JP4911016B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and information processing method for processing information to be presented to a user, and a computer program, and in particular, an information processing apparatus for presenting predetermined information to a user who receives and views a television broadcast, and The present invention relates to an information processing method and a computer program.

  More particularly, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and information processing method and a computer program for displaying predetermined notification information to a user who receives and views a television broadcast, and more particularly, receives and views a television broadcast. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer program for presenting a CM program that encourages users to subscribe to pay broadcasting.

  In the modern information civilized society, the role of broadcasting is immeasurable. In particular, the influence of television broadcasting that delivers video information directly to viewers along with sound is significant. Television broadcasting is a system in which a state-owned or private broadcasting station converts video and audio information into electrical signals and transmits them, and on the receiving side, the viewer receives and tunes with a tuner and reproduces an image on a display screen. .

  The penetration rate of television is extremely high, and television receivers that receive broadcast content distributed from each broadcast station have established themselves as essential items in the home, and broadcast content distributed from each broadcast station is unspecified. It is viewed by many people.

  TV broadcasting services have long been operated in the form of terrestrial analog broadcasting, but recently, with the progress of digitalization, digital satellite broadcasting using communication satellites and broadcasting satellites is also being performed. Many of the satellite digital broadcasts are pay broadcasts, that is, broadcast services that can be received after making a contract to pay a viewing fee, and include scrambled broadcasts and PPV (pay per view). In the former scrambled broadcasting, video, audio, and data signals are scrambled and transmitted, and only the receiver having the viewing right unscrambles and views.

  For broadcast service companies that operate pay broadcasts, advertising and advertising activities to recruit subscribers are essential. For example, PR (Public Relations) for subscribing to a pay broadcast service can be performed through a free broadcast assigned to a part of a time zone on a pay broadcast channel or a promotion channel.

  However, the viewer needs an operation of switching to a network (for example, CS) that broadcasts the corresponding pay broadcast and selecting a promotion channel. In other words, the viewer needs to know the corresponding channel in advance through other advertising means, CM (Commercial Message) on a terrestrial channel, newspaper or magazine advertisement, etc., and is viewed on a TV screen with many contact opportunities. There is almost no PR effect on the elderly.

  For example, when a symbol screen of a complementary broadcast program introducing sponsor products is arranged around the display screen of the main broadcast program and the user selects the symbol screen with a remote controller or the like, the symbol screen is used instead of the symbol screen. An information processing apparatus for displaying a complementary broadcast program has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and a predetermined PR activity such as detailed information on products can be performed. However, unless the viewer switches to the network that broadcasts the corresponding pay broadcast, the viewer does not touch the symbol screen, and the PR effect is limited.

JP 2001-36833 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program capable of suitably presenting predetermined information to a user who receives and views a television broadcast.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program capable of suitably displaying a predetermined notification screen for a user who receives and views a television broadcast. It is in.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent information processing apparatus and information processing method capable of presenting a CM program that recommends subscription to a pay broadcast to a user who receives and views a television broadcast at an appropriate timing, and To provide a computer program.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and a first aspect thereof is an information processing apparatus that presents predetermined information to a user who receives and watches a television broadcast,
Receiving means for receiving one or more broadcast channels;
Program guide information acquisition means for acquiring program guide information related to a broadcast program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Information recording means for storing information, and recording a viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Recording control means for controlling the recording operation to the information recording means of the viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Reproduction title list generation means for generating a reproduction title list for a viewing program recorded in the information recording means,
Information display means for displaying and outputting video information including a viewing program recorded in the information recording means;
Reproduction control means for controlling a reproduction operation on the information display means of a corresponding viewing program in response to a user's reproduction instruction on the reproduction title list;
With
The recording control unit analyzes the program guide information acquired by the program guide information acquisition unit, extracts a free viewing program provided by the pay broadcasting service and broadcast date information of the CM program, respectively, and records the information Control the recording operation to record the free viewing program in the means,
The reproduction title list generation means adds a unique icon to a free viewing program on the reproduction title list and displays it together with other recorded viewing programs, and the reproduction control means includes the reproduction title. In response to the user instructing to reproduce the free viewing program on the list, the CM program for the pay broadcasting service that broadcast the free viewing program is extracted from the information recording means, and the beginning of the free viewing program Or play the CM program at any location during the playback period,
This is an information processing apparatus.

  In satellite digital broadcasting and the like, pay broadcasting services that can be received after contracting to pay a viewing fee are widely spread. Currently, it is common to perform subscription PR for pay broadcasting services through free broadcasts assigned to some time zones on channels that perform pay broadcasting and promotional channels, etc., It is necessary to know the corresponding channel in advance by other advertising means, advertisements for commercials, newspapers or magazines on terrestrial channels, and there is almost no PR effect on the viewer on a TV screen with many contact opportunities.

  On the other hand, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to an apparatus for receiving and viewing BS / CS satellite digital broadcasting, for example, or recording and reproducing on a recording medium such as a hard disk. A free viewing program specified by the pay-broadcasting service channel will be automatically recorded based on the EPG information, and a unique icon indicating that it is a free viewing program will be added in the playback title list (recorded program list) And mixed display with other recorded programs. When the user (viewer) designates a free viewing program on the reproduction title list, the CM program recorded separately is reproduced at the beginning, and then the designated free viewing program is reproduced. The CM program mentioned here recommends subscription to a pay broadcast service channel that is subject to PR, and further includes information related to the subscription procedure.

