JP3661659B2 - Terminal-adaptive video content transmission / reception system and method - Google Patents

Description

ここで、clsidの項目は、Ｗｅｂブラウザ上の映像再生プログラムであらかじめ定義されているプログラム種別判定用固定コードである。また”url”というパラメタのvalue値には、指定映像コンテンツの指定フォーマットに対応する実映像ファイル名を示せばよい。
【００７５】
ＴＶ受信機などの場合は、たとえばテレビチャンネルの変更を行うＴＶ受信機内部プログラムコード（JavaScriptなど）を指定して、ＴＶ受信機内部の制御装置１３３に実行させればよい。このようなコードを書くことによって、特定のＵＲＬの映像コンテンツを、映像コンテンツ配信サーバ１１０から受信できるようになる。なお、このような<Code>を使う方法以外にも、単純に<Availability>の<URL>レコード２４５を、Ｗｅｂブラウザ上の映像再生プログラムに指定すれば、映像コンテンツの視聴が可能である。<URL>を使う視聴画面の構築は実現が容易だが、その分<Code>で実現する視聴画面よりも、木目細かな画面を構築することは難しい。
【００７６】
図１１は、映像コンテンツ管理サーバ１２０の適正映像コンテンツ選択手段１２１の処理である。本処理は、図９のコンテンツ決定時の処理にて、受信端末１３０から呼び出される。
【００７７】
本処理の入力は、受信端末１３０から引き渡されるコンテンツＩＤと受信端末情報<Terminal>２３０である。本処理の出力は<Availability>２４０のリストである。
【００７８】
まず、指定されたコンテンツＩＤに対応する実映像ファイルを検索する（１１１０）。
【００７９】
たとえば、次のように行えばよい。映像コンテンツ管理サーバでは、（映像コンテンツのコンテンツＩＤ、実映像ファイルの格納先ＵＲＬ、実映像ファイルのフォーマット情報）の組をリレーショナルＤＢのテーブルとして管理し、映像コンテンツや映像実ファイルなどの追加・削除のタイミングでリレーショナルＤＢの更新を行うようにする。この場合、一つの映像コンテンツ（つまりコンテンツＩＤのこと）に対し、複数の異なる映像フォーマットで記録された実映像ファイルが存在してもよい。このようにすれば、コンテンツＩＤを元にして実映像ファイル情報を取得することができる。
【００８０】
次に、取得した複数の実映像ファイルに対してループを行う（１１１１）。さらに入れ子で、入力として渡された受信端末情報<Terminal>の全ての<Format>レコードについてループする（１１２０）。
【００８１】
１１２０ループの中では適正フォーマットの判断を行う。まず画像サイズが適正かを調べる（１１３１）。具体的には受信端末の<Format>の<Frame>の画面サイズ（幅高さ）の方が、実映像ファイルの幅高さより大きければ適正である。もし不適正であれば本１１３１の処理以降を中断してループ１１２０の先頭に戻る（１１３２）。同様に受信端末のビットレートの方が、実映像ファイルのビットレートより大きいかどうか調べ（１１３３）、もし大きくなければ（不適正ならば）、処理を中断してループ１１２０の先頭に戻る（１１３４）。（注：１１５１から１１５４の処理は後述する）。
【００８２】
以上の処理により、実映像ファイルが適正なフォーマットであれば、実映像ファイルの情報を新しい<Availability>レコードとして作成する（１１３５）。具体的には、<Availability>の<Terminal>レコードに入力情報の<Terminal>の<Name>を設定し、<Format>に実映像ファイルのフォーマット情報を設定し、<URL>に実映像ファイルの格納先ＵＲＬを設定し、<Code>にあらかじめ端末ごとに決めておいたテンプレート実行コードに現在の実映像ファイルの情報(URLなど)を加味したテキストを生成し設定する。
【００８３】
また、preference値には、入力情報となる受信端末の<Format>のpreference値をそのまま設定し、valid値には、今現在の日時から始まる２週間程度の期間を設定すればよい。最後に、この作成した<Availability>レコードを、本処理の出力情報となる結果リストに追加する（１１３６）。
【００８４】
ループ１１１１終了後は、結果となった<Availability>のリストを、本処理の出力情報として呼出処理側に返信する。
【００８５】
なお、本実施形態では、映像コンテンツの情報記述に拡張が容易なタグ型情報格納形式としてＸＭＬを用いている。このため、新たに映像コンテンツのジャンル情報などの新たな情報を加えることが容易となる。たとえば、映像コンテンツのジャンルが適正かどうかを判断する処理を加える場合、まず追加タグ<PrefGenre>を用意し、受信端末１３０、および、映像コンテンツの情報それぞれにジャンル情報を記述する。
【００８６】
これの判定には、処理１１３３のビットレート適正判定のあとに、処理１１５１〜１１５４を追加すればよい。まず追加タグの有無を判断し（１１５１）、追加タグがあれば、追加タグの種類ごとにあらかじめ用意してある判定処理を呼び出す（１１５２）。この場合、”PrefGenre”という追加タグに関しては、受信端末１３０から送られてきた「スポーツ」などのジャンル値と、映像コンテンツのジャンル値「映画」などを比較し、一致する場合をジャンルが適正と判断する処理を、あらかじめプラグイン関数形式などで、映像コンテンツ管理サーバ内に登録しておけばよい。そのあとは、追加タグの適性判断の結果を見て（１１５３）、適正でない場合は、ループ１１２０の先頭に処理を戻させる（１１５４）。これにより、追加タグの処理が可能となる。
【００８７】
【発明の効果】
本発明を用いることにより、次のような効果が期待できる。
【００８８】
第一に、映像コンテンツ管理サーバに接続できないようなＴＶ受信端末などでも、適正な映像フォーマットの映像コンテンツを視聴できるようになる。また映像コンテンツ管理サーバに接続する接続回数や接続料金を大幅に低減できる。また副次効果として、ユーザが所有する受信端末、ユーザが視聴しようとした映像コンテンツの情報が、全て一枚のメモリカード内で管理することができ、個人データ管理が容易になる点も挙げられる。
【００８９】
第二に、端末適応判断に用いる映像コンテンツの情報を、あとから拡張可能となる。たとえば、映像の画像サイズやビットレートだけでなく、よりユーザの嗜好に近いコンテンツのジャンルなどを用いて、その日のユーザの気分に適正な映像コンテンツを配信できるようになる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本実施形態のシステム全体構成である。
【図２】ユーザ視聴データの一例である。
【図３】ユーザ視聴データを編集するユーザ操作画面である。
【図４】ＰＣ用映像コンテンツの選択画面である。
【図５】ＴＶ受信機用映像コンテンツ選択画面である。
【図６】再生不可メッセージ画面である。
【図７】携帯電話での映像コンテンツ再生前確認画面である。
【図８】視聴データ編集画面の処理である。
【図９】コンテンツ決定時の処理である。
【図１０】コンテンツ再生開始時の処理である。
【図１１】適正映像コンテンツ選択時の処理である。
【符号の説明】
１１０…映像コンテンツ配信サーバ、１２０…映像コンテンツ管理サーバ、１３０…受信端末、１３１…ユーザ視聴データ保存媒体、１５０…ユーザ
