JP4343978B2 - Data management apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program data distribution system for distributing program data of broadcast programs.

  Currently, broadcast programs are recorded using a well-known computer system and stored as program data. As a result, the broadcast program can be viewed later based on the stored program data.

  By the way, even if a user forgets to record a broadcast program, other users may have recorded the broadcast program, so they can borrow a recording medium on which the program data of the broadcast program is recorded. If the program data can be obtained by transmitting the program data via the network, the broadcast program can be viewed later based on the program data. However, since it is not easy for a user to search for another user who has recorded a broadcast program, the program data cannot be easily obtained.

  An object of this invention is to provide the program data delivery system which can obtain program data more easily than before.

In order to solve the above problem, the program data distribution system according to the first configuration is:
A recording apparatus having a recording function for recording a broadcast program and storing it as program data;
A playback device having a playback function for playing back a broadcast program based on the program data;
A program data distribution system comprising a management device capable of data communication between the recording device and the playback device,
The management device registers a recorded program that is a broadcast program recorded by the recording device in a database,
A list of broadcast programs including the recorded program registered in the database when the playback apparatus requests the management apparatus to distribute a list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation. To the playback device,
When the playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs receives a user operation and requests the management device to view the recorded program included in the list of broadcast programs, the management device Requesting the recording device to transmit the program data of the recorded program requested to be viewed by the device, and the recording device transmits the program data requested from the management device to the management device; The management device distributes the program data transmitted from the recording device to the playback device.

  According to the program data distribution system configured as described above, a management apparatus that is requested to distribute a list of broadcast programs from a playback apparatus receives a recorded program, that is, a broadcast program including a broadcast program recorded by the recording apparatus. Distribute the list to the playback device. Then, by requesting the management apparatus to view the recorded program included in the broadcast program list from the playback apparatus, the program data of the recorded program is distributed from the recording apparatus to the playback apparatus via the management apparatus. Therefore, the user can easily obtain the program data simply by operating the playback device and requesting the management device to view the recorded program.

Note that the above-described recording apparatus may have a reproduction function for reproducing a broadcast program based on program data, or may be configured to function as a reproduction apparatus.
Further, the playback device described above may have a recording function of recording a broadcast program and saving it as program data, or may be configured to function as a recording device.

Moreover, although the management apparatus mentioned above has registered the recorded program which is the broadcast program recorded by the recording apparatus in a database, the structure for registering a recorded program in a database in this way is not specifically limited. For example, as in the second configuration ,
When the recording device records a broadcast program, at least specific data that can identify the broadcast program to be recorded is transmitted to the management device,
The management device that has received the specific data registers the broadcast program specified by the specific data in the database, and then, for one or more broadcast programs registered in the database, the broadcast program for which broadcasting has ended is A configuration such as a recorded program can be considered.

  In this program data distribution system, when the recording device records a broadcast program, the specific data transmitted to the management device is data transmitted before the recording is performed, for example, when the recording reservation of the broadcast program is performed. is there.

According to the program data distribution system configured as described above, recorded programs can be registered in the database based on the specific data transmitted from the recording device.
Incidentally, not only recorded programs but also broadcast programs scheduled to be recorded by the recording apparatus are registered in the above-described database. Therefore, like the program data distribution system according to the third configuration ,
The management device that is requested by the playback device for a list of broadcast programs is a broadcast program that is scheduled to be recorded for broadcast programs that have not been broadcast among the broadcast programs registered in the database. It may be configured to distribute a list of broadcast programs in which there is a description to the playback device.

Incidentally, not only recorded programs but also broadcast programs scheduled to be recorded by the recording apparatus are registered in the above-described database. Therefore, like the program data distribution system according to claim 3,
The management device that is requested by the playback device for a list of broadcast programs is a broadcast program that is scheduled to be recorded for broadcast programs that have not been broadcast among the broadcast programs registered in the database. It may be configured to distribute a list of broadcast programs in which there is a description to the playback device.

In the program data distribution system according to the second or third configuration described above, one or more recording devices may be provided. In particular, when a plurality of recording devices are provided, the fourth configuration is used. Like the program data distribution system,
A plurality of the recording devices;
When the recording device records a broadcast program, it transmits to the management device specific data that can specify at least the broadcast program to be recorded and the recording device itself,
The management device that has received the specific data registers the broadcast program specified by the specific data and the recording device in association with each other, and among the one or more broadcast programs registered in the database A broadcast program that has been broadcast is used as the recorded program, and then, when the playback device requests distribution of the list of broadcast programs, the recorded program among the one or more broadcast programs registered in the database. Deliver a list of broadcast programs including programs to the playback device,
When the playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs requests the management device to view the recorded program included in the list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation, the management device receives the database. It is preferable that the recording apparatus corresponding to the recorded program requested to be viewed by the playback apparatus is requested to transmit the program data.

In the program data distribution system according to claim 2 or 3 described above, one or more recording devices may be provided. In particular, when a plurality of recording devices are provided, claim 4 Like the program data distribution system described,
A plurality of the recording devices;
When the recording device records a broadcast program, it transmits to the management device specific data that can specify at least the broadcast program to be recorded and the recording device itself,
The management device that has received the specific data registers the broadcast program specified by the specific data and the recording device in association with each other, and among the one or more broadcast programs registered in the database A broadcast program that has been broadcast is used as the recorded program, and then, when the playback device requests distribution of the list of broadcast programs, the recorded program among the one or more broadcast programs registered in the database. Deliver a list of broadcast programs including programs to the playback device,
When the playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs requests the management device to view the recorded program included in the list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation, the management device receives the database. It is preferable that the recording apparatus corresponding to the recorded program requested to be viewed by the playback apparatus is requested to transmit the program data.