  After a certain period of time (for example, about one month) has passed since the purchase of the recording / playback apparatus, most of the viewing modes are such that a server-type broadcast, that is, a TV program is once recorded and played back at a desired time. Thus, the television program is viewed through the reproduction title list (video string) of the recorded broadcast program. Therefore, by arranging the content recorded by the free viewing program automatically recorded in the reproduction title list frequently used by the user, the pay broadcast service is exposed and the user has an opportunity to contact. Furthermore, by playing the CM program at the beginning of playing a free viewing program, the user can be given an appropriate opportunity to contact the CM, and the motivation for joining the pay broadcast service channel can be increased.

  Here, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is a program that holds a free viewing program provision period, a channel ID for providing a free viewing program, and a channel ID for providing a CM program for each pay broadcast service. An information provision table is stored in advance in an information recording means or the like. This program information provision table describes a free viewing program to be reserved for automatic recording, a CM program to be played along with the viewing time (for example, at the beginning), and a period for performing this kind of playback control. In other words, it defines the contents of the subscription PR for the pay broadcast service. Therefore, it is assumed that the program information provision table is described in accordance with the agreement between the information processing apparatus manufacturer and distributor and the pay broadcast service company.

  In addition to the broadcast program title and broadcast schedule, the program guide information represented by EPG includes the type of free viewing program and the CM to be played at the beginning or other predetermined place when the free viewing program is played. It is assumed that the CM program ID for identifying the program and the type of the CM program are included.

  By adding a unique character string indicating that the program is a recommended program such as a free viewing program in the EPG data, the information processing apparatus searches for the unique character string after receiving the EPG data. By doing so, it is possible to extract information on a free viewing program and make an automatic recording reservation.

  Similarly, by adding a unique character string indicating that it is a CM program in the EPG data, the information processing apparatus receives the EPG data and then searches for the unique character string to obtain the CM. Program information can be extracted and this can be reserved for automatic recording.

  The recording control means first searches the program information provision table, acquires a channel ID for which the pay broadcast service whose current date and time is within the provision period of the free viewing program provides the free viewing program, and then the program A channel ID for providing a free viewing program is searched from the guide information, and a free viewing program is automatically reserved for recording, and a provision period of the recorded free viewing program (that is, a period during which free viewing is possible) and a corresponding pay broadcast service ID In association with the CM program ID, it is managed as a “free viewing program title table” (described later).

  The recording control means acquires a channel ID for providing a CM program whose current date and time is within the provision period, and then searches for the channel ID for providing the CM program from the program guide information to automatically record the CM program. It is processed and managed as a “CM program title table” (described later) in association with the corresponding pay broadcast service ID and provision period.

  The reproduction title list generation means searches the free viewing program title table, and registers the title of the recorded free viewing program whose current date and time is the provision period in the reproduction title list. The reproduction title list generation means may add a unique icon for identifying the title of the free viewing program on the reproduction title list from the title of the normal recorded program. As described above, by placing the content recorded by the free viewing program automatically recorded in the playback title list frequently used by the user, the pay broadcast service is exposed and the user has an increased chance of contact.

  In addition, when a user gives an instruction to reproduce a free viewing program on the reproduction title list, the reproduction control means displays a CM program associated with a pay broadcast service that is a provider of the free viewing program. By searching the program title table, the corresponding CM program can be taken out. Then, the corresponding CM program is reproduced at the beginning of reproducing the free viewing program or at a predetermined place in the reproduction period. As described above, by playing a CM program at the beginning of playing a free viewing program, the user can be given an appropriate opportunity to contact the CM, and the motivation to subscribe to a pay broadcast service channel can be increased. it can.

  Here, display priority can be given for each pay broadcast service, and display priority can be managed in the program information provision table and the free viewing program title table. In such a case, the playback title list generation means sorts the titles of the free viewing programs on the playback title list according to the display priority of the pay broadcast service that is the provider of each recorded free viewing program. Thus, a pay broadcasting service with a higher display priority can make a free viewing program stand out and give an opportunity to contact a CM to be subscribed to.

  When a CM section is inserted in the free viewing program, the playback control means may detect the CM section and replace it with the corresponding CM program for playback.

  Further, as internal information, information related to a pay broadcast service channel that has already been subscribed is acquired, and the playback control means, when playing a free viewing program, if the user has already subscribed to the corresponding pay broadcast service, The program may not be reproduced and useless PR may not be performed.

The second aspect of the present invention is a receiving means for receiving one or more broadcast channels, an information recording means for storing information and recording a viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means, Processing for presenting predetermined information to a user who receives and views a television broadcast on a recording / playback apparatus provided with information display means for displaying and outputting video information including a viewing program recorded in the information recording means A computer program written in a computer readable format for execution on a computer, the computer comprising:
Program guide information acquisition means for acquiring program guide information related to a broadcast program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Recording control means for controlling the recording operation to the information recording means of the viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Reproduction title list generation means for generating a reproduction title list for a viewing program recorded in the information recording means,
Reproduction control means for controlling a reproduction operation on the information display means of a corresponding viewing program in response to a user's reproduction instruction on the reproduction title list;
Function as
The recording control unit analyzes the program guide information acquired by the program guide information acquisition unit, extracts a free viewing program provided by the pay broadcasting service and broadcast date information of the CM program, respectively, and records the information Control the recording operation to record the free viewing program in the means,
The reproduction title list generation means adds a unique icon to the free viewing program on the reproduction title list and displays it together with other recorded viewing programs.
In response to the user's instruction to play a free viewing program on the playback title list, the playback control means sends a CM program for a pay broadcast service that broadcasts the free viewing program from the information recording means. Take out and play the CM program at the beginning of the free viewing program or at any place during the playback period;
This is a computer program characterized by the above.

  The computer program according to the second aspect of the present invention defines a computer program described in a computer-readable format so as to realize predetermined processing on the computer. In other words, by installing the computer program according to the second aspect of the present invention on the computer, a cooperative action is exhibited on the computer, and the same as the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention. An effect can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an excellent information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program capable of suitably displaying a predetermined notification screen for a user who receives and views a television broadcast. it can.