２１０…ユーザ視聴データ、３１０…ユーザ視聴データを編集するユーザ操作画面、４００…映像コンテンツの選択画面[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for selecting video content in an appropriate format for various terminals among methods for distributing video content via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there are increasing opportunities to distribute content with time axis such as video and music via a network. Recently, not only high-performance computers such as PCs, but also receiving terminals (commonly known as information home electronics terminals) with relatively low processing performance, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), TV receivers, etc., via a network. You can now watch videos and music. In these distribution environments, appropriate video content selection processing is required to select content with a small screen size or a low video distribution speed in accordance with the types of various receiving terminals.
[0003]
The conventional method is a network in which a video content management server for determining an appropriate format on the transmission side = reception side is placed between a video content distribution server that transmits video content and a reception terminal that receives the video content. Take the configuration.
[0004]
When the receiving terminal wants to view a certain video content, it first issues a video content viewing request to the video content management server. The video content management server manages actual video files in a plurality of formats for one video content. The receiving terminal holds a list of video formats that can be viewed on the receiving terminal. Note that the format refers to the screen width, height, bit rate [bps = bit / second], and the like. The video content management server compares the format information of the actual video file group managed by the video content management server with a list of formats that can be viewed by the receiving terminal, and indicates a format appropriate for viewing.
[0005]
Based on the format information obtained as a result of the appropriate video content selection process, video distribution is started between the video distribution server and the receiving terminal. As an implementation example of this conventional method, there is a video content management module VideonetIV Manager in a VideonetIV video server which is a product of Hitachi, Ltd. (For details on VideonetIV, see the following article: "Network video information system for business use", Hitachi Review, July 1997, Vol.81, No.7, pp.51)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The first problem related to the conventional appropriate video content selection method is that the video content management server always requests the video content management server to select appropriate video content before the receiving terminal starts viewing. For this reason, in the case of a receiving terminal that is not connected to the TCP / IP bidirectional network, such as a TV receiver, it is not possible to request the video content management server to perform appropriate video content selection processing.
[0007]
In addition, in the case of a receiving terminal such as a BS digital broadcast receiver (with a dial-up modem) or a mobile phone (with a video playback function), it takes time to initialize when connecting to a two-way network, and communication costs are low. Since it is relatively high, the process of querying the video content management server for the appropriate video every time content playback is performed is a user-friendly method.