As another configuration for registering recorded programs in the database, as in the fifth configuration ,
When the recording device records a broadcast program, the recording device transmits specific data that can specify at least the recorded program that is a recorded broadcast program to the management device,
It can be considered that the management device that has received the specific data registers the recorded program specified by the specific data in a database.

According to the program data distribution system configured as described above, recorded programs can be registered in the database based on the specific data transmitted from the recording device.
In the program data distribution system according to the fifth configuration described above, it is only necessary to include one or more recording devices. In particular, when a plurality of recording devices are provided, the program data according to the sixth configuration is provided. Like the delivery system,
A plurality of the recording devices;
When the recording device records a broadcast program, it transmits to the management device specific data that can specify at least the recorded program that is the recorded broadcast program and the recording device itself,
The management device that has received the specific data registers the recorded program specified by the specific data and the recording device in the database in association with each other, and then distributes a list of broadcast programs to the playback device. A list of broadcast programs including the recorded program registered in the database when requested by the database,
When the playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs requests the management device to view the recorded program included in the list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation, the management device receives the database. It is preferable that the recording apparatus corresponding to the recorded program requested to be viewed by the playback apparatus is requested to transmit the program data.

Further, as another configuration for registering the recorded program in the database, as described in claim 5,
When the recording device records a broadcast program, the recording device transmits specific data that can specify at least the recorded program that is a recorded broadcast program to the management device,
It can be considered that the management device that has received the specific data registers the recorded program specified by the specific data in a database.

A program data distribution system according to the seventh configuration is
The playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs receives the operation of the user and requests the management device to record the broadcast programs that constitute the broadcast program list, and then the management device records from the playback device. Register the requested broadcast program in the database as a recording request program,
After that, when the recording apparatus requests the management apparatus to distribute a list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation, the management apparatus includes a broadcast program including the recording request program registered in the database. A list of broadcast programs in which a request to record the recording request program is recorded is distributed to the recording apparatus.

In this program data distribution system, when the recording apparatus records a broadcast program, the specific data transmitted to the management apparatus is data transmitted after recording the broadcast program.
According to the program data distribution system configured as described above, a recorded program and a recording device that has recorded the recorded program are registered in the database in a state of being associated with each other. Therefore, the management apparatus can specify the recording apparatus that has recorded the recorded program requested to be viewed from the database, and transmit the program data only to the recording apparatus that is recording the recorded program. Can be requested.

Further, the program data distribution system according to claim 7 is:
The playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs receives the operation of the user and requests the management device to record the broadcast programs that constitute the broadcast program list, and then the management device records from the playback device. Register the requested broadcast program in the database as a recording request program,
After that, when the recording apparatus requests the management apparatus to distribute a list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation, the management apparatus includes a broadcast program including the recording request program registered in the database. A list of broadcast programs in which a request to record the recording request program is recorded is distributed to the recording apparatus.

  According to the program data distribution system configured as described above, it is possible to request the user who uses the recording device to record the broadcast program constituting the broadcast program list from the playback device via the management device. As a result, when the user using the recording apparatus records the broadcast program requested to be recorded by the recording apparatus, the program data of the broadcast program requested to be recorded by the user using the playback apparatus is recorded. It can be obtained.

The program data distribution system according to the eighth configuration is
A management device having a recording function for recording a broadcast program and storing it as program data;
A plurality of playback devices having a playback function for playing back broadcast programs based on the program data;
The management device is a program data distribution system configured to be capable of data communication with the playback device,
When any one of the plurality of playback devices receives a user operation and requests the management device to distribute a list of broadcast programs, the management device is configured with one or more broadcast programs. A list of broadcast programs to be distributed to the playback device,
The playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs requests the management device to record a broadcast program that constitutes the list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation, and then the management device records from the playback device. Record the requested broadcast program and save it as the program data, register the recorded broadcast program in the database as a recorded program,
Thereafter, when any one of the plurality of playback devices receives a user operation and requests the management device to distribute a list of broadcast programs, the management device is registered in the database. A list of broadcast programs including the recorded program being distributed to the playback device;
When the playback device receiving the broadcast program list requests the management device to view the recorded program included in the broadcast program list in response to a user operation, the management device sends the playback device to the playback device. The program data of the recorded program requested to be viewed from is distributed to the playback device.

  If configured in this way, a user who uses the recording apparatus records a broadcast program using a list of broadcast programs. Therefore, if a recording request program is included in the broadcast program list, it can be expected that a user who uses the recording apparatus records the recording request program at the same time as the broadcast program that he / she wants to record.

In addition, the program data distribution system according to claim 8 is:
A management device having a recording function for recording a broadcast program and storing it as program data;
A plurality of playback devices having a playback function for playing back broadcast programs based on the program data;
The management device is a program data distribution system configured to be capable of data communication with the playback device,
When any one of the plurality of playback devices receives a user operation and requests the management device to distribute a list of broadcast programs, the management device is configured with one or more broadcast programs. A list of broadcast programs to be distributed to the playback device,
The playback device that has received the list of broadcast programs requests the management device to record a broadcast program that constitutes the list of broadcast programs in response to a user operation, and then the management device records from the playback device. Record the requested broadcast program and save it as the program data, register the recorded broadcast program in the database as a recorded program,
Thereafter, when any one of the plurality of playback devices receives a user operation and requests the management device to distribute a list of broadcast programs, the management device is registered in the database. A list of broadcast programs including the recorded program being distributed to the playback device;
When the playback device receiving the broadcast program list requests the management device to view the recorded program included in the broadcast program list in response to a user operation, the management device sends the playback device to the playback device. The program data of the recorded program requested to be viewed from is distributed to the playback device.

