JP3892973B2 - Program selection device and program selection system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a program selection device for searching and selecting a program based on program information, a program selection method, a recording medium on which a program selection program is recorded, and a program selection system (hereinafter referred to as “program selection device or the like”). In particular, the present invention relates to a program selection device or the like for searching and selecting a program suitable for a user's preference.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of satellite broadcasting and cable television broadcasting, the number of programs such as television and radio that can be viewed by users has been increasing. However, in spite of the increase in the number of programs, the current situation is that the method for searching and selecting a program that the viewer wants to view has not been improved so much. Viewers select the program that they want to view from a large number of programs on the “paper” media, such as TV / radio programs in newspapers and specialized information magazines, and check the broadcast date, time, and channels. Is doing. Alternatively, a program selection device may be used. JP-A-7-303216 discloses a program selection apparatus that has channel information and broadcast time information for each program, searches for a corresponding program when a viewer designates a keyword, and automatically performs a reservation operation such as program recording. It is disclosed in the publication.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described work has become extremely troublesome and difficult for viewers as the number of programs increases. When a conventional program selection device is used, the search function is based on a predetermined keyword without considering the user's preference, and information displayed on the screen at one time is “paper”. Because there is no consideration for very little compared to “according to” media, it is difficult to efficiently search and select programs that match user preferences.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a program selection device that efficiently searches for and selects a program that matches a user's preference.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The program selection device according to the present invention is a device for selecting a program, and retains display means and a plurality of program information representing the contents of each program of a certain amount of programs as a plurality of program attributes including a program name. Program information holding means; viewing history holding means for holding the viewing history of the program by accumulating the viewing frequency for each program attribute of the viewed program; and the program based on the viewing history held in the viewing history holding means And display control means for causing the display means to display the program information held in the information holding means.
[0006]
Thereby, based on the viewing frequency of the user, when the user selects a program, it is possible to display program attributes that match the user's preference.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Embodiment 1)
In the first embodiment, a device for displaying a message related to a back program will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of Embodiment 1 of the program selection device according to the present invention.
[0008]
This apparatus includes a program attribute holding unit 101, a program attribute acquisition unit 102, a program table generation unit 103, a display unit 104, an input unit 105, a program selection unit 106, a viewing program extraction unit 107, a viewing history holding unit 108, and a viewing frequency extraction. Unit 109, viewing frequency holding unit 110, program attribute extraction unit 111, and link generation unit 112.
The program attribute holding unit 101 holds program attributes for each program. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of program attributes for each broadcasting station. Here, the program attribute refers to information (broadcast start date / time, program name, content, performer, genre, link) representing the detailed contents of the program as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the broadcast start date / time, program name, content, performer, and genre are sent in advance from the broadcast station, and the link is generated by the link generation unit 112. For example, information representing program attributes as shown in FIG.
[0009]
The program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires from the program attribute holding unit 101 the program attribute of the time including the time specified by the program guide display request from the program guide generation unit 103. For example, information representing the program attributes 201, 202, and 203 in FIG. 2 is acquired.
When the user inputs a program search, the program guide generation unit 103 determines the amount of information to be displayed based on the size of the display area of the display unit 104 based on the input from the input unit 105, and acquires program attributes. A program guide is generated from the program attributes acquired by the unit 102 and displayed on the display unit 104. Further, when the user inputs a program selection, the display of the program selected by the user is emphasized upon receiving a notification from the program selection unit 106. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a program guide. For example, a program guide is generated from information for two channels that can be displayed on a television screen as shown in program attributes 201 and 202 in FIG. 2, converted into an image signal, and output to the television. Further, as shown by 306 in FIG. 3, the display of the selected program “one child 50” is highlighted. Here, 301 is a date display section, 302 is a time display section, 303 is a program attribute display section, 304 is a link information display section, 305 is a scroll icon display section, 306 is a selected program, 307 is a channel display section, 308 is a program name display unit, 309 is a content display unit, and 310 is a performer display unit. As shown in FIG. 2 (b) 204, seven performers of the program “Kayo Best Sen” are held, but the display area of the performer display unit 310 is limited, so it is limited to four performers. it's shown.
[0010]
Further, the program guide generation unit 103 searches the program attribute acquisition unit 102 for link information of all programs broadcast in the same time zone as the processed program, and detects the link information when there is link information. Then, a message including the program attribute in the detected link information is displayed. For example, link information including the program attribute “Hiromi Yamazaki” is detected, and a message “There is a program that appears in Hiromi Yamazaki in the back program” is displayed.
[0011]
The display unit 104 displays the program guide generated by the program guide generation unit 103. For example, a program guide as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the television screen.
The input unit 105 is for the user to perform operations such as program search and program selection. For example, when the user presses a button on the infrared remote controller, the channel, time, etc., and program search and selection are input.
[0012]
The program selection unit 106 performs processing such as actually receiving the program selected by the user, making a reservation for reception, or making a reservation for recording when there is an input of program selection by the user. To notify the program guide generation unit 103 of the processing. For example, when the user presses a button on the infrared remote controller, as shown in 306 in FIG. 3, a reservation is made to receive the program “one child 50” of the program guide displayed on the TV screen, and the program guide generator 103 Notify
[0013]
The viewing program extraction unit 107 extracts the program attribute of the program viewed from the program attribute holding unit 101. For example, when the program “lonely child” of 13:45 on January 10 is viewed, program attributes as shown at 204 in FIG. 2A are extracted.
The viewing history holding unit 108 holds the viewing history as a viewing history table by sequentially holding the program attributes for each program extracted by the viewing program extracting unit 107. Here, the viewing history refers to a history of program attributes and channels excluding links of viewed programs. FIG. 4 shows a viewing history table. For example, an actually viewed program is stored in the hard disk as information representing a viewing history table as shown in FIG.
[0014]
The viewing frequency extraction unit 109 sequentially reads program attributes from the viewing history table, and extracts the viewing frequency by integrating the number of times of reading for each program attribute. FIG. 5 shows a viewing frequency table. For example, the viewing frequency as shown in FIG. 5 is extracted by sequentially reading the program attributes from the information representing the viewing history table as shown in FIG. 4 and integrating the number of times of reading for each program attribute.
[0015]
The viewing frequency holding unit 110 holds the viewing frequency extracted by the viewing frequency extraction unit 109 as a viewing frequency table. For example, information representing a viewing frequency table as shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the hard disk.