  In addition, according to the present invention, an excellent information processing apparatus and information processing method capable of presenting CM programs and the like that recommend subscription to pay broadcasting to users who receive and watch television broadcasting at an appropriate timing. As well as computer programs.

  The recording / playback apparatus to which the present invention is applied automatically records a free viewing program on a pay broadcast service channel to be PR, and automatically records these contents in a playback title list frequently used by a user. By arranging, it is possible to increase the chances that the free viewing program or pay broadcast service is exposed and contacts the user. In addition, when a free viewing program is played, the CM program is played at the beginning of the program, so that the user can be surely contacted, and the motivation to subscribe to the pay broadcast service channel can be increased.

  Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from more detailed description based on embodiments of the present invention described later and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of an information processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401 is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 403, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 404, an input operation unit 405, an AV via a system bus 402. An interface unit 406, a display unit 407, a network connection unit 408, a decoding unit 409, an encoding unit 410, a broadcast receiving unit 411, an information recording unit 103, and a media interface unit 414 are connected. Although not shown in the figure, the apparatus 100 is provided with means for measuring the current time using a real-time clock or the like and managing date and time information.

  The input operation unit 405 includes various keys and processes input of various commands such as channel selection from the user and recording of broadcast content in the information recording unit 103. Here, the information recording unit 103 is, for example, a large-capacity recording device including a fixed recording medium represented by a hard disk or a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a Blu-ray disk. Various commands input from the input operation unit 405 are supplied to the CPU 401 through the system bus 402 by an interface unit (not shown). The key / button group provided in the input operation unit 405 includes a channel selection button, a channel selection button, a volume adjustment button, up / down / left / right cursor buttons, a “decision” button, a “return” button, a “select” button, and “execute”. Button, "Cancel" button, etc. Although not shown, the input operation unit 405 includes a remote commander (remote control) that is remotely operated via infrared communication, in addition to the keys / buttons arranged in the apparatus 100 main body.

  The display unit 407 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a display control circuit that drives the display device. For example, the display unit 407 displays commands and data input from the user, various statuses, and the like. .

  The AV interface unit 406 processes input / output of video signals and audio signals to / from an external AV device 6 such as a television connected to the information recording apparatus 100.

  The broadcast receiving unit 411 is in a variety of broadcasting forms such as terrestrial digital broadcasting, CS (Communication Satellite) digital broadcasting, BS (Broadcasting Satellite) digital broadcasting, for example, according to the user's channel selection operation via the input operation unit 405. Broadcast waves from broadcast stations 2 to 4 are received, and video signals and audio signals are demodulated.

  The network connection unit 408 processes connection with the network 1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol such as TCP / IP. In the present embodiment, a predetermined site such as a server operated by a broadcasting station for contents such as program guide information provided from each broadcast channel such as EPG (Electric Program Guide) and CM information of a pay broadcast service channel. May be obtained automatically via a network.

  The decoding unit 409 decodes the encoded data of the content read from the information recording unit 103 to restore video data and audio data. The restored digital video data is supplied to the AV interface unit 406 through the system bus 402 and output to the external AV device 6 such as a television connected to the AV interface unit 406.

  The ROM 403 stores program codes and the like that define processing procedures executed by the information recording apparatus 100. For example, the program code that defines the processing procedure for outputting the subscription PR screen information to the display unit 407 at a predetermined display timing is stored in the ROM 403. The RAM 404 is a writable volatile memory used for loading a program code executed by the CPU 401 and writing work data of the program. The CPU 401 loads the necessary program code from the ROM 403 to the RAM 404 and interprets and executes it in order for the information recording apparatus 100 to execute predetermined processing.

  The program code stored in the ROM 403 includes, for example, acquisition / analysis processing of program guide information distributed or distributed from each broadcast channel such as EPG, automatic recording processing of viewing programs based on program guide information, and recording A program code for executing various processing procedures such as a process for generating a playback title list for a completed program and a playback process for a viewing program in accordance with a user designation on the playback title list is included. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the automatic recording reservation function of the free viewing program provided by the pay broadcast service channel to be PR is publicized, and the pay broadcast service channel is publicized when the recorded free viewing program is played back (for example, service subscription) It has a free viewing program playback function for playing a CM program at the beginning (recommended procedure) (described later), and program codes for realizing these functions are also stored in the ROM 403.

  The information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to, for example, a television broadcast receiver also called an STB (Set Top Box), and further has a large capacity information recording unit 103 such as a hard disk or a DVD or a Blu-ray disk. It is also a recording / playback apparatus equipped with. In the present specification, a recorded broadcast program is also referred to as a “title”.

  In the present embodiment, an environment is assumed in which a free viewing program is provided on a pay broadcast service channel. It is assumed that the broadcast schedule of this kind of free viewing program can be acquired based on the EPG information. In addition, the pay broadcast service channel provides CM programs as PR information that serves as a subscription motive for users.

  The CM program referred to here is not limited to a video image, and may be a still image, audio, text superimposed display, or the like.

  The information processing apparatus 100 that functions as a broadcast wave receiver and a recording / playback apparatus automatically records a free viewing program designated by a pay broadcast service channel to be PR based on EPG information and a playback title list ( In the recorded program list), a unique icon indicating that the program is a free viewing program is added and displayed together with other recorded programs. When the user (viewer) designates a free viewing program on the reproduction title list, the CM program recorded separately is reproduced at the beginning, and then the designated free viewing program is reproduced. The CM program mentioned here recommends subscription to a pay broadcast service channel that is subject to PR, and further includes information related to the subscription procedure.

