JP5208565B2 - Operation target device, permission input device, operation device, remote operation system, control method, control program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention records an operation target device, a permission input device, an operation device, a remote operation system, a control method, a control program, and the program that can execute a restricted operation by obtaining permission from an authorized person The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium.

  In recent years, with the spread of high-speed Internet access networks such as FTTH (Fiber To The Home), contents such as video and audio provided by servers on the Internet can be viewed on a content display device such as a TV. Video On Demand) service is being used at home.

  Such a VOD service provides not only content that can be viewed by all users (that is, no viewing restrictions) but also content that cannot be viewed freely by users such as minors (that is, viewing restrictions). There are many cases. Content with viewing restrictions is, for example, content that restricts the age of the viewing user (in other words, content with rating restrictions) or content that cannot be viewed without paying a purchase (in other words, paid) Content).

  In general, the VOD service is provided with a mechanism in which a user such as a minor cannot freely view content with viewing restrictions. This mechanism is also called parental lock. Specifically, when viewing content that has viewing restrictions, for example, a system is required to input a predetermined password, password, or the like. For example, the parental lock is released when a user such as a guardian inputs the predetermined password or password. Therefore, if a parental lock is released by a user such as a guardian, a user such as a minor can view content with viewing restrictions.

  By the way, the method of making it impossible to view content with viewing restrictions is not limited to the parental lock described above. For example, a method of providing viewing authority according to a user or a terminal in advance is disclosed.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for performing control related to viewing for each user by managing viewing permission conditions regarding control operations of a television receiver according to a user ID. Then, according to this technique, by referring to the managed viewing permission condition based on the user ID transmitted from the remote controller, the response to the operation from the remote controller by the user specified by the user ID is performed. It is described that the operation mode can be controlled (for example, regulation regarding whether or not viewing is possible according to the age of the user can be performed).

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for delegating a viewing license of a certain broadcast receiving apparatus to another broadcast receiving apparatus. According to this technology, content that can be viewed only by a certain broadcast receiving device (for example, a home broadcast receiving device) can also be viewed by a delegation destination broadcast receiving device (for example, a broadcast receiving device at a destination). The effect is described.
JP 2006-279453 A (publication date: October 12, 2006) JP 2007-214667 A (publication date: August 23, 2007)

  However, the information such as the password for releasing the parental lock described above is usually known only by a user having authority such as a guardian. Furthermore, in order not to allow an unauthorized user such as a child to freely purchase paid content, an authorized user generally does not teach the predetermined password to an unauthorized user such as a child. is there. Therefore, if an unauthorized user wants to view content with viewing restrictions or wants to purchase paid content, each time the remote controller is operated by the authorized user, the predetermined password is entered. It is necessary to have you do. That is, it is necessary for an authorized user to operate the remote controller in front of a content display device such as a television. Therefore, if the authorized user is not near a content display device such as a television, there is a problem that an unauthorized user cannot view content with viewing restrictions.

  Further, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, viewing permission conditions according to the user ID are managed, so that permitted operations and unpermitted operations are determined depending on the user. Therefore, a user who can perform an operation is only a user who is permitted to perform the operation, and a user who is not permitted to perform the operation cannot perform the operation. Therefore, even when the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is applied to view paid content that is restricted in viewing, a user who is permitted to view paid content can receive a content in front of a content display device such as a television. Unless the entire viewing operation is performed, a user who is not permitted to view paid content cannot view the content.

  In the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, a viewing license possessed by a certain broadcast receiving apparatus can be transferred to another broadcast receiving apparatus, but this is performed for each user (or an apparatus used by the user). It is not a mechanism that delegates viewing authority according to the user. Accordingly, content that is not permitted to be viewed in the original broadcast receiving device to which the viewing license is delegated cannot be viewed even in the broadcast receiving device to which the viewing license has been delegated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to give permission by an authorized person to an operator who is restricted from executing a predetermined operation with a simple operation. Accordingly, the operation target device, the permission input device, the operation device, the remote operation system, the control method, the control program, and the computer that records the program can enable the operator to execute the restricted operation. It is to provide a possible recording medium.