The program attribute extraction unit 111 extracts a program attribute having a viewing frequency equal to or higher than a preset numerical value from the viewing frequency holding unit 110. For example, if the preset numerical value is 3, the program attribute of the performer 501 “Hiromi Yamazaki” whose viewing frequency is 3 or more is extracted from the viewing frequency table of FIG.
[0016]
The link generation unit 112 detects a program sharing the program attribute extracted from the program attribute holding unit 101 by the program attribute extraction unit 111, and generates a link for the program attribute for each program. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101. For example, the program 601 “lonely child”, the program 602 “lonely child”, the program 603 “kayo bestsen” and the program 604 “piano lecture” in FIG. Link 605, 606, 607 and 608 are generated, and the data is stored in the hard disk of the program attribute holding unit 101.
[0017]
Next, the detailed operation of this apparatus will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the first embodiment.
Here, a program guide display operation before link generation will be described with reference to FIG.
Consider a case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 2 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101.
[0018]
First, when a user inputs a channel and time using the input unit 105, a program guide display request is generated. For example, when the user inputs 7 am on January 10 of the MHK general (CH1) shown in FIG. 2A, a program table display request is generated (step 701).
Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attributes of the programs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on January 10 of all broadcast stations from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes them to the program table generation unit 103 (steps). 702).
[0019]
Next, the program guide generation unit 103 determines the amount of information to be displayed from the size of the display area of the display unit 104, generates a program guide, and displays it on the display unit 104. Here, a program table is generated from the program attributes for two channels that can be displayed by the program table generating unit 103, 201 in FIG. 2A and 202 in FIG. 2B, and displayed on the display unit 104 (step 703).
[0020]
Next, when the user selects a program displayed on the display unit 104 using the input unit 105, a program selection request is generated. For example, a program selection request is generated when the user selects a program “one child 50” at 8:45 am on January 10 of MHK General (CH1) (step 704).
Next, the program selection unit 106 processes one of the programs, and notifies the program guide generation unit 103 of it. In response to this, the program guide generation unit 103 emphasizes the display of the program. FIG. 3 shows the program table generated here. Here, the program selection unit 106 makes a reservation to receive the program “one child”, and the program guide generation unit 103 emphasizes the display of the program “one child 50” as indicated by 306 in FIG. 3 (step 705).
[0021]
Next, the program guide generation unit 103 searches the program attribute acquisition unit 102 for link information of all programs broadcast in the same time zone as the processed program, and if there is no link information, displays a message. The operation is terminated. Here, since there is no link information, the message display is not executed and the operation is terminated (step 706).
Note that no message is displayed before link generation (step S707).
[0022]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for link generation.
Here, the link generation operation will be described with reference to FIG.
First, assume that a certain program is actually viewed. Here, it is assumed that the program “one child” shown at 204 in FIG. 2A is viewed (step 801).
Next, the viewing program extraction unit 107 extracts the program attribute of the program viewed from the program attribute holding unit 101. Here, program attributes as shown at 204 in FIG. 2A are extracted (step 802).
[0023]
Next, the viewing history holding unit 108 holds the viewing history as a viewing history table by sequentially holding the extracted program attributes for each program. Here, the viewing history of the program “Ichikko” is held in the viewing history table (step 803). FIG. 9 is a view showing a viewing history table before viewing the program “Alone Child”, and FIG. 4 is a view showing a viewing history table after viewing the program “Alone Child”.
[0024]
Next, the viewing frequency extraction unit 109 sequentially reads program attributes from the viewing history table, extracts the viewing frequency by accumulating the number of times of reading for each program attribute, and the viewing frequency holding unit 110 holds the viewing frequency table. Here, the viewing frequency is extracted from the viewing history table of FIG. 4 and held (step 804). FIG. 10 is a view showing a viewing frequency table before viewing the program “Alone Child”, and FIG. 5 is a view showing a viewing frequency table after viewing the program “Alone Child”. The viewing frequency table of FIG. 10 is extracted from the viewing history table shown in FIG. 9, and the viewing frequency table of FIG. 5 is extracted from the viewing history table of FIG.
[0025]
Next, the program attribute extraction unit 111 extracts a program attribute having a viewing frequency equal to or higher than a preset numerical value from the viewing frequency holding unit 110. If there is no corresponding program attribute, the operation is terminated without doing anything. Here, if the preset numerical value is 3, the program attribute of the performer 501 “Hiromi Yamazaki” whose viewing frequency is 3 or more is extracted from the viewing frequency table of FIG. 5 (steps 805 and 806).
[0026]
Next, the link generation unit 112 searches for a program that shares the program attribute extracted from the program attribute holding unit 101 by the program attribute extraction unit 111, and generates a link in the program attribute group of the program. Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101 after the link is generated. Here, the program 601 “lonely child”, program 602 “lonely child”, program 603 “single song bestsen” and program 604 “piano lecture” of FIG. Links 605, 606, 607 and 608 are generated in the program attribute group (step 807).
[0027]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101 after generating the above link of the user who likes the program “one child”.
Here, the format of the link information is defined as follows.
<Program attribute item that caused the link> Its attribute value ( <Program attribute item “program name” indicating the program name of the first link destination><Program attribute item “broadcast start date and time” for specifying the first linked program> Broadcast start date and time <Program attribute item “channel” for specifying the first linked program> The channel,... <Program attribute item “program name” indicating the program name of the nth link destination> The program name <Program attribute item “broadcast start date and time” for specifying the nth link destination program> broadcast start date and time <Program attribute item “channel” for specifying the nth linked program> that channel)
For example, “Hiromi Yamazaki (605) in FIG. <Program name> Kayo Bestsen <Channel> CH2, <Program name> Piano course <Broadcast start date> 1/24 13:00 <Channel> CH3, <Program name> alone child) ”is a link destination that shares the program attribute value“ Hiromi Yamazaki ”of the program attribute item“ performer ”, and“ Kayo Best Sen ”of the first program attribute item“ program name ” The program name “CH2” of the first program attribute item “Channel”, the program name “Piano Course” of the second program attribute item “Program Name”, and “Broadcast Start Date” Broadcast start date / time “1/24 13:00” in the second program attribute item, channel “CH3” in the second program attribute item “channel”, and third program attribute item “program name” It shows that there is a program name of "only child". In this example, “broadcast start date” is omitted only when no limitation is required, and “channel” is omitted only when the same broadcast station is used. Therefore, the program name “lonely child” of the third program attribute item represents two programs of the program 601 “lonely child” and the program 602 “lonely child”.