  After a certain period of time (for example, about one month) has passed since the purchase of the recording / playback apparatus, most of the viewing modes are such that a server-type broadcast, that is, a TV program is once recorded and played back at a desired time. Thus, the television program is viewed through the reproduction title list (video string) of the recorded broadcast program. Therefore, by placing the content automatically recorded in the playback title list that is frequently used by the user, the pay broadcast service is exposed and the opportunity for the user to contact is increased. Furthermore, it is possible to give an appropriate opportunity for the user to contact the CM, and to increase the motivation to subscribe to the pay broadcast service channel.

  Below, the operation | movement procedure implemented in the information processing apparatus 100 is demonstrated.

  In order to realize the automatic recording reservation function of free viewing programs provided by the pay broadcasting service channels that are subject to PR and the free viewing program playback function that plays CM programs at the beginning of playback of recorded free viewing programs, The ROM 403 in the information processing apparatus 100 stores a program information provision table storing information for acquiring a free viewing program and a CM program for each pay broadcast service / channel. The following table shows a configuration example of the program information provision table.

  The program information provision table has a record for each pay broadcast service company to be PR, and each record is identified by a pay broadcast service company ID. Each record includes a display priority order when a recorded free viewing program is arranged in the reproduction title list, and a provision period of the free viewing program (or a service period in which the CM program is reproduced when the free viewing program is reproduced). Provision start date and time and provision end date and time, a free pay program providing channel ID for identifying a channel on which the corresponding pay broadcast service company broadcasts a free view program, and a CM program channel ID for identifying a channel on which the CM program is broadcast Is stored.

  Such a program information provision table can be created, for example, based on an agreement between a recording / playback apparatus manufacturer and distributor and a pay broadcast service company. For example, the display priority order on the reproduction title list and the provision period of the free viewing program are determined according to the CM cost paid by each pay broadcasting service company. The program information provision table is preinstalled in the ROM 403 at the time of product shipment, for example. Alternatively, the ROM 403 may be composed of a rewritable memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) so that the program information provision table can be updated as needed.

  On the other hand, program guide information such as EPG is provided in a format accompanying a main broadcast of a broadcast program such as data broadcast or through means such as a network different from the broadcast. The following table shows a configuration example of the program guide information table.

  The program guide information table has a record for each title, that is, a broadcast program, and each record stores a channel ID on which the corresponding broadcast program is broadcasted, a title name of the broadcast program, and detailed information of the broadcast program. . In addition to the production / broadcast year, production country, performer information, program summary, etc., the detailed information here refers to the CM program ID corresponding to the display of the free viewing program, the free viewing provision period, CM program ID for identifying a CM program to be played at the beginning or other predetermined place at the time of playing a free viewing program, an indication that it is a CM program that promotes a pay broadcast service channel (paid broadcast service company ID), PR period (CM program playback period). In the example shown in Table 2, each record in the first, third, and fourth lines corresponds to a free viewing program, a second record corresponds to a normal broadcast program, and each record in the fifth to seventh lines is a CM. It corresponds to a program.

  As shown in Table 2, by adding a unique character string indicating that the program is a recommended program such as a free viewing program to the EPG data, the information processing apparatus 100 receives the EPG data. After that, by searching for a unique character string, it is possible to extract information on a free viewing program and make an automatic recording reservation.

  Similarly, by adding a unique character string indicating that it is a CM program in the EPG data, the information processing apparatus 100 can search for the unique character string after receiving the EPG data. Information on CM programs can be extracted and reserved for automatic recording. A unique ID for associating the CM program with the free viewing program may be included in the EPG data. In addition, the CM program may be broadcast on the same channel as that of the associated free viewing program or on a different channel.

  A single CM program may have a plurality of unique IDs for linking with a free viewing program, and the same CM program is played at the beginning of a plurality of different free viewing programs (that is, with a plurality of free viewing programs). The same CM program may be shared). Further, channel information, title information, and the like may be displayed on the playback screen from EPG data of a free viewing program corresponding to the playback of the CM video.

  When a commercial section is inserted in the free viewing program, the commercial section may be detected and replaced with the corresponding commercial program for playback.

  In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 as a recording / playback apparatus uses the program information provision table and a program guide information table such as EPG to reserve automatic recording reservation for free viewing programs and automatic recording reservation for CM programs. Can be performed. FIG. 2 shows a schematic processing procedure in the form of a flowchart in the information processing apparatus 100 for performing automatic recording reservation for a free viewing program and automatic recording reservation for a CM program. As a premise for starting this processing, the information processing apparatus 100 previously stores the program information provision table shown in Table 1 and acquires the program guide information (EPG data) shown in Table 2 in advance. And This processing procedure is activated in response to the user instructing automatic recording reservation for a free viewing program. As shown in the figure, the processing procedure includes automatic recording reservation for a free viewing program (step S1) and automatic recording reservation for a CM program (step S2). The free viewing program referred to in this specification is a “recommended provision program” provided by a pay broadcasting service company to encourage viewers to view, and the “free viewing program” referred to below is referred to as a “recommended provision program”. It is also possible to interpret it by replacing it. A typical example of a CM program is a PR video that encourages a user to subscribe to a pay broadcast service, but may be another CM program that promotes a provider that provides a free viewing program.

  FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure of automatic recording reservation of a free viewing program executed in step S1 in the form of a flowchart.

  First, the current date and time is acquired (step S11), and a record in which the current date and time is within the provision period of the free viewing program, that is, a pay broadcast service company ID, is searched in the program information providing table shown in Table 1 (step S12). ).

  Here, when the corresponding record is not found in the program information providing table (No in step S13), this processing routine is ended.