In order to solve the above problems, an operation target device according to the present invention is connected to an operation device by short-range wireless communication, operates according to a signal transmitted by the operation device, and operates according to an operator of the operation device. A request for permission for the operator to perform the restricted operation according to a signal transmitted from the operation device by the operation of the operation device by the operator , Via the operating device, the permission request transmitting means for transmitting to the permission input device used by the permitter giving the permission, and the permission signal transmitted by the permission input device as a response to the request are received via the operating device. A permission signal receiving means, and when the permission signal received by the permission signal receiving means indicates permission of the operation, a movement corresponding to the restricted operation is performed. It is characterized in that to perform.

In addition, the control method of the operation target device according to the present invention is connected to the operation device by short-range wireless communication, operates according to a signal transmitted by the operation device, and has a limited operation according to an operator of the operation device. A method for controlling an operation target device, wherein a request for permission for the operator to perform the restricted operation according to a signal transmitted from the operation device by operation of the operation device by the operator , Via the operating device, the permission request transmitting step transmitted to the permission input device used by the permitter giving the permission and the permission signal transmitted by the permission input device as a response to the request are received via the operating device. a permission signal receiving step, the permission signal received by the permission signal receiving step, when the identification information indicates permission of the operation, a the restricted operation It is characterized in that it comprises a step of performing an operation Flip was.

  According to the above configuration, a request for permission for the operator to perform the restricted operation can be transmitted to the permission input device used by the permitter via the operation device. And the said permission signal which the said permission input apparatus transmits as a response with respect to the said request | requirement can be received via the said operating device. When the permission signal indicates permission of the operation, an operation corresponding to the restricted operation can be performed.

  Therefore, when the operator using the operation device performs the restricted operation on the operation target device, the permission is granted between the operation target device and the permission input device via the operation device. The permission signal can be obtained from the permission input device by exchanging the request to be requested and the response.

  Therefore, the operator can perform the limited operation by obtaining the permission of the permitter.

  Furthermore, since the operator can obtain the permission of the permitter only by operating the operation target device using the operation device used by the operator, the convenience of the operator is improved. Play.

  Furthermore, since the operation device and the permission input device do not directly communicate with each other and the operation device and the permission input device communicate with each other, the operation target device and the permission input device cannot communicate directly ( For example, the operator can obtain permission from the permitter even when the permitter is out when the operator is about to operate the device to be operated at home. Play.

  Furthermore, the operation target device according to the present invention may be configured such that, in the above configuration, the restricted operation is a reproduction instruction in the own device for content with viewing restriction.

  According to the above configuration, the operation in which the operator gives a reproduction instruction for the content subject to viewing restriction on the operation target device is the restricted operation.

  Therefore, the operator can request permission from the permitter when instructing the reproduction of content with viewing restrictions in the operation target device.

  Therefore, even if the operator is restricted in the instruction to reproduce the content with the viewing restriction in the operation target device, the operator obtains permission from the permitter and the content with the viewing restriction in the operation target device. There is an effect that a reproduction instruction can be performed.

  Furthermore, the operation target device according to the present invention may be configured such that, in the above configuration, the permission request transmission unit transmits the request including information for requesting permission to reproduce the content with the viewing restriction in the own device. .

  According to said structure, the said request | requirement containing the information which requests | requires permission of reproduction | regeneration in the said operation target apparatus of the content with the said viewing restrictions can be transmitted to the said permission input apparatus which the said permitter uses.

  Therefore, it is possible to ask the permitter to permit the reproduction of the content with the viewing restriction on the own device.

  Therefore, even if the operator is restricted in the instruction to reproduce the content with the viewing restriction on the operation target device, the permitter permits the reproduction of the content with the viewing restriction on the operation target device. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to instruct the reproduction of the content with the viewing restriction in the operation target device.