[0028]
Next, the program guide display operation after link generation will be described with reference to FIG.
Consider a case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101.
First, when a user inputs a channel and time using the input unit 105, a program guide display request is generated. For example, when the user inputs 7:00 am on January 17 of the XYZ television (CH2) shown in FIG. 6B, a program table display request is generated (step 701).
[0029]
Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attributes of the programs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on January 17 of all the broadcasting stations from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes them to the program table generation unit 103 (steps). 702).
[0030]
Next, the program guide generation unit 103 determines the amount of information to be displayed from the size of the display area of the display unit 104, generates a program guide, and displays it on the display unit 104. Here, a program table is generated from the program attributes for two channels that can be displayed by the program table generating unit 103, 610 in FIG. 6B and 611 in FIG. 6C, and displayed on the display unit 104 (step 703).
[0031]
Next, when the user selects a program displayed on the display unit 104 using the input unit 105, a program selection request is generated. For example, a program selection request is generated when the user selects the program “Continuous Drama“ Saiyuki ”” on January 17th at 8:10 am on XYZ TV (CH2) (step 704).
Next, the program selection unit 106 processes one of the programs, and notifies the program table generation unit 103 of it. In response to this, the program guide generation unit 103 emphasizes the display of the program. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed by the above procedure. Here, the program selection unit 106 makes a reservation to receive the program “continuous drama“ Nishiyuki ””, and the program table generation unit 103 displays the program “continuous drama“ Nishiyuki ”” as shown at 1201 in FIG. Is emphasized (step 705).
[0032]
Next, the program guide generation unit 103 searches the program attribute acquisition unit 102 for link information of all the programs broadcast in the same time zone as the processed program, and if there is link information, displays a message. go to. Here, the broadcast date and time of the program “Continuous Drama“ Nishiyuki ”” is searched, the link information of all programs broadcast from 8:10 am to 9:00 am on January 17, and there is link information, so there is a message Is displayed (step S706).
[0033]
If there is link information, the link information is detected, and a message including the program attribute in the detected link information is displayed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed by the above procedure. Here, the link 605 in FIG. 6A is detected, and a message 1301 in FIG. 13 “There is a program that appears in Hiromi Yamazaki in the back program” is displayed (step S707).
[0034]
In the present embodiment, only the message is displayed, but the corresponding back program may be automatically reserved.
Further, in the present embodiment, the link is generated only when the viewing frequency is 3 or more. However, the processing may be performed in the order of the viewing frequency, or the link is generated for each viewing frequency. Also good.
[0035]
Moreover, although the link was produced | generated in this Embodiment, the said process may be performed without mediating this link, and a link may be produced | generated as needed.
In this embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program. However, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. May be.
[0036]
The program selection apparatus described above is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program, and the program is stored in a storage medium and provided.
(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, an apparatus for displaying program attributes in order of priority and viewing frequency will be described.
[0037]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention.
Since there are many parts similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, only the differences will be described.
The program guide generation unit 103 generates a program guide by using the viewing frequency and the buffer 113 of the viewing frequency holding unit 110 as well as the program attributes acquired by the program attribute acquisition unit 102. For example, a program table is generated from information for two channels that can be displayed on a television screen as shown in program attributes 610 and 611 in FIG. 6 and a viewing frequency as shown in FIG. Output. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed at this time. As shown by 609 in FIG. 6, seven performers of the program “Kayo Best Sen” are held, but since the display area of the performer display unit 1501 is limited, the buffer 113 is used, The program attribute “Hiromi Yamazaki” is found from the link 607 and rearranged for priority display, and the remaining six performers are rearranged in the descending order of viewing frequency shown in FIG. 5 and only the top four are displayed. .
[0038]
The buffer 113 is a buffer for temporarily storing data when the program guide generation unit 103 generates a program guide. For example, it is used to rearrange seven performers of the program “Kayo Best Sen” in descending order of viewing frequency.
Next, the detailed operation of this apparatus will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of program attributes for each broadcasting station. Here, it is assumed that the broadcast start date / time, program name, content, performer, and genre have been sent from the broadcast station in advance, and the link is created in the first embodiment.
[0039]
Consider the case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101 and the viewing frequency of the viewing frequency holding unit 110 is as shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the second embodiment.
First, when a user inputs a channel and time using the input unit 105, a program guide display request is generated. For example, when the user inputs 7:00 am on January 17 of the XYZ television (CH2) shown in FIG. 6A, a program table display request is generated (step 1601).
[0040]
Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attributes of programs from 7 am to 9 am on January 17 of all broadcast stations from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes them to the program table generation unit 103 (steps). 1602).
[0041]
Next, when all the program attributes of the program can be displayed in the display area of one program, the program guide generation unit 103 goes to the end determination without performing the process of generating the program guide in order of viewing frequency. Here, as an example of the process, a process for the program attribute “performer” related to the program “Kayo Best Sen” will be described. In the display area of the program “Kayo Best Sen”, it is assumed that four lines can be displayed in one line as the program name, two lines as the contents, and four lines as the performers. On the other hand, as shown by 609 in FIG. 6B, since seven performers of the program “Kayo Best Sen” are held, it is determined that not all performers can be displayed (step 1603).
[0042]
If all the program attributes of the program cannot be displayed in the display area of one program, it is determined whether the program being processed has link information. If there is no link information, no processing based on link information is performed. Here, since the link information indicated by reference numeral 607 in FIG. 6B is held, processing based on the link information is performed (step 1604).
[0043]
When the link information is included, the program attribute causing the link included in the link information is stored in the buffer 113. Here, the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki” is obtained from the link information of the program “Kayo Best Sen” shown at 607 in FIG. 6B and stored in the buffer 113 (step 1605).
Next, with reference to the viewing frequency table, the program attributes are rearranged in the order of viewing frequency to generate a program table and store it in the buffer 113. Here, with reference to the viewing frequency table of FIG. 5, three people who can be displayed excluding the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”, performer “POKIO” (viewing frequency 2), performer “Seiko Umeda” (viewing frequency 1) And the performer “Shinji Kawamura” (viewing frequency 1) are arranged in the order of viewing frequency, and the program table is generated and stored in the buffer 113. (Step 1606).
[0044]
Next, it is determined whether the program to be displayed has been processed. If not completed, the process returns to display area determination (step 1607). Here, the description of the processes related to other programs and other program attributes is omitted.