  When a corresponding record is found in the program information provision table (Yes in step S13), the free viewing program provision channel ID stored in the record is extracted, and this time, the program guide information table shown in Table 2 is obtained. Is searched with the free viewing program providing channel ID (step S14), and it is checked whether there is a free viewing program with the corresponding free viewing program providing channel ID (step S15).

  Here, when a free viewing program is found (Yes in step S15), automatic recording reservation processing for the free viewing program is performed based on the provision period described in the detailed information of the corresponding record in the program guide information table (step S15). S16).

  When the automatic recording reservation process for the free viewing program is completed in step S16, the process returns to step S14 to search the program guide information table shown in Table 2 for the record of the next free viewing program with the free viewing program providing channel ID. The automatic recording reservation process for the free viewing program similar to the above is repeatedly executed.

  If no free viewing program is found (No in step S15), the process returns to step S12 to search the next record within the provision period of the free viewing program in the program information provision table shown in Table 1. The automatic recording reservation process for the free viewing program similar to the above is repeatedly executed.

  Since it is obvious that automatic recording reservation can be made if the channel ID and the broadcast period on which the program is broadcast are known, detailed description of the processing procedure executed in step S16 will be omitted. However, when automatically recording a free viewing program, a free viewing program title table as shown in the table below is created.

  In the above free viewing program title table, a record is provided for each recorded free viewing program, that is, for each title. Each record includes a title ID assigned at the time of recording, a title name, a viewing period start date and an end date, a pay broadcast service ID, a display priority on a playback title list, and playback of the free viewing program Sometimes the ID of a CM program to be played at the beginning or some other predetermined location is stored. Information stored in each field in these records can be appropriately acquired from the program information providing table shown in Table 1 and the program guide information table shown in Table 2.

  Using the free viewing program title table, the viewing period of each free viewing program, that is, the reproducible period can be managed. There is no point in storing the recorded content of a free viewing program that has passed the playable period. Therefore, the recorded content of the free viewing program after the playable period has passed may be automatically deleted from the information recording unit 413.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing procedure for automatic recording reservation for a CM program executed in step S2 in the form of a flowchart.

  First, the current date and time is acquired (step S21), and the record in which the current date and time is within the provision period of the free viewing program, that is, the pay broadcast service company ID, is searched in the program information providing table shown in Table 1 (step S22). ).

  Here, when the corresponding record is not found in the program information provision table (No in step S23), this processing routine is ended.

  When a corresponding record is found in the program information provision table (Yes in step S23), the CM program channel ID stored in the record is extracted, and this time, the program guide information table shown in Table 2 is searched. A search is made with the CM program channel ID (step S24), and it is checked whether there is a CM program with the corresponding CM program channel ID (step S25).

  Here, when a CM program is found (Yes in step S25), automatic recording reservation processing for the CM program is performed based on the provision period described in the detailed information of the corresponding record in the program guide information table (step S26). .

  When the automatic recording reservation process for the CM program is completed in step S26, the process returns to step S24 to search the program guide information table shown in Table 2 for the record of the next CM program using the CM program channel ID. The automatic recording reservation process for the free viewing program is repeatedly executed.

  When no free viewing program is found (No in step S25), the process returns to step S22, and the next record within the provision period of the free viewing program is searched in the program information provision table shown in Table 1. The automatic recording reservation process for the free viewing program similar to the above is repeatedly executed.

  Since it is self-evident that automatic recording reservation can be performed if the channel ID and the broadcast period on which the program is broadcast are known, detailed description of the processing procedure executed in step S26 will be omitted. However, upon automatic recording of CM programs, a CM program title table as shown in the table below is created.

  In the CM program title table, a record is provided for each recorded CM program, that is, for each title. In each record, a CM program ID corresponding to the title name of the CM program, a pay broadcast service ID, and a viewing start date and an end date of the CM program corresponding to a period for PR of the pay broadcast service are stored. Information stored in each field in these records can be appropriately acquired from the program information providing table shown in Table 1 and the program guide information table shown in Table 2.

  Note that the CM program content may be preinstalled in the information processing apparatus 100 instead of the information processing apparatus 100 recording the CM program.

  After automatic recording of the free viewing program and the CM program, as shown in FIG. 5, the playback title list is generated when the playback title list for the recorded free viewing program is called. Processing is performed (step S30), and the generated reproduction title list is displayed on the display unit 407.

  FIG. 6 shows a processing procedure for generating a reproduction title list for a recorded free viewing program in the form of a flowchart.

  First, the current date and time is acquired (step S31), and a record in which the current date and time is within the viewing period, that is, a free viewing program ID is searched in the free viewing program title table shown in Table 3 (step S32).

  If a corresponding record is found in the free viewing program title table (Yes in step S33), the information of the free viewing program stored in the record is registered in the reproduction title list (step S34). Then, returning to step S32, the next record whose current date and time is within the viewing period is searched in the free viewing program title table, and the process of registering in the reproduction title list is repeatedly executed.

  When there are no unprocessed records in the free viewing program title table (including when no corresponding record is found) (No in step S33), each record in the playback title list is displayed in the display priority order. To complete the list (step S35), and the processing routine ends. Since the record sorting process itself is well known in the art, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In the playback title list, in addition to the free viewing program recorded through the above-described automatic recording reservation process, a recorded normal TV program is also included. Become. In server-type broadcasting, etc., most programs are viewed through a reproduction title list.

  Here, for example, an interface menu called “Cross Media Bar (XMB) (registered trademark)” as shown in FIG. 7 is adopted as the configuration of the home screen of the information processing apparatus 100 as the recording / playback apparatus. can do. For details of XMB, see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-31115 already assigned to the present applicant.