[0008]
The second problem of the conventional method is that the appropriate video content selection process is not scalable. In the conventional method, the information that is the basis for selection in the appropriate video content selection process may be only the format information of the actual video file managed by the video content management server and the video format information that can be viewed by the receiving terminal. There were many.
[0009]
When the video content distribution business becomes active in the future, not only information on simple video formats, but also the content genre of the user having the receiving terminal, the address of the user's current location, etc. Based on the information other than the above, it is necessary to finely select the appropriate video content that the user wants at the moment. In the current appropriate video content selection processing, it is difficult to newly increase the items used for selection.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal-adaptive type that makes it possible to provide an appropriate video content selection process even in a receiving terminal that is not always connected, and that the information used for the determination of the appropriate video content selection process can be easily expanded. An object of the present invention is to provide a video content transmission / reception system and method.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The system described in the present invention includes the following means in order to solve the above problems.
[0012]
First, as a basic configuration, as in the conventional method, a video content distribution server, a video content management server having video content information management and a proper video content selection means for displaying a list of video content that can be viewed on the receiving terminal, and video And a receiving terminal that reproduces and displays to the user.
[0013]
In the present invention, a portable recording medium read / write device for storing in a user viewing data storage medium a video content list that can be viewed on the receiving terminal as a result of an inquiry to the content management server when the video content is viewed for the first time. Give it. It is assumed that the user viewing data storage medium is a portable medium such as a memory card and can be carried independently of the receiving terminal.
[0014]
In addition, the user viewing data storage medium stores list information of receiving terminals owned by the user, video content format information viewable on the receiving terminal, and viewable video content recommendation information shown below. The viewable video content recommendation information includes receiving terminal identification information, video content identification information, viewable video content format information, video content location information, video content playback instruction code, and information indicating the recommended level of this information. It consists of a recommended level and a recommended information valid period indicating the valid period of this information. It is assumed that these pieces of information are stored in a tag type information storage format consisting of a tag name representing the type of information and tag information representing the value of the information.
[0015]
Thus, by providing means for reading and writing the user viewing data storage medium that can be removed and carried at the receiving terminal, the above-described problems can be solved as follows.
[0016]
First, the user registers a list of receiving terminals owned by the user and a list of video contents viewable on each receiving terminal in the user viewing data storage medium.
[0017]
Next, when the user wants to play a certain video content, the receiving terminal is connected to the video content management server only once. At this time, the receiving terminal collectively displays a list of viewable video contents and the location and playback method of the video contents for all the receiving terminal information registered in the user viewing data storage medium. An inquiry is made to the video content management server, and the result is stored in a user viewing data storage medium.
[0018]
Thereafter, when the user changes the receiving terminal (e.g., switching from viewing on the PC to receiving on the TV receiver), the user disconnects the user viewing data storage medium from the previous terminal and inserts it into the new terminal. When the video content is played back on the new receiving terminal, the video content to be viewed on the receiving terminal may be selected from the viewable content list recorded on the user viewing data storage medium. When the video content to be viewed is determined, the location information of the video content and the playback instruction code of the video content are referred to and executed on the receiving terminal.
[0019]
In addition, by using the tag type information storage format as the information storage format used in the user viewing data storage medium, it becomes possible to easily add new types of video content information (such as prices of copyrighted works). .
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the overall configuration of the system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of data storage in the present embodiment. Next, a screen configuration example according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Finally, an example of the processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0021]
First, the overall system configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0022]
In this system, the video content distribution server 110 distributes the video content stored in the video content group 150 to the receiving terminal 130 and other receiving terminals 140 via the video distribution network 152. Also, in this system, video content information such as the storage directory location of the actual video file, the storage file name, and the video recording format of the actual video file is stored in the video content management for the video content stored in the video content group 150. The server 120 manages it.
[0023]
The receiving terminal 130 includes a receiving device 134 that receives video content from the video distribution network 152, a playback device 135 that plays back and displays the received video content on the receiving terminal, an operation panel 132 that inputs a user operation, and the inside of these receiving terminals. And a control device 133 (CPU, memory, etc.) for controlling the device group.
[0024]
The video content management server 120 is accessed via the video management network 151 before the receiving terminal 130 distributes the video content. At the time of this access, the appropriate video content selection means 121 in the video content management server 120 is activated and stored in the user viewing data storage medium 131 in the receiving terminal 130 (hereinafter simply referred to as “memory card 131”). A set of video content information that can be viewed by the user 160 is generated by inputting the viewable video format information and the video format information of the video content group 150 managed by the video content management server.
[0025]
A set of information on the viewable video content obtained as a result is stored in the user viewing data storage medium 131 in the receiving terminal 130. In order to read / write the contents of the user viewing data storage medium 131 in this way, the receiving terminal 130 is provided with a portable recording medium read / write device 136.
