JP4027737B2 - Video information receiver - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a video information distribution service system, a video information distribution service server, and a video information receiving apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, a television transmission using a wired transmission line formed by a coaxial cable or an optical cable or a wireless transmission line using a satellite wave, a terrestrial wave or the like has AM-modulated an analog video signal so far. At the same time, analog broadcast programs that transmit a signal obtained by FM-modulating an audio signal at a predetermined carrier frequency have been mainstream. However, in recent years, analog video signals and audio signals have been digitized, and the data after digital compression has been QPSK. Digital broadcasting has been started in which digital modulation is performed using a modulation scheme such as modulation or QAM modulation, and this signal is transmitted using a digital transmission scheme such as an OFDM scheme.
[0003]
This digital broadcasting has become possible due to significant advances in semiconductor technology and image and audio signal compression technology, and more than within the frequency band of the same transmission path compared to conventional analog broadcasting. This program program can be broadcasted, and by adopting a digital transmission system such as the OFDM system, there are many advantages such as high-quality broadcasting with less transmission signal deterioration.
[0004]
Such a broadcast service can provide services in various transmission forms such as terrestrial transmission, satellite wave transmission, cable transmission, etc., and user ID information is included in the signal of the TV broadcast program. And billing information is included and transmitted as a pay TV program broadcast signal, and when the user receives this, authentication is performed based on the user ID information and billing information included in the received signal, and all conditions are satisfied. IRD systems that can properly reproduce video and / or audio of pay TV programs when they are satisfied are widespread.
[0005]
The specific configuration of the IRD system is configured by connecting a monitor TV 2 and a receiving antenna 5 to the IRD apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 5, for example, and a user wishes to view and listen to the viewing channel requested by the user of the IRD apparatus 1. A broadcast signal is transmitted from the service center 3 that generates a transmission signal based on a variety of user setting information including data of a specific program to the broadcast satellite 4, and the broadcast radio wave is received from the broadcast satellite 4 that has received the broadcast signal. Is configured to transmit to the ground.
[0006]
Then, a broadcast radio wave is received by the receiving antenna 5, the signal is subjected to predetermined decoding signal processing and converted into a video signal, and video is reproduced on the monitor TV 2, and at the same time, sound is reproduced by an acoustic device (not shown).
[0007]
In this case, the broadcast radio wave transmitted from the broadcast satellite 4 is a signal subjected to encryption (scramble modulation) based on a predetermined algorithm, and the user ID information and billing information are included in the TV broadcast program signal. When the received pay TV program broadcast signal is received as it is, the normal video and audio cannot be reproduced, and authentication by the IRD device 1, that is, user ID information included in the transmitted radio wave When all of the restriction conditions such as reference of the charging period performed based on the information obtained by receiving the charging information, reference of the charging channel, reference of whether the device ID is properly registered, etc. are satisfied It is possible to reproduce the normal video and audio by releasing the encryption.
[0008]
Therefore, the user of the IRD system can view a favorite program by contacting the service center 3 using a telephone line to register the charge allowance for a specific channel or a specific program, and the viewing is predetermined. It is supposed to be performed uniquely at the scheduled broadcast date and time.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional IRD system, since the viewing of the TV program is uniquely performed at a predetermined scheduled broadcast date and time, although the real-time viewing can be performed, the broadcast start time is missed. In addition, there is a problem that only viewing from the middle is possible, and if you want to watch after the end of the broadcast, you have to wait until rebroadcasting.
[0010]
To solve this problem, you can go to a rental video shop, rent a video for the program you want to watch, and watch the video. Before the expiration of the period, you will have to go to the rental video shop etc. again to return the rental items, and there will be another problem that it will force users to go through complicated procedures, so the improvement will be improved It is eager.
[0011]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a video information distribution service system capable of watching a program broadcast using an IRD system in real time and watching a broadcast program regardless of the broadcast date and time, A video information distribution service server and a video information receiving device are provided.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the video information distribution service system, the video information distribution service server, and the video information receiving apparatus according to the present invention employ the following characteristic configurations.
[0013]
(1) A video information receiving apparatus that receives video information that has been subjected to predetermined scramble processing and is encoded, and that can decode the received video information based on the predetermined information,
Title receiving means for receiving title list data received from the video information distribution service server;
Title designation information transmission means for transmitting title designation information for instructing transmission of video information selected based on the received title list data;
Recording means for storing video information received together with viewing period data;
Reproducing means for decoding and reproducing the accumulated video information based on the current date and viewing period data obtained by the radio clock,
A viewing end means for transmitting a viewing end instruction to end the viewing of a specific title in the received video information;
Viewing restriction means for making it impossible to view the title corresponding to the end of the viewing period that has been sent,
With
A video information receiving apparatus that makes it unnecessary to receive the video information of the title when the title is designated for the next time or later by storing the title that cannot be viewed by the viewing restriction unit in the recording unit.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of an IRD apparatus program distribution service apparatus and an IRD apparatus program distribution service system will be described with reference to FIG. An example of the device is configured by adding a data processing function by the portable terminal 15 to the basic functions by the IRD device 6, the radio clock 7, the monitor TV 8, and the video information distribution service server 20.
