JP3551921B2 - Program recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording device that records a plurality of broadcast media such as satellite broadcasts, CATV, and terrestrial broadcasts.is there.
exampleFor example, it relates to joint recording in condominiums and communities formed in specific areas.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the start of digital broadcasting, the number of broadcasting channels has been increasing. As the number of broadcast channels increases, the probability that an interesting program will be broadcast in the same time zone increases. For this reason, it becomes necessary to simultaneously record programs on a plurality of channels that are being broadcast simultaneously.
[0003]
Therefore, a video deck using a hard disk capable of recording a plurality of channels has been developed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a conventional recording device such as a video deck cannot simultaneously record programs on a very large number of channels such as 10 channels. As a solution to this problem, there is a method of preparing recording apparatuses and tuners by the number of broadcast channels. However, the cost burden on the user increases, and eventually, a large number of people record the same program at a plurality of locations. This is a waste of resources, is not an environmentally friendly design, and is not a good solution.
[0005]
Further, in the method of recording at home, the standby power is a problem because the recording device must be always in an energized state. In particular, in order to respond to changes in broadcast time in baseball broadcasts, it is necessary to periodically receive an electronic program guide to check whether the broadcast time has changed. The power is very large.
[0006]
On the other hand, with the spread of the Internet and Japan's IT (Information Technology) policy, high-speed networks for homes are also being rapidly prepared. For this reason, a program viewing system that accepts recording of programs collectively and provides the users with the recorded programs via a high-speed network has also become a reality.
[0007]
By using such a program viewing system, a user can watch a favorite program at a desired time, including a program broadcast at the same time.
[0008]
However, since the number of programs to be recorded increases monotonically, there are problems such as increased maintenance such as backup of a recording medium and extremely high running costs such as additional recording media.
[0009]
Also, as the number of channels increases, information for selecting a program also increases. For this reason, for example, as a result of impairing the listing of the program guide, there is a possibility that the usability may be deteriorated, or a program of interest may be missed.
[0010]
Furthermore, there is a considerable demand from users for recording from outside. In response to this request, VCRs that allow recording reservations from outside the home by using the DTMF signal of a push telephone are available, but videotapes must be set in advance to the position where you want to record. There is a problem that reservations cannot be handled.
[0011]
In addition, it is necessary to connect a telephone line to the video deck, which is a problem in installation.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a program storage means for storing a broadcast program, a recording reservation means for deciding a program to be stored by the storage means and controlling storage in the storage means, and a plurality of programs stored in the storage means. A program sending device for sending a program to be sent to the user, wherein the program sending device receives a program to be sent from each user, wherein the storage time limit given to the program stored in the program storage means is provided. Program management means for deleting a program whose storage time limit has expired from the program storage means based onFurtherHaveThe recording reservation unit receives recording reservations from a plurality of users via a network.Things.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The embodiment of the present application proposes a program viewing system that can provide a high degree of freedom in program viewing without increasing the number of recording media by managing the time limit for storing recorded programs on the center side. In this system, program recording is received collectively and the recorded program is provided to the user via a high-speed network. Therefore, when the user wants to watch the program, the user only needs to turn on the terminal and access the center. Therefore, it can be said that the system is environmentally friendly, as it does not require standby power or a recording medium on the terminal side.
[0014]
Furthermore, by providing GUI data to be displayed on a terminal on the center side, a configuration of a GUI screen for each user in consideration of user's preferences is facilitated, and a program viewing system that provides an easy-to-use operation environment is proposed. Also, by connecting the center side to the Internet, a program viewing system capable of performing a reservation operation from a mobile terminal that can be connected to the Internet is proposed.
[0015]
A program recording device according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: a program storage unit that stores a broadcast program; a recording reservation unit that determines a program to be stored by the storage unit and controls storage in the storage unit; A program sending device for sending a program stored in the program sending device to a plurality of users, wherein the program sending device receives a program to be sent from each user, wherein the program is stored in the program storing device. A program management means for deleting a program which has exceeded the storage time limit from the program storage means based on the storage time limit given to the program;FurtherHaveThe recording reservation unit receives recording reservations from a plurality of users via a network.Things. This makes it possible to provide a program recording function using a finite recording medium without adding a recording medium.
[0016]
In a preferred embodiment, the program management means copies a program designated by a user to an auxiliary storage means before a time limit for deleting a program from the program storage means.
In a preferred embodiment, the program management means includes a deadline notifying means for notifying that a deadline for deleting a program is imminent prior to a deadline for deleting a program from the program storage means.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from deleting the recorded program without ever viewing it.