[0026]
In this embodiment, the user 160 has a plurality of receiving terminals such as the receiving terminal 130 and the receiving terminal 140. Once the content determination process of FIG. 9 is performed once, the user 160 can store the information in the user viewing data storage medium 131 such as a memory card and carry it. When viewing the video content, the user 160 can view the desired video content by inserting the carried user viewing data storage medium 131 into the receiving terminals 130 and 140.
[0027]
In the conventional method, when viewing video on a receiving terminal or the like, particularly when the receiving terminal wants to receive / view video content in an appropriate format, the receiving terminal needs to connect to the video content management server 120 every time. It was. For this reason, a receiving terminal such as a receiving terminal 140 that is not connected to the bidirectional video management network 151, such as a TV receiver, cannot receive and view video content in an appropriate video format.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is an example of user viewing data stored in the user viewing data storage medium 131 in the receiving terminal.
[0029]
First, as an entry record of user viewing data <UserInfo> 210 exists. this <UserInfo> 210 represents user viewing data for one user. <UserInfo> 210 identifies the user who owns this information <UserID> record 211, managing information of multiple receiving terminals owned by the same user <TerminalList> record 212, which stores video content information adapted to the user for the video content that the user wants to view It consists of a <ContentsList> record 213.
[0030]
List of receiving terminals owned by the user In <TerminalList> 212, receiving terminal information It has a plurality of <Terminal> (230, 235). In this case, the user owns the PC receiving terminal information 230 named “PC1” and the TV receiver named “TV receiver 1”.
[0031]
Receiving terminal information <Terminal> 230 contains the name of the receiving terminal <Name> 231 and a list of video content formats that can be viewed on the receiving terminal It consists of <FormatList> 232. <FormatList> 232 contains format information A plurality of <Format> are stored (233, 234). In this example, video content having an image size of width 320 × height 240 dots and a bit rate band of 500 kbit / sec ( <Format> 233) and video content (width 160 x height 120 dots, etc.) <Format> 234) indicates that viewing is possible on the receiving terminal “PC1”.
[0032]
In addition, The designation “preference =“ 70 ”” accompanying <Format> 233 is the preference value of the user of the format, and indicates the superiority or inferiority when a plurality of format information are arranged side by side as a result of selection of viewable video. It becomes an evaluation value. In this case, 0 indicates “the user is not interested” and 100 indicates “the most interested”.
[0033]
next, <ContentsList> 213 will be described. <ContentsList> 213 stores information regarding video content that the user intends to view from now on. This information description method has one of the characteristics of the present invention. The <ContentsList> 213 does not record general video content information (format, URL) managed by the video content management server 120 as it is, but stores the video content information in a format specialized for the user. Let
[0034]
A method of specialization in the present embodiment will be described below. First <ContentsList> 213 includes user-specific content information corresponding to the number of contents that the user desires to view. <Contents> records 220 and 224 are included. The <Contents> record contains video content identifiers <ContentsID> 221 and the information on the video content that can be viewed for this user There is <AvailabilityList> 222. <AvailabilityList> contains content information that can be viewed by the user It has a plurality of <Availability> (240, 248).
[0035]
<Availablity> indicates which receiving terminal is specialized information <Terminal> 243, format information of the actual video file of the video content <Format> 244, actual video file location <URL> 245, screen construction code that shows how to watch the video <Code> 246 and the like. Generally, there are multiple actual video files recorded in various formats for each video content. There will be an <Availability> record.
[0036]
Screen construction code The reason why <Code> 246 is stored in advance is that screen construction codes generally differ depending on the combination of (receiving terminal, video format, acquisition location URL). In the conventional method, it is only necessary to inquire the video content management server 120 about the screen construction method every time. However, in the case of a receiving terminal that cannot access the video content management server 120 such as a TV receiver, this cannot be performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the screen construction code A <Code> record 246 is prepared.
[0037]
Finally, <Availability> includes multiple Preference value preference 241 used by the user to indicate the priority when <Availability> is aligned, and its The validity period valid 242 of the <Availability> record is recorded. The reason why there is an expiration date valid 242 is that the information of the video content managed by the video content management server 120 is updated daily, so that the content of the user viewing data in the user viewing data storage medium 131 becomes old and is updated as appropriate. This is necessary.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, all of the user viewing data is stored in the tag type information storage format XML standardized by W3C. By using XML, new video content information can be added.
[0039]
For example, <UserInfo> 210 shows the genre of the content that the user likes It becomes easy to add <PrefGenre> and register "movies" and "sports". When the user information is sent to the appropriate video content selection means 121 of the video content management server 120, these additional tag information is also sent, so that when the appropriate video content is selected, the content such as “child animation” that the user does not want can be obtained. It can also be eliminated in advance.