  Furthermore, the operation target device according to the present invention may have a configuration in which, in the above configuration, the permission signal includes permission to purchase the content when the content with the viewing restriction is charged.

  According to the above configuration, the permission signal including permission to purchase content can be received from the permission input device as a response to the request.

  Therefore, when the operator gives an instruction to reproduce the operation-restricted content on the operation target device when the operator is charged for the content with the viewing restriction, the permitter receives the content of the content with the viewing restriction from the permitter. It is possible to obtain permission for reproduction in the operation target device and permission for purchase of the content.

  Therefore, when the content with the viewing restriction is charged, there is an effect that it is possible to instruct the content to be reproduced on the operation target device without the operator performing the purchase operation of the content.

  Furthermore, the operation target device according to the present invention may be configured such that, in the above configuration, the permission request transmission unit transmits the request including information for setting a reproduction deadline in the own device of the content with the viewing restriction. Good.

  According to said structure, the said request | requirement containing the information which requests | requires the setting of the reproduction | regeneration time limit in the operation target apparatus of the content with the said viewing restrictions can be transmitted to the said permission input apparatus which the said permitter uses.

  Therefore, the operator can ask the permitter to set a reproduction time limit for the content having the viewing restriction in the own device.

  Therefore, even if the operator is restricted in the reproduction instruction of the content subject to viewing on the operation target device, the permitter determines that the reproduction deadline has been set by the permitter. Is set, there is an effect that the operator can issue a playback instruction in the operation target device for the content having the viewing restriction within the playback time limit. In other words, there is an effect that the operator can issue a reproduction instruction on the operation target device for the content with the viewing restriction without requesting the permission from the permitter within the reproduction time limit. .

  Furthermore, the operation target device according to the present invention is configured such that, in the above configuration, the permission request transmission unit transmits the request including information for requesting setting of a maximum playback time in the own device of the content with the viewing restriction. Also good.

  According to said structure, the said request | requirement containing the information which requests | requires the setting of the maximum reproduction time in the operation target apparatus of the content with said viewing restrictions can be transmitted to the said permission input apparatus which the said permitter uses.

  Therefore, the operator can ask the permitter to set the maximum playback time of the content with the viewing restriction on the own device.

  Therefore, even if the operator is restricted in the reproduction instruction of the content with the viewing restriction in the operation target device, the permitter is requested to set the maximum reproduction time. If the playback time is set, the operator can play back the content with the viewing restriction in the operation target device within the range of the maximum playback time. That is, if the operator is within the range of the maximum reproduction time, it is possible to reproduce the content with the viewing restriction on the operation target device without asking the permission from the permission. Play.

  Furthermore, the operation target device according to the present invention, in the configuration described above, includes the information for requesting the setting of the upper limit of the purchase amount of the content when the content with the viewing restriction is charged for the permission request transmission unit. It is good also as a structure which transmits the said request | requirement.

  According to said structure, when the content with said viewing restrictions is a charge, the said request | requirement containing the information which requests | requires the setting of the upper limit of the purchase amount of this content is transmitted to the said permission input apparatus which the said permitter uses be able to.

  Therefore, the operator can ask the permitter to set an upper limit for the purchase price of the content.

  Therefore, even if the content with the viewing restriction is paid, if the permitter sets the upper limit of the purchase amount as a result of requesting the permitter to set the upper limit of the purchase amount, the operator There is an effect that it is possible to purchase content having the viewing restriction within the upper limit of the purchase price. That is, if the operator is within the upper limit of the purchase price, the operator can purchase the content with the viewing restriction without requesting the permission from the permitter.

  Furthermore, the operation target device according to the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores the communication address of the permission input device and the identification information of the operator in association with each other in the above configuration. When performing an operation, the permission request transmission means transmits a request for the permission to the permission input device of the communication address stored in the storage unit and associated with the identification information of the operator. It is good also as composition to do.