The program data distribution system according to the ninth configuration is
When the playback device requests the management device for a list of broadcast programs to be broadcast in one of two or more different broadcast regions, the management device requests the broadcast region requested by the playback device. A list of broadcast programs broadcasted on is distributed to the playback device.

The broadcast area in this program data distribution system is an area where the same broadcast program is broadcast in terrestrial broadcasting such as television.
According to the program data distribution system configured as described above, a user who uses the playback device can receive distribution of a list of broadcast programs in a broadcast area different from the broadcast area in which he / she lives. Therefore, when a recorded program that the user desires to watch is included in the list of broadcast programs in such a broadcast region, the user can obtain program data of the recorded program. . Furthermore, if it is the structure which can request recording of a broadcast program like the 7th structure, it can request recording of the broadcast program which cannot be recorded because it is different from the broadcast area where it resides.

Moreover, the program data distribution system according to claim 9 is:
When the playback device requests the management device for a list of broadcast programs to be broadcast in one of two or more different broadcast regions, the management device requests the broadcast region requested by the playback device. A list of broadcast programs broadcasted on is distributed to the playback device.

The broadcast area in this program data distribution system is an area where the same broadcast program is broadcast in terrestrial broadcasting such as television.
According to the program data distribution system configured as described above, a user who uses the playback device can receive distribution of a list of broadcast programs in a broadcast area different from the broadcast area in which he / she lives. Therefore, when a recorded program that the user desires to watch is included in the list of broadcast programs in such a broadcast region, the user can obtain program data of the recorded program. . Furthermore, if it is the structure which can request recording of a broadcast program as described in Claim 7, it can request recording of the broadcast program which cannot be recorded because it differs from the broadcast area where it resides.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with examples.
[First Embodiment]
[overall structure]
As shown in FIG. 1, the program data distribution system 1 includes a management computer 10, a plurality of user terminals 20, and the like. The management computer 10 and the user terminal 20 are connected via the Internet 30.

  The management computer (management device in the present invention) 10 is configured by a known computer system, and includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HD) 14, display 15, keyboard 16, mouse 17, communication device 18, and the like. I have.

  In addition, the management computer 10 incorporates application software for causing the management computer 10 to function as a web server. Accordingly, the management computer 10 can receive a web page distribution request via the Internet 30 and can distribute the web page in response to the distribution request. A web page that can be distributed by the management computer 10 is a web page on which a list of broadcast programs in which display areas of a plurality of broadcast programs are arranged in a grid pattern with a broadcast time on the vertical axis and a broadcast channel on the horizontal axis A certain program guide, a distribution preparation web page distributed in a program data transfer process described later, and the like are stored in the HD 14.

  The HD 14 included in the management computer 10 stores a recorded program database in which broadcast programs reserved for recording by the user terminal 20 are registered. As shown in FIG. 2, the recorded program database includes a user code assigned to the user side terminal 20, a program code assigned to a broadcast program reserved for recording by the user side terminal 20, and a recording state. Registered with the flags associated. Among these, the recording status flag is set to “0” if the broadcast end time of the broadcast program reserved for recording has not passed. Then, “1” is set when the broadcast end time of the broadcast program has passed.

  Further, the HD 14 stores a requested program database in which program codes assigned to broadcast programs requested to be recorded by the user terminal 20 (hereinafter referred to as recording requested programs) are registered.

  A user side terminal (recording device and playback device in the present invention) 20 is configured by a known computer system, and includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HD) 24, display 25, keyboard 26, mouse 27, A communication device 28, a television tuner 29, and the like are provided.

  In addition, the user terminal 20 incorporates a web browser that requests delivery of a web page via the Internet 30 and displays the web page delivered via the Internet 30 on the display 25.

  Further, the user terminal 20 records the broadcast program received by the TV tuner 29, stores the program data of the recorded broadcast program in the HD 24, and the program data stored in the HD 24. Application software for executing processing for reproducing a broadcast program based on the program is incorporated.

[Program Guide Distribution Process of Management Computer 10]
First, the program guide distribution process executed by the management computer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The program guide distribution process is started after receiving a program guide distribution request from the user terminal 20.

  First, the management computer 10 reads out a program guide composed of a broadcast program of the time when the program guide distribution request is received and one hour before and after (s11). In this processing, a list of broadcast programs in which a broadcast time is taken on the vertical axis and a broadcast channel is taken on the horizontal axis and a plurality of broadcast program display areas are arranged in a grid is read.

  Next, the management computer 10 identifies a broadcast program reserved for recording by the user terminal 20 among all broadcast programs constituting the program guide read in the process of s11 (s12). In this process, a broadcast program reserved for recording is specified using a recorded program database. In the recorded program database, a user code assigned to the user terminal 20 and a program code assigned to a broadcast program reserved for recording by the user terminal 20 are registered in association with each other. Yes. Therefore, among all the broadcast programs constituting the program guide, the broadcast program whose assigned program code matches the program code in the recorded program database is specified as the broadcast program reserved for recording by the user terminal 20. Is done.