[0040]
From here, FIG. 3 to FIG. 7 will be used to explain an embodiment of the user operation screen of the present invention.
[0041]
FIG. 3 shows a user operation screen 310 for editing user viewing data (FIG. 2) recorded in the user viewing data storage medium 131 (hereinafter referred to as a memory card 131).
[0042]
The user viewing data editing screen 310 is a PC screen. Normally, receiving terminals such as PCs and TV receivers have different screen sizes and display functions, and therefore need to prepare different screen layouts.
[0043]
On the user viewing data editing screen 310, an area 311 for displaying / inputting the user identification name, an area 313 for displaying / inputting the name of the receiving terminal, and a list of formats that can be viewed on the receiving terminal are displayed / input. 314, a terminal information automatic reading button 315 for reading the information of the viewable format list 314 from the current receiving terminal and reflecting it on the screen, and a registration for saving the editing result of these user viewing data in the memory card 131 It includes a button 317 and a read button 318 for reading user viewing data currently stored in the memory card 131 and reflecting it on the screen.
[0044]
The general usage of this screen is as follows. First, when the user first views video content according to this embodiment, a single memory card 131 is handed over.
[0045]
The user inputs his / her user name to the memory card 131 on the screen 310 of FIG. In addition, the user inputs a plurality of pieces of format information viewable on the receiving terminal into the viewable format input area 314 on the receiving terminal. At this time, such a list of formats that can be viewed is stored in advance in the receiving terminal, and the terminal information automatic reading button 315 can be pushed to be reflected in the viewable format input area 314. .
[0046]
The user inserts the memory card 131 into all terminals owned by the user and stores similar viewable format information. Through these operations, information on all receiving terminals owned by the user is registered in the memory card 131 in advance.
[0047]
Thereafter, the operation on the content selection / viewing screen shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is performed. In this content selection / viewing screen operation, when viewing of one content is selected on the screen, when the video content management server 120 is inquired, the specific viewing of the selected video content is performed for all receiving terminals held by the user. The method (Fig. 2 (Availability> 240 format) and will be recorded on the memory card 131.
[0048]
FIG. 4 is a video content selection screen 400 in the present embodiment.
[0049]
The video content selection screen 400 is a screen for a PC that can always be connected to the Internet. The video content selection screen 400 displays the latest popular movie top 100 (412). This screen is constructed based on information obtained through Internet movie information sites.
[0050]
In the video content selection screen 400, the name of the owner of the memory card 131 currently inserted in the receiver (see FIG. 2). <UserID> 211) is displayed in the area 411. When the user clicks a title character such as “Scary Ring” or “Imaichi White Out” in the video content list 412, the video content is reproduced. Actually, when the title character is clicked, it connects to the video content management server 120 on the Internet, an appropriate actual video file is selected for the PC receiving terminal, and the actual video file is distributed by the video content distribution server 110.
[0051]
In this embodiment, at the time of this connection, not only the information on the video content appropriate for the PC receiving terminal but also the information on the video content appropriate for the TV receiver which is another receiving terminal owned by the user. The determination is made at the same time, and the result is recorded on the memory card 131.
[0052]
FIG. 5 shows a video content selection screen 500 for the TV receiver. In this selection screen 500, three program video content names are displayed as the TV program guide for this week (511 to 513). When the corresponding number is pressed with the TV remote controller, the video content can be viewed. In this selection screen, the owner name display area 530 and the information of the video content already registered in the memory card 131 for the currently used memory card 131 and “◎” / unregistered “×” type are displayed. There are mark display fields (521 to 523).
[0053]
When video content marked with “◎” is selected on the TV content selection screen 500, first, a list of formats that can be viewed on the corresponding content recorded in the memory card 131 ( Select an appropriate video format for this TV receiver from <AvailabilityList> 222) <Availability> 248) and the URL of the actual video file recorded there ( <URL>) and screen construction code ( Based on <Code>), the video content is played back.
[0054]
When a video content displayed as “x” such as “NHK Tiger Drama” is selected from the content selection screen 500 for TV, a reproduction impossible message screen 600 of FIG. 6 is displayed. On this screen 600, a name 610 of a target video content, a reproduction impossible message 611, user response buttons 621 and 622, and a memory card owner name 630 are displayed.
[0055]
In the case of a receiving terminal that does not have an Internet bidirectional line, such as a TV receiver, it is impossible to connect to the video content management server 120. For this reason, if information is not recorded in the memory card 131, an appropriate content cannot be selected, and this is notified to the user. However, since the program guide data broadcast from the broadcast station usually includes simple content information, it is possible to barely view the video. Nonetheless, for example, various types of TV receivers such as wide TVs, old 4: 3 TVs, and analog high-definition TVs cannot be viewed in the most appropriate video format.
