JP2015088800A - Control program, control method, and control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To disclose information on an electronic program guide in accordance with the content of information to be actually broadcasted.SOLUTION: A local station server 200 is connected to a provision station server 100 through a network 50. The local station server 200 receives information on an EPG information table from the provision station server 100 and stores the information in association with a broadcast schedule of the own station. Then, the local station server 200 discloses information on the detail of an EPG of a program corresponding to an EPG trigger program to a television receiver 10b, when detecting that the EPG trigger program is broadcasted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control program and the like.

  Conventionally, a program produced by a content providing station is provided to a local station, and the provided program is broadcast on the local station. In general, the date and time when the program provided by the local station is broadcast is later than the date and time when the content providing station broadcasts the program.

  In digital broadcasting, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information can be distributed separately from the main program. The EPG is currently implemented as a standard in televisions, hard disk recorders, and the like. Since the EPG information can be transmitted from the broadcast station in real time, for example, even when the sports broadcast is extended and the program guide is changed, the changed EPG information can be notified immediately.

  In many cases, a content providing station generally organizes a program on a weekly basis and broadcasts the next program of the same series eight days ahead including today. From the viewpoint of attracting the viewer's interest, it is preferable that the contents of the next program are released at the end of the broadcast of the current program. However, it is determined by the broadcasting industry that the date and time when the next program information is permitted to be released using the EPG is set to 0:00 eight days before the scheduled broadcast date and time of the next program.

  On the other hand, when the local station receives provision of the main program and EPG information from the content providing station, the local station itself determines the broadcast schedule of the main program and the EPG transmission schedule. Since the EPG information provided from the content providing station is different from the program table of the local station, the staff of the local station confirms the information of the provided EPG and reflects it in the program table of the local station. In addition, the staff of the local station confirms the scheduled broadcast date and time of each program so that the contents of the program will not be released earlier than 0 o'clock 8 days before the scheduled broadcast date and time of the program. Adjust each.

JP-A-11-187324 JP 2000-50215 A

  However, the above-described prior art has a problem that the information of the electronic program guide cannot be disclosed in accordance with the content of the information that is actually broadcast.

  In the broadcast schedule of the local station, 0 o'clock 8 days before the scheduled broadcast date and time of the program has not passed, but in the broadcast schedule of the content provider station, 0 o'clock 8 days before the scheduled broadcast date and time of the program has passed. There may be cases. In order to respond to a user's request to know program information as soon as possible, it is desirable to disclose the program information in accordance with the broadcast schedule of the content providing station. However, it is difficult for the staff of the local station staff to check the broadcast schedule of the content providing station for each program and adjust the date and time when the program information is released.

  In one aspect, an object is to provide a control program, a control method, and a control apparatus that can disclose information of an electronic program guide according to the content of information that is actually broadcast.

  In the first plan, the control program causes the computer to execute the following processing. The computer associates the information of the electronic program guide associated with the first program included in the program group having a plurality of broadcast schedules with the second program. When the computer detects that predetermined program-related information has been distributed, the computer publishes information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect that the information of the electronic program guide can be disclosed in accordance with the content of information that is actually broadcast.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the providing station server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of the data structure of the EPG information table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the data structure of the EPG information table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the program main part information table of the providing station server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the local station server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the correspondence information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of the data structure of the second EPG information table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the data structure of the second EPG information table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the program main part information table of the providing station server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the registration unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the providing station server and the local station server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the process procedure of the registration process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the EPG information allocation process procedure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the providing station server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the EPG information table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the broadcast progress table of the providing station server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the local station server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of the data structure of the second EPG information table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the data structure of the second EPG information table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the broadcast progress table of the local station server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the providing station server and the local station server according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the EPG information allocation processing procedure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that executes a control program.

  Embodiments of a control program, a control method, and a control device disclosed in the present application will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this system includes television receivers 10a and 10b, radio towers 20a and 20b, a providing station server 100, and a local station server 200. The local station server 200 is an example of a control device. Although FIG. 1 shows the television receivers 10a and 10b as an example, other television receivers may be present.

  The providing station server 100 and the radio tower 20a are connected to each other. The local station server 200 and the radio tower 20b are connected to each other. The providing station server 100 and the local station server 200 are connected to each other via the network 50.

  The television receiver 10a is a device that receives the main program information and EPG information from the radio tower 20a. Also, the television receiver 10a accepts an operation from the user, and displays the main program information and the EPG information on the television screen.

  The television receiver 10b is a device that receives the main program information and the EPG information from the radio tower 20b. In addition, the television receiver 10b accepts an operation from the user, and displays the main program information and the EPG information on the television screen.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the television receivers 10 a and 10 b may receive EPG information via the network 50.

  The radio tower 20a is a device that acquires the main program information and EPG information from the provider station server 100, and transmits the acquired information to the television receiver 10a. The radio tower 20b is a device that acquires the main program information and EPG information from the local station server 200, and transmits the acquired information to the television receiver 10b.

  The providing station server 100 is a device that distributes the main program information and EPG information produced by the own station to the television receiver 10a via the radio tower 20a. Further, the providing station server 100 provides the local station server 200 with information on the main program and EPG information produced by the own station. When the providing station server 100 updates the EPG information, the providing station server 100 distributes the updated EPG information to the local station server 200.

  The local station server 200 is a device that distributes the main program information produced by the local station and the main program information provided from the providing station server 100 to the television receiving station 10b via the radio tower 20b. In addition, the local station server 200 distributes information obtained by adding the EPG information provided from the providing station server 100 to the EPG information produced by the local station to the television receiving station 10b via the radio tower 20b.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the providing station server 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the providing station server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the providing station server 100 includes a communication unit 110, an input unit 120a, a reading unit 120b, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150.

  The communication unit 110 is a processing unit that performs data communication with the local station server 200 via the network 50. In addition, the communication unit 110 performs data communication with the radio tower 20a. The control unit 150 described later exchanges data between the radio tower 20a and the local station server 200 via the communication unit 110. The communication unit 110 corresponds to a communication device.

  The input unit 120a is an input device that inputs various types of information. The input unit 120a corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The reading unit 120b is an interface that is connected to an external device and reads, for example, video information of the main program.

  The display unit 130 is a display device that displays information output from the control unit 150. For example, the display unit 130 corresponds to a monitor, a liquid crystal display, or the like.

  The storage unit 140 includes an EPG information table 141 and a program main part information table 142. The storage unit 140 corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a flash memory (Flash Memory), and a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The EPG information table 141 holds information on the EPG created on the providing station server 100 side. 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating an example of the data structure of the EPG information table according to the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the EPG information table 141 is illustrated separately in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the EPG information table 141 includes a first event code, a management code, a channel, a broadcast date and time, a start time, an end time, a program genre, a program title, EPG details, and data broadcast information. Further, the EPG information table 141 has a ban date and time, an EPG trigger program, a data broadcast trigger program, and a generation.

  In FIG. 3, the first event code is information for uniquely identifying the main program on the providing station server 100 side. The management code is information that uniquely identifies a record in the EPG information table 141 on the providing station server 100 side. The channel is a main program channel assigned on the providing station server 100 side. The broadcast date / time, start time, and end time are the broadcast date / time, start time, and end time of the main program allocated on the providing station server 100 side. The program genre is the genre of the main program. The program title is the title of the main program.