  Next, the management computer 10 identifies a broadcast program that has been recorded (hereinafter referred to as a recorded program) from the broadcast programs identified in the process of s12 (s13). Also in this process, a recorded program is specified using the recorded program database. In the recorded program database, not only the user code and the program code but also a recording state flag is registered. This recording state flag is set to “0” if the broadcast end time has not passed, and is set to “1” if the broadcast end time has passed. Therefore, a broadcast program whose recording state flag corresponding to the assigned program code is “1” among the broadcast programs specified in the process of s12 is specified as a recorded program.

  Next, the management computer 10 adds a download button b1 to the display area of the program guide corresponding to the recorded program specified in the process of s13 (s14). This download button b1 is used when requesting distribution of program data from the user side terminal 20 in the program guide operation process described later.

  Next, the management computer 10 specifies a recording request program (a program requested to be recorded from the user terminal 20) among all broadcast programs constituting the program guide read out in the process of s11 ( s15). In this process, the requested recording program is specified using the requested program database. In the requested program database, program codes assigned to recording requested programs are registered. Therefore, a broadcast program in which the assigned program code matches the program code in the requested program database among all the broadcast programs constituting the program guide read in the process of s11 is specified as the recording requested program. .

  Next, the management computer 10 adds a message m1 indicating that recording is requested to the display area of the program guide corresponding to the recording request program specified in the process of s15 (s16).

  Next, the management computer 10 adds a recording reservation button b2 and a recording request button b3 to the display area of the program guide corresponding to the broadcast program whose broadcast end time has not passed (s17). This recording reservation button b2 is used when the user terminal 20 makes a recording reservation for a broadcast program in a program guide operation process described later. The recording request button b3 is used when requesting recording of a broadcast program from the user side terminal 20 in a program guide operation process described later.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, a program guide to which the download button b1, the recording reservation button b2, the recording request button b3, and the message m1 are added is created.

Then, the management computer 10 delivers the program guide to the user terminal 20 (s18).
[Program Guide Operation Processing of User Terminal 20]
Next, program guide operation processing executed by the user terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. This program guide operation process is started after the management computer 10 is requested to distribute the program guide.

  First, the user terminal 20 receives the program guide distributed from the management computer 10 (s21). The program guide received here is delivered from the management computer 10 in the process of s18 in FIG.

  Next, the user terminal 20 displays the program guide received in the process of s21 on the display 25 (s22). In this process, a program guide is displayed in which a broadcast time is taken on the vertical axis and a broadcast channel is taken on the horizontal axis, and display areas of a plurality of programs are arranged in a grid pattern (see FIG. 4). A download button b1 is added to some of the display areas of the broadcast programs whose broadcast end time has passed among the display areas of the programs constituting the program guide. Of the display areas constituting the program guide, a recording reservation button b2 and a recording request button b3 are added to the display area of the broadcast program whose broadcast end time has not passed. Further, a message m1 indicating that recording is requested is added to some of the broadcast program display areas for which the broadcast end time has not passed. Thus, after the program guide is displayed on the display 25, the user performs an operation of selecting the download button b1, the recording reservation button b2, or the recording request button b3 added to each display area constituting the program guide. Can be executed. At this time, the user can also execute an operation for ending the program guide operation process (for example, an operation for ending the web browser, an operation for ending the operation of the user terminal 20 itself, or the like). .

  Next, the user terminal 20 stands by until an input operation is executed (s23: NO). In this process, the user terminal 20 selects the download button b1, the recording reservation button b2, or the recording request button b3 added to the program guide, or an operation for ending this program guide operation process. Wait until is executed.

  When an input operation is executed in the process of s23 (s23: YES), if this input operation is an operation of selecting the download button b1 (s24: YES), the user terminal 20 sends the distribution request data. It transmits to the management computer 10 (s25). This distribution request data is data for requesting distribution of the program data of the corresponding broadcast program, and is data composed of a program code assigned to the broadcast program in the display area to which the download button b1 is added. . The management computer 10 that has received the distribution request data distributes a distribution preparation web page indicating that the program data is prepared for distribution when the program data distribution is prepared in the program data distribution process described later. come.

  Next, the user terminal 20 receives the distribution preparation web page and displays it on the display 25 (s26). In this process, a web page having a start button for starting download of program data is displayed. Here, the user can execute an operation of selecting a start button.

  Next, the user terminal 20 waits until an operation for selecting a start button is executed (s27: NO), and when an operation for selecting a start button is executed (s27: YES), the distribution start data is stored. It transmits to the management computer 10 (s28). Program data is distributed from the management computer 10 that has received the distribution start data.

  Then, the user terminal 20 receives the program data distributed from the management computer 10 (s29). Thus, the program data distributed from the management computer 10 is stored in the HD 24.

  When the input operation performed in the process of s23 is an operation for selecting the recording reservation button b2 (s24: NO, s30: YES), the user terminal 20 transmits the recording notification data to the management computer 10. (S31). This recording notification data is data for notifying that the recording reservation of the corresponding broadcast program is to be performed, and is data that can specify the broadcast program in the display area to which the recording reservation button b2 is added. The management computer 10 that has received the recording notification data transmits recording reservation data necessary for recording the broadcast program specified by the recording notification data. Note that the recording reservation data is data including a broadcast start time, a broadcast end time, a broadcast channel, and the like.

Next, the user terminal 20 receives the recording reservation data transmitted from the management computer 10 (s32).
Next, the user terminal 20 makes a recording reservation for the broadcast program based on the recording reservation data received in the process of s32 (s33). In this process, a recording start time, a recording end time, and a broadcast channel for recording are set based on the recording reservation data received in the process of s32.