When all the processing of the program to be displayed is completed, the program table stored in the buffer is displayed on the display unit 104. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the program guide displayed at this time (step 1608). Comparing 1501 in FIG. 15 with 1202 in FIG. 12, the program attribute “Hiromi Yamazaki” that caused the link is first, and the performer “POKIO” with the highest viewing frequency except for the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki” is second. Is displayed.
[0045]
In the present embodiment, program attributes whose viewing frequency is equal to or higher than a preset numerical value are preferentially displayed, and the rest are displayed in descending order of viewing frequency. Of course, only the preferential display is performed. It may be displayed only in the descending order of viewing frequency.
In addition, although only the performers are rearranged, other program attributes may of course be used, different program attributes may be combined, or rearrangement of only a specific part may be prohibited. In other words, any object may be used as long as program attributes with a viewing frequency equal to or higher than a preset numerical value are preferentially displayed or displayed in descending order of viewing frequency.
[0046]
Moreover, although the link was produced | generated in this Embodiment, the said process may be performed without mediating this link, and a link may be produced | generated as needed.
In this embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program. However, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. May be.
[0047]
The program selection apparatus described above is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program, and the program is stored in a storage medium and provided.
(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, an apparatus for displaying a linked program name and displaying a linked program guide will be described.
[0048]
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention.
Since there are many parts similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, only the differences will be described.
The program guide generation unit 103 uses the buffer 113 to add and display a linked program name. For example, as shown in the program attributes 610 and 611 in FIG. 6, a program table is generated from information for two channels that can be displayed on the television screen, and the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki” is linked from the link 607 in FIG. ”, The program name“ Ichikko ”and the program name“ Piano Course ”, add this information, convert it to an image signal, and output it to the television. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed at this time. As shown by 1801 in FIG. 18, the program name “lonely child” and the program name “piano lecture” are added to the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki” and displayed.
[0049]
The buffer 113 is a buffer for temporarily storing data when the program guide generation unit 103 generates a program guide. For example, it is used for adding and displaying the program name “Alone Child” and the program name “Piano Course” to the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”.
The link selection unit 114 selects one of the link destinations displayed on the display unit 104 based on the input information from the input unit 105, and requests the program guide generation unit 103 to generate the selected link destination program guide. To do. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state where the linked program name “Piano Course” is selected. For example, when the program name “Piano Course” is selected as indicated by 1901 in FIG. 19, the program guide generation unit 103 generates a program guide with the program name “Piano Course” as indicated by 2001 in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed at this time.
[0050]
Next, the detailed operation of this apparatus will be described.
Consider the case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101 and the viewing frequency table of the viewing frequency holding unit 110 is as shown in FIG.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the third embodiment.
[0051]
First, when a user inputs a channel and time using the input unit 105, a program guide display request is generated. For example, when the user inputs 7 am on January 17 of the MHK general (CH1) shown in FIG. 6A, a program table display request is generated (step 2101).
Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attributes of programs from 7 am to 9 am on January 17 of all broadcast stations from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes them to the program table generation unit 103 (steps). 2102).
[0052]
Next, the program guide generation unit 103 determines whether the program being processed has link information. If there is no link information, no processing based on link information is performed. Here, as an example of the process, a process related to the program “Kayo Best Sen” shown at 603 in FIG. 6B will be described. Since the program “Kayo Best Sen” has link information indicated by reference numeral 607 in FIG. 6B, processing based on the link information is performed (step 2103).
[0053]
When the link information is included, the program attribute causing the link included in the link information and the link destination program name are stored in the buffer 113. Here, the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”, the program name “Ichikko”, and the program name “Piano Course” are obtained from the link information of the program “Kayo Best Sen” and stored in the buffer 113 (step 2104).
[0054]
Next, display contents in units of programs are generated from program attributes other than link information and stored in the buffer 113. Here, the display content of the program “Kayo Best Sen” is generated (step 2105).
Next, it is determined whether the program to be displayed has been processed. If not completed, the process returns to the link information determination (step 2106). Here, the description of the processing related to other programs is omitted.
[0055]
When the program to be displayed has been processed, the program table stored in the buffer 113 is displayed on the display unit 104. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the program guide displayed at this time (step 2107). When 1801 in FIG. 18 is compared with 1202 in FIG. 12, the program name “one child” and “piano course” of the link destination are displayed next to the program attribute “Hiromi Yamazaki” causing the link.
[0056]
The means for selecting a program by the user can be any method as long as it is a general user interface, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, means such as a remote control key or a cross cursor may be used for selection.
When the selection of the program name “Piano Course” is determined as shown in FIG. 19, the link to the program “Piano Course” is interpreted, and the link selection unit 114 requests the program table generation unit 103 to generate a program table. A program table including the program “Piano Course” is displayed. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed at this time.
[0057]
In this embodiment, if there is link information, it is always added and displayed. However, ON / OFF of the display may be set by a user's instruction or linked with viewing frequency. You may display automatically.
In this embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program. However, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. May be.
[0058]
The program selection apparatus described above is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program, and the program is stored in a storage medium and provided.
(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, a device for identifying a user will be described.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention.
[0059]
Since there are many parts similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, only the differences will be described.
The user identification unit 115 identifies a user at the time of use. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input unit, which is a remote controller 2301. A key 2302 is a user A switching key, and a key 2303 is a user B switching key. For example, the user is identified as A when the key 2302 is pressed, and the user is identified as B when the key 2303 is pressed. The other keys of the remote controller 2301 are used for selecting a program, turning on the power, and the like, and are the same as those of a general TV remote controller, so the details are omitted.
[0060]
The personal viewing history holding unit 116 generates an individual viewing history table based on the viewing history of programs actually viewed for each user. For example, the individual viewing history table is generated based on the viewing history of programs actually viewed for each of the users A and B.
The viewing frequency extraction unit 109 extracts the viewing frequency from the individual viewing history table of the selected user. For example, the viewing frequencies of users A and B are as shown in FIG.
[0061]
Next, the detailed operation of this apparatus will be described.
Consider a case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101. Here, it is assumed that the viewing frequencies of the users A and B are as shown in FIG. However, the link information varies depending on the user.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the basic algorithm for user switching according to the fourth embodiment.
[0062]
First, it waits for an input to occur (step 2501). Here, a process when the user A selects the user A by operating the input unit will be described.
When an input occurs, if the input content is a user switching request, the process goes to the individual viewing history table switching process, and otherwise goes to the program selection process. Here, since the input content is a user switching request by the selection of user A, the process proceeds to the switching process of the individual viewing history table (step 2502).