  In FIG. 3, the EPG details are information for explaining the contents of the main program. The data broadcast information is data broadcast information distributed during the main program, and corresponds to information related to the main program, for example. The data broadcast information is stored in a BML (Broadcast Markup Language) file format.

  In FIG. 4, the ban date and time indicates the date and time when the disclosure of the information of the corresponding record in the EPG information table 141 may be started. For example, the record of the management code “888800001” indicates that the release may be started at the ban date and time “June 10, 2013, 0:00”.

  The EPG trigger program is information that uniquely identifies a program that becomes a trigger when the disclosure of EPG details is started. When the providing station server 100 starts broadcasting the program identified by the EPG trigger program, or when the broadcasting ends, the EPG details of the corresponding record are released on the local station server 200 side. The EPG trigger program is represented by a management code.

  For example, the EPG trigger program corresponding to the management code “888800002” is “888800001”. For this reason, when the providing station server 100 starts broadcasting the program “push this week” identified by the EPG trigger program “888800001” or ends broadcasting, the record of the management code “888800002” is recorded. The information of the included EPG details is disclosed by the local station server 200. Whether the EPG detailed information is disclosed when the broadcast is started or the EPG detailed information is disclosed when the broadcast is completed is appropriately set on the local station server 200 side.

  The data broadcast trigger program is information that uniquely identifies a program that is a trigger when starting to release data broadcast information. When the providing station server 100 starts broadcasting the program identified by the data broadcasting trigger program, or when the broadcasting ends, the data broadcasting information of the corresponding record is released on the local station server 200 side. The The data broadcast trigger program is represented by a management code.

  For example, the data broadcast trigger program corresponding to the management code “888800005” is “888800004”. For this reason, when the providing station server 100 starts broadcasting the program “3-chome Asahi-1” identified by the data broadcasting trigger program “888800004” or ends the broadcasting, the management code “888800005” The data broadcast information included in this record is released by the local station server 200. Whether the data broadcast information is disclosed when the broadcast is started or the data broadcast information is disclosed when the broadcast ends is appropriately set on the local station server 200 side.

  The generation indicates the version number related to the EPG details of the same main program. In general, in order to attract viewers' interest, when the broadcast date and time approaches, the program is gradually updated to detailed program information. For this reason, the larger the numerical value of the generation, the more detailed information about the EPG.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The main program information table 142 has main program information. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the program main part information table of the providing station server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the program main part information table 142 associates the first event code with the program main part information. The first event code is information for uniquely identifying the main program on the provider station server 100 side. The main program information includes, for example, video information of the main program.

  The control unit 150 includes a registration unit 151 and a distribution unit 152. The control unit 150 corresponds to an integrated device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The control unit 150 corresponds to an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

  The registration unit 151 is a processing unit that updates the EPG information table 141 with information related to EPG information when information related to EPG information is received via the input unit 120a. For example, the registration unit 151 displays the EPG information table 141 on the display unit 130 according to an instruction from the input unit 120a, and accepts a change in the EPG information table 141.

  The registration unit 151 acquires the main program information from the reading unit 120b, associates the first event code with the main program information, and stores them in the main program information table 142. For example, the first event code corresponding to the main program information is assumed to be specified by a staff member who operates the input unit 120a.

  The distribution unit 152 is a processing unit that outputs the program main program information stored in the program main program information table 142 to the radio tower 20a at the date and time and start time specified in the EPG information table 141, and broadcasts the program. . Further, the distribution unit 152 monitors the ban date and time of the EPG information table 141, identifies a record whose current date and time has passed the ban date, and outputs information on the identified record to the radio tower 20a.

  In addition, the distribution unit 152 transmits the information in the EPG information table 141 and the main program information table 142 to the local station server 200 via the network 50. When the record of the EPG information table 141 is updated, the distribution unit 152 transmits the updated record information to the local station server 200 via the network 50. When the record of the main program information table 142 is updated, the distribution unit 152 transmits the updated record information to the local station server 200 via the network 50.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the local station server 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the local station server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the local station server 200 includes a communication unit 210, an input unit 220 a, a reading unit 220 b, a display unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250.

  The communication unit 210 is a processing unit that performs data communication with the providing station server 100 via the network 50. In addition, the communication unit 210 performs data communication with the radio tower 20b. The control unit 250 described later exchanges data between the radio tower 20b and the providing station server 100 via the communication unit 210. The communication unit 210 corresponds to a communication device.

  The input unit 220a is an input device that inputs various types of information. The input unit 220a corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. The reading unit 220b is an interface that is connected to an external device and reads, for example, video information of the main program.

  The display unit 230 is a display device that displays information output from the control unit 250. For example, the display unit 230 corresponds to a monitor, a liquid crystal display, or the like.

  The storage unit 240 includes correspondence information 241, a first EPG information table 242, a second EPG information table 243, and a program main part information table 244. The storage unit 240 corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD.

  The correspondence information 241 holds information on the correspondence between the first event code used on the providing station server 100 side and the second event code used on the local station server 200 side. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the correspondence information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the correspondence information 241 associates the second event code with the first event code. The second event code is information for uniquely identifying the main program on the local station server 200 side. The first event code is information for uniquely identifying the main program on the provider station server 100 side. The associated first event code and second event code identify the same program main part.

  For example, in the first line of FIG. 7, the program identified by the second event code “2000001” and the program identified by the first event code “1000001” are the same program. Note that the program identified by the second event code of the group in which the first event code does not exist is a program independently produced by the local station. For example, the program identified by the second event code “2000002” is a program independently produced by the local station.

  The first EPG information table 242 is information of the EPG information table 141 provided from the providing station server 100. Since the data structure of the first EPG information table 242 is the same as the data structure of the EPG information table 141 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The second EPG information table 243 holds information on the EPG created by the providing station server 100 and the local station server 200. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of a data structure of the second EPG information table according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second EPG information table 243 includes a second event code, management code, copy source code, channel, broadcast date / time, start time, end time, program genre, program title, EPG details, and data. Has broadcast information. Also, the second EPG information table 243 has a ban date / time, an EPG trigger program, a first EPG release date / time, a second EPG release date / time, a data broadcast trigger program, a first data broadcast release date / time, a second data broadcast release date / time, and an independently produced flag. .

  In FIG. 8, the second event code is information for uniquely identifying the main program on the local station server 200 side. The management code is information for uniquely identifying a record in the second EPG information table 243 on the local station server 200 side. The copy source code corresponds to the management code in the EPG information table 141 of the providing station server 100.

  In FIG. 8, a channel is a main program channel assigned on the local station server 200 side. The broadcast date / time, start time, and end time are the broadcast date / time, start time, and end time of the main program allocated on the local station server 200 side, respectively. The program genre is the genre of the main program. The program title is the title of the main program. The EPG details are information explaining the contents of the main program. The data broadcast information is data broadcast information distributed during the main program, and corresponds to information related to the main program, for example. The data broadcast information is stored in a BML file format.

