the browser, and a login screen for inputting a login user ID and password is displayed first. . When a correct user ID or the like is input, as in the case of normal use, login is completed and the program guide screen in FIG. 5 is displayed, and the program distribution service can be used.

  When the website is accessed and logged in using the site access information, the game hall ID included in the site access information is transmitted to the program distribution server 14. The program distribution server 14 refers to the model list data corresponding to the game hall ID, and identifies the model of the gaming machine 5 installed in the game hall. Further, the program content relating to the specified model is extracted as the content of interest from the redistributable program content.

  The difference when accessing using the site access information is in the redistribution screen of FIG. 7 displayed in response to the operation of the demand button 155 in the program guide screen of FIG. In this redistribution screen, attention content related to the gaming machine 5 installed in the game arcade where the site access information has been acquired is normally displayed, while other program content is shadowed (displayed lightly). 6 is different from the re-distribution screen. The content of interest can be selected by a one-tap touch operation, while other program content cannot be selected unless a double-tap touch operation is performed.

  As described above, the program distribution system 1 of this example includes distribution means for converting the program content into IP packets and distributing it on the IP network 100 in synchronization with the broadcast in addition to the broadcast means for broadcasting the program content. . In this program distribution system 1, broadcast program content can be received using the television device 13, and program content distributed in synchronization with the broadcast can be received by the mobile terminal 15 or the like via the IP network 100. is there.

  In the program distribution system 1, facilities such as a dedicated antenna and a tuner are not essential, and program content can be received by various portable terminals 15 such as the smartphone 151 and the tablet terminal 152 in addition to the PC 16. Since the portable terminal 15 or the like does not require an antenna or a tuner for receiving the program content, the desired program content can be easily used anywhere.

  As described above, according to the program distribution system 1 of the present example, the user side can view the favorite program content with a simple means, so that the number of users of the program content can be further increased.

  Furthermore, in the program distribution service provided by the program distribution system 1, when the website is accessed using the site access information, the program content relating to the game site to which the site access information is given is displayed prominently as the attention content. (Refer to FIG. 7.) It is possible to easily receive redistribution, and convenience is improved.

  When using the program distribution service via the site access information, the player can easily view the program content related to the gaming machine 5 installed in the game center to which the site access information is given. If the program content of the gaming machine 5 installed in the game hall is provided, the game motivation of the player can be increased and the operation of the game hall can be improved.

Instead of or in addition to the configuration of this example, the following configuration may be employed. Further, the following configurations may be combined as appropriate.
In this example, when the site access information is used for access, the game center to which the site access information is given may be registered as an MY hole. By selecting a registered MY hole, it is possible to immediately display program content related to the gaming machine installed in the game hall. Note that the number of amusement halls that can be registered in the MY hall may be one or two or more.

  In this example, in addition to the URL information and the game hall ID, the site access information may be configured to include information on the gaming machine 5 being played. If the information on the gaming machine 5 included in the site access information is used, it is possible to specify the model of the gaming machine being played on the program distribution server 14 side. For example, a selection screen as to whether or not to receive redistribution of program content related to the gaming machine 5 that is being played may be displayed on the mobile terminal 15. In the case of a player who does not know the gaming specifications or gaming method of the gaming machine to be played, the program content related to that gaming machine is very useful.

  The portable terminal 15 of this example is configured to read the site access information by photographing a two-dimensional code. In the case of the portable terminal 15 having the proximity contactless communication function, the site access information may be received by the proximity contactless communication by the contactless reader / writer 35. In this case, it is not necessary to shoot a two-dimensional code, and the player's trouble is reduced. Furthermore, if the mobile terminal 15 has a wireless LAN function such as WiFi, the site access information may be received wirelessly.

  In this example, the site access information can be acquired from the game information display device 3. The device to which the site access information is given is not limited to the game information display device 3, and any device can be used as long as it is a service device (lending device 25, game medium counting device, prize exchange device, etc.) installed in the game hall. May be.

  The game information display device 3 of this example is configured to display a two-dimensional code representing site access information in accordance with the operation of the data switching button 343 regardless of whether or not the portable ID of the portable terminal 15 has been read. ing. Alternatively, when the mobile ID can be read, a two-dimensional code may be displayed.