[0017]
In a preferred embodiment, the above-described program reproducing apparatus for reproducing a program transmitted by the program recording apparatus has a program storing means for automatically downloading and storing a program whose storage period has expired.
[0018]
A program recording device according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes: a program storage unit configured to store a broadcast program; A recording reservation unit that determines a program to be stored by the storage unit and controls storage in the storage unit; a program transmission unit that transmits a program stored in the storage unit to a plurality of users; Is a program recording device that receives a program to be transmitted from each user, and has a program management means for deleting a program from the program storage means according to the number of reservations of the user for the program stored in the program storage means. Things.
[0019]
A program recording device according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes: a program storage unit that stores a broadcast program; a recording reservation unit that determines a program to be stored by the storage unit and controls storage in the storage unit; A program transmitting device for transmitting a program stored in the program transmitting device to a plurality of users; and a program specifying device for receiving a program to be transmitted by the program transmitting device from each user. And stores at least one of the following: a program viewing history, a program genre viewing ratio obtained from the program viewing history, a program genre viewing frequency, a program performer's appearance frequency, and a program-related keyword appearance frequency. An advertisement selecting means for selecting a predetermined advertisement from an advertisement database storing advertisement information to be provided to a user by using the selected advertisement; Those having an advertisement insertion means for inserting the operation screen of the terminal to make fine recording reservation. As a result, advertisement display can be performed in consideration of the user's preference.
[0020]
A program recording method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a program storage unit that stores a broadcast program;Accepts recording reservations from multiple users via a network, andA recording reservation unit that determines a program to be stored by the storage unit and controls storage in the storage unit;
Program transmitting means for transmitting a program stored in the storing means to a plurality of users, wherein the program transmitting means receives a program to be transmitted from each user by using a program recording device, and stores the program stored in the program storing means. A program management process is performed in which a storage time is given to a program that has been stored and a program whose storage time limit has been exceeded is deleted from the program storage means.
[0021]
(Example)
overall structure
One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall system configuration of the present embodiment.
[0023]
In FIG. 1, 001 is a CATV coaxial cable, 002 is an intranet connecting a center to each home by a high-speed IP line, 003 is a CATV tuner that receives programs transmitted to the CATV coaxial cable 001, and 004 is a CATV tuner 002 that receives programs. The video server receives the broadcasted program as an NTSC signal, encodes it into MPEG-2, stores it for a predetermined period, and sends an MPEG-2 stream to the intranet 002. 005 is a CATV using a CATV coaxial cable 001. A cable modem on the center side for connection with the office side, 011 is a cable modem on the CATV station side that accepts connection of the cable modem on the center side, and 012 is a gateway for relaying data communication between the cable modem 011 on the CATV station side and the Internet. , 009 is a program transmitting unit for multiplexing a plurality of programs and transmitting them to the CATV coaxial cable 001, 013 is a program table server for supplying program table data to the Internet, and 014 is data communication between the Internet and the mobile phone network For mobile terminal relaying 0FifteenIs a base station that performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 008 to connect to the mobile phone network, and 006 connects to the Internet via the cable modem 005 to obtain the latest program guides, A control server that receives operations such as user registration, recording reservation, and program viewing from the terminal 008 and controls the video server 004. It goes without saying that the video server 004 and the control server 006 may be realized on a single PC or workstation. The terminal 007 of each home may be realized by a device such as a general-purpose PC equipped with an Internet browser. As for the mobile terminal 008, a function of connecting to the Internet from the base station 015 via the mobile terminal gateway 014 and a function of browsing a page described in html are provided for the service for connecting to the control server and making a program reservation. A portable device having the following can be used. In this case, connection to the Internet may be either a packet method or a circuit switching method. The above-mentioned MPEG is an abbreviation of Moving Picture Expert Group, and is an international standard that defines a compression method, a decompression method, and a data structure for storing and transmitting video (moving image). The playback quality of MPEG-2 used in this embodiment is comparable to that of a high-definition television.
[0024]
In addition, as a method for connecting to the Internet, any other method such as a dial-up connection using a modem or a DSU, packet communication of a PHS or a mobile phone may be used. The method of receiving the program is not limited to CATV, but may be terrestrial broadcasting or satellite broadcasting. For example, when a digital BS broadcast is used for receiving a program, a digital BS tuner is used instead of the CATV tuner 003. In the digital BS broadcast, a program guide can be obtained from the broadcast, so that a modem for connecting to the Internet is unnecessary when only the home terminal 007 is used. The video and audio signals between the digital BS tuner and the video server 004 may be analog signals or digital signals.