  In FIG. 9, the ban date and time indicates the date and time when the disclosure of the information of the corresponding record in the second EPG information table 243 may be started. The EPG trigger program is information that uniquely identifies a program that becomes a trigger when the disclosure of EPG details is started. The first EPG release date and time is the date and time when the EPG trigger program is disclosed on the basis of the date and time when the EPG trigger program is broadcast on the local station server 200 side. The second EPG release date and time is the date and time when the EPG trigger program is specified and specified on the basis of the date and time when the EPG trigger program is broadcast on the provider station server 100 side.

  In FIG. 9, the data broadcast trigger program is information that uniquely identifies a program that becomes a trigger when the release of data broadcast information is started. The first data broadcast information release date and time is the date and time when the data broadcast information is specified, which is specified based on the date and time when the data broadcast information is broadcast on the local station server 200 side. The second data broadcast information release date / time is the date / time when the data broadcast information is specified, which is specified based on the date / time when the data broadcast information is broadcast on the providing station server 100 side.

  The self-produced flag is information indicating whether or not the corresponding program is produced independently by a local station. “Mal” is stored in the record corresponding to the independently produced program. For example, a record of the second event code “2000002” is produced independently. A program of a record in which “maru” is not stored is a program created by the providing station server 100.

  For example, in the second EPG information table 243 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, information on the second event code, management code, channel, broadcast date and time, start time, and end time is set on the local station server 200 side. Of the second EPG information table 243, the copy source code, program genre, EPG details, data broadcast information, EPG trigger program, data broadcast trigger program, and information on the date and time of ban are shown in the EPG information table provided from the providing station server 100. Applicable information is copied. The first EPG release date, the second EPG release date, the first data broadcast release date, and the second data broadcast release date are set by the control unit 250 described later.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The main program information table 244 includes main program information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the program main part information table of the providing station server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the program main part information table 244 associates the second event code with the program main part information. The second event code is information for uniquely identifying the main program on the local station server 200 side. The main program information includes, for example, video information of the main program.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The control unit 250 includes a reception unit 251, a registration unit 252, and a distribution unit 253. The control unit 250 corresponds to, for example, an integrated device such as an ASIC or FPGA. Moreover, the control part 250 respond | corresponds to electronic circuits, such as CPU and MPU, for example.

  The receiving unit 251 is a processing unit that receives information of the EPG information table 141 and the main program information table 142 from the providing station server 100. The receiving unit 251 outputs the EPG information table 141 and the main program information table 142 to the registration unit 252.

  The registration unit 252 is a processing unit that registers information included in the first EPG information table 242 acquired from the providing station server 100 in association with the second EPG information table 243 corresponding to the broadcast schedule of the own station. For example, the first EPG information table 242 includes information on a plurality of programs included in a program group having a plurality of broadcast schedules. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the program “3-chome Asahi” is a drama composed of all n times. In the week after “3-chome Asahi-1” was broadcast, -64 "is broadcast. For example, the program included in the program group registered in the first EPG information table 242 corresponds to the first program. A program included in the program group registered in the second EPG information table 243 corresponds to the second program.

  Hereinafter, the processing of the registration unit 252 will be specifically described. The registration unit 252 acquires the EPG information table 141 from the reception unit 251, and stores the acquired EPG information table 141 in the storage unit 240 as the first EPG information table 242.

  The registration unit 252 acquires the program main part information table 142 from the receiving unit 251, compares the program main part information table 142 with the correspondence information 241, and specifies the second event code corresponding to the first event code. The registration unit 252 stores the identified second event code and program main program information in association with each other in the program main program information table 244.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second event code corresponding to the first event code “1000001” is “2000001”. For this reason, the registration unit 252 associates the second event code “2000001” with the video information of the main part of the program “one press this week” and stores it in the main part information table 244 of the program. Each time the registration unit 252 acquires the program main part information table 142 from the reception unit 251, the registration unit 252 executes the above-described processing.

  Next, an example of a process in which the registration unit 252 registers a part of information in the first EPG information table 242 in the second EPG information table 243 will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the registration unit according to the first embodiment. The registration unit 252 compares the first event code in the first EPG information table 242 with the correspondence information 241 and identifies the second event code corresponding to the first event code. The registration unit 252 copies the management code of the first EPG information table 242 to the copy source code of the record of the second EPG information table 243 corresponding to the specified second event code. In the example shown in FIG. 11, “888800002” is copied to the copy source code of the second EPG information table 243. Note that when there are a plurality of generations for the same first event code, the registration unit 252 generates the same number of records in the second EPG information table 243, and includes the first EPG information in the copy source code of each record. The management codes in the table 242 are copied in ascending order.

  The registration unit 252 acquires the program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, ban date and time, EPG trigger information, and data broadcast trigger program information from the first EPG information table 242 using the copy source code as a key. The registration unit 252 stores each information acquired from the first EPG information table 242 in the program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, ban date and time, EPG trigger program, and data broadcast trigger program of the second EPG information table 243, respectively. To do. When the EPG trigger program and the data broadcast trigger program in the first EPG information table 242 are blank, the EPG trigger program and the data broadcast trigger program in the second EPG information table 243 are also blank.

  Subsequently, an example of processing in which the registration unit 252 registers the first EPG release date, the second EPG release date, the first data broadcast release date, and the second data broadcast release date in the second EPG information table 243 will be described in order.

  A process in which the registration unit 252 registers the first EPG release date will be described. The registration unit 252 acquires the EPG trigger program of the second EPG information table 243, compares the acquired EPG trigger program value with the management code of the second EPG information table 243, and matches the value of the EPG trigger program. Identify the code. The registration unit 252 specifies the first EPG release date based on the broadcast date and time and the start time or end time included in the specified management code record, and uses the specified value as the first EPG in the second EPG information table 243. Store at publication date.

  As an example, a case where the value of the first EPG release date corresponding to the management code “999900003” is specified will be described. In FIG. 9, the EPG trigger program corresponding to the record of the management code “999900003” is “999900001”. The registration unit 252 compares the EPG trigger program “999900001” with the management code in the second EPG information table 243, and specifies a management code that matches the value “999900001” of the EPG trigger program. The registration unit 252 registers the broadcast date and time “June 19” and the start time “10:00” included in the record of the management code “999900001” shown in FIG. 8 as the first EPG release date and time.

  A process in which the registration unit 252 registers the second EPG release date and time will be described. The registration unit 252 acquires an EPG trigger program from the first EPG information table 242 using the copy source code of the second EPG information table 243 as a key. The registration unit 252 compares the acquired value of the EPG trigger program with the management code of the first EPG information table 242, and specifies a management code that matches the value of the EPG trigger program. The registration unit 252 specifies the first EPG release date based on the broadcast date and time and the start time or end time included in the specified management code record, and uses the specified value as the first EPG in the second EPG information table 243. Store the value at the publication date.

  As an example, a case where the value of the second EPG release date corresponding to the management code “999900008” is specified will be described. In FIG. 9, the copy source code corresponding to the management code “999900008” is “888800007”, and the EPG trigger program corresponding to “888800007” is “888800002” from FIG. The registration unit 252 compares the EPG trigger program “888800002” with the management code in the first EPG information table 242, and identifies the management code that matches the value “888800002” of the EPG trigger program. The registration unit 252 registers the broadcast date “June 25” and the start time “6:00” included in the record of the management code “888800002” shown in FIG. 3 as the second EPG release date.