[0020]
The IRD apparatus 6 receives a transmission signal formed by superimposing user ID information and billing information on a television program signal encrypted by a predetermined algorithm, and is included in the user equipment information and the received signal. User authentication can be performed by comparing user ID information and billing information, and control can be performed so that the encrypted television program signal is allowed to be decrypted and the television program is properly reproduced when a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is configured as follows.
[0021]
The video information distribution service server 20 stores a plurality of television programs, and additionally stores a program different from the plurality of broadcast programs broadcast at a predetermined date and time.
[0022]
Transmission means for transmitting title list data of a plurality of television programs stored in the video information distribution service server 20 to the user's IRD device 6, and reception for receiving title list data transmitted from the transmission means by the IRD device 6. Means are configured.
[0023]
Title designation means for selecting a title desired to be viewed from the title list data received by the reception means and outputting it to the video information distribution service server 20, and extension of the viewing period for the specific title selected by the title designation means And an extension specifying means for outputting to the video information distribution service server.
[0024]
Return designation means for designating a return for the specific title selected by the title designation means and outputting it to the video information distribution service server is configured.
[0025]
The operation of the recording control apparatus of the IRD apparatus with a recording function of the present embodiment having the main part configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, video information video information reception processing will be described with reference to FIG. When the OSD command button (not shown) of the IRD device 6 is operated in step S1 to start the video information video information reception process, an initial screen is displayed on the display 9 of the monitor TV 8.
[0026]
At this time, the movie title list 10 displaying a list of movie programs on the display screen of the display 9 of the monitor TV 8 by the monitor signal output from the IRD device 6 can be displayed (the list is not displayed at this time). At the same time, the title designation tab 11, the viewing period extension designation tab 12, the return designation tab 13 for the received title, and the download designation tab 14 for the designated title are displayed, and the process proceeds to the next step S2. When the title designation tab 11 is clicked, the operation mode is set to the video information download mode.
[0027]
In the next step S3, the video information distribution service server 20 is accessed from the IRD device 6 via the transmission line c, and then a movie program is transmitted via the transmission line b by clicking and specifying the download designation tab 14. Is displayed as a movie title list 10, and the process proceeds to the next step S4. When the user clicks on a desired title while viewing the movie title list 10, a desired program is selected and the process proceeds to step S5. Transition.
[0028]
Step S5 prompts the user to input a user ID. When the input is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S6, where the input of the viewing period is prompted. The user is prompted to click on the download designation tab 14 in order to download the title), and when the designation using the download designation tab 14 is completed, the download is started. A series of video information reception processing is completed by being stored in the hard disk 6a.
[0029]
The video information stored in the hard disk 6a in this way can be played back on the monitor TV 8 by operating a playback command button (not shown) of the IRD device 6. Details of the playback processing are shown in FIG. As shown in the flowchart, first, step S9 is executed, and the correct current date and time obtained by taking the output from the radio timepiece 7 into the IRD device 6 via the transmission path a is confirmed, and in the next step S10. The current date and time and the expiration date and time of the viewing period already stored in the IRD device 6 are compared to determine whether or not the viewing period has expired in the next step S11. In the case of Yes), it is possible to perform paid viewing playback at a predetermined amount in step S12, and a series of playback processing is completed.
[0030]
Here, instead of the radio timepiece 7, it may be controlled to match the time signal at a predetermined time, or time information on the Internet may be used. What is important is to obtain accurate date and time information by preventing the date and time information of the device from being easily rewritten.
[0031]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S11 that the viewing period has expired (in the case of No), the process proceeds to step S13 and the playback operation is disabled, and the series of playback processing ends.
[0032]
Now, a series of operation processing when returning / extending the viewing program downloaded to the hard disk 6a is performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4. First, in step S14, the IRD device 6 transmits the transmission channel b. The extension designation tab displayed on the screen 9 is displayed on the display 9 when the access to the video information distribution service server 20 is started and the user is prompted to designate the return / extension in the next step S15. When any one of 12 and the return designation tab 13 is click-designated, the process proceeds to the next step S16.
[0033]
Return here means not transmitting video information but transmitting information indicating the end of viewing.
[0034]
Step S16 determines whether it is return / extension. If it is determined that the extension is to be extended, the process proceeds to step S17 to download a list of currently viewed titles and display it on the display 9. Selection of which title is to be extended is prompted, and when a title to be extended is selected, the process proceeds to step S18, and the time information, for example, time information indicating that the extension period is one day is downloaded and the process proceeds to step S19. Data indicating that the reproduction is possible until the date and time when the extension period expires is stored in the IRD device 6 to complete a series of extension processes.