[0025]
According to the present system, for example, using a mobile phone as the mobile terminal 008, a program to be accessed and viewed from the control server 006 is reserved for recording from an outside destination, and is reserved at the home terminal 007 after returning home. You can watch the program. Further, in the present system, it is possible to make a reservation for recording all the programs that are broadcast simultaneously. If the user misses the program he / she wants to watch, the home terminal 007 accesses the control server 006 to search whether the program is stored in the video server 004. Can send an MPEG2 video stream, and the home terminal 007 can receive and view the stream. In the present embodiment, all programs are temporarily stored in the video server, so that, for example, even when program broadcasting has already started, it is possible to enjoy the program from the beginning.
[0026]
Also, the running cost for system management may be covered by displaying a banner advertisement on a GUI provided to the terminal by the control server. This advertisement can be selected according to the user's preference, as shown in the examples described later, and a superior advertisement effect can be expected as compared with the indiscriminate advertisement.
[0027]
Video server configuration
Next, the detailed configuration of the video server 004 will be described.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the video server 004.
[0029]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a video encoder that receives an NTSC video output from the CATV tuner 003 as input and digitally encodes the MPEG-2 format into an MPEG2 format; 202, a video data storage unit that stores an MPEG-2 stream output from the video encoder; A video stream control unit 204 receives a control signal such as reproduction, channel change, rewinding, etc., transmitted from 007, and controls a video stream to be transmitted to the intranet 002. A video data management unit 205 that returns the data ID and deletes expired video data or video data that has not been reserved by anyone from the video data storage unit 202 according to the storable capacity of the video data storage unit 202; Is Karen The date and time management unit 206 stores information and time and receives the date and time reference and the number of days from the video data management unit 204. The date and time management unit 206 stores the storage time limit of each video data stored in the video data storage unit 202 and the number of reservations from the user. A storage management table for storing, 207 is a program information table for storing program information such as title, genre, cast, program contents, broadcast date, etc. of each video data stored in the video data storage unit 202, and 208 is for the intranet 002. It is a high-speed communication interface for transmitting and receiving data.
[0030]
First, the operation at the time of transmitting a video stream will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0031]
<Step a1>
When the terminal 007 transmits a video data transmission request to the control server 006, the control server 006 relays the request and the video data management unit 204 receives the video data transmission request.
[0032]
<Step a2>
The video data management unit 204 searches the program information table 207 and checks whether the requested video data is stored in the video data storage unit 202. FIG. 4 shows an example of the program information table 207.
[0033]
<Step a3>
When the requested video data is stored in the video data storage unit 202,
Proceed to step a4. If not, stepa 7Proceed to.
[0034]
<Step a4>
The video data management unit 204 returns the ID of the corresponding video data to the control server 006,
The control server 006 relays this to the terminal 007.
[0035]
<Step a5>
The terminal 007 requests the video stream control unit 203 to transmit video data using the video data ID returned from the control server 006.
[0036]
<Step a6>
The video stream control unit 203 starts transmitting video data to the terminal 007 via the high-speed communication interface 208, and ends the step.
[0037]
<Step a7>
The control server 006 is notified that there is no corresponding video data, and the step ends.
[0038]
In this embodiment, all programs received by the CATV tuner are converted into MPEG2 video data by the video encoder 201 and temporarily stored in the video data storage unit 202. Then, the video data requested by the control server 006 is transmitted to the intranet 002 via the high-speed communication interface 208. Therefore, in the case of real-time viewing, video data is stored and simultaneously transmitted to an intranet.
[0039]
Next, the operation of managing video data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0040]
When implementing a service of recording and providing a broadcast, the amount of video data to be stored increases in proportion to the passage of time, and thus it is difficult to permanently retain all the recorded video data. Therefore, in this embodiment, an approach is adopted in which the storage period of the video data is determined in advance, and the video data whose storage period has expired is automatically deleted.
[0041]
<Step b1>
The date and time management unit 205 notifies the video data management unit 204 at a predetermined time set in advance (for example, 4:00 in the early morning every day).
[0042]
<Step b2>
Upon receiving the notification from the date and time management unit 205, the video data management unit 204 searches the storage management table 206 and checks whether any video data has expired. FIG. 5 shows an example of the accumulation management table 206.
[0043]
<Step b3>
If there is video data whose storage period has expired, the process proceeds to step b4; otherwise, the process proceeds to step b5.