  A process in which the registration unit 252 registers the first data broadcast release date and time will be described. The registration unit 252 acquires the data broadcast trigger program of the second EPG information table 243, compares the acquired value of the data broadcast trigger program with the management code of the second EPG information table 243, and sets the value of the data broadcast trigger program. Identify matching management codes. The registration unit 252 specifies the first data broadcast release date and time based on the broadcast date and time and the start time or end time included in the specified management code record, and sets the specified value in the second EPG information table 243. Stored in the first data broadcast release date and time.

  As an example, a case where the value of the first data broadcast release date corresponding to the management code “999900006” is specified will be described. In FIG. 9, the data broadcast trigger program corresponding to the management code “999900006” is “999900005”. The registration unit 252 compares the data broadcast trigger program “999900005” with the management code in the second EPG information table 243, and specifies a management code that matches the data broadcast trigger program “999900005”. The registration unit 252 registers the broadcast date “June 27” and the start time “8:00” included in the record of the management code “999900005” shown in FIG. 8 as the first data broadcast release date.

  A process in which the registration unit 252 registers the second data broadcast release date and time will be described. The registration unit 252 acquires the data broadcast trigger program of the second EPG information table 243. The registration unit 252 compares the acquired value of the data broadcast trigger program with the management code of the first EPG information table 242 and identifies a management code that matches the value of the data broadcast trigger program. The registration unit 252 specifies the second data broadcast release date and time based on the broadcast date and time and the start time or end time included in the specified management code record, and sets the specified value in the second EPG information table 243. Stored in the second data broadcast release date and time.

  As an example, a case where the value of the second data broadcast release date corresponding to the management code “999900006” is specified will be described. In FIG. 9, the copy source code corresponding to the management code “999900006” is “888800005”. Further, from FIG. 4, the data broadcast trigger program corresponding to “888800005” is “888800004”. The registration unit 252 compares the data broadcast trigger program “888800004” with the management code in the first EPG information table 242, and identifies the management code that matches the data broadcast trigger program “888800004”. The registration unit 252 registers the broadcast date and time “June 25” and the start time “6:00” included in the record of the management code “888800004” shown in FIG. 3 as the second data broadcast release date and time.

  The registration unit 252 acquires the EPG information table 141 from the reception unit 252, and executes the above process and updates the second EPG information table 243 each time a new record is added to the first EPG information table 242.

  The distribution unit 253 outputs the corresponding program main part information stored in the program main part information table 244 to the radio tower 20b at the broadcast date and time and start time specified in the second EPG information table 243, and broadcasts the program. It is. For example, the distribution unit 253 starts outputting the video information of the main part of the program “one press this week” corresponding to the second event code “2000001” from 10:00 on June 19, Output ends at 5 minutes.

  Further, the distribution unit 253 outputs the EPG details information of the second EPG information table 243 to the radio tower 20b based on the first EPG release date or the second EPG release date. The distribution unit 253 obtains the current date and time from a timer (not shown), compares the current time with the first EPG publication date and time or the second EPG publication date and time, identifies a record that has passed the publication date and time, and sets the EPG details of the identified record as a radio wave. Output to the tower 20b.

  It is assumed that the staff of the local station server 200 sets in advance whether to use the first EPG release date or the second EPG release date. By using the first EPG release date, the corresponding EPG details are released when the local station server 200 broadcasts the EPG trigger program. On the other hand, by using the second EPG release date and time, the corresponding EPG details are released when the providing station server 100 broadcasts the EPG trigger program.

  The distribution unit 253 outputs the data broadcast information of the second EPG information table 243 to the radio tower 20b based on the first data broadcast release date or the second data broadcast release date. The distribution unit 253 obtains the current date and time from the timer, compares the current time with the first data broadcast release date and time or the second data broadcast release date and time, specifies a record whose release date and time have passed, and data broadcast of the specified record Information is output to the radio tower 20b.

  It is assumed that the staff of the local station server 200 sets in advance whether to use the first data broadcast release date or the second data broadcast release date. By using the first data broadcast release date and time, the corresponding data broadcast information is released when the local station server 200 broadcasts the data broadcast trigger program. On the other hand, by using the second data broadcast release date and time, the corresponding data broadcast information is released when the providing station server 100 broadcasts the data broadcast trigger program.

  Next, an example of a processing procedure of the providing station server 100 and the local station server 200 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the providing station server and the local station server according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the providing station server 100 registers the EPG information in the EPG information table 141 (step S101). The providing station server 100 distributes the information in the main program information table 142 and the EPG information table 141 to the local station server 200 (step S102).

  The providing station server 100 determines whether or not there is a program update (step S103). If there is a program update (Yes in step S103), the providing station server 100 proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, if there is no program update (No in step S103), the providing station server 100 ends the process.

  The local station server 200 receives the main program information table 142 and the EPG information table 141 from the providing station server 100 (step S104). The local station server 200 assigns EPG information (step S105) and publishes the EPG information (step S106).

  The process of step S106 in FIG. 12 will be specifically described. In the case where the first EPG release date is prioritized over the second EPG release date, the local station server 200 releases the EPG details of the corresponding record when the first EPG release date has passed.

  On the other hand, when giving priority to the second EPG release date over the first EPG release date, the local station server 200 publishes the EPG details of the corresponding record when the second EPG release date has passed.

  In addition, when the local station server 200 gives priority to the first data broadcast release date and time over the second data broadcast release date and time, the local station server 200 displays the data broadcast information of the corresponding record when the first data broadcast release date has passed. Publish.

  On the other hand, when giving priority to the second data broadcast release date and time over the first data broadcast release date, the local station server 200 displays the data broadcast information of the corresponding record when the second data broadcast release date has passed. Publish.

  Next, an example of a registration process for registering the EPG information shown in step S101 of FIG. 12 in the EPG information table 141 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the process procedure of the registration process according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the providing station server 100 accepts program frame information (step S151). The program frame information corresponds to, for example, first event code, management code, channel, broadcast date / time, start time, end time, program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, and ban date / time information.

  The providing station server 100 updates the EPG information table 141 (step S152). Further, the providing station server 100 sets an EPG trigger program in the EPG information table 141 (step S153). The providing station server 100 sets a data broadcast trigger program (step S154). The providing station server 100 determines whether or not there are multiple generations registered (step S155).

  When there are multiple generations of registration (step S155, Yes), the providing station server 100 proceeds to step S151. On the other hand, when there is no registration of a plurality of generations (No in step S155), the providing station server 100 ends the registration process.

  Next, an example of an EPG information allocation process procedure shown in step S105 of FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the EPG information allocation process procedure according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the local station server 200 selects a program frame (step S161), and determines whether the selected program frame is self-produced (step S162).

  If the selected program frame is self-produced (step S162, Yes), the local station server 200 accepts and registers the EPG information (step S163), and proceeds to step S165. In step S163, for example, the local station server 200 receives the program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, ban date / time, EPG trigger program, and data broadcast trigger program information in the second EPG information table 243 from the input unit 220a. Accept and register in the second EPG information table 243.

  On the other hand, if the selected program frame is not independently produced (step S162, No), the local station server 200 executes writing of EPG information corresponding to the program frame (step S164). In step S164, for example, the local station server 200 copies information to the copy source code, program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, and ban date and time of the second EPG information table 243.