  Then, the user side terminal 20 transmits the reservation end data to the management computer 10 (s34). This reservation end data (specific data in the present invention) is data for notifying that the setting related to the recording reservation is ended in the processing of s33, and the user code assigned to the user terminal 20 itself, and This is data composed of program codes assigned to broadcast programs for which recording reservations have been made. In the management computer 10 that has received the reservation end data, the program code constituting the reservation end data and the user code are registered in the recorded program database (see FIG. 2).

  After the recording reservation is thus performed, the user terminal 20 records the broadcast program from the recording start time to the recording end time based on the setting related to the recording reservation performed in the process of s33, and the program is stored on the HD 24. Store as data.

  When the operation executed in the process of s23 is an operation of selecting the recording request button b3 (s24: NO, s30: NO, s35: YES), the user side terminal 20 stores the recording request data in the management computer. 10 (s36). This recording request data is data for requesting recording of the corresponding broadcast program, and is data composed of a program code assigned to the broadcast program in the display area to which the recording request button b3 is added. In the management computer 10 that has received the recording request data, the program code constituting the recording request data is registered in the requested program database.

Thus, after performing the process of s29, the process of s34, or the process of s36, the process returns to the process of s23.
When the input operation executed in the process of s23 is an operation for ending the program guide operation process (s24: NO, s30: NO, s35: NO), the program guide operation process is ended.

[Program Data Transfer Processing of Management Computer 10]
Next, program data transfer processing executed by the management computer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This program data transfer process is started after receiving the distribution request data transmitted by the user terminal 20 (see arrow a in FIG. 7) in the process of s25 in FIG. In the program data transfer process, the user side terminal 20 that has transmitted the distribution request data is hereinafter referred to as a transfer destination terminal 20a.

  First, the management computer 10 specifies the user side terminal 20 that is recording a broadcast program with a program code constituting the distribution request data (s41). In this process, the user terminal 20 that is recording the broadcast program is specified using the recorded program database. In the recorded program database, the user code assigned to the user terminal 20 and the program code assigned to the broadcast program reserved for recording by the user terminal 20 are registered in association with each other. Has been. Therefore, based on the user code corresponding to the program code constituting the distribution request data among the user codes in the recorded program database, the user side terminal 20 to which this user code is assigned receives the distribution request data. Is specified as the user-side terminal 20 that is recording the broadcast program of the program code that constitutes. Hereinafter, the user side terminal 20 specified in the process of s41 is referred to as a transfer source terminal 20b.

  Next, the management computer 10 transmits the transmission request data to the transfer source terminal 20b specified in the process of s41 (see arrow b in FIG. 7) (s42). In this process, the transmission request data is transmitted to the transfer source terminal 20b to which the user code specified in the process of s41 is assigned. This transmission request data is data for requesting the transmission source terminal 20b to transmit program data, and is data composed of a program code constituting the distribution request data. The transfer source terminal 20b that has received the transmission request data transmits the program data of the broadcast program to which the program code constituting the transmission request data is assigned. When a plurality of transfer source terminals 20b are specified in the process of s41, transmission request data is transmitted to one transfer source terminal 20b selected at random.

Next, the management computer 10 receives the program data transmitted from the transfer source terminal 20b (see arrow c in FIG. 7) (s43).
Next, the management computer 10 distributes the distribution preparation web page to the transfer destination terminal 20a (s44). This distribution preparation web page is a web page for notifying the transfer destination terminal 20a that preparation for distribution of program data has been completed, and is a web page received by the transfer destination terminal 20a in the process of s26 in FIG. . The transfer destination terminal 20a that has received this distribution preparation web page transmits the distribution start data after the operation for selecting the start button of the distribution preparation web page is executed (the process of s28 in FIG. 5).

  Then, the management computer 10 waits until the distribution start data is received from the transfer destination terminal 20a (s45: NO). When the distribution start data is received (s45: YES), the program data is distributed to the transfer destination terminal 20a ( (See arrow d in FIG. 7) (s46). This program data is data received by the transfer destination terminal 20a in the process of s29 in FIG.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
According to the program data distribution system 1 configured in this way, the management computer 10 requested to distribute the program guide distributes the program guide with the download button b1 added to the display area corresponding to the recorded program. Then, when the user operating the user side terminal 20 (transfer destination terminal 20a) performs an operation of selecting the download button b1 in the program guide, the program data of the broadcast program corresponding to the download button b1 Are transferred from the transfer source terminal 20b to the transfer destination terminal 20a via the management computer 10. Therefore, the user can easily obtain the program data simply by executing the operation of selecting the download button b1 of the program guide by the user side terminal 20 (transfer destination terminal 20a).

  In addition, after the recording reservation is made by the user side terminal 20 in the process of s33 in FIG. 5, reservation end data composed of the program code of the broadcast program reserved for recording is sent from the user side terminal 20 to the management computer 10. Sent. Therefore, the management computer 10 can register the broadcast program reserved for recording in the recorded program database based on the reservation end data. Therefore, the management computer 10 uses the recorded program database to record the user side terminal 20 (transfer source terminal 20b) that has recorded the broadcast program of the program data requested to be distributed by the distribution request data (processing of s25 in FIG. 5). The transmission of program data can be requested only to the user terminal 20 that is recording this broadcast program.