[0063]
If the input content is a user switching request, the user identifying unit 115 performs a process of switching the individual viewing history table to that of the user currently using, and returns to waiting for input. Here, the user identifying unit 115 switches the individual viewing history table to that of the user A (step 2503).
If the input content is not a user switching request, a program selection process is performed, and the process waits for input generation (step 2504).
[0064]
Subsequently, when the user A selects 7:00 am on January 17 on the XYZ television (CH2), the program table shown in FIG. 12 is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step 2501, Step 2502, Step 2504).
Here, even if the user A operates the input unit and selects any program, as shown in FIG. 24 (a), all the viewing frequencies in the individual viewing frequency table of the user A are set in advance. Since there is no link information lower than 3, no message is displayed.
[0065]
Subsequently, when the user B operates the input unit to select the user B, the user identification unit 115 identifies the user as B, and switches the individual viewing frequency table to that of the user B (step 2501). Step 2502, Step 2503).
Subsequently, when user B selects 7:00 am on January 17, XYZ television (CH2), the program guide is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step 2501, step 2502, step 2502). 2504).
[0066]
Here, when the user B operates the input unit and selects the program “High School Baseball”, as shown by 2401 in FIG. “” Is a preset frequency of 3 or more, so 2601 “Drama“ Saiyuki ”is in the back program. Is displayed. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the program table generated here.
[0067]
In addition, although the display of the program guide of this Embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, it may be based on Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3.
Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing frequency table and the link are generated from the individual viewing history table every time the user is switched. However, the information may include the individual viewing frequency table and the individual link information for each individual. The individual viewing frequency table and the individual link information may be generated in advance for each individual.
[0068]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, two users A and B are used, but it goes without saying that it can be realized by any number of users.
In this embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program. However, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. May be.
[0069]
The program selection apparatus described above is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program, and the program is stored in a storage medium and provided.
(Embodiment 5)
In the fifth embodiment, an apparatus for identifying a user by further setting an input unit for each user will be described.
[0070]
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the fifth embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention.
Since there are many parts similar to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, only the differences will be described.
The input unit 105a is for the user A to perform operations such as program search and selection, and the input unit 105b is for the user B to perform operations such as program search and selection. Each input unit outputs information for identifying a user. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input unit. FIG. 28A shows a remote control 2801 dedicated to user A, and FIG. 28B shows a remote control 2802 dedicated to user B. Note that the keys on the remote controllers 2801 and 2802 are used for selecting a program, turning on the power, and the like, and are the same as those of a general TV remote controller, so that details are omitted.
[0071]
The user identification unit 115 identifies a user at the time of use. For example, the user is identified as A when the remote controller 2801 is operated, and the user is identified as B when the remote controller 2802 is operated.
Next, the detailed operation of this apparatus will be described.
Consider a case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101. Here, it is assumed that the viewing frequencies of the users A and B are as shown in FIG. However, the link information varies depending on the user.
[0072]
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the basic algorithm for user switching according to the fifth embodiment.
First, variables “N” and “M” are initialized. In the variable “N”, the identification number of the input unit that generated the input being processed is recorded, and in the variable “M”, the identification number of the input unit processed immediately before is recorded. Here, for example, “0” is substituted as an initial value for variables “N” and “M” (step 2901).
[0073]
Next, it waits for an input from the input unit 105a or 105b to occur (step 2902). Here, a process when the user A operates the input unit 105a and selects 7:00 am on January 17 of the XYZ television (CH2) will be described.
When an input occurs, the identification number of the input unit that generated the input is recorded in the variable “N”. Here, the identification number “1” of the input unit 105a is recorded in the variable “N” (step 2903).
[0074]
Next, the variable “N” is compared with the variable “M”. If they are different, the process goes to the individual viewing history table switching process, and if they are the same, the process goes to the program selection process without performing the individual viewing history table switching process. Here, since the variable “N” is “1” and the variable “M” is different from “0”, the process proceeds to the switching process of the individual viewing history table (step 2904).
If the variable “N” and the variable “M” are different, the user identification unit 115 performs a process of switching the individual viewing history table to one corresponding to the input unit that generated the input being processed. Here, the individual viewing history table is switched to that of user A (step 2905).
[0075]
Next, the variable “N” is substituted for the variable “M”. Here, the value “1” of the variable “N” is substituted into the variable “M” (step 2906).
Next, a program selection process is performed, and the process waits for input generation. Here, since user A has selected 7:00 am on January 17th on XYZ television (CH2), the program table shown in FIG. 12 is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step 2907). .
[0076]
Here, even if the user A operates the input unit and selects any program, as shown in FIG. 24 (a), all the viewing frequencies in the individual viewing frequency table of the user A are set in advance. Since there is no link information lower than 3, no message is displayed.
Subsequently, when the user B operates the input unit 105b and selects 7:00 am on January 17 of the XYZ television (CH2), the user identification unit 115 changes the individual viewing frequency table to that of the user B. The program guide is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above (step 2902, step 2903, step 2904, step 2905, step 2906, step 2907).
[0077]
Here, when the user B operates the input unit and selects the program “High School Baseball”, as shown by 2401 in FIG. “” Is a preset frequency of 3 or more, so 2601 “Drama“ Saiyuki ”is in the back program. Is displayed. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the program table generated here.
[0078]
In addition, although the display of the program guide of this Embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, it may be based on Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3.
Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing frequency table and the link are generated from the individual viewing history table every time the user is switched. However, the information may include the individual viewing frequency table and the individual link information for each individual. The individual viewing frequency table and the individual link information may be generated in advance for each individual.
[0079]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, two users A and B are used, but it goes without saying that it can be realized by any number of users.
In this embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program. However, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. May be.
[0080]
The program selection apparatus described above is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program, and the program is stored in a storage medium and provided.
(Embodiment 6)
In paid private satellite broadcasting and cable TV, etc., a billing method that pays only for the program that the user actually viewed is generalized. In such a billing method, the viewing information of the user is a general telephone. It is sent to the broadcasting station via a line. Embodiments 6 to 7 are apparatuses that use viewing information for each user sent to the broadcasting station in this way.
[0081]
In the sixth embodiment, a program selection system will be described in which a broadcasting device holds a viewing history, a receiving device receives a viewing history held in the broadcasting device, and displays a message related to a back program.
FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sixth embodiment of the program selection system according to the present invention.