  According to the above configuration, when the operator performs the restricted operation, the correspondence relationship between the communication address of the permission input device and the identification information of the operator stored in the storage unit is referred to. Thus, a request for the permission can be transmitted to the permission input device having a communication address associated with the operator.

  Therefore, the operator can transmit a request for the permission to the permitter using the permission input device associated in advance.

  Therefore, if the appropriate correspondence between the communication address of the permission input device and the identification information of the operator is stored in the storage unit, the permission is appropriately determined according to the operator (for example, a minor). The above-mentioned permission can be obtained from a person (for example, the guardian of the minor).

  Further, the operation target device according to the present invention is a user who acquires the correspondence relationship between the identification information of the operator and the communication address of the permission input device from an external device and stores the correspondence in the storage unit in the above configuration. It is good also as a structure provided with an attribute information storage means.

  According to said structure, the correspondence of the said operator's identification information and the communication address of the said permission input apparatus can be acquired from an external device, and this acquired correspondence can be stored in the said memory | storage part.

  Therefore, a request for the permission can be transmitted to the permission input device using the correspondence relationship between the identification information of the operator acquired from the external device and the communication address of the permission input device.

  Therefore, a request for obtaining the permission using the communication address of the permission input device acquired from an external device, regardless of which operation target device the operation target device is operated by the operator using the operation device. Therefore, for example, the operation target device (for example, a television receiver outside the home) that is different from the operation target device (for example, a home television receiver) that is normally operated by the operator. ) Using the operation device, the appropriate permission can be obtained by using the correspondence between the operator identification information and the communication address of the permission input device obtained from the external device. The above-mentioned permission can be requested from the person.

  In addition, the permission input device according to the present invention receives permission request reception means for receiving the request transmitted from the operation target device via the operation device, and receives permission input for the request from the permitter. It is characterized by comprising permission input means and permission signal transmission means for transmitting the permission signal corresponding to the input to the operation target device via the operation device.

  According to the above configuration, the permission input device can receive the request transmitted from the operation target device via the operation device. And the input of permission with respect to the said request | requirement can be received from the said permitter. And the said permission signal according to the said input can be transmitted to the said operation target apparatus via the said operation apparatus.

  Therefore, in response to the request transmitted from the operation target device, the result permitted by the permitter can be transmitted to the operation target device.

  Therefore, according to the result permitted by the permitter, the operator can perform the restricted operation on the operation target device.

  Further, the permitter can input the permission only by operating the permission input device used by the permitter (that is, it is not necessary to operate the operation target device and the operation device). This has the effect of improving convenience.

  Furthermore, since the operation device and the permission input device do not directly communicate with each other and the operation device and the permission input device communicate with each other, the operation target device and the permission input device cannot communicate directly ( For example, the permitter can give permission to the operator even if the permitter is out when the operator is about to operate the operation target device at home. Play.

  Furthermore, the operating device according to the present invention is an operating device that transmits a signal to the operation target device, and transmits the request transmitted from the operation target device to the permission input device, and the permission input device. The processing apparatus is characterized by comprising transfer processing means for transmitting the permission signal transmitted from the device to the operation target device.

  According to said structure, the said request | requirement transmitted from the said operation target apparatus can be transmitted to the said permission input apparatus. Further, the permission signal transmitted from the permission input device can be transmitted to the operation target device.

Therefore, it is possible to relay the exchange between the operation target device and the permission input device.
Therefore, even when the operation target device and the permission input device cannot communicate directly (for example, when the permitter is out when the operator is trying to operate the operation target device at home). There is an effect that permission can be obtained from the permitter.

  Furthermore, a remote operation system according to the present invention includes the operation target device, the permission input device, and an operation device that transmits an operation signal to the operation target device.