  As shown in the figure, XMB is divided into each category (music, video, etc. depending on the model) on the horizontal axis and each medium and (memory stick, etc.) on the vertical axis, and then a group (corresponding to a folder on a personal computer) Select a file from the “Yes” and proceed with playback and circulation. It has visual effects such as the icon moving smoothly, translucent when not selected, and softly flashing at the back when selected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, “video” is selected as the category, and each medium (normally recorded program or media recorded in the information recording unit 103 or the like that can be played back on the device 100 is stored. It is to be understood that an icon representing a free viewing program recorded through the automatic recording reservation described above is expanded in the opposite direction, and this state corresponds to a reproduction title list. On the playback title list, an icon “NEW” indicating that the program has not been played back is added to the title of the media such as a newly recorded program. In addition, a free viewing program designated by the pay broadcast service channel to be PR is added with a unique icon indicating that it is a free viewing program (in the example shown, the “NEW” icon is displayed in the normal display form). It is mixed with other recorded programs.

  By placing the titles of free viewing programs automatically recorded in the replay title list frequently used by the user at the top of the list as shown in FIG. 7, the pay broadcast service is exposed and the user has more opportunities to contact. . Furthermore, it is possible to give an appropriate opportunity for the user to contact the CM, and to increase the motivation to subscribe to the pay broadcast service channel.

  On the playback title list, the user can usually perform a scrolling operation of the title using the cursor key of the input operation unit 405 or the like. At this time, the user can watch the free viewing program by slowing down the moving speed of the cursor when the cursor is over a recommended program title such as a free viewing program or by generating a predetermined sound effect. You may make it prompt.

  In addition, display priority on the playback title list is given for each pay broadcast service. In the example shown in Table 1, pay broadcast service CL1 has a higher display priority than CL2. Accordingly, when the free viewing program “Spyman” broadcasted by CL1 and the free viewing program “Coloro Soda” broadcasted by CL2 are recorded, as shown in FIG. 7, “Spyman”, “Coloro” is displayed on the playback title list. The titles are displayed in the order of “Cao Shou”. Further, when the free viewing program “WLB relay” broadcasted by CL1 is recorded, as shown in FIG. 8, it is displayed higher than the title of “Coloro Soda Cho” recorded from CL2 having a lower priority than this. . In the illustrated example, the latest recorded title “WLB relay” is arranged higher in the reproduction title list than “Spyman” broadcasted and recorded by the same section CL1.

  The recorded content of the free viewing program after the reproducible period has passed may be automatically deleted from the information recording unit 413 (described above). In addition, on the playback title list as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the playable period of the title of the free viewing program may be displayed together (not shown).

  Using the input operation unit 405, the user can issue a playback instruction for a recorded program including a title, that is, a free viewing program, on the playback title list as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 9 shows the procedure of title reproduction processing in the form of a flowchart.

  The user uses the input operation unit 405 to instruct playback of the recorded program on the playback title list (step S41).

  In the information processing apparatus 100, it is determined whether the recorded program that the user has instructed to play is a free viewing program (that is, a recommended provided program) provided by a pay broadcast service company or a normal recorded program. (Step S42). Then, according to the determination result, either a free viewing program playback process (step S43) accompanied by a CM program playback or a normal recorded program playback process (step S44) is executed.

  Since the normal recorded program playback process (step S44) is the same as the conventional procedure, the description is omitted in this specification.

  The procedure of the free viewing program reproduction process (step S43) accompanied by the CM program reproduction will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  3 is retrieved from the program guide information or the like by searching the free viewing program title table shown in FIG. 3 and obtaining the ID of the pay broadcast service company that provided the selected title, that is, the free viewing program, and the corresponding CM program ID ( Step S51) Subsequently, the pay broadcast service company ID and the CM program ID are searched in the CM program title table shown in Table 4 (Step S52).

  Here, when the corresponding record exists in the table (Yes in step S53), the corresponding recorded CM program is reproduced at the beginning (step S54), and the selected title, that is, the recorded free viewing program is displayed. Playback is performed (step S55). Since the conventional technique can be applied to the reproduction processing of the recorded program itself, detailed description thereof is omitted here. However, in step S54, the CM program outside the valid period may not be reproduced.

  When a commercial section is inserted in the free viewing program, the commercial section may be detected and replaced with the corresponding commercial program for playback.

  Also, as internal information, information related to pay broadcast services / channels already subscribed is acquired, and when a free viewing program is played, a CM program is not played when the user has already subscribed to the corresponding pay broadcast service. Thus, unnecessary PR may not be performed.

  On the other hand, when the corresponding record does not exist in the free viewing program title table shown in Table 3 (No in step S53), normal reproduction processing is performed for the recorded free viewing program (step S56).

  In the above-described embodiment, by adding a unique character string indicating a recommended program such as a free viewing program in the program guide information table such as EPG data, the information processing apparatus 100 side After receiving the EPG data, the information on the free viewing program is extracted by searching for a unique character string, and this is reserved for automatic recording. On the playback title list, the titles of normal recorded programs and free viewing programs are displayed together. Titles can be sorted on the playback title list according to the display priority order. Furthermore, based on keywords extracted from genre, title information, and program content information included as EPG data, a plurality of free viewing programs can be selected. Priority may be given to the learned preference information, automatic recording reservations may be made, or sorting on the playback title list may be performed. Alternatively, keywords extracted from the genre, title information, and program content information may be searched based on the set automatic recording conditions, and only the corresponding program may be reserved for automatic recording and displayed on the reproduction title list.