[0082]
Components common to the program information search apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions of components having the same functions are omitted.
This system includes a broadcasting device 3050 and a receiving device 3000.
The broadcasting device 3050 is a broadcasting station, and includes a program attribute holding unit 3051, a viewing program extracting unit 107, a viewing history holding unit 108, and a viewing history transmission unit 117.
[0083]
The receiving device 3000 is obtained by deleting the viewing program extracting unit 107 and the viewing history holding unit 108 and adding a viewing history receiving unit 118 from the configuration of the program information search device of the first embodiment.
Similar to the program attribute holding unit 101, the program attribute holding unit 3051 holds a program attribute for each program.
[0084]
The viewing history transmission unit 117 transmits the viewing history held in the viewing history holding unit 108 to the viewing history reception unit 118 periodically or in accordance with a request from the receiving device 3000.
The viewing history receiving unit 118 acquires the viewing history similar to that held by the viewing history holding unit 108 in the first embodiment from the viewing history transmitting unit 117.
The program attribute holding unit 101 holds a program attribute including link information for each program. The detailed operation of this system is the same as that of the first embodiment if the entire system is regarded as one program information search apparatus, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0085]
The present embodiment is a program selection system in which the viewing program extraction unit 107 and the viewing history holding unit 108 of the first embodiment are included in a broadcasting device and the others are included in a receiving device. Similarly, the present invention may be a program selection system in which the viewing program extraction unit 107 and the viewing history holding unit 108 of Embodiments 2 to 5 are included in the broadcasting device and the others are included in the receiving device.
[0086]
The viewing history holding unit 108 holds all program attributes of programs viewed by the user. However, the viewing history holding unit 108 may hold a part of the program attributes, and may be a minimum that can identify the program. It is also possible to hold only this information. For example, only “viewing period” and “CH”, or only an identifier (ID) that can uniquely identify a program may be held. In this case, when the viewing frequency is extracted, the viewing frequency is extracted after all the program attributes of the program are extracted from the program attribute holding unit 101 using the minimum information with which the viewing frequency extraction unit 109 can identify the program. To extract.
[0087]
The program selection apparatus described above is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program, and the program is stored in a storage medium and provided.
(Embodiment 7)
Embodiment 7 describes a program selection system in which a broadcast device holds a viewing history and generates link information, a receiving device receives a program attribute including link information from the broadcast device, and displays a message related to the back program. To do.
[0088]
FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the seventh embodiment of the program selection system according to the present invention.
Components common to the program information search apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of components having the same functions is omitted.
This system includes a broadcasting device 3150 and a receiving device 3100.
[0089]
The broadcasting device 3150 is a broadcasting station, and includes a program attribute holding unit 119, a viewing program extracting unit 107, a viewing history holding unit 108, a viewing frequency extracting unit 109, a viewing frequency holding unit 110, a program attribute extracting unit 111, a link generating unit 112, and A program attribute transmission unit 120 is included. The receiving device 3100 includes a program attribute holding unit 101, a program attribute acquisition unit 102, a program guide generation unit 103, a display unit 104, an input unit 105, and a program selection unit 106.
[0090]
Similar to the program attribute holding unit 101, the program attribute holding unit 119 holds a program attribute for each program.
The program attribute transmission unit 120 transmits the program attribute including the link information held in the program attribute holding unit 119 to the program attribute holding unit 101 periodically or in accordance with a request from the receiving device 3100.
[0091]
The program attribute holding unit 101 holds a program attribute including link information for each program.
The detailed operation of this system is the same as that of the first embodiment if the entire system is regarded as one program information search apparatus, and the description thereof is omitted.
This embodiment includes the viewing program extraction unit 107, the viewing history holding unit 108, the viewing frequency extraction unit 109, the viewing frequency holding unit 110, the program attribute extraction unit 111, and the link generation unit 112 of the first embodiment in the broadcasting device. , And the like. Similarly, the present invention includes the viewing program extraction unit 107, the viewing history holding unit 108, the viewing frequency extraction unit 109, the viewing frequency holding unit 110, the program attribute extraction unit 111, and the link generation unit 112 according to the second to fifth embodiments. It may be a program selection system which is included in the broadcasting device and the other is included in the receiving device.
[0092]
In addition, only the component regarding the display with respect to a user and the input by a user is essential for a receiver, and you may include other components in any of a broadcast apparatus and a receiver. For example, if all of them are included in the receiving device, it will be like Embodiments 1 to 5, and examples distributed to the broadcasting device and the receiving device are Embodiments 6 to 7.
Therefore, it is up to the system designer to distribute components other than the components related to the display to the user and the input by the user, and it should be distributed in consideration of the processing capacity, processing speed, economy, etc. of each device. That's fine.
[0093]
The program selection apparatus described above is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program, and the program is stored in a storage medium and provided.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
(A) As is apparent from the above description, the program selection device according to the present invention is a device for selecting a program, and includes a display means and a plurality of programs representing the contents of the program for each program of a certain amount of programs. Program information holding means for holding information, viewing history holding means for holding a viewing history of the program, and program information held in the program information holding means based on the viewing history held in the viewing history holding means And display control means for displaying on the display means.
[0095]
Thereby, based on the viewing history of the user, when the user selects a program, a program guide adapted to the user's preference can be displayed.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(B) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device of (b), wherein the program information for each program held in the program information holding means is composed of a plurality of program attributes each including a program name, The viewing history holding means accumulates the number of program attributes of the viewed program for each program attribute and holds it as a viewing frequency for each program attribute.
[0096]
Thereby, based on the viewing frequency of the user, when the user selects a program, it is possible to display program attributes that match the user's preference.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(C) The program selection apparatus according to the present invention is the program selection apparatus according to (b), wherein the display control means adds a program attribute having a viewing frequency equal to or higher than a preset numerical value to the program information. It is displayed on the display means.
[0097]
Thereby, the user's preference is automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, the program attribute adapted to the user's preference can be displayed. Further, when a program that matches the user's preference exists as a back program, it can be displayed, which is useful for preventing oversight.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0098]
(D) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (b), wherein the display control means prioritizes a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or higher than a preset numerical value over other program attributes. In particular, it is displayed in the display space of the display means.
Thereby, the user's preference can be automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, the program attribute suitable for the user's preference can be preferentially displayed. Further, even a program guide having only a limited display area can be displayed by changing the program attributes displayed in the program guide to an optimum one according to the user's preference. That is, since the content according to the user's preference can be preferentially displayed, it is easy to find a program according to the user's preference, and helps to prevent oversight.