[0056]
FIG. 7 shows a confirmation screen 700 before reproduction of video content on the mobile phone.
[0057]
The pre-reproduction confirmation screen 700 is a screen that appears when starting to view the video content “scary ring” selected on the previous content selection page. In the case of this screen example, the memory card 131 inserted in the mobile phone stores information on a video content viewable format “scary ring” (FIG. 2). <Availability>) indicates that two cases have been registered (711, 712). This mobile phone is provided with a high-speed line connection mode of up to 384 kbit / s and a normal low-speed line connection mode of 64 kbit / s, and two types of video content, 384 kbit / s and 64 kbit / s, are provided. When a video file exists, such a display result is obtained.
[0058]
In this case, two The <Availability> information defines the screen so that it is displayed in the pre-reproduction confirmation screen 700 as the descending order of the preference value of the information. Usually, since a high-speed line such as 384 kbit / sec has a high connection fee, it is possible in the present invention to improve usability by reducing the user's connection fee by giving the user options in advance.
[0059]
In addition, a “search more” button 714 is also added to the pre-reproduction confirmation screen 700. In the case of a mobile phone, since the Internet connection is easy, the appropriate video content selection means 121 of the video content management server 120 can be called. However, the Internet connection fee for mobile phones is relatively high, and as a user it is better to avoid extra Internet connections as much as possible. However, video content information recorded on the memory card 131 is often old information. For this reason, a “search more” button 714 is provided on the pre-play confirmation screen 700 so that the user can select whether or not to connect to the Internet depending on the mood of the user, thereby improving user convenience. I am trying.
[0060]
From here on, an embodiment of the processing method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0061]
FIG. 8 shows a processing method of the user viewing data editing screen 310 of FIG.
[0062]
First, after the screen display is performed, the memory card 131 is opened for editing (810). At this time, the information in the memory card 131 is transferred to the temporary editing memory, and the editing operation is performed in the temporary editing memory while the screen 310 is being operated. Next, a user operation is performed (811). When the user name 311 is input, the user name is changed as shown in FIG. It is stored in <UserID> record 211 (821). When the viewable format information 314 of the viewing terminal is input, the receiving terminal name 313 is set. <Terminal> 230 <Name> 231 (831) and viewable format 314 <FormatList> 232 <Format> 233 and 234 are collectively recorded (832). In addition, when the “terminal information automatic reading” button 315 is selected on the operation screen, information on the viewable format of the receiving terminal stored in advance in the receiving terminal is displayed. Store in <Terminal> 230 (841).
[0063]
When the “Register to Memory Card” button 317 is selected, the information in the temporary memory for editing is saved in the memory card, and the memory card is closed (842). When the “read memory card” button 318 is selected, the contents of the memory card 131 are transferred again to the temporary memory for editing, and the screen 310 is displayed again based on the transferred value.
[0064]
FIG. 9 shows the processing at the time of content determination. This process is started when the user selects one video content on the content selection screen shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.
[0065]
Prior to the execution of this process, when a content is selected on the content selection screens 400 and 500, a content ID (identifier) needs to be determined. This content ID is a value determined by the content creator when the video content is produced. In addition, when the content selection screens 400 and 500 producing the content name in the content list are selected, the screen is constructed so that the corresponding content ID is determined. For example, as an HTML CGI call type link, <a href=”Processing when content is determined CGI? ContentsID=XXXXXX”> Video content name </a> ”, it is possible to deliver the content ID corresponding to the video content name to the process as shown in FIG.
[0066]
When the content ID is determined, the memory card 131 is opened in the read / write mode (910). Next, the specified content ID is stored in the memory card. <ContentsList> 213 <Contents> 220 It is checked whether it exists as <ContentsID> 221 (920). If this exists, its The <Contents> record is selected as a future processing target (921). If this doesn't exist, Generate a <Contents> record, Store the current content ID in <ContentsID> It adds to <ContentsList> 213 (922).
[0067]
next, Receiving terminal information recorded in <TerminalList> 212 A loop is performed for the number of <Terminal>, and an appropriate video content information list for the content ID is created (930). In loop 930, first, the content ID and the receiving terminal information currently selected in the loop The information of <Terminal> is transmitted to the appropriate video content selection means 121 of the video content management server 120, and the selection of the appropriate video content related to the received receiving terminal information is requested (931. Detailed processing is shown in FIG. 11). The result of processing 931 is It will be returned as a list of <Availability> 240. Of the <Contents> record It is added to <AvailabilityList> (932).
[0068]
At this time, The format information is exactly the same as <AvailabilityList> If <Availability> information has already been registered, the information with the new valid value is left, and the other information is discarded. As a result, every time an attempt is made to access video content in the process of FIG. <Availability> information is updated to the latest contents. When the loop 930 is completed, the change information is stored in the memory card (940).