[0044]
<Step b4>
At the same time as deleting the record of the expired video data from the program information table 207, the corresponding video data is deleted from the video data storage unit 202.
[0045]
<Step b5>
The storage management table 206 is searched to determine whether there is video data seven days before the storage expiration date.
[0046]
<Step b6>
If there is video data seven days before the storage expiration date, the process proceeds to the next step. If not, the step ends.
[0047]
<Step b7>
The storage management table 206 is searched for video data seven days before the storage expiration date to see if there is a reservation from the user.
[0048]
<Step b8>
If there is video data that has been reserved by the user among the video data seven days before the storage expiration date, a list is created in which these video data are associated with the reserved user ID, and the process proceeds to the next step. If not, the step ends.
[0049]
<Step b9>
Each user included in the list created in step b8 is notified to the corresponding user terminal that the storage time limit of the corresponding reserved video data in the list has been reduced to one week, and the step ends.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the video data storage unit is assumed to have a capacity capable of recording all the channels of the CATV for 24 hours and storing for about one month, but this capacity is freely set according to the contents of the service. You can Further, a rental HDD or the like that can lend a predetermined capacity for each user for a fee may be connected to the video data storage unit.
As a result, video data that is not desired to be deleted can be copied and semi-permanently retained as long as the user pays the HDD usage fee. Movement of video data to the rental HDD can be realized by selecting an option at the time of video data reproduction (FIG. 19). Here, in order to eliminate complicated operations, as long as the capacity of the rental HDD permits, an option of “do not delete even if the storage expiration date is exceeded” can be selected. When the capacity of the rental HDD is insufficient, the user is caused to select video data to be deleted from the stored video data. At this time, it is convenient to show the video data to the user in order according to attributes such as the age of the accumulated date and time and whether or not the video data has already been viewed. The deletion of the video data stored in the rental HDD can be freely performed by the user at any time, as in the case of file management of a general personal computer. Also, in the present embodiment, MPEG2 is used for encoding video data, but it goes without saying that other formats such as MPEG4 may be used. When using MPEG4, it is preferable to control the amount of data of the video stream to be transmitted according to the capability of the terminal. Note that the notification to the user terminal may be any means such as an e-mail or a unique communication method as long as the means can be received by the user terminal.
[0051]
In addition, by disclosing the program stored in the video data storage unit 202 to the user in response to the user's request, it is possible to confirm the presence of the content that can be currently viewed by the user.
[0052]
It is also conceivable to preferentially accumulate contents related to the current topic. For example, a drama currently being aired once a week, even if the accumulation period has passed, is preferentially accumulated as a back number until the airing of the drama ends. This is convenient for the user who is currently watching the drama to check the past contents.
[0053]
Configuration of control server
Next, a detailed configuration of the control server 006 will be described.
[0054]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the control server 006.
[0055]
7, reference numeral 301 denotes a communication interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the Internet using a global IP address assigned by the CATV station side; 302, a high-speed interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the intranet 002; , An http server that accepts http access from both the intranet 002, 304, a user authentication unit that performs user authentication for access to http, 305, an authentication database that stores a user ID and a password as a set, and 306, a video of each user A user information management unit 307 calculates and manages a data viewing history and viewing tendency, 307 denotes a user information storage unit that stores the viewing history and viewing tendency of each user's video data, and 308 denotes a data of the user information storage unit 307. Using the data, it is determined user preference determination unit preference type of user. The user preference type is a type in which the user is divided into predetermined groups in advance based on gender, age, and the tendency of preference obtained from the viewing history of the video data, and recommends programs that the user has not viewed or shows the user to the user. Used to determine advertising data. A GUI data storage 309 stores GUI (page data) components to be displayed on the home terminal 007 and the mobile terminal 008, and the latest program table acquired from the Internet using the communication interface 301. And 310, an advertisement data storage unit that stores a banner advertisement to be displayed on the home 007 and the mobile terminal 008, and 311 stores advertisement data and GUI data in the advertisement data storage unit 310 using the user preference determination unit 308. A GUI data generation unit 312 that generates a GUI including a list of advertisements and recommended video data in consideration of each user's preference from the data of the unit, a reservation, search, and reproduction from the home terminal 007 or the mobile terminal 008. A video data search unit that searches for video data of the video server 004 in response to a request.In this embodiment, a method of assigning a global IP address to the communication interface 301 in order to accept a request from the outside such as the portable terminal 008 has been described. A method may be used in which a private IP address is assigned, and the gateway 012 in the CATV station uses an address translation that translates a global IP address and a private IP address in association with each other.