[0099]
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(E) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device of (b), wherein the display control means displays the program attributes in the display space of the display means in descending order of the viewing frequency. And
[0100]
Thereby, the user's preference can be automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, the program attributes that match the user's preference can be displayed in the descending order of the viewing frequency. Further, even a program guide having only a limited display area can be displayed by changing the program attributes to be displayed on the program guide to an optimum one according to the user's preference level. That is, since the content according to the height of the user's preference can be preferentially displayed, it is easy to find a program according to the height of the user's preference, and helps to prevent oversight.
[0101]
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(F) The program selection apparatus according to the present invention is the program selection apparatus according to (b), wherein the display control means assigns a program name of a program having a program attribute having a viewing frequency equal to or higher than a preset numerical value. It is characterized by being displayed in addition to the display of program information of other programs having program attributes.
[0102]
Thereby, the user's preference can be automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, the program name of the program having the program attribute adapted to the user's preference can be displayed. That is, since the program name according to the user's preference can be displayed, it is easy to find the program name and helps to prevent oversight.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0103]
(G) In addition, the program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (B), wherein the display control means generates a link to a program sharing a program attribute with a viewing frequency equal to or greater than a preset numerical value. The link information is added to the display of the program information of the link source program, and the program guide of the link destination program is displayed by the user's operation.
[0104]
Thus, the user's preference can be automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, the program name sharing the program attribute that matches the user's preference can be displayed on the same screen. . Also, by displaying the link information, the display of the program guide can be immediately switched to the linked program. That is, since the program name corresponding to the user's preference can be displayed and the display of the program table can be switched immediately, it is easy to find the program name and helps to prevent oversight.
[0105]
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(H) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (c), (d), (e), (f), or (g), wherein the program selection device further identifies a user. The user identification means is provided, and the viewing frequency is a viewing frequency for each user.
[0106]
As a result, the effect (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g) can be obtained for each user.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(I) Further, the program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (h), wherein the program selection device further comprises a plurality of input means for receiving different user operations, and The person identifying means identifies the user by identifying the input means.
[0107]
Thereby, the effect (H) can be obtained without being aware of user switching for each input means.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(Nu) As is clear from the above description, the program selection system according to the present invention comprises a broadcasting device that transmits a viewing history of a program and a receiving device that receives the viewing history and selects a program based on the broadcasting history. The broadcast device includes a viewing history holding unit that holds a viewing history of a program, and a viewing history transmission unit that transmits a viewing history of the program, and the receiving device receives the viewing history that receives the viewing history. Receiving means, display means for displaying program information, program information holding means for holding a plurality of program information representing the contents of each program for a certain amount of programs, and viewing history received by the viewing history receiving means And display control means for searching for program information held in the program information holding means and displaying the program information on the display means.
[0108]
As a result, the user's viewing history can be collectively managed on the broadcasting device side, and it is not necessary to manage the viewing history on the receiving device side, so even if the device is changed by replacement, the past viewing history is stored. Processing can be performed based on this, and when the user selects a program, a program guide adapted to the user's preference can be displayed without depending on the device.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0109]
(L) As is clear from the above description, the program selection device according to the present invention is a device that receives a program viewing history from a broadcasting device and selects a program based on the program viewing history, and receives the program viewing history. Viewing history receiving means, display means for displaying program information, program information holding means for holding a plurality of program information representing program contents for each program of a certain amount of programs, and the viewing history receiving means And display control means for retrieving program information held in the program information holding means based on a viewing history and displaying the program information on the display means.
[0110]
As a result, there is no need to manage the viewing history on the receiving side, so even if the device is changed by replacement, etc., processing can be performed based on past viewing history, and the user's preference when selecting a program The adapted program guide can be displayed without depending on the device.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0111]
(V) As is clear from the above description, the program selection system according to the present invention receives a broadcast apparatus that transmits program information that characterizes the contents of each program for each program, and receives the program information, and a program based on this. And a receiving device that selects a program, wherein the broadcasting device holds program information holding means for holding a plurality of program information representing the contents of each program for a certain amount of programs, and holds a viewing history of the programs. Viewing history holding means, and a link for linking other program information to each program information held in the program information holding means based on the viewing history held by the viewing history holding means, Link adding means for adding to the program information, and transmitting means for transmitting the program information including the link information added by the link adding means, and the receiving device includes the program information including the link information. Receiving means, display means for displaying program information, and program information received by the receiving means based on link information included in the program information received by the receiving means and causing the display means to display the program information. And a display control means.
[0112]
As a result, the user's viewing history and link information can be collectively managed on the broadcasting device side, and it is not necessary to manage viewing history and link information on the receiving device side. Can be processed based on the past viewing history, and when the user selects a program, a program guide adapted to the user's preference can be displayed without depending on the device.
[0113]
Furthermore, since the broadcast device side processes the management from viewing history management to link information addition in a batch, it is more efficient than the individual processing on a large number of receiving devices side. Since the device scale of the device can be suppressed, the receiving device can be provided to the user at a low cost.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0114]
(W) As is clear from the above description, the program selection device according to the present invention is a device that transmits program information that characterizes the content of each program to a receiving device that selects the program, and is a certain amount. Based on the program information holding means for holding a plurality of program information representing the contents of each program, the viewing history holding means for holding the viewing history of the program, and the viewing history held by the viewing history holding means A link adding means for linking other program information to each program information held in the program information holding means and adding the information to the program information of each broadcast program; and a link added by the link adding means Transmission means for transmitting program information including information.
[0115]
Thus, the user's viewing history and link information can be collectively managed on the transmission side.
Furthermore, since the processing from the viewing history management to the addition of the link information is collectively processed on the transmission side, it is more efficient than a case where a large number of receiving devices individually process.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0116]
(F) As is clear from the above description, the program selection method according to the present invention is a method for selecting a program, and acquires a plurality of program information representing the contents of the program for each program of a certain amount of programs. Display control for displaying the program information acquired in the program information acquisition step based on the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquisition step based on the viewing history acquired in the program information acquisition step, the viewing history acquisition step of acquiring the viewing history of the program And a step.
[0117]
Thereby, based on the viewing history of the user, when the user selects a program, a program guide adapted to the user's preference can be displayed.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(Yo) Further, the program selection method according to the present invention is the program selection method of (f), wherein the program information for each program acquired in the program information acquisition step comprises a plurality of program attributes each including a program name, The viewing history acquisition step is characterized in that the number of program attributes for the viewed program is accumulated and held for each program attribute.