[0069]
FIG. 10 shows the processing at the start of content reproduction.
[0070]
Also in this process, the content ID is determined as a pre-process as in the process of FIG. First, the memory card 131 is opened in the read / write mode (1010). Next, the specified content ID is stored in the memory card. <ContentsList> 213 <Contents> 220 It is checked whether it exists as <ContentsID> 221 (1011). If this exists, its Of the <Contents> record All in <AvailabilityList><Availability> is selected as a future processing target (1030). If this doesn't exist, <Availability> is processed as 0 (1031).
[0071]
Then all selected A loop is performed on the <Availability> record, and an expiration date is checked (1012). In the loop, the current date and time are compared with the valid period indicated by the valid attribute value (1041). The <Availability> record is deleted (1042). As a result of loop 1012 When there are no <Availability> records, the video content connection management server reconnection screen is displayed. Specifically, in the case of a TV receiver, the reproduction impossible message screen of FIG. 6 is displayed, and in the case of a mobile phone or the like, the “search more” button 714 of FIG. 7 and a message such as “content not found” are combined. Display the screen.
[0072]
Then left A loop is performed on the <Availability> record, and only information suitable for the current receiving terminal is extracted (1014). In this loop 1014, the identifier of the receiving terminal currently in use and the currently selected in the loop <Availability><Terminal> record 243 is compared (1061). <Availability> Selected in the current loop in the final result list The content of <Availability> is added (1062).
[0073]
Then created in loop 1014 <Availability> The final result list is presented to the user (1015). For example, a pre-reproduction confirmation screen 700 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Then to the user The <Availabitlity> record is selected (1016). next Screen construction of <Availabitlity> A viewing screen is constructed using <Code> (1017). For example, in the case of a PC screen, the following HTML document is It may be stored in the <Code> record and displayed on a Web browser.
[0074]

Here, the clsid item is a program type determination fixed code defined in advance in the video playback program on the Web browser. The value value of the parameter “url” may indicate the actual video file name corresponding to the specified format of the specified video content.
[0075]
In the case of a TV receiver or the like, for example, a TV receiver internal program code (such as JavaScript) for changing a TV channel may be designated and executed by the control device 133 inside the TV receiver. By writing such a code, video content of a specific URL can be received from the video content distribution server 110. In addition, such Besides using <Code>, simply <Availability> If the <URL> record 245 is designated as a video playback program on a Web browser, video content can be viewed. Building a viewing screen that uses <URL> is easy to implement. It is difficult to build a finer screen than the viewing screen realized with <Code>.
[0076]
FIG. 11 shows the processing of the appropriate video content selection unit 121 of the video content management server 120. This process is called from the receiving terminal 130 in the content determination process of FIG.
[0077]
The input of this processing is the content ID delivered from the receiving terminal 130 and the receiving terminal information. <Terminal> 230. The output of this process is It is a list of <Availability> 240.
[0078]
First, an actual video file corresponding to the designated content ID is searched (1110).
[0079]
For example, it may be performed as follows. In the video content management server, a set of (video content content ID, actual video file storage destination URL, actual video file format information) is managed as a relational database table, and addition / deletion of video content, actual video file, etc. The relational database is updated at the timing. In this case, there may exist actual video files recorded in a plurality of different video formats for one video content (that is, content ID). In this way, real video file information can be acquired based on the content ID.
[0080]
Next, a loop is performed on the acquired plurality of actual video files (1111). In addition, the receiving terminal information passed as input by nesting All of <Terminal> Loop for <Format> record (1120).
[0081]
In the 1120 loop, the proper format is determined. First, it is checked whether the image size is appropriate (1131). Specifically, the receiving terminal <Format> It is appropriate if the screen size (width / height) of <Frame> is larger than the width / height of the actual video file. If it is inappropriate, the processing after this 1131 is interrupted and the processing returns to the top of the loop 1120 (1132). Similarly, it is checked whether the bit rate of the receiving terminal is higher than the bit rate of the actual video file (1133). If not (if inappropriate), the processing is interrupted and the process returns to the top of the loop 1120 (1134). ). (Note: The processing from 1151 to 1154 will be described later).
[0082]
As a result of the above processing, if the actual video file is in the proper format, the actual video file information is updated Created as <Availability> record (1135). In particular, <Availability><Terminal> record with input information <Terminal> Set <Name> Set the format information of the actual video file in <Format> Set the storage URL of the actual video file in <URL> In <Code>, generate and set a text that includes the current actual video file information (URL, etc.) in the template execution code that has been determined for each terminal in advance.
[0083]
In addition, the preference value includes the receiving terminal that is the input information. Just set the <Format> preference value as it is, and set the valid value to a period of about two weeks starting from the current date and time. Finally created this An <Availability> record is added to the result list as output information of this processing (1136).