  The local station server 200 determines whether or not the EPG trigger program has been set in the providing station server 100 (step S165). If the EPG trigger program is not set on the providing station server 100 side (step S165, No), the local station server 200 sets the EPG trigger program (step S166), and proceeds to step S168. For example, in step S166, the local station server 200 acquires information on the EPG trigger program via the input unit 220a.

  On the other hand, when the EPG trigger program has been set on the providing station server 100 side (step S165, Yes), the local station server 200 sets the first and second EPG release dates (step S167).

  The local station server 200 determines whether or not the data broadcast trigger program has been set on the providing station server 100 side (step S168). If the data broadcasting trigger program has not been set on the providing station server 100 side (No at Step S168), the local station server 200 sets the data broadcasting trigger program (Step S169), and proceeds to Step S170. For example, in step S169, it is assumed that the local station server 200 acquires data broadcast trigger program information via the input unit 220a.

  On the other hand, when the EPG trigger program has been set on the providing station server 100 side (step S168, Yes), the local station server 200 sets the first and second data broadcast release dates (step S170).

  Next, effects of the local station server 200 according to the first embodiment will be described. The local station server 200 receives the information of the EPG information table 141 from the providing station server 100 and stores it in association with the broadcast schedule of the local station. When the local station server 200 detects that the EPG trigger program has been broadcast, the local station server 200 publishes EPG details of the program corresponding to the EPG trigger program. For this reason, the information of an electronic program guide can be disclosed according to the content of the information actually broadcast.

  In addition, when the first EPG release date has passed, the local station server 200 can release the EPG details information according to the broadcast schedule of the local station server 200 by releasing the EPG details information of the corresponding record. . For this reason, for example, for the drama consisting of all n times, the m + 1 time drama can be notified after the mth drama ends, so that the user's interest can be effectively attracted. Let n and m be natural numbers.

  On the other hand, the local station server 200 publishes the EPG detail information of the corresponding record when the second EPG release date has passed, thereby making the EPG detail information as early as possible according to the broadcast schedule of the providing station server 100. Can be published to

  Note that the program set as the EPG trigger program may be another program included between the broadcast date and time of the m-th drama and the broadcast date and time of the (m + 1) -th drama for all n times of dramas and the like. . The EPG trigger program may be set manually by the user as described in the above embodiment. Further, the local station server 200 detects and detects other programs included between the broadcast date and time of the m-th drama and the broadcast date and time of the (m + 1) -th drama for all n-time dramas and the like. The program may be automatically set as an EPG trigger program.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, this system includes television receivers 10a and 10b, radio towers 20a and 20b, a providing station server 300, and a local station server 400. The local station server 400 is an example of a control device. Although FIG. 15 shows the television receivers 10a and 10b as an example, other television receivers may also exist.

  The providing station server 300 and the radio tower 20a are connected to each other. The local station server 400 and the radio tower 20b are connected to each other. The providing station server 300 and the local station server 400 are connected to each other via the network 50. In addition, since the description regarding the television receivers 10a and 10b and the radio towers 20a and 20b is the same as the description regarding the television receivers 10a and 10b and the radio towers 20a and 20b of the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

  The providing station server 300 is a device that distributes the main program information and EPG information produced by the own station to the television receiver 10a via the radio tower 20a. The providing station server 300 also provides the local station server 400 with information on the main program and EPG information produced by the own station. The provider station server 300 distributes the updated EPG information to the local station server 400 when the EPG information is updated.

  The local station server 400 is a device that distributes the main program information produced by the local station and the main program information provided by the providing station server 300 to the television receiving station 10b via the radio tower 20b. In addition, the local station server 400 distributes information obtained by adding the EPG information provided from the providing station server 300 to the EPG information produced by the local station to the television receiving station 10b via the radio tower 20b.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the providing station server 300 illustrated in FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the providing station server according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the provider station server 300 includes a communication unit 310, an input unit 320a, a reading unit 320b, a display unit 330, a storage unit 340, and a control unit 350.

  The communication unit 310 is a processing unit that performs data communication with the local station server 400 via the network 50. The communication unit 310 performs data communication with the radio tower 20a. The control unit 350 described later exchanges data between the radio tower 20a and the local station server 400 via the communication unit 310. The communication unit 310 corresponds to a communication device.

  The input unit 320a is an input device that inputs various types of information. The input unit 320a corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. The reading unit 320b is an interface that connects to an external device and reads, for example, video information of the main program.

  The display unit 330 is a display device that displays information output from the control unit 350. For example, the display unit 330 corresponds to a monitor, a liquid crystal display, or the like.

  The storage unit 340 includes an EPG information table 341, a program main part information table 342, and a broadcast progress table 343. The storage unit 340 corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a flash memory (Flash Memory), and a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

  The EPG information table 341 holds information on the EPG created on the providing station server 300 side. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the EPG information table according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the EPG information table 341 includes the first event code, management code, channel, broadcast date / time, start time, end time, program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, ban date / time, and generation. Have. Here, the description of the first event code, management code, channel, broadcast date / time, start time, end time, program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, ban date / time, and generation are those described in the first embodiment. Since it is the same as that of FIG.

  The main program information table 342 includes main program information. The data structure of the program main part information table 342 is the same as the data structure of the program main part information table 142 shown in FIG.

  The broadcast progress table 343 is information that sets how the program progresses on the provider station server 300 side, including commercials and next notices. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the broadcast progress table of the providing station server according to the second embodiment. As an example, FIG. 18 shows information in the broadcast progress table 343 corresponding to the program having the first event code “1000001”. The information in the broadcast progress table 343 includes information for each first event code.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the broadcast progress table 343 associates broadcast date / time, start time, end time, video file, and update target EPG. The broadcast date / time, start time, and end time correspond to the date / time, start time, and end time when the corresponding video file is broadcast. For example, referring to the record on the first line, it is shown that the video file “3-chome Asahi (Part 1) .mpg” starts broadcasting at 6:00 on June 25 and ends at 6:55. Yes.

  The video file is a video file such as main program information or CM. Note that the data of the main program information itself may be stored in the main program information table 342 or in the broadcast progress table 343.

  The update target EPG is information for specifying a program for releasing information on EPG details on the local station server 400 side when the broadcast of the corresponding video file starts or ends. For example, in FIG. 18, the update target EPG “888800007” is associated with the video file “Program Promotion 3-chome 64.mpg”. For this reason, the EPG details of the program corresponding to the update target EPG “888800007” are obtained on the local station server 400 side when the video file “Program Promotion 3-chome 64.mpg” starts or ends. Published.

  The control unit 350 includes a registration unit 351 and a distribution unit 352. The control unit 350 corresponds to an integrated device such as an ASIC or FPGA, for example. The control unit 150 corresponds to an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU.

  The registration unit 351 is a processing unit that updates the EPG information table 341 with information about EPG information when information about EPG information is received via the input unit 320a. For example, the registration unit 351 displays the EPG information table 341 on the display unit 330 according to an instruction from the input unit 320a, and accepts a change in the EPG information table 341.