  In addition, a recording request button b3 is added to the program guide distributed from the management computer 10. Then, the user (requester) who operates the user side terminal 20 performs an operation of selecting the recording request button b3 (processing of s30 in FIG. 5), and thereafter receives the program guide distribution. It is possible to request the user (request destination) who uses the user terminal 20 to record the corresponding broadcast program. As a result, when a user (request destination) who uses another user terminal 20 records a broadcast program requested to be recorded, the user (request source) who requested the recording thereafter requests It becomes possible to obtain program data of the broadcast program. In particular, in this embodiment, since a broadcast guide is reserved for recording using a program guide, when a message m1 requesting recording is described in this program guide, the other user side It can be expected that the user (requestee) who uses the terminal 20 will record the requested request at the same time as the broadcast program he / she wants to record.

[Second Embodiment]
[overall structure]
As shown in FIG. 8, the program data distribution system 2 includes a management computer 10, a plurality of user terminals 20, and the like. The management computer 10 and the user terminal 20 are connected via the Internet 30.

  The management computer (management device in the present invention) 10 is configured by a known computer system, and includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, hard disk 14, display 15, keyboard 16, mouse 17, communication device 18, television tuner 19, and the like. .

  Further, the management computer 10 records application programs for recording broadcast programs received by the TV tuner 19 and storing the program data of the recorded broadcast programs in a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HD) 14. Is incorporated. This application software first makes a recording reservation for a broadcast program based on the recording request data transmitted from the user terminal 20 in the program guide operation process described later, and then broadcasts based on the settings related to the recording reservation. It is configured to record a program.

  Furthermore, the management computer 10 incorporates application software for causing the management computer 10 to function as a web server. Accordingly, the management computer 10 can receive a web page distribution request via the Internet 30 and can distribute the web page in response to the distribution request. A web page that can be distributed by the management computer 10 is a web page on which a list of broadcast programs in which display areas of a plurality of broadcast programs are arranged in a grid pattern with a broadcast time on the vertical axis and a broadcast channel on the horizontal axis is described. A program guide or the like is stored in the HD 14.

  The HD 14 provided in the management computer 10 stores a recorded program database in which broadcast programs reserved for recording are registered. This recorded program database is registered in a state in which a program code assigned to a broadcast program is associated with a recording state flag. This recording state flag is the same as the recording state flag in the first embodiment.

  The user terminal (reproduction device in the present invention) 20 is configured by a known computer system, and includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, hard disk 24, display 25, keyboard 26, mouse 27, communication device 28, and the like. In addition, the user terminal 20 incorporates a web browser that requests delivery of a web page via the Internet 30 and displays the web page delivered via the Internet 30 on the display 25. In addition, the user terminal 20 incorporates application software for executing a process of reproducing a broadcast program based on program data obtained by recording the broadcast program.

[Program Guide Distribution Process of Management Computer 10]
First, the program guide distribution process executed by the management computer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The program guide distribution process is started after receiving a program guide distribution request from the user terminal 20.

  First, the management computer 10 reads a program guide composed of a broadcast program of the time when the program guide distribution request is received and one hour before and after (s51). In this processing, a list of broadcast programs in which a broadcast time is taken on the vertical axis and a broadcast channel is taken on the horizontal axis and a plurality of broadcast program display areas are arranged in a grid is read.

  Next, the management computer 10 identifies the broadcast program reserved for recording among all the broadcast programs constituting the program guide read in the process of s51 (s52). In this process, a broadcast program reserved for recording is specified using a recorded program database. In the recorded program database, program codes assigned to broadcast programs reserved for recording are registered. Therefore, among all the broadcast programs constituting the program guide, a broadcast program whose assigned program code matches the program code in the recorded program database is specified as the broadcast program reserved for recording.

  Next, the management computer 10 identifies a broadcast program that has been recorded (hereinafter referred to as a recorded program) from the broadcast programs identified in the process of s52 (s53). Also in this process, a recorded program is specified using the recorded program database. In the recorded program database, not only program codes but also recording state flags are registered. This recording state flag is set to “0” if the broadcast end time has not passed, and is set to “1” if the broadcast end time has passed. Therefore, a broadcast program whose recording state flag corresponding to the assigned program code is “1” among the broadcast programs specified in the process of s52 is specified as a recorded program.

  Next, the management computer 10 adds a download button b1 to the display area of the program guide corresponding to the recorded program specified in the process of s53 (s54). This download button b1 is used when requesting distribution of program data from the user side terminal 20 in the program guide operation process described later.

  Next, the management computer 10 adds a recording request button b4 to the display area of the program guide corresponding to the broadcast program whose broadcast end time has not passed (s55). The recording request button b4 is used when a user terminal 20 requests recording of a broadcast program in a program guide operation process described later.

Thus, the program guide to which the download button b1 and the recording request button b4 are added is created (see FIG. 10).
Then, the management computer 10 distributes the program guide to the user terminal 20 (s56).

[Program Guide Operation Processing of User Terminal 20]
Next, the program guide operation process executed by the user terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. This program guide operation process is started after the management computer 10 is requested to distribute the program guide.

  First, the user terminal 20 receives the program guide distributed from the management computer 10 (s61). The program guide received here is distributed from the management computer 10 in the process of s56 in FIG.