[0035]
On the other hand, if it is determined to be returned in step S16, the process proceeds to step S17, where a list of currently viewed titles is downloaded and displayed on the display 9, prompting selection of which title is to be returned. When the title to be returned is selected, the time information, that is, the data of the return date and time is stored in the IRD device 6 and simultaneously in the video information distribution service server 20 via the transmission path b. A series of return processing is completed.
[0036]
After this return processing is performed, control is performed so that the viewing program cannot be reproduced unless the video information reception processing is performed again.
[0037]
The series of return / extension processing described so far is performed on the screen 9 displayed on the display 9 of the monitor TV 8, but transmission including a radio relay station and a radio base station using a portable terminal 15 such as a cellular phone. It can also be carried out by performing via the path d.
[0038]
That is, it can be executed by operating the extension designation button 17, the return designation button 18, the numeric keypad 19 and other keys while viewing the on-screen display displayed on the display 16 of the portable terminal 15, and the designated video The extension process for the information can be executed by operating the extension specifying button 17, and the return process can be executed by operating the return specifying button 18.
[0039]
Therefore, a series of return / extension processing is performed by accessing the video information distribution service server 20 from a place away from the place where the IRD device 6 and the monitor TV 8 are installed, for example, from the outside using the mobile terminal 15. Therefore, usability can be remarkably improved.
[0040]
Further, the user may be notified of the title whose viewing deadline is approaching through the monitor TV 8 or the portable terminal 15. In this case, the IRD apparatus 6 is connected to a telephone line and the like, and is also connected to the portable terminal 15 via a network or the like. Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and 802.11a may be used. As a result, there is no possibility of forgetting the return process and incurring a late charge.
[0041]
The broadcast in the IRD system of this embodiment is an example in which a pay TV program broadcast signal is transmitted from a broadcasting satellite, but it is a terrestrial VHF or UHF signal, a coaxial line as seen in a cable TV system, It may be configured to be transmitted using a wired transmission line such as an optical transmission line, and the current date and time data stored in the IRD device 6 incorporates the output from the radio clock 7. You may comprise so that the information of the clock provided separately may be taken in.
[0042]
In addition, the video information downloaded from the video information distribution service server 20 during the video information receiving process remains on the hard disk 6a of the IRD device 6 unless the user deletes the video information by himself / herself, and is played back unless it is a predetermined viewing period. Although it is impossible, if the title is designated again at a later date, downloading of the program can be omitted.
[0043]
Furthermore, if a series of viewing history data created during the video information reception processing, return processing, and extension processing is stored in the IRD device 6, the same title can be viewed at a later date, or the viewing history can be referred to. If the title has been viewed in the past, it is possible to execute predetermined reproduction by downloading only the time information data without downloading again from the video information distribution service server 20. Alternatively, the video information on the hard disk 6a may be automatically deleted when the viewing period expires.
[0044]
The configuration and operation of the preferred embodiment of the program distribution service device for the IRD device according to the present invention have been described above in detail. However, such an embodiment is merely an example of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and changes can be made according to a specific application without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the program distribution service device of the IRD device and the program distribution service system of the IRD device according to the present invention do not need to go to a rental video shop or the like, and return the received program or extend the period. This eliminates the need for users to perform complicated procedures.
[0046]
Therefore, according to the present invention, an easy-to-use video information distribution system can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing an overall configuration of a program distribution service device of an IRD device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a series of video information reception processing in the program delivery service device and system of the IRD device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a series of reproduction processes in the program distribution service device and system of the IRD device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a series of return / extension processing in the program distribution service device and system of the IRD device shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of a conventional IRD system with a recording function.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 IRD device 2 Monitor TV
3 Service Center 4 Broadcasting Satellite 5 Receiving Antenna 6 IRD Device 6a Hard Disk 7 Radio Clock 8 Monitor TV
9 Display 10 Movie Title List 11 Title Specification Tab 12 Extension Specification Tab 13 Return Specification Tab 14 Download Specification Tab 15 Mobile Terminal 16 Display 17 Extension Specification Button 18 Return Specification Button 19 Numeric Keypad 20 Server for Video Information Distribution Service

Claims (1)

A video information receiving apparatus capable of receiving video information that has been subjected to a predetermined scramble process and encoded, and capable of decoding the received video information based on the predetermined information,
Title receiving means for receiving title list data received from the video information distribution service server;
Title designation information transmitting means for transmitting title designation information for instructing transmission of video information selected based on the received title list data;
Recording means for storing video information received together with viewing period data;
Reproducing means for decoding and reproducing the accumulated video information based on the current date and viewing period data obtained by the radio clock,
A viewing end means for transmitting a viewing end command for ending viewing of a specific title in the received video information;
Viewing restriction means for making it impossible to view the title corresponding to the end of the viewing period that has been sent,
With
The video information receiving apparatus characterized by storing the title that cannot be viewed by the viewing restricting means in the recording means, thereby making it unnecessary to receive video information of the title at the next designation of the title. .

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