  In addition, when the registration unit 351 receives information related to the progress of the program broadcast via the input unit 320a, the registration unit 351 updates the broadcast progress table 343 with the information related to the progress of the program broadcast. For example, the registration unit 351 displays the broadcast progress table 343 on the display unit 330 according to an instruction from the input unit 320a, and accepts a change in the EPG information table 341.

  The registration unit 351 acquires the program main program information from the reading unit 320b, associates the first event code with the program main program information, and stores them in the program main program information table 342. For example, it is assumed that the first event code corresponding to the main program information is specified by a staff member who operates the input unit 320a.

  Based on the date and time and start time specified in the EPG information table 341 and the broadcast progress table 343, the distribution unit 352 transmits the program main program information table 342 and the corresponding program main program information and video files stored in the broadcast progress table 343 as radio waves. It is a processing unit that outputs to the tower 20a and broadcasts a program. Further, the distribution unit 352 monitors the ban date and time of the EPG information table 341, specifies a record whose current date and time has passed the ban date, and outputs information on the specified record to the radio tower 20a.

  In addition, the distribution unit 352 transmits information of the EPG information table 341, the program main part information table 342, and the broadcast progress table 343 to the local station server 400 via the network 50. When the record of the EPG information table 341 is updated, the distribution unit 352 transmits the updated record information of the EPG information table 341 to the local station server 400 via the network 50. When the record of the main program information table 342 is updated, the distribution unit 352 transmits the updated record information to the local station server 400 via the network 50. When the record in the broadcast progress table 343 is updated, the distribution unit 352 transmits the updated record information in the broadcast progress table 343 to the local station server 400 via the network 50.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the local station server 400 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the local station server according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the local station server 400 includes a communication unit 410, an input unit 420a, a reading unit 420b, a display unit 430, a storage unit 440, and a control unit 450.

  The communication unit 410 is a processing unit that performs data communication with the providing station server 300 via the network 50. The communication unit 410 performs data communication with the radio tower 20b. A control unit 450 to be described later exchanges data between the radio tower 20b and the providing station server 300 via the communication unit 410. The communication unit 410 corresponds to a communication device.

  The input unit 420a is an input device that inputs various types of information. The input unit 420a corresponds to, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. The reading unit 420b is an interface that is connected to an external device and reads, for example, video information of the main program.

  The display unit 430 is a display device that displays information output from the control unit 450. For example, the display unit 430 corresponds to a monitor, a liquid crystal display, or the like.

  The storage unit 440 includes correspondence information 441, a first EPG information table 442, a second EPG information table 443, a first broadcast progress table 444, a second broadcast progress table 445, and a program main part information table 446. The storage unit 440 corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD.

  The correspondence information 441 holds information on the correspondence between the first event code used on the providing station server 300 side and the second event code used on the local station server 400 side. The data structure of the correspondence information 441 is the same as the data structure of the correspondence information 241 shown in FIG.

  The first EPG information table 442 is information of the EPG information table 341 provided from the providing server 300. The data structure of the first EPG information table 442 is the same as the data structure of the EPG information table 341 shown in FIG.

  The second EPG information table 443 holds information on the EPG created by the providing station server 300 and the local station server 400. 20 and 21 are diagrams illustrating an example of the data structure of the second EPG information table according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the second EPG information table 443 includes a second event code, a management code, a copy source code, a channel, a broadcast date and time, a start time, an end time, a program genre, a program title, EPG details, and data. Has broadcast information. Further, the second EPG information table 443 includes a ban date / time, a first EPG release date / time, a second EPG release date / time, a first data broadcast release date / time, a second data broadcast release date / time, and an independent production flag.

  In FIG. 20, the second event code, management code, copy source code, channel, broadcast date and time, start time, end time, program genre, program title, EPG details, and data broadcast information are described in FIG. The same as described. In FIG. 21, the explanation regarding the ban date and time and the in-house production flag is the same as that explained in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 21, the first EPG release date and time is set based on the date and time when a predetermined video is broadcast in a program broadcast on the local station server 400 side. When the current date and time has passed the first EPG release date and time, the corresponding EPG details are released. The second EPG release date and time is set based on the date and time when a predetermined video is broadcast in a program broadcast on the provider station server 300 side. When the current date and time has passed the second EPG release date and time, the corresponding EPG details are released. Note that the staff of the local station server 400 sets in advance whether priority is given to the first EPG release date or the second EPG release date.

  In FIG. 21, the first data broadcast release date and time is set based on the date and time when a predetermined video is broadcast in a program broadcast on the local station server 400 side. When the current date and time has passed the first data broadcast release date and time, the corresponding data broadcast information is released. The second data broadcast release date and time is set based on the date and time when a predetermined video is broadcast in a program broadcast on the provider station server 300 side. When the current date and time has passed the second data broadcast release date and time, the corresponding data broadcast information is released. Note that the staff of the local station server 400 sets in advance whether priority is given to the first data broadcast release date or the second data broadcast release date.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The first broadcast progress table 444 is information on the broadcast progress table 343 provided from the providing station server 300. Since the data structure of the first broadcast progress table 444 is the same as the data structure of the broadcast progress table 343 shown in FIG. 18, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The second broadcast progress table 445 is information that sets how the program progresses including the CM and the next notice on the local station server 400 side. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the broadcast progress table of the local station server according to the second embodiment. As an example, FIG. 22 shows information in the broadcast progress table 445 corresponding to the program with the second event code “2000003”. The information in the second broadcast progress table 445 includes information for each second event code.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the second broadcast progress table 445 includes a broadcast date and time, a start time, an end time, a video file, and a start time and an end time corresponding to the update target EPG, respectively. , Corresponding to start time and end time. For example, referring to the record in the first line, the video file “3-chome Asahi-1 (Part 1) .mpg” starts broadcasting at 8:00 on June 27 and ends at 8:55. Has been.

  The video file is a video file such as main program information or CM. The main program information data itself may be stored in the main program information table 446 or in the second broadcast progress table 445.

  The update target EPG is information for specifying a program for releasing information on EPG details on the local station server 400 side when the broadcast of the corresponding video file starts or ends. For example, in FIG. 22, the update target EPG “999900008” is associated with the video file “Program Promotion 3-chome 64.mpg”. For this reason, the EPG details of the program corresponding to the update target EPG “999900008” are received on the local station server 400 side when the video file “Program Promotion 3-chome 64.mpg” starts or ends. Published.

  The main program information table 446 includes main program information. The data structure of the program main part information table 446 is the same as the data structure of the program main part information 244 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 450 includes a reception unit 451, a registration unit 452, and a distribution unit 453. The control unit 450 corresponds to, for example, an integrated device such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 450 corresponds to an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU.

  The receiving unit 451 is a processing unit that receives the EPG information table 341, the main program information table 342, and the broadcast progress table 343 from the providing station server 300. The receiving unit 451 outputs the EPG information table 341, the program main part information table 342, and the broadcast progress table 343 to the registration unit 452.

  The registration unit 452 is a processing unit that registers information included in the EPG information table acquired from the providing station server 300 in association with the second EPG information table 443 corresponding to the broadcast schedule of the own station. For example, the first EPG information table 442 includes information on a plurality of programs included in a program group having a plurality of broadcast schedules. For example, referring to FIG. 17, the program “3-chome Asahi” is a drama composed of all n times, and “3-chome Asahi-1” is broadcast the next week after “3-chome Asahi-1” is broadcast. -64 "is broadcast.