  Next, the user side terminal 20 displays the program guide received in the process of s61 on the display 25 (s62). In this processing, a program guide is displayed in which display areas of a plurality of programs are arranged in a grid pattern with the broadcast time on the vertical axis and the broadcast channel on the horizontal axis. A download button b1 is added to some of the display areas of the broadcast programs whose broadcast end time has passed among the display areas of the programs constituting the program guide. In addition, a recording request button b4 is added to the display area of the broadcast program whose broadcast end time has not passed among the display areas constituting the program guide. Thus, after the program guide is displayed on the display 25, the user can perform an operation of selecting the download button b1 or the recording request button b4 added to each display area constituting the program guide. . At this time, the user can also execute an operation for ending the program guide operation process (for example, an operation for ending the web browser, an operation for ending the operation of the user terminal 20 itself, or the like). .

  Next, the user terminal 20 stands by until an input operation is executed (s63: NO). In this process, the user terminal 20 executes an operation for selecting the download button b1 or the recording request button b4 added to the program guide or an operation for ending this program guide operation process. stand by.

  When an input operation is executed in the process of s63 (s63: YES), if this input operation is an operation of selecting the download button b1 (s64: YES), the user terminal 20 sends the distribution request data. It transmits to the management computer 10 (s65). This distribution request data is data for requesting distribution of the program data of the corresponding broadcast program, and is data composed of a program code assigned to the broadcast program in the display area to which the download button b1 is added. . Program data is distributed from the management computer 10 that has received the distribution request data.

  Then, the user terminal 20 receives the program data distributed from the management computer 10 (s66). Thus, the program data distributed from the management computer 10 is stored in the HD 24.

  When the input operation performed in the process of s63 is an operation for selecting the recording request button b4 (s64: NO, s67: YES), the user side terminal 20 transmits the recording request data to the management computer 10. (S68). This recording request data is data for requesting recording of the corresponding broadcast program, and is data that can specify the broadcast program in the display area to which the recording request button b4 is added. The management computer 10 that has received the recording request data reserves recording of the broadcast program specified by the recording request data, and registers the program code assigned to the broadcast program specified by the recording request data in the recorded program database.

Thus, after performing the process of s66 or the process of s68, the process returns to the process of s63.
When the input operation executed in the process of s63 is an operation for ending the program guide operation process (s64: NO, s67: NO), the program guide operation process is ended.

[Program Data Distribution Process of Management Computer 10]
Next, program data distribution processing executed by the management computer 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This program data distribution process is started after receiving the distribution request data transmitted by the user terminal 20 in the process of s65 in FIG.

First, the management computer 10 reads program data of a broadcast program having a program code constituting the distribution request data from the HD 14 (s71).
Then, the management computer 10 distributes the program data read out in the process of s71 to the user terminal 20 (s72). This program data is data received by the user terminal 20 in the process of s66 in FIG.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
According to the program data distribution system 2 configured as described above, the management computer 10 requested to distribute the program guide distributes the program guide with the download button b1 added to the display area corresponding to the recorded program. When the user operating the user terminal 20 performs an operation of selecting the download button b1 added to the program guide, the program data of the broadcast program corresponding to the download button b1 is used. It is distributed to the person side terminal 20. Therefore, the user can easily obtain the program data simply by executing the operation of selecting the download button b1 added to the program guide by the user side terminal 20.

  Furthermore, the management computer can record the broadcast program requested to be recorded from the user side terminal 20, and the program data of the broadcast program thus recorded can be distributed from the management computer 10 to the user side terminal 20. Therefore, the broadcast program can be recorded by the management computer 10 even if the user terminal 20 is not equipped with an apparatus for receiving a broadcast program such as a TV tuner, an apparatus for recording the broadcast program, or application software. The user can obtain program data of the broadcast program thus recorded.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said specific one Embodiment, In addition, it can implement with a various form.

  For example, the management computer 10 is registered from the user terminal 20 before distributing the program guide so that only the users who have registered as members in advance can use the program data distribution systems 1 and 2 in the above embodiment. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the data for authenticating that it is a user may be transmitted.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the program guide distributed by the management computer 10 is a terrestrial broadcast such as a television broadcast, the user operating the user side terminal 20 has a plurality of broadcast regions (the same It may be configured such that distribution of a program guide in a desired broadcast area can be requested from among areas where broadcast programs are broadcast. If comprised in this way, the user who uses the user side terminal 20 can receive delivery of the list | wrist of the broadcast program in the broadcast area different from the broadcast area where he lives. Therefore, when a recorded program (broadcast program to which the download button b1 is added) that the user wants to watch is included in the list of broadcast programs in such a broadcast region, the user can record the recorded program. It is possible to obtain program data of finished programs. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, by using the recording request button b3 added to the program guide, it is possible to request recording of a broadcast program that cannot be recorded because it is different from the broadcast area where the user resides. it can.

  In the first embodiment, the process of s13 in FIG. 3 and the process of s53 in FIG. 9 in the second embodiment are exemplified to specify a recorded program. When a program is specified, a broadcast program that has not been recorded at the same time (hereinafter referred to as a reserved program) is specified, and in the program guide display area corresponding to the reserved program, a recording reservation is being made. A message to that effect may be added. If comprised in this way, the user who uses the user side terminal 20 can receive delivery of the broadcast program scheduled to be recorded by the other user side terminal 20, ie, program data after that. Can be confirmed in advance.