  According to the above configuration, the remote operation system includes the operation target device, the permission input device, and the operation device that relays the operation target device and the permission input device. The operation target device transmits a request for permission to perform a limited operation on the operation target device to the permission input device via the operation device, and the permission input device. Transmits the result of accepting permission for the request from the permitter as a permission signal to the operation target device via the operation device, and the operation target device receives the permission signal from the permission signal. In the case shown, it is possible to perform an operation in accordance with the limited operation.

  Accordingly, when the operator performs a limited operation on the operation target device using the operation device, the operator can obtain permission from the permitter using the permission input device.

  Therefore, the operator can perform the limited operation by obtaining the permission of the permitter.

  The operation target device, the permission input device, and the operation device may be realized by a computer. In this case, the computer is used as the operation target device, the permission input device, and the operation device. The control target device, the permission input device, the control program for realizing the operation device by a computer, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the control device is recorded fall within the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the operation target device according to the present invention is connected to the operation device by short-range wireless communication, operates according to the signal transmitted by the operation device, and has a limited operation according to the operator of the operation device. A request for permission to allow the operator to perform the restricted operation according to a signal transmitted from the operating device by the operation of the operating device by the operator. A permission request transmitting means for transmitting to the permission input device used by the permitter giving the permission, and a permission signal receiving for receiving the permission signal transmitted by the permission input device as a response to the request via the operating device. When the permission signal received by the permission signal receiving means indicates permission of the operation, an operation corresponding to the restricted operation is performed.

In addition, the control method of the operation target device according to the present invention is connected to the operation device by short-range wireless communication, operates according to a signal transmitted by the operation device, and has a limited operation according to an operator of the operation device. A method for controlling an operation target device, wherein a request for permission for the operator to perform the restricted operation according to a signal transmitted from the operation device by operation of the operation device by the operator , Via the operating device, the permission request transmitting step transmitted to the permission input device used by the permitter giving the permission and the permission signal transmitted by the permission input device as a response to the request are received via the operating device. a permission signal receiving step, the permission signal received by the permission signal receiving step, when the identification information indicates permission of the operation, a the restricted operation And a step of performing an operation Flip was.

  Therefore, when the operator using the operation device performs the restricted operation on the operation target device, the permission is granted between the operation target device and the permission input device via the operation device. The permission signal can be obtained from the permission input device by exchanging the request to be requested and the response.

  Therefore, the operator can perform the limited operation by obtaining the permission of the permitter.

  Furthermore, since the operator can obtain the permission of the permitter only by operating the operation target device using the operation device used by the operator, the convenience of the operator is improved. Play.

  Furthermore, since the operation device and the permission input device do not directly communicate with each other and the operation device and the permission input device communicate with each other, the operation target device and the permission input device cannot communicate directly ( For example, the operator can obtain permission from the permitter even when the permitter is out when the operator is about to operate the device to be operated at home. Play.

[System configuration]
With reference to FIG. 2, a configuration of main parts of the remote operation system 100 according to each embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the remote operation system 100. As illustrated, the remote operation system 100 includes an operation target device 200, a remote operation device 300 (operation device, permission input device), and a service providing device 400. The remote operation system 100 is a system for operating the operation target device 200 with the remote operation device 300 in order to acquire various types of information from the service providing device 400 via the communication network 500. In each embodiment, a mobile phone is assumed as the remote operation device 300. In addition, a television receiver is assumed as the operation target device 200. In addition, it is assumed that the service providing apparatus 400 is a content distribution server that distributes content such as video and audio.

  That is, the remote operation system 100 according to each embodiment is a content distribution server as the service providing apparatus 400 by operating a television receiver as the operation target apparatus 200 with a mobile phone as the remote operation apparatus 300. A system that provides a VOD service capable of viewing the provided content is assumed.