[0056]
First, the operation when the home terminal 007 accesses the control server 008 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
[0057]
<Step c1>
When the http server 303 receives access from the home terminal 007, the user authentication unit 304 requests the home terminal 007 to input a user ID and a password. Here, an example of a GUI displayed on the home terminal 007 is shown in FIG.
[0058]
<Step c2>
It is checked whether the user ID and the password input from the home terminal 007 exist in the authentication database 305. FIG. 10 shows an example of the authentication database.
[0059]
<Step c3>
If the user ID and password exist in the authentication database in step c2, the process proceeds to the next step. Otherwise, a message "The user ID or password is incorrect" is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007, and the step is terminated.
[0060]
<Step c4>
Using the user ID input in step c2, a user preference type is obtained from the user preference determination unit 308, advertisement data corresponding to this preference type is extracted from the advertisement data storage unit 310, and a banner is generated by the GUI data generation unit. Generate a menu screen containing an advertisement. Here, each advertisement data in the advertisement data storage unit is given a priority order of the preference type of the user who wants to show the advertisement, and is selected in descending order of the priority of the preference type of the currently accessed user. You. When a large number of candidate advertisement data are displayed, an advertisement to be incorporated is determined according to the contract content of the advertisement. FIG. 11 shows an example of the format of the advertisement data storage unit including the user preference type. In the example of FIG. 11, the advertisement data indicated by ID00001 has a preference type in the order of A and B, and the ID0002 indicates that a person with the preference type C or D has the same priority. The display score indicates the number of times an advertisement is displayed for a user corresponding to the priority preference type as a point, such as 2 points when the advertisement is displayed to the user with the highest priority, and 1 point otherwise. Is set to a high value when displayed to a user having a preference type with a high priority. This data can be used to determine advertising rates to sponsors. The dynamic generation of the GUI data here is performed by using a general method such as CGI.
[0061]
<Step c5>
The GUI data generated in step c4 is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007, and the step ends. FIG. 12 shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the home terminal 007 at this time. Subsequent viewing of video data, retrieval of video data, and recording reservation are performed through this menu screen. In addition, it is assumed that a banner advertisement is appropriately inserted into the GUI displayed on the terminal in each step in the same manner as in step c4.
[0062]
Instead of setting the preference type in advance, a keyword is attached to each advertisement data, and the frequency of appearance of the keyword used to explain the program contents of the program that the user has watched in the past is stored in the user information storage unit 307 by the user. The advertisements may be stored as information (see FIG. 17), and the sum of the appearance frequencies of the respective keywords attached to the advertisements may be regarded as the matching degree, and the advertisements to be incorporated in descending order of the matching degree may be determined. A user registration screen as illustrated in FIG. 13 may be prepared for a user who accesses for the first time, and a questionnaire for obtaining an initial value of the user's preference type may be performed.
[0063]
Next, the operation of viewing the stored video data (program) from the home terminal 007 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0064]
<Step d1>
When the http server 303 receives the transmission request for the program list screen from the home terminal 007, the user information management unit 204 uses the user ID of the user who is currently accessing the recording reservation program list and the user preference determination unit. The user's preference type is obtained from 308.
[0065]
<Step d2>
Based on the user preference type obtained in step d1, advertisement data is selected from the advertisement data storage unit, and the GUI data generation unit 311 generates GUI data together with the recording reservation program list obtained in step d1. FIG. 15 shows an example of the GUI data here. In the example of FIG. 15, the user preference type obtained in step d1 is used to reserve many other users having the same preference type as the currently accessed user, and the currently accessed user is not We introduce reservation programs.
[0066]
<Step d3>
The GUI data generated in step d2 is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007.
[0067]
<Step d4>
When a program (video data) desired to be viewed via the GUI is selected from the home terminal 007, the video data search unit 312 accesses the video data management unit 204 of the video server 004 to obtain the ID of the selected program. Return to home terminal 007.
[0068]
<Step d5>
The home terminal 007 sends the selected video data to a predetermined port of a predetermined address that can be used by the home terminal 007 to the video stream control unit 203 of the video server 004 using the acquired program ID. Request to do so.
[0069]
<Step d6>
When the home terminal 007 receives the MPEG2 stream transmitted from the video server 004, the reproduction of the program (video data) starts. FIG. 16 shows a display example on the home terminal 007. In FIG. 16, a GUI for receiving an operation request from the user, rewinding, stopping, pausing, and fast-forwarding at the lower right of the screen is displayed. The signals for controlling the transmission of these streams are directly transmitted to the video stream control unit 203 of the video server 004, and the reproduction of the video is controlled. It is needless to say that these operations are not limited to GUI operations and may be performed using a remote controller or the like.