  In this example, a common program guide screen (FIG. 5) is displayed on the mobile terminal 15 when accessing using the site access information and when not accessing. Instead of this, when accessing using the site access information, the program content related to the gaming machine installed in the game hall to which the site access information is given may be highlighted (bold frame, highlighted in bold). (See FIG. 8).

Note that the configuration relating to the site access information may be omitted from the program distribution system 1 of this example.
Examples of the portable terminal 15 include a notebook PC and a game terminal having a communication function in addition to the illustrated smartphone 151 and tablet terminal 152.

(Example 2)
In this example, the content of the site access information is changed based on the program distribution system of the first embodiment. In this program distribution system, free service use based on site access information is possible.
In the program distribution system of this example, the game hall ID included in the site access information is an access right, and free limited use by a player who does not have a contract for using the program distribution service is possible.

  When the portable terminal 15 (FIG. 1) possessed by a player who does not have a user ID accesses the program distribution server 14 (see FIG. 1) by reading the site access information, the program distribution server 14 (see FIG. 1) uses the game hall ID included in the site access information. Automatically log in to the game information browsing service. In this case, only the program content related to the gaming machine installed in the game room with the game room ID is restricted to be viewable, and the viewable time is only one hour.

  In addition, while setting free limited use, it is also possible to set a privilege to be given when a player who pays a monthly usage fee reads site access information and accesses the program distribution server 14. As a privilege, for example, it is conceivable that a monthly fee is discounted or that specific information that cannot be browsed normally can be browsed.

In this example, the expiration date of the access right of the site access information read from the game information display device 3 is 1 hour. The expiration date is not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate, for example, valid only during the day, or valid for two days.
Furthermore, it may be added as a condition for free use that the portable terminal 15 is located in the game arcade where the access right is acquired. In this case, it is also possible to set a time limit that is within the day of granting the access right. Since the program distribution service can be used free of charge as long as the user stays at the amusement hall on the day, it is possible to aim to stay at the amusement hall for a long time. As a condition that the mobile terminal 15 is located in the amusement hall, for example, a condition that the access is limited to the WiFi spot installed in the amusement hall may be set. Alternatively, it may be configured to transmit radio waves that can be received by the mobile terminal 15 from the game hall side, and to set conditions such as limiting the access to a state in which the mobile terminal 15 is receiving the radio waves.

In this example, site access information is used as an access right instead of using the site access information of the first embodiment. In addition to the use of the site access information of the first embodiment, the use of the site access information as an access right may be set.
Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the embodiments. However, these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the scope of claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be construed as limited by the configuration, numerical values, or the like of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques in which the specific examples are variously modified, changed, or appropriately combined using known techniques and knowledge of those skilled in the art.

1 Program distribution system 10 Broadcast distribution facilities (broadcasting means, distribution means)
100 IP network 11 Transmission equipment (broadcasting means)
111 Geostationary satellite (broadcasting means)
13 Television equipment 14 Program distribution server (distribution means)
15 Mobile terminal (mobile terminal device)
151 Smartphone 152 Tablet Terminal 16 PC (Personal Computer)
2 In-field system 20 Amusement center management device 200 In-field network 3 Game information display device (access information giving means)
5 gaming machines 51 slot machines 52 pachinko machines

A first aspect of the present invention is a broadcasting means for broadcasting program content;
Distribution means for converting the program content into an IP packet and distributing it on an IP network in synchronization with the broadcast by the broadcast means;
A television set for receiving and displaying program content broadcast by the broadcasting means;
A plurality of portable terminal devices that receive and display program content distributed by the distribution means via an IP network, and the distribution means uses the VOD (Video On Demand) method for program content distributed in the past. In a program distribution system configured to be redistributed with
An access provided in a game hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed in order to give the portable terminal device access information for accessing a website on an IP network that distributes program content providing information related to gaming machines Including information giving means,
The website includes a web page displaying a list of program contents that can be redistributed in a VOD format.
In the web page displayed on the mobile terminal device that has accessed the website using the access information given at any of the game halls, the program content related to the gaming machine installed at any of the game halls The display is displayed higher than the display of the program content related to the gaming machine that is not installed in any of the game halls, or is displayed prominently so that the gaming machine installed in any of the gaming halls The program distribution system is characterized in that the program content is preferentially displayed .