  Hereinafter, processing of the registration unit 452 will be described. The registration unit 452 acquires the EPG information table 341 from the reception unit 451, and stores the acquired EPG information table 341 in the storage unit 440 as the first EPG information table 442.

  The registration unit 452 acquires the program main part information table 342 from the receiving unit 251, compares the program main part information table 342 with the correspondence information 441, and specifies the second event code corresponding to the first event code. The registration unit 452 stores the identified second event code and program main program information in association with each other in the program main program information table 446.

  The registration unit 452 acquires the broadcast progress table 343 from the reception unit 451, and stores the acquired broadcast program progress 343 in the storage unit 440 as the first broadcast progress information table 444.

  Next, an example of a process in which the registration unit 452 registers a part of information in the first EPG information table 442 in the second EPG information table 443 will be described. The registration unit 452 compares the first event code in the first EPG information table 442 with the correspondence information 441 and identifies the second event code corresponding to the first event code. The registration unit 452 copies the management code of the first EPG information table 442 to the copy source code of the record of the second EPG information table 443 corresponding to the specified second event code. Note that when there are a plurality of generations for the same first event code, the registration unit 252 generates the same number of records in the second EPG information table 443, and includes the first EPG information in the copy source code of each record. The management codes in the table 442 are copied in ascending order.

  The registration unit 452 acquires program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, and ban date / time information from the first EPG information table 442 using the copy source code as a key. The registration unit 452 stores the information acquired from the first EPG information table 442 in the program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, and ban date and time of the second EPG information table 444, respectively.

  Next, an example of processing in which the registration unit 452 registers the first EPG release date, the second EPG release date, the first data broadcast release date, and the second data broadcast release date in the second EPG information table 443 will be described in order.

  A process in which the registration unit 452 registers the first EPG release date will be described. The registration unit 452 acquires the management code of the record that sets the first EPG release date. The registration unit 452 compares the acquired management code with the update target EPG of the second broadcast progress table 445, and identifies the record of the update target EPG that matches the management code. The registration unit 452 registers the broadcast date and time and the start time included in the identified record as the first EPG release date and time.

  As an example, a case where the value of the first EPG release date corresponding to the management code “999900008” in FIG. 21 is specified will be described. In the second broadcast progress table 445 shown in FIG. 22, the updated EPG that matches the management code “999900008” is a record on the eighth line. The registration unit 452 registers the broadcast date “June 27” and the end time “10:00” corresponding to the record in the eighth row as the first EPG release date.

  A process in which the registration unit 452 registers the second EPG release date and time will be described. The registration unit 452 acquires a copy source code of a record for registering the second EPG release date. The registration unit 452 compares the acquired copy source code with the update target EPG of the first broadcast progress table 444, and identifies the record of the update target EPG that matches the copy source code. The registration unit 452 registers the broadcast date and time and the start time included in the identified record as the second EPG release date and time.

  As an example, a case where the value of the second EPG release date corresponding to the management code “999900008” in FIG. 21 is specified will be described. In FIG. 21, the copy source code corresponding to the management code “999900008” is “888800007”. In the first broadcast progress table 444 shown in FIG. 18, the registration unit 452 sets the update target EPG that matches the copy source code “888800007” as the record on the eighth line. The registration unit 452 registers the broadcast date and time “June 25” and the end time “8:00” corresponding to the record in the eighth row as the second EPG release date and time.

  A process in which the registration unit 452 registers the first data broadcast release date and time will be described. The registration unit 452 acquires the management code of the record for setting the first data broadcast release date and time. The registration unit 452 compares the acquired management code with the update target EPG of the second broadcast progress table 445, and identifies the record of the update target EPG that matches the management code. The registration unit 452 registers the broadcast date / time and start time included in the identified record as the first data broadcast release date / time.

  A process in which the registration unit 452 registers the second data broadcast release date and time will be described. The registration unit 452 acquires a copy source code of a record for registering the second data broadcast release date and time. The registration unit 452 compares the acquired copy source code with the update target EPG of the first broadcast progress table 444, and identifies the record of the update target EPG that matches the copy source code. The registration unit 452 registers the broadcast date / time and start time included in the identified record as the second data broadcast release date / time.

  The registration unit 452 acquires the EPG information table 341 from the reception unit 451, and executes the above process and updates the second EPG information table 443 each time a new record is added to the first EPG information table 442.

  Based on the date and time and the start time specified in the second EPG information table 443 and the second broadcast progress table 445, the distribution unit 453 corresponds to the main program information stored in the program main information table 446 and the second broadcast progress table 445. A processing unit that outputs a video file to the radio tower 20b and broadcasts a program.

  Further, the distribution unit 453 outputs the EPG details information of the second EPG information table 443 to the radio tower 20b based on the first EPG release date or the second EPG release date. The distribution unit 453 obtains the current date and time from a timer (not shown), compares the current time with the first EPG publication date or second EPG publication date, identifies the record whose publication date has passed, and specifies the EPG details of the identified record as a radio wave. Output to the tower 20b.

  It is assumed that the staff of the local station server 400 sets in advance whether to use the first EPG release date or the second EPG release date. By using the first EPG release date and time, the corresponding EPG details are released when a predetermined video is broadcast on the local station server 400 side. On the other hand, by using the second EPG release date and time, the corresponding EPG details are released when a predetermined video is broadcast on the providing station server 300 side.

  The distribution unit 453 outputs the data broadcast information in the second EPG information table 443 to the radio tower 20b based on the first data broadcast release date or the second data broadcast release date. The distribution unit 453 acquires the current date and time from the timer, compares the current time with the first data broadcast release date and time or the second data broadcast release date and time, specifies a record whose release date and time have passed, and data broadcast of the specified record Information is output to the radio tower 20b.

  It is assumed that the staff of the local station server 400 sets in advance whether to use the first data broadcast release date or the second data broadcast release date. By using the first data broadcast release date and time, the corresponding data broadcast information is released when a predetermined video is broadcast on the local station server 400 side. On the other hand, by using the second data broadcast release date and time, the corresponding data broadcast information is released when a predetermined video is broadcast on the provider station server 300 side.

  Next, an example of a processing procedure of the providing station server 300 and the local station server 400 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the providing station server and the local station server according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, the providing station server 300 registers the EPG information in the EPG information table 341 (step S201). The providing station server 300 registers the broadcast progress data in the broadcast progress table 343 (step S202). The providing station server 300 distributes the program main part information table 342, the EPG information table 341, and the broadcast progress table 343 to the local station server 400 (step S203).

  The providing station server 300 determines whether there is a program change (step S204). If there is a program change (step S204, Yes), the providing station server 300 proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, when there is no program change (No in step S204), the providing station server 300 ends the process.

  The local station server 400 receives the program main part information table, the EPG information table, and the broadcast progress table (step S205). The local station server 400 assigns EPG information (step S206) and publishes the EPG information (step S207).

  Step S207 in FIG. 27 will be specifically described. In the case where the first EPG publication date is given priority over the second EPG publication date, the local station server 400 publishes the EPG details information of the corresponding record when the first EPG publication date has passed.