[0070]
<Step d7>
The user information in the user information storage unit 307 of the video server 004 is updated based on the program information (see FIG. 4) of the program (video data) watched by the user.
FIG. 17 shows an example of the user information. With the user information in FIG. 17, it is possible to estimate user preferences such as, for example, what genre the user likes and what performers' programs they watch well. Therefore, the user information in FIG. 17 is used by the user preference determination unit to determine the user preference type.
[0071]
If the home terminal 007 has a function of downloading and executing an arbitrary object (program), in step d3, the operation of the video stream control unit 203 and the object for performing the MPEG-2 reproduction are added to the returned GUI data. In step d6, the home terminal 007 executes the received object in step d3 and requests the video server 004 to transmit a stream so that the video data can be reproduced. good.
[0072]
Next, an operation of searching for a program (video data) stored from the home terminal 007 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
[0073]
<Step e1>
When the http server 303 receives a transmission request for the GUI data for program (video data) search from the home terminal 007, the program information shown in FIG. 4, such as the title, genre, performer, program contents, and broadcast date, is searched for using keywords. The program search GUI data is generated by the GUI data generation unit 311. FIG. 20 shows an example of the program search GUI data.
[0074]
<Step e2>
When a search condition is input on the home terminal 007 and the search button is pressed, the http server 303 receives the search request and the input search condition (keyword), and the video data search unit 312 sends the video data management unit of the video server 004. The program accesses the program information table 204 and searches the program information table 207.
[0075]
<Step e3>
When the corresponding program (video data) is found, the process proceeds to the next step. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step e5.
[0076]
<Step e4>
The search result of the corresponding program (video data) is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007, and the step ends. FIG. 21 shows a display example on the home terminal 007 here. In FIG. 21, when a program desired to be viewed is selected from the searched programs, the user can view the program. The viewing step is the same as step d4 to step d6.
[0077]
<Step e5>
The message "No corresponding program found" is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007, and the step ends.
[0078]
Next, the operation of recording reservation from the portable terminal 008 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0079]
<Step f1>
When the http server 303 receives a transmission request for GUI data for recording a program (video data) from the home terminal 007, the GUI data generation unit 311 generates GUI data for selecting a program to be recorded. FIG. 23 shows an example of the program selection GUI data.
In the example of FIG. 23, a broadcast date of a program to be recorded is input, a program table is called, and a program to be recorded is selected from the program table. The program may be searched for and recorded in the same manner as in steps e1 to e4.
[0080]
<Step f2>
When a program is selected in step f1, a program reservation confirmation screen shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. When a recording reservation button is pressed, the user and the reserved program ID are notified to the http server 303.
[0081]
<Step f3>
When the http server 303 receives the user and the reserved program ID, the user information management unit 306 searches the user information storage unit 307 and updates the contents of the item of the storage reservation of the corresponding user ID.
[0082]
<Step f4>
The video data search unit 312 accesses the video server 004, searches the storage management table 206 through the video data management unit 204, and increases the value of the item of the number of reservations of the corresponding program (video data) by one.
[0083]
In the present embodiment, since all programs are temporarily stored in the video data storage unit 202, the reservation operation by the user is only reflected on the configuration of the GUI at the time of viewing by the user. If it is desired to use the capacity of a copy more efficiently, only the programs reserved by the user may be stored. However, in this case, the user can see the missed program only when the third party has made a recording reservation for the program.
[0084]
Configuration of home terminal
Finally, a detailed configuration of the home terminal 007 will be described.
[0085]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the home terminal 007.
[0086]
25, reference numeral 401 denotes an input device represented by a keyboard and a mouse; 402, a GUI display unit for displaying a GUI on a screen; 403, an http client for accessing an http server; and 404, a communication with the video stream control unit 203 of the video server 004. The video stream operation unit 405 controls the video stream transmitted from the video server, decodes the video stream, and displays the decoded video stream on the GUI display unit. A GUI operation unit for issuing an instruction and displaying an updated screen on the GUI display unit 402, a video data storage unit 406 for storing video data downloaded from the video server 004, and a video data storage unit 407 for the video data storage unit 406 Video list table holds a list of video data product, 408 is a high speed communication interface for accessing an intranet 002. Note that this configuration can be applied to the mobile terminal 008 with a similar configuration, such as limiting some functions. Further, as the video data storage unit 406, in addition to digital media typified by a hard disk and a DVD-RAM, analog media held by a user such as a VHS video deck may be used. The home terminal 007 obtains the GUI generated by the GUI data generation unit 311 of the control server 006 by the http client 403 and displays the GUI on the GUI display unit 402. Can provide screen. For example, for a user who likes a historical drama, only the column of the historical drama in the program table can be highlighted and displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.