A second aspect of the present invention is a broadcasting means for broadcasting program content;
Distribution means for converting the program content into an IP packet and distributing it on an IP network in synchronization with the broadcast by the broadcast means;
A television set for receiving and displaying program content broadcast by the broadcasting means;
A plurality of portable terminal devices that receive and display program content distributed by the distribution means via an IP network, and the distribution means uses the VOD (Video On Demand) method for program content distributed in the past. In a program distribution system configured to be redistributed with
An access provided in a game hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed in order to give the portable terminal device access information for accessing a website on an IP network that distributes program content providing information related to gaming machines Including information giving means,
The website includes a web page displaying a list of program contents that can be redistributed in a VOD format.
In the web page displayed on the mobile terminal device that has accessed the website using the access information given in any of the game halls, the program content relating to the gaming machine installed in any of the game halls is displayed. The program distribution system is characterized in that the operation for selecting is less time-consuming than the operation for selecting the program content related to the gaming machine not installed in any of the game halls. ).

The distribution means in the program distribution system of the present invention redistributes program contents distributed in the past by the VOD (Video On Demand) method .
Here, the VOD method refers to a method of distributing program content in response to a request from the user. By redistributing the distributed program content using the VOD method, the program content can be received at any time according to the convenience of the user regardless of the time schedule of the providing side. Further improvement.

In the program distribution system of the first aspect, a plurality of games are provided in order to give the portable terminal device access information for accessing a website on an IP network that distributes program content providing information related to gaming machines. Including access information providing means provided in the game hall where the machine is installed,
The website includes a web page displaying a list of program contents that can be redistributed in a VOD format.
In the mobile terminal device that accesses the web page using the access information given at any game hall, the program content related to the gaming machine installed at any game hall is preferentially displayed .

In the program distribution system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the access information providing means provided corresponding to the gaming machine among the access information providing means provides access information including information that can identify a model of the gaming machine. And
In the mobile terminal device that has accessed the website using the access information provided by the access information providing means provided for any of the gaming machines, the program content related to any of the gaming machines is redistributed. A selection screen for whether or not to receive can be displayed.
For example, in the case of a player who does not know the game specifications or game method of the gaming machine to be played, the program content related to that gaming machine is very useful. In such a case, a selection screen as to whether or not to receive redistribution of program content related to the gaming machine may be displayed on the mobile terminal device.
In a program distribution system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the portable terminal device is granted an access right that allows free access to a pay website on an IP network that distributes program content that provides information about gaming machines. In order to do so, including an access right granting means provided in a game hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed ,
In the web page displayed on the mobile terminal device that has accessed the website using the access right granted in any of the game halls, any one of the game halls only within a preset time limit. The program content relating to the gaming machine installed in is displayed in a selectable manner (claim 4).

Claims (5)

Broadcasting means for broadcasting program content;
Distribution means for converting the program content into an IP packet and distributing it on an IP network in synchronization with the broadcast by the broadcast means;
A television set for receiving and displaying program content broadcast by the broadcasting means;
A program distribution system comprising: a plurality of portable terminal devices that receive and display program content distributed by the distribution means via an IP network.   2. The program distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution means redistributes program contents distributed in the past by a VOD (Video On Demand) method. An access provided in a game hall where a plurality of gaming machines are installed in order to give the portable terminal device access information for accessing a website on an IP network that distributes program content providing information related to gaming machines Including information giving means,
The website includes a web page displaying a list of program contents that can be redistributed in a VOD format.
In the mobile terminal device that has accessed the web page using the access information given in any game hall, program content related to the gaming machine installed in any game hall is preferentially displayed. The program distribution system according to claim 2. A game hall in which a plurality of gaming machines are installed in order to give the portable terminal device an access right that allows free access to a paid website on an IP network that distributes program content that provides information on gaming machines Including access right granting means provided in
The website includes a web page displaying a list of program contents that can be redistributed in a VOD format.
In a mobile terminal device that accesses the web page using the access right granted in any of the game halls, it relates to a gaming machine installed in any of the game halls within a preset time limit. 3. The program distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the program content is displayed so as to be selectable.   When the program content is distributed, the distribution unit requests the portable terminal device to perform login processing using viewer identification information and a password, and login processing using the same identification information is performed from a plurality of portable terminal devices. 5. The program distribution system according to claim 1, wherein reception of the program content is permitted only to any one portable terminal device.

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