  It is also possible to group playback titles based on genre, title information, etc. and display them on the playback title list. FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a reproduction title list in which a plurality of titles are grouped. As shown, a group of one or more titles is represented on the playback title list in the form of a folder. FIG. 12 shows a state in which each title is displayed by expanding a folder of free viewing programs grouped under the group name “recommended provision”. In the example shown in the figure, titles are grouped for each pay broadcast service company that is a provider of free viewing programs in the “recommended offer” group, and folders corresponding to each group are displayed on the playback title list. ing. FIG. 13 shows a state in which a free viewing program folder grouped as “XX broadcast” is expanded and each title under the folder is displayed. In the illustrated example, playback titles “WLB relay” and “Spyman” appear immediately below the free viewing program group of “XX broadcast”.

  The yesterday of grouping contents on a reproduction title list such as XMB (described above) is disclosed in, for example, the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-193249 already assigned to the present applicant.

  Also, the pay broadcast service company may broadcast the free viewing program several times at different dates and times, and have the same unique ID in the EPG data to perform update recording. In such a case, it is possible to prevent the corresponding free viewing program from being recorded in the user's recording / playback apparatus due to overlapping recording with another program. On the recording / playback device side, the automatic recording reservation of free viewing programs is based on the number of programs being displayed, the number of unviewed programs displayed on the playback title list, and the number of recommended free viewing programs that have not been viewed. The number of recordings may be controlled.

  The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions of the embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  By applying the present invention to a receiver that receives satellite digital broadcasting, for example, it is possible to effectively present a CM program that recommends the user to subscribe to a pay broadcast service. It is not limited to. The present invention can be applied to various types of information processing apparatuses that need to present CM programs and other notification information to the user.

  In addition, a business model can be constructed using the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. For example, the maker code is transmitted to the server together with the date and time for reservation recording and playback of a CM video or a free viewing program. On the server side, each event may be totaled for each manufacturer / code, and totalized for each receiver according to a predetermined price, and a reward may be paid to the receiver manufacturer. Further, the device ID may be transmitted as a log together with the manufacturer code, and a part of the reward may be distributed to the dealer as a reward with reference to the manufacturer's shipment record. In order to carry out such a business, it is necessary to deliver an identifier on the user side. For example, when a user performs a subscription procedure from a network-connected device body, the unique ID of the manufacturer of the solid model is handed over to the server at the time of homepage guidance. Alternatively, when a user performs a subscription procedure by means of e-mail from a mobile phone or a PC, it is unique to the device model manufacturer that is encrypted by e-mail generated from a QR (Quick Response) code or URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The ID may be delivered to the server.

  Further, a modification using the broadcast service subscription information of each user is also conceivable. In the above-described embodiment, a uniform CM program viewing service is provided to all users who use the same information processing apparatus 100 based on the program information provision table stored in advance in the ROM 403. It is useless to watch commercial images of pay broadcast services that you have already subscribed to. Therefore, if the user has already subscribed to the corresponding pay broadcast service, the CM program playback function accompanying the playback of the free viewing program is controlled accordingly, and the CM program to be displayed is switched or not displayed. What should I do?

  Further, user preference information is stored in the apparatus as internal information of the information processing apparatus 100, and the displayed message / text, screen, and video are switched according to the combination with the service subscription information. Also good.

  The main feature of the present invention is that the CM program is played at the beginning of the playback of the free viewing program provided by the pay broadcast service, so that the user can be surely touched and the motivation to subscribe to the pay broadcast service channel is increased. It is. Of course, the present invention can be similarly applied not only to the above-described automatic recording / reproducing system using satellite or terrestrial broadcasting but also to a VOD system that distributes program content over a network. Specifically, the distribution program information (ECG) is searched, the title information associated with the access information of the free viewing program is displayed, the corresponding CMVOD video is reproduced on the spot after selection, and the free viewing VOD video is displayed. Should be played.

  Alternatively, when the information processing apparatus 100 as a program content recording / playback apparatus is configured to be able to receive both broadcast and VOD, the automatic recording / playback system and the VOD playback system may be used in combination. Is possible.

  Also, as a kind of VOD playback method, search for distribution program information (ECG), display title information associated with access information of free viewing programs, and play back the corresponding download CM video on the spot after selection. Also, a download reproduction method of reproducing the free viewing video can be considered. It is also possible to use both the automatic recording / playback method and the download / playback method.

  In addition, when channel setting of a network that can receive pay broadcasting service (for example, CS channel) is not completed, a free viewing program or CM video is broadcast on another receivable network (for example, terrestrial digital broadcasting) channel. Automatic recording and playback can be performed in the same manner as described above.

  In addition, the free viewing program referred to in this specification is a “recommended offer program” provided by a pay broadcasting service company to encourage viewers to view, and all the “free viewing programs” in this specification are “recommended offer”. It can also be interpreted by replacing it with “program”. A typical example of a CM program is a PR video that encourages a user to subscribe to a pay broadcast service, but may be another CM program that promotes a provider that provides a free viewing program.

  In short, the present invention has been disclosed in the form of exemplification, and the description of the present specification should not be interpreted in a limited manner. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the claims should be taken into consideration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a schematic processing procedure for performing automatic recording reservation for a free viewing program and automatic recording reservation for a CM program in the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatic recording reservation of a free viewing program. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatic recording reservation of a CM program. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of calling the playback title list for the recorded free viewing program. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for generating a reproduction title list for a recorded free viewing program. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a playback title list displayed using the home screen of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a playback title list displayed using the home screen of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the title reproduction process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a free viewing program playback process that accompanies playback of a CM program. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a playback title list in which a plurality of titles are grouped. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state where a group of free viewing programs grouped under the group name “recommended offer” is expanded and each title is displayed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a group of free viewing programs grouped as “XX broadcast” on the reproduction title list shown in FIG. 12 is expanded and each title in the group is displayed.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Network 2-4 ... Broadcasting station (digital terrestrial broadcasting, BS broadcasting, CS broadcasting)
6 ... External AV equipment (television)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Information processing apparatus 103 ... Information recording part 401 ... CPU
402: System bus 403 ... ROM
404 ... RAM
405: Input operation unit 406 ... AV interface unit 407 ... Display unit 408 ... Network connection unit 409 ... Decoding unit 410 ... Encoding unit 411 ... Broadcast receiving unit 414 ... Media interface unit