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the reservation end data for notifying the management computer 10 that the setting related to the recording reservation is completed is transmitted in the process of s33 in FIG. did. However, the user-side terminal 20 transmits data for notifying that the recording reservation is ended to the management computer 10 when the recording of the broadcast program is actually ended, not the setting related to the recording reservation. It may be configured. If comprised in this way, it can notify reliably that the recording of the broadcast program was complete | finished. Furthermore, since it is possible to notify the end of recording, it is not necessary to prepare a recording state flag in the recorded program database of the management computer 10, so that the data amount as the recorded program database can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, when a plurality of transfer source terminals 20b are specified in the process of s41 in FIG. 6, the management computer 10 selects at random among the plurality of transfer source terminals 20b in the process of s42. The transmission request data is transmitted to the one transfer source terminal 20b. However, when a plurality of transfer source terminals 20b are specified in the process of s41 in FIG. 6, it is preferable to perform the following process before transmitting the transmission request data in the process of s42. First, the management computer 10 sequentially checks whether or not each of the plurality of transfer source terminals 20b specified in the process of s42 can transmit program data. Here, for example, confirmation data for confirming whether the transfer source terminal 20b is connected to the Internet 30, whether the transfer source terminal 20b is activated, or whether the program data has been deleted is transmitted. . If the program data can be transmitted from the transfer source terminal 20b that has received the confirmation data, transmittable data is transmitted. On the other hand, if the program data cannot be transmitted, data that cannot be transmitted is transmitted, or data is not transmitted within a predetermined time. Then, the management computer 10 transmits the transmission request data to the transfer source terminal 20b that has transmitted the transmittable data first in the process of s42. If comprised in this way, transmission request data can be transmitted only to the transfer origin terminal 20b which can transmit program data from the some transfer origin terminal 20b.

  In the first and second embodiments, the management computer 10 and the user side terminal 20 are illustrated as being connected via the Internet 30, but the management computer 10 and the user side terminal 20 are, for example, It may be connected via a network such as a LAN.

  The program data distributed to the user side terminal 20 (transfer destination terminal 20a) in the process of s46 in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment and the process of s72 in FIG. It may be configured such that a broadcast program based on the above cannot be played after a predetermined number of playbacks or after a predetermined playback period (time, number of days).

  Specifically, first, the management computer 10 is configured to distribute program data to which data that can specify the reproduction period or the number of reproductions is added. Then, after the user terminal 20 receiving this program data has passed the playback period specified by the data added to the program data or the playback period of the broadcast program based on the program data, or the number of playbacks After reaching, the broadcast program based on this program data may not be reproduced, or the program data itself may be deleted.

  In addition, the management computer 10 adds a program that operates after the broadcast program playback period based on the program data has passed the predetermined playback period or after the broadcast program playback count reaches the predetermined playback count. The program data may be distributed, and the user terminal 20 in which the program is operated may be configured not to reproduce the broadcast program based on the program data or to delete the program data itself.

  With this configuration, various services can be provided to the administrator side who manages the management computer 10 and the user side who uses the user side terminal 20. For example, the management computer 10 distributes program data in which the reproduction period or the number of times of reproduction is “0” based on the added data, that is, a broadcast program based on the program data cannot be reproduced. By executing this input operation, the added data becomes invalid and the broadcast program can be reproduced. Then, the administrator who manages the management computer 10 distributes the above-mentioned password at a predetermined fee to the user who uses the user-side terminal 20, so that the collected fee is recorded with the administrator on the broadcast program. It is possible to provide a service such as distribution to the user side who performed the service.

The figure which shows the structure of the program data delivery system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structure of the video recording program database in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the program guide delivery process in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the program guide which the management computer in 1st Embodiment distributes. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the program guide operation process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the program data transfer process in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the data flow in the program data transfer process in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the program data delivery system in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the program guide delivery process in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the program guide which the management computer in 2nd Embodiment distributes. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the program guide operation process in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the program data delivery process in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2... Program data distribution system, 10... Management computer, 20.

Claims (5)

A data management device for managing program data for reproducing a broadcast program,
Preservation based on the notification from the storage device to store the program data obtained by the recording, to specify that the program data for reproducing the predetermined broadcast program in the storage device is stored with recording a broadcasting program Specific means,
And program registration means for registering when the program data is identified to have been stored, the database playable broadcast program該番set data as saved broadcasting program by the stored identification means,
A saved broadcast program registered in the database when a list of broadcast programs is requested from a playback apparatus that can communicate with the data management apparatus and has a broadcast program playback function based on the program data. hints, a list distribution means for the list in which the saved broadcast program indicated as distributable broadcast program distributed to the playback device,
When the playback device that has received the list distributed by the list distribution means requests viewing of any stored broadcast program included in the list, the reproduction device corresponding to the requested broadcast program Distribution management means for performing processing for distributing program data to the playback device. A data management device comprising: Wherein the distribution means of implementation, the reproducing apparatus viewing the saved broadcast programs when requested by the transmission of the program data in the storage device that stores the program data corresponding to the requested the broadcast program The data management device according to claim 1, wherein the program data transmitted from the storage device that has received the request is distributed to the playback device that is a viewing request source. The storage specifying means, based on the notification of the broadcast program from the storage device, be saved after the program data for reproducing the predetermined broadcast program in the storage device, and, that is actually stored Specific,
Said program registration means, if it is identified to be saved after the program data by the stored identification means, registers the renewable broadcast program該番set data in the database, it was then actually stored The data management apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when specified, the previously registered broadcast program is re-registered as a stored broadcast program. In the case where the storage device is configured to notify the data management device of at least the broadcast program to be stored prior to storing the image data obtained by recording the broadcast program,
The storage specifying means, said upon receiving the notification from the storage device to identify that the program data corresponding to a broadcast program according to the notification in the storage device is stored after, then broadcast of the notification The data management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the broadcast of the program ends, the program data corresponding to the broadcast program is specified as actually saved . Program for a computer to function as all means according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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