  The remote operation system 100 may be any system that can operate the operation target device 200 with the remote operation device 300, and is not limited to the above example. For example, the remote operation device 300 only needs to have a function of operating the operation target device 200 by transmitting an operation signal, such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a PHS (Personal handy Phone System), a notebook computer, and a portable type. It may be a game machine or the like. Of course, the remote operation device 300 may be a dedicated remote controller for operating the operation target device 200. Further, the operation target device 200 may be any device as long as the operation signal transmitted from the remote operation device 300 is received and operation controlled, and may be a personal computer, a recording device, a music player, an air conditioner, or the like. The service providing apparatus 400 may be any apparatus that can distribute various types of information to the operation target apparatus 200, and may be a news distribution server that can distribute news articles, for example.

  Further, the content provided by the service providing apparatus 400 may be text data, audio data, image data, video data, an application, or a combination thereof, and is not limited to a specific format. Absent.

(Configuration of operation target device)
As illustrated, the operation target device 200 includes a tuner 201, a sound output unit 202, an operation target device control unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation unit 205, a temporary storage unit 206, an operation target device storage unit 207, and an external communication unit 208. , And an operated-side communication unit 209.

  The tuner 201 selects and receives a broadcast wave of a channel designated by the operation target device control unit 203, converts it into a predetermined signal, and outputs it. The operation target apparatus 200 outputs video and audio of the received channel by performing processing such as decoding on this signal. The tuner 201 only needs to have a function of receiving a broadcast wave and converting the received broadcast wave into a predetermined signal. For example, a terrestrial digital tuner, a BS, a CS tuner, etc. Things can also be applied.

  The sound output unit 202 outputs sound to the outside of the operation target device 200 based on the output of the tuner 201 and the instruction of the operation target device control unit 203. The audio output unit 202 can be configured by a speaker, for example.

  The operation target device control unit 203 controls the operation of the operation target device 200 in an integrated manner, and can be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The operation target device control unit 203 operates using, for example, a temporary storage unit 206 configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a work area. Details of processing performed by the operation target device control unit 203 will be described in detail later.

  The display unit 204 is a display device that displays an image based on an output from the tuner 201 and an instruction from the operation target device control unit 203. For example, an LC (Liquid Crystal) display panel, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) display device, or the like can be used as the display unit 204.

  The operation unit 205 is used by the user to input an operation to the operation target device 200. The operation unit 205 is not particularly limited as long as the user can perform a desired operation input. Here, it is assumed that operation keys corresponding to various operation inputs are provided as the operation unit 205. Specifically, it is assumed that operation keys for operation input such as channel change, volume increase / decrease, and power on / off of the operation target device 200 are provided.

  The operation target device storage unit 207 stores programs and data as illustrated. The operation target device 200 executes a predetermined operation when the operation target device control unit 203 reads the program stored in the operation target device storage unit 207 into the temporary storage unit 206 and executes the program.

  The external communication unit 208 and the operated side communication unit 209 are for the operation target device 200 to communicate with an external device. The external communication unit 208 is configured to be connectable to the communication network 500, and although not shown, communication such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a router is performed between the external communication unit 208 and the communication network 500. The structure necessary for performing is appropriately provided. The operated side communication unit 209 is configured to be able to communicate with the operation side communication unit 302 of the remote operation device 300. Details of the operated-side communication unit 209 will be described later.

  As described above, since the operation target device 200 is assumed to be a television receiver, in addition to the above functions, functions (channel change, volume adjustment, screen brightness) generally provided in the television receiver are included. Adjustment)).

(Configuration of remote control device)
The remote operation device 300 includes an operation side communication unit 302, a telephone / web communication unit 303, a voice input unit 304, a voice output unit 305, a remote operation device control unit 306, a display unit 307, an operation unit 308, as shown in the figure. A storage unit 309 and a remote operation device storage unit 310 are provided.

  The operation side communication unit 302 is for the remote operation device 300 to communicate with an external device. The operation side communication unit 302 is configured to be able to communicate with the operated side communication unit 209 of the operation target device 200. Details of the operation side communication unit 302 will be described later.