[0087]
Further, in this embodiment, since a time limit for storing the program (video data) recorded in the video server 004 is set, the program (video data) reserved for recording will be eventually deleted. For this reason, a function is required that allows a user to download a favorite program and view it at any time on the terminal side. Here, the operation of downloading to the video data storage unit 406 of the terminal at the same time as viewing the program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0088]
<Step g1>
The http client 403 accesses the http server 303 of the control server 006 and displays the GUI shown in FIG.
[0089]
<Step g2>
When a GUI program list is selected by the input device 401, a GUI shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the GUI display unit 402.
[0090]
<Step g3>
Here, when a program to be viewed is selected, a GUI shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on the GUI display unit 402.
[0091]
<Step g4>
It detects whether the OK button has been pressed. If pressed, go to the next step.
[0092]
<Step g5>
Check if the "Download at the same time as playback" checkbox is selected.
[0093]
If the “Download at the same time as playback” check box is selected, proceed to the next step; otherwise, proceed to step g7.
[0094]
<Step g6>
The program information table 207 of the video server 004 is searched to obtain information of the table of the corresponding video data, and an ID number that can be uniquely determined by the video data storage unit 406 is newly added to the video list table 407 and added to the video list table 407. Turn on the stream operation unit download flag.
[0095]
<Step g7>
Turn off the download flag.
[0096]
<Step g8>
It requests the control server 008 to transmit the selected program (video data) to a predetermined port at a predetermined address of the video stream operation unit 404.
[0097]
<Step g9>
When the video stream operation unit 404 starts receiving a video stream, the download flag is checked.
[0098]
<Step g10>
If the download flag is ON, the video data received by the video stream operation unit 404 is stored in the video data storage unit 406 in association with the ID given in step g5.
[0099]
<Step g11>
The video data received by the video stream operation unit 404 is decoded and displayed on the GUI display unit 402.
[0100]
Here, the video data stored in the video data storage unit 406 can be decoded at any time by searching the video list table 407 and specifying an ID, so that the video data specified by the video stream operation unit 404 is decoded and displayed on the GUI display unit 402. can do. It should be noted that the video data for which recording reservation has been made may be automatically downloaded to the video data storage unit 406 of the home terminal 007 when the notification of the storage expiration is received. In addition, there is a possibility that video data whose storage period has expired in the video server 004 can be viewed if a certain user has downloaded it. Therefore, the video data downloaded by each user is managed by the video data management unit of the video server 004, thereby introducing the user who is recording the video data that the user wants to view, and sharing the video data via the intranet 002. May be performed.
[0101]
As explained above,This embodimentAccording to the above, in a program viewing system that collectively records programs on the center side and provides the programs recorded to the user via a high-speed network, by managing the time limit for storing the recorded programs on the center side, This allows the user to view programs with a high degree of freedom without adding a recording medium. According to this program viewing system, not only is the user provided with an opportunity to view a missed program, but also recording media such as video tapes and DVDs, which are consumables, are not required, thereby saving resources and reducing waste. It also has a considerable effect on protecting the global environment.
[0102]
Also, since each home does not need to have a recording device, standby power for recording standby can be saved, so that the system can be said to be more environmentally friendly.
[0103]
Further, by providing GUI data to be displayed on the terminal on the center side, it is possible to easily configure a GUI screen for each user in consideration of user's preference, to provide an easy-to-use operation environment, and to provide an effective user-adapted effective environment. Advertising is possible, and running costs can be reduced by advertising revenue.
[0104]
Further, by connecting the center side to the Internet, a reservation operation can be performed from a portable terminal that can be connected to the Internet. This is different from a conventional video deck in which a recording reservation is made from a destination by a push telephone, not only can it cope with a sudden recording reservation, but also there is an advantage that special installation work such as routing of a telephone line is not required.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a user can view a program with a high degree of freedom.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing a system configuration of a video server according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of transmitting a video stream in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing an example of a program information table in the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing an example of a storage management table according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an operation of managing video data in the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a control server according to the embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of accessing a control server in the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating an example of a password input screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an authentication database in the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an exemplary view showing an example of a format of an advertisement data storage unit in the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a menu screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a user registration screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of viewing a stored program in the embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an exemplary view showing an example of a stored program viewing GUI in the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an exemplary view showing an example of a terminal screen at the time of reproducing a program in the embodiment.