  On the other hand, when giving priority to the second EPG release date over the first EPG release date, the local station server 400 releases the EPG details of the corresponding record when the second EPG release date has passed.

  In addition, when the local station server 400 gives priority to the first data broadcast release date and time over the second data broadcast release date and time, the local station server 400 displays the data broadcast information of the corresponding record when the first data broadcast release date has passed. Publish.

  On the other hand, if the local station server 400 prioritizes the second data broadcast release date over the first data broadcast release date, the local station server 400 displays the data broadcast information of the corresponding record when the second data broadcast release date has passed. Publish.

  The allocation of EPG information shown in step S206 of FIG. 23 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the EPG information allocation processing procedure according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the local station server 400 selects a program frame (step S301), and determines whether the selected program frame is self-produced (step S302).

  If the selected program frame is self-produced (step S302, Yes), the local station server 400 accepts and registers the EPG information (step S303), and proceeds to step S305. In step S303, for example, the local station server 400 receives the program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, and ban date and time of the second EPG information table 443 from the input unit 420a and registers them in the second EPG information table 443.

  On the other hand, if the selected program frame is not self-produced (step S302, No), the local station server 400 executes writing of EPG information corresponding to the program frame (step S304). In step S304, for example, the local station server 400 copies information to the copy source code, program genre, program title, EPG details, data broadcast information, and ban date and time in the second EPG information table 443.

  The local station server 400 determines whether or not the update target EPG of the second broadcast progress table 445 on the local station server 400 side has been set (step S305). If the update target EPG has not been set (step S305, No), the local station server 400 proceeds to step S308.

  On the other hand, when the update target EPG of the second broadcast progress table 445 on the local station server 400 side has been set (step S305, Yes), the local station server 400 sets the first EPG release date and time (step S306). . The local station server 400 sets the first data broadcast release date and time (step S307).

  The local station server 400 determines whether or not the update target EPG of the first broadcast progress table 444 on the providing station server 300 side has been set (step S308). If the update target EPG has not been set (step S308, No), the local station server 400 ends the process of assigning EPG information.

  On the other hand, when the update target EPG of the first broadcast progress table 444 on the providing station server 300 side has been set (step S308, Yes), the local station server 400 sets the second EPG release date and time (step S309). The local station server 400 sets the second data broadcast release date and time (step S310).

  Next, effects of the local station server 400 according to the second embodiment will be described. The local station server 200 receives the information of the EPG information table 341, the main program information table 342, and the broadcast progress table 343 from the providing station server 300, and sets the second EPG release date and time in association with the broadcast schedule of the local station. When the local station server 400 detects that a predetermined video has been broadcast, the local station server 400 publishes EPG details of the corresponding program. For this reason, the information of an electronic program guide can be disclosed according to the content of the information actually broadcast.

  Next, an example of a computer that executes a control program that implements the same function as the local station server shown in the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a computer that executes a control program.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the computer 500 includes a CPU 501 that executes various arithmetic processes, an input device 502 that receives data input from a user, and a display 503. The computer 500 includes a reading device 504 that reads a program and the like from a storage medium, and an interface device 505 that exchanges data with another computer via a network. The computer 500 also includes a RAM 506 that temporarily stores various types of information and a hard disk device 507. The devices 501 to 507 are connected to the bus 508.

  The hard disk device 507 has a registration program 507a and a distribution program 507b. The CPU 501 reads out each program 507 a and 507 b and develops it in the RAM 506.

  The registration program 507a functions as a registration process 506a. The distribution program 507b functions as a distribution process 506b.

  For example, the registration process 506 a corresponds to the registration units 252 and 452. The distribution process 506b corresponds to the distribution units 253 and 453.

  The programs 507a and 507b are not necessarily stored in the hard disk device 507 from the beginning. For example, each program is stored in a “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card inserted into the computer 500. Then, the computer 500 may read and execute the programs 507a and 507c from these.

  The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the embodiments including the above examples.

(Supplementary note 1)
Corresponding information of the electronic program guide associated with the first program included in the program group having a broadcast schedule of a plurality of times to the second program,
A control program for executing a process of disclosing information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program when it is detected that predetermined program-related information has been distributed.

(Supplementary Note 2) The process to be disclosed is associated with the second program when it is detected that a predetermined video distributed during broadcasting of the first program or the second program is distributed. The control program according to appendix 1, wherein information on the electronic program guide is disclosed.

(Supplementary note 3) The process to be disclosed is distributed by other programs included in the period before the first program distribution date or the first program distribution date and the second program distribution date. The control program according to supplementary note 1, wherein information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program is disclosed when it is detected.

(Appendix 4) A control method executed by a computer,
Corresponding information of the electronic program guide associated with the first program included in the program group having a broadcast schedule of a plurality of times to the second program,
A control method, comprising: executing a process of disclosing information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program when it is detected that predetermined program-related information has been distributed.

(Supplementary Note 5) The process to be disclosed is associated with the second program when it is detected that a predetermined video distributed during broadcasting of the first program or the second program is distributed. The control method according to appendix 4, wherein the information of the electronic program guide is disclosed.

(Additional remark 6) The said process to distribute | distribute is the other program included in the period before the delivery date of said 1st program, or the delivery date of said 1st program, and the delivery date of said 2nd program. 5. The control method according to appendix 4, wherein information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program is disclosed when it is detected that the second program has been performed.

(Supplementary note 7) A registration unit (252, 452) for associating the information of the electronic program guide associated with the first program included in the program group having a broadcast schedule of multiple times with the second program,
And a distribution unit that publishes information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program when it is detected that predetermined program-related information has been distributed.

(Supplementary Note 8) When the distribution unit detects that a predetermined video distributed during broadcasting of the first program or the second program is distributed, the distribution unit is associated with the second program The control apparatus according to appendix 7, wherein the information of the electronic program guide is distributed.

(Supplementary Note 9) The distribution unit distributes other programs included in the period before the first program distribution date or the period between the first program distribution date and the second program distribution date. 8. The control device according to appendix 7, wherein the information of the electronic program guide associated with the second program is distributed when it is detected.

100, 300 Providing station server 200, 400 Local station server 252, 452 Registration unit 253, 453 Distribution unit

Claims (5)

On the computer,
Corresponding information of the electronic program guide associated with the first program included in the program group having a broadcast schedule of a plurality of times to the second program,
A control program for executing a process of disclosing information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program when it is detected that predetermined program-related information has been distributed.   The process of publishing includes the electronic program associated with the second program when it is detected that a predetermined video distributed during broadcasting of the first program or the second program is distributed. The control program according to claim 1, wherein information on the table is disclosed.   In the process of publishing, the other program included in the period before the delivery date of the first program or between the delivery date of the first program and the delivery date of the second program is delivered. 2. The control program according to claim 1, wherein, when detected, information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program is disclosed. A control method executed by a computer,
Corresponding information of the electronic program guide associated with the first program included in the program group having a broadcast schedule of a plurality of times to the second program,
A control method, comprising: executing a process of disclosing information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program when it is detected that predetermined program-related information has been distributed. A registration unit for associating the information of the electronic program guide associated with the first program included in the program group having a plurality of broadcast schedules with the second program;
And a distribution unit that publishes information on the electronic program guide associated with the second program when it is detected that predetermined program-related information has been distributed.

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