[0084]
After loop 1111 the result was The list of <Availability> is returned to the call processing side as output information of this processing.
[0085]
In the present embodiment, XML is used as a tag-type information storage format that can be easily expanded in the information description of video content. For this reason, it becomes easy to newly add new information such as genre information of video content. For example, when adding processing to determine whether the genre of video content is appropriate, first add tags <PrefGenre> is prepared, and genre information is described in each of the receiving terminal 130 and the video content information.
[0086]
For this determination, processing 1151 to 1154 may be added after the bit rate appropriateness determination in processing 1133. First, the presence / absence of an additional tag is determined (1151). If there is an additional tag, a determination process prepared in advance for each type of additional tag is called (1152). In this case, regarding the additional tag “PrefGenre”, the genre value such as “sport” sent from the receiving terminal 130 is compared with the genre value “movie” of the video content, and the genre is appropriate if they match. The determination process may be registered in advance in the video content management server in the form of a plug-in function or the like. After that, the result of the suitability determination of the additional tag is seen (1153), and if not, the process is returned to the top of the loop 1120 (1154). Thereby, the processing of the additional tag becomes possible.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
By using the present invention, the following effects can be expected.
[0088]
First, even a TV receiving terminal that cannot be connected to the video content management server can view video content in an appropriate video format. In addition, the number of connections and connection charges for connecting to the video content management server can be greatly reduced. Further, as a secondary effect, it is possible to manage all the information of the receiving terminal owned by the user and the video content that the user wants to view in a single memory card, thereby facilitating personal data management. .
[0089]
Secondly, the video content information used for terminal adaptation determination can be expanded later. For example, not only the image size and bit rate of video but also the content genre that is closer to the user's taste can be used to deliver video content appropriate for the user's mood for the day.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows the overall system configuration of the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an example of user viewing data.
FIG. 3 is a user operation screen for editing user viewing data.
FIG. 4 is a selection screen for PC video content.
FIG. 5 is a video content selection screen for a TV receiver.
FIG. 6 is a message screen that cannot be played.
FIG. 7 is a confirmation screen before playing video content on a mobile phone.
FIG. 8 is a process of a viewing data editing screen.
FIG. 9 is a process at the time of content determination.
FIG. 10 is a process at the start of content reproduction.
FIG. 11 shows processing when selecting appropriate video content.
[Explanation of symbols]
110 ... Video content distribution server, 120 ... Video content management server, 130 ... Receiving terminal, 131 ... User viewing data storage medium, 150 ... User
210: User viewing data, 310: User operation screen for editing user viewing data, 400: Video content selection screen

Claims (5)

A terminal-adaptive video content transmission / reception system including a video content management server that manages video content information, a receiving terminal that receives video, and a video content distribution server that distributes video content;
The receiving terminal stores user viewing data including proper receivability information representing video content information receivable by the receiving terminal and an expiration date of the information as a list of tag type and tag value pairs. A portable recording medium read / write device for reading and writing a user viewing data storage medium;
The video content management server acquires information of video content the video content management server manages, the user viewing that via the portable recording medium reading and writing apparatus in the receiving terminal on the user viewing data storage medium A terminal having proper video content selection means for acquiring data and comparing the identifier of the receiving terminal and the identifier of the receiving terminal included in the appropriate receivability information to select the appropriate receivability information Adaptive video content transmission / reception system. In a video transmission / reception method in a terminal adaptive video content transmission / reception system including a video content management server that manages video content information, a reception terminal that receives video, and a video content distribution server that distributes video content,
The receiving terminal receives user viewing data configured as a set of proper receivability information representing video content information that can be received by the receiving terminal and an expiration date of the information according to a list of tag type and tag value sets. In the format, read from the user viewing data storage medium,
The video content management server
Information on video content managed by the video content management server and user viewing data on a user viewing data storage medium in the receiving terminal;
Comparing the identifier of the receiving terminal and the identifier of the receiving terminal included in the appropriate receivability information to select the appropriate receivability information;
Recording the selected appropriate reception possibility information in a user viewing data storage medium of the receiving terminal;
A terminal-adaptive video content transmission / reception method , wherein video content reproduction processing at the receiving terminal is performed based on the appropriate receivability information. The terminal adaptive video content transmission / reception system according to claim 1,
The terminal-adaptive video content transmission / reception system, wherein the receiving terminal has means for presenting to a user whether or not video content information is recorded in the user viewing data storage medium. The terminal adaptive video content transmission / reception system according to claim 1,
The terminal adaptive video content transmission / reception system, wherein the receiving terminal has means for displaying a list of user viewing data recorded on the user viewing data storage medium. The terminal adaptive video content transmission / reception system according to claim 1,
The receiving terminal has a means for presenting a user with another method of obtaining video content information when the video content information is not recorded in the user viewing data storage medium. system.

Images