[0118]
Thereby, based on the viewing frequency of the user, when the user selects a program, it is possible to display program attributes that match the user's preference.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(T) As is clear from the above description, the program selection method according to the present invention is a method for transmitting program information characterizing the content of each program to a receiving device that selects the program, and is a certain amount. Based on the program information acquisition step for acquiring a plurality of program information representing the contents of the program for each program, a viewing history acquisition step for acquiring the viewing history of the program, and the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquisition step A link for linking other program information to each program information acquired in the program information acquisition step, a link adding step for adding the information to the program information of each broadcast program, and a link added in the link adding step And a transmission step of transmitting program information including information.
[0119]
Thus, the user's viewing history and link information can be collectively managed on the transmission side.
Furthermore, since the processing from the viewing history management to the addition of the link information is collectively processed on the transmission side, it is more efficient than a case where a large number of receiving devices individually process.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[0120]
(L) A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute a step of selecting a program. A program information acquisition step for acquiring a plurality of program information representing the contents of the program every time, a viewing history acquisition step for acquiring a viewing history of the program, and a program information acquisition step based on the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquisition step A program selection processing program for executing a display control step for displaying the program information acquired in step (1) on a display device is recorded.
[0121]
Thereby, based on the viewing history of the user, when the user selects a program, a program guide adapted to the user's preference can be displayed.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(So) Further, the computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is the above-mentioned computer-readable recording medium, wherein each program information acquired in the program information acquiring step includes a plurality of program names. The viewing history acquisition step is characterized in that the number of program attributes for the viewed program is accumulated and held for each program attribute.
[0122]
Thereby, based on the viewing frequency of the user, when the user selects a program, it is possible to display program attributes that match the user's preference.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
(Iv) A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention records a program for causing a computer to execute a step of transmitting program information that characterizes the contents of each program to a receiving device that selects the program. A computer-readable recording medium, a program information acquisition step for acquiring a plurality of program information representing the contents of a program for each program of a certain amount of programs, and a viewing history acquisition step for acquiring a viewing history of the program And a link for linking other program information to each program information acquired in the program information acquisition step based on the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquisition step, and adding the information to the program information of each broadcast program A link adding step, and a transmission step for transmitting program information including link information added in the link adding step. Characterized by recording the program selection processing program for executing and.
[0123]
Thus, the user's viewing history and link information can be collectively managed on the transmission side.
Furthermore, since the processing from the viewing history management to the addition of the link information is collectively processed on the transmission side, it is more efficient than a case where a large number of receiving devices individually process.
Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program that matches the user's preference from among a plurality of programs.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a program selection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of program attributes for each broadcasting station.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a program table generated in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a viewing history table after viewing the program “Ichikko”.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a viewing frequency table after viewing the program “Ichikko”.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101 after generating a link of a user who likes the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”;
7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for link generation.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a viewing history table before viewing the program “Ichikko”.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a viewing frequency table before viewing the program “Ichikko”.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a part of the content of the program attribute holding unit 101 after the link of a user who likes the program “Ichikko” is generated.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed in the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed in the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment of a program selection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed in the second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third embodiment of a program selection device according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed in the third embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which a linked program name “Piano Course” is selected.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed in the third embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of a program selection device according to the present invention.
23 is a diagram showing an example of an input unit, a remote controller 2301. FIG.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the viewing frequencies of users A and B.
FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a basic algorithm for user switching according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a program guide displayed in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program selection apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input unit. FIG. 28A shows a remote control 2801 dedicated to user A, and FIG. 28B shows a remote control 2802 dedicated to user B.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for user switching according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sixth embodiment of a program selection system according to the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program selection system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Program attribute holding unit
102 Program attribute acquisition unit
103 Program guide generator
104 Display section
105 Input section
105a input section
105b Input section
106 Program selection section
107 viewing program extraction unit
108 viewing history holding unit
109 Viewing frequency extraction unit
110 Viewing frequency holding unit
111 Program attribute extraction unit
112 Link generator
113 buffers
114 Link selector
115 User identification part
116 Personal viewing history holding unit
117 Viewing history transmitter
118 Viewing history receiver
119 Program attribute holding unit
120 Program attribute transmitter
301 Date display
302 Time display section
303 Program attribute display section
304 Link information display section
305 Scroll icon display
306 Selected program
307 Channel display
308 Program name display
309 Contents display section
310 Performer Display
2301 remote control
2302 keys
2303 keys
2801 remote control
2802 remote control

Claims (5)

In turn set each, the content of the program and the table, the program information storage means for holding a plurality of program information comprising a plurality of program attribute, each including the program name,
Viewing frequency holding means for accumulating the number of program attributes of the viewed program for each program attribute and holding it as a viewing frequency for each program attribute ;
For each program whose program information is held in the program information holding means, a link to another program sharing a program attribute whose viewing frequency held in the viewing frequency holding means is equal to or higher than a preset numerical value is generated. and, program information management apparatus characterized by comprising a link addition means for adding the information of the link to the program information of each the program. The program selection device further includes:
Display means;
Program information to which link information is added by the link adding means is displayed on the display means, and display control means for displaying program information of a linked program by a user operation is provided. The program information management apparatus according to claim 1 . The program information management device further includes:
A user identification means for identifying the user;
The viewing frequency, program information management apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a viewing frequency for each user. In turn set each, the content of the program and the table, the program information acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of program information, each comprising a plurality of program attribute including program names,
A viewing frequency acquisition step of accumulating the number of program attributes for the viewed program for each program attribute and acquiring it as a viewing frequency for each program attribute ;
Wherein the program information acquiring step for each program the program information is acquired, the acquired viewing frequency in the viewing frequency hold step, to generate a link to other programs to share the program attributes of more value set in advance, A program information management method comprising: a link addition step of adding information on the link to program information for each program . On the computer,
In turn set each, the content of the program and the table, the program information acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of program information, each comprising a plurality of program attribute including program names,
A viewing frequency acquisition step of accumulating the number of program attributes for the viewed program for each program attribute and acquiring it as a viewing frequency for each program attribute ;
Wherein the program information acquiring step for each program the program information is acquired, the acquired viewing frequency in the viewing frequency hold step, to generate a link to other programs to share the program attributes of more value set in advance, A computer-readable recording medium recording a program information management program for executing a link adding step of adding link information to program information for each program .

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