FIG. 17 shows an example of user information in the embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation of searching for a stored program in the embodiment.
FIG. 19 is an exemplary view showing an example of a GUI for moving video data to a rental HDD in the embodiment.
FIG. 20 is an exemplary view showing an example of a stored program search GUI in the embodiment.
FIG. 21 is an exemplary view showing an example of a search result display GUI in the embodiment.
FIG. 22 is an exemplary flowchart showing the operation of recording reservation in the embodiment.
FIG. 23 is an exemplary view showing an example of a program selection GUI in the embodiment.
FIG. 24 is an exemplary view showing an example of a program reservation confirmation screen in the embodiment.
FIG. 25 is an exemplary view showing a system configuration of a home terminal according to the embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a download operation to a home terminal in the embodiment.
FIG. 27 is an exemplary view illustrating an example of a download option selection screen in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
001 CATV coaxial cable
002 Intranet
003 CATV tuner
004 Video server
005 cable modem
006 Control server
007 Home terminal
008 Mobile terminal
009 Program transmission unit
010 Internet
011 Cable modem
012 gateway
013 Program guide server
014 Mobile terminal gateway
015 base station
201 Video Encoder
202 Video data storage
203 Video stream control unit
204 Video Data Management Unit
205 Date and Time Management
206 accumulation management table
207 Program information table
208 High-speed communication interface
301 Communication Interface
302 High-speed communication interface
303 http server
304 User authentication unit
305 Authentication database
306 User information management unit
307 User information storage unit
308 User preference judgment unit
309 GUI data storage unit
310 advertisement data storage unit
311 GUI data generation unit
312 Video data search unit
401 input device
402 GUI display section
403 http client
404 Video stream operation unit
405 GUI operation unit
406 Video data storage
407 Video List Table

Claims (7)

A program storage means for storing a broadcast program; a recording reservation means for determining a program to be stored by the storage means and controlling the storage in the storage means; and transmitting the program stored in the storage means to a plurality of users. A program sending device for receiving from each user a program to be sent by the program sending device, wherein the program is stored based on a storage time limit given to the program stored in the program storing device. A program recording device, further comprising a program management unit for deleting a program whose time limit has expired from the program storage unit, wherein the recording reservation unit receives recording reservations from a plurality of users via a network . 2. The program recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said program management means copies a program designated by a user to an auxiliary storage means prior to a time limit for deleting a program from said program storage means. 3. The program management unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a deadline notifying unit for notifying that a deadline for deleting the program is imminent before a deadline for deleting the program from the program storage unit. The program recording device according to the above. 2. A program reproducing apparatus for reproducing a program transmitted by a program recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising program storage means for automatically downloading and storing the program whose storage period has expired. apparatus. A program storage means for storing a broadcast program; a recording reservation means for determining a program to be stored by the storage means and controlling the storage in the storage means; and transmitting the program stored in the storage means to a plurality of users. A program recording device for receiving from each user a program to be transmitted by the program transmission device, the program recording device comprising: A program recording device having a program management means for deleting a program from a storage means. A program storage means for storing a broadcast program; a recording reservation means for determining a program to be stored by the storage means and controlling the storage in the storage means; and transmitting the program stored in the storage means to a plurality of users. A program recording apparatus comprising: a program transmitting unit that transmits a program to be transmitted by the program transmitting unit; and a program specifying unit that receives a program to be transmitted from each user. The advertisement information to be provided to the user is accumulated using at least one of the viewing history or the viewing ratio of the genre of the program obtained from the viewing history of the program, the appearance frequency of the program performer, and the appearance frequency of the keyword related to the program. An advertisement selecting means for selecting a predetermined advertisement from the advertisement database, and inserting the selected advertisement into an operation screen of a terminal for performing reproduction and recording reservation of the program. Program recording device having an ad insertion means to be. Program storage means for storing broadcast programs;
Recording reservation means for receiving recording reservations from a plurality of users via a network, and determining a program to be stored by the storage means, and controlling storage in the storage means;
A program recording unit for transmitting a program stored in the storage unit to a plurality of users, wherein the program transmission unit receives a program to be transmitted from each user; A program recording method for performing a program management process of adding a storage time to a program that has been stored and deleting a program that has exceeded the storage time limit from the program storage means.

Images