Claims (7)

An information processing apparatus that presents predetermined information to a user who receives and watches a television broadcast,
Receiving means for receiving one or more broadcast channels;
Program guide information acquisition means for acquiring program guide information related to a broadcast program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Information recording means for storing information, and recording a viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Recording control means for controlling the recording operation to the information recording means of the viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Reproduction title list generation means for generating a reproduction title list for a viewing program recorded in the information recording means,
Information display means for displaying and outputting video information including a viewing program recorded in the information recording means;
Reproduction control means for controlling a reproduction operation on the information display means of a corresponding viewing program in response to a user's reproduction instruction on the reproduction title list;
With
The recording control unit analyzes the program guide information acquired by the program guide information acquisition unit, extracts a free viewing program provided by the pay broadcasting service and broadcast date information of the CM program, respectively, and records the information Control the recording operation to record the free viewing program in the means,
The reproduction title list generation means adds a unique icon to the free viewing program on the reproduction title list and displays it together with other recorded viewing programs.
In response to the user's instruction to play a free viewing program on the playback title list, the playback control means sends a CM program for a pay broadcast service that broadcasts the free viewing program from the information recording means. Take out and play the CM program at the beginning of the free viewing program or at any place during the playback period;
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. For each pay broadcasting service, a program information provision table that holds a provision period of a free viewing program, a channel ID for providing a free viewing program, and a channel ID for providing a CM program,
The program guide information includes, in addition to the title and broadcast schedule of each broadcast program, the type of the free viewing program, the CM program ID for identifying the CM program to be played at the beginning or other predetermined location when the free viewing program is played, Including the type of program,
The recording control means includes
The program information providing table is searched, and the pay broadcasting service whose current date and time is within the provision period of the free viewing program obtains the channel ID for providing the free viewing program, and then the free viewing program is obtained from the program guide information. Search for the channel ID to be provided and automatically record the free viewing program for recording. The provision period of the recorded free viewing program (that is, the period during which free viewing is possible), the corresponding pay broadcast service ID and the corresponding CM program ID are free Record in the viewing program title table,
A channel ID for providing a CM program whose current date and time is within the provision period is acquired, and then a channel ID for providing the CM program is searched from the program guide information, and the CM program is automatically reserved for recording. Record in the CM program title table in association with the broadcast service ID and provision period.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The playback title list generation means searches the free viewing program title table, registers the title of a recorded free viewing program whose current date and time is the provision period, and registers the playback title list in the playback title list.
When the user gives an instruction to reproduce a free viewing program on the reproduction title list, the reproduction control means displays the CM program associated with the pay broadcast service that is a provider of the free viewing program. Search in the title table and play the corresponding CM program at the beginning of the free viewing program or at a predetermined place in the playback period.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. Each pay broadcast service has display priority,
The playback title list generation means sorts the titles of the free viewing programs on the playback title list according to the display priority of the pay broadcast service that is the provider of each recorded free viewing program.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3. The reproduction title list generating means adds a unique icon for identifying the title of a free program on the reproduction title list from the title of a normal recorded program.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Receiving means for receiving one or more broadcast channels; program guide information acquiring means for acquiring program guide information relating to a broadcast program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means; storing information; and receiving each of the receiving means On a recording / playback apparatus comprising information recording means for recording a viewing program on a broadcast channel and information display means for displaying and outputting video information including the viewing program recorded on the information recording means for receiving and viewing a television broadcast An information processing method for presenting predetermined information to a user who performs
The program guide information acquired by the program guide information acquisition means is analyzed to extract the free viewing program provided by the pay broadcast service and the broadcast date and time information of the CM program, respectively, and the free recording program is stored in the information recording means. Controlling the recording operation to record
On the playback title list, adding a unique icon to the free viewing program and displaying it together with other recorded viewing programs,
In response to the user instructing playback of the free viewing program on the playback title list, a CM program for a pay broadcast service that broadcasts the free viewing program is extracted from the information recording means, and the free viewing is performed. Replaying the CM program at the beginning of the program or at any location during its replay period;
An information processing method comprising: Receiving means for receiving one or more broadcast channels; information recording means for storing information; and recording a viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means; and a viewing program recorded in the information recording means In a computer-readable format, a process for presenting predetermined information to a user who receives and watches a television broadcast is executed on a computer on a recording / playback apparatus provided with information display means for displaying and outputting video information. A computer program described, wherein the computer is
Program guide information acquisition means for acquiring program guide information related to a broadcast program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Recording control means for controlling the recording operation to the information recording means of the viewing program of each broadcast channel received by the receiving means;
Reproduction title list generation means for generating a reproduction title list for a viewing program recorded in the information recording means,
Reproduction control means for controlling a reproduction operation on the information display means of a corresponding viewing program in response to a user's reproduction instruction on the reproduction title list;
Function as
The recording control unit analyzes the program guide information acquired by the program guide information acquisition unit, extracts a free viewing program provided by the pay broadcasting service and broadcast date information of the CM program, respectively, and records the information Control the recording operation to record the free viewing program in the means,
The reproduction title list generation means adds a unique icon to the free viewing program on the reproduction title list and displays it together with other recorded viewing programs.
In response to the user's instruction to play a free viewing program on the playback title list, the playback control means sends a CM program for a pay broadcast service that broadcasts the free viewing program from the information recording means. Take out and play the CM program at the beginning of the free viewing program or at any place during the playback period;
A computer program characterized by the above.

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