  The telephone / Web communication unit 303 is for making a call with another mobile phone or a general phone via a mobile phone network or the like, or for connecting to the Internet for communication. Therefore, the telephone / web communication unit 303 is configured to be connectable to the communication network 500. These functions are realized by a telephone network communication unit and a mobile line unit (not shown).

  The voice input unit 304 is for inputting a voice signal to the remote control device 300 at the time of a call, for example, and the voice output unit 305 is a voice signal received by the telephone / web communication unit 303 at the time of a call or the like. It is for outputting a sound based on it. The voice output unit 305 also outputs voice or the like indicating an incoming call such as a phone call or mail. The audio input unit 304 and the audio output unit 305 may be any units that can input and output audio, respectively, and those used in a conventional mobile phone or the like can also be applied.

  The remote operation device control unit 306 controls the operation of the remote operation device 300 in an integrated manner, and can be configured by a CPU or the like, for example. The remote operation device control unit 306 operates using, for example, a temporary storage unit 129 formed of a RAM or the like as a work area. Details of processing performed by the remote control device control unit 306 will be described later in detail.

  The display unit 307 displays an image in accordance with an instruction from the remote operation device control unit 306. Although not shown, a VDP (Video Display Processor) is provided between the remote operation device control unit 306 and the display unit 307. A configuration necessary for displaying an image such as a VRAM (Video RAM) is appropriately provided. The display unit 307 can be configured by, for example, an LC display panel or an EL display panel.

  The operation unit 308 is for the user of the remote operation device 300 to perform an operation input to the remote operation device 300, and is not particularly limited as long as the user can perform a desired operation input. Here, it is assumed that the operation unit 308 is an operation key provided on the main body surface of the remote operation device 300. Specifically, as operation keys, various menu keys for displaying a menu screen related to mail, a menu screen related to the Internet connection, and the like on the display unit 307, and up, down, left, and right for selecting items displayed on the display unit 307 are displayed. It is assumed that a plurality of operation keys including a direction key, a determination key for determining a selected item, a character input key for inputting numbers and characters, and the like are provided.

  The remote operation device storage unit 310 stores a program and data as shown in the figure. The remote operation device 300 executes a predetermined operation by the remote operation device control unit 306 reading the program stored in the remote operation device storage unit 310 into the temporary storage unit 309 and executing it. Further, for example, data such as mail received by the telephone / web communication unit 303 and data such as a telephone number and mail address recorded by the user of the remote operation device 300 are stored in the remote operation device storage unit 310. Yes.

(Configuration of service providing device)
The service providing apparatus 400 includes an audio output unit 402, a service providing apparatus control unit 403, a display unit 404, an operation unit 405, a temporary storage unit 406, a service providing device storage unit 407, and an external communication unit 408 as illustrated. ing.

  The voice output unit 402 outputs voice to the outside of the service providing apparatus 400 based on an instruction from the service providing apparatus control unit 403. The audio output unit 402 can be configured by a speaker, for example.

  The service providing apparatus control unit 403 controls the operation of the service providing apparatus 400 in an integrated manner, and can be configured by a CPU or the like, for example. The service providing apparatus control unit 403 operates using, for example, a temporary storage unit 406 configured by a RAM or the like as a work area. Details of processing performed by the service providing apparatus control unit 403 will be described in detail later.

  The display unit 404 is a display device that displays a service setting screen or the like based on an instruction from the service providing device control unit 403. For example, an LC display panel, an EL display panel, a CRT display device, or the like can be used as the display unit 404.

  The operation unit 405 is for the user to perform operation input to the service providing apparatus 400. The operation unit 405 is not particularly limited as long as the user can perform a desired operation input. Here, a keyboard is assumed as the operation unit 405 in order to perform complicated operations such as setting of various services provided by the service providing apparatus 400 and maintenance of contents.

  The service providing device storage unit 407 stores programs and data as illustrated. The service providing apparatus 400 executes a predetermined operation by causing the service providing apparatus control unit 403 to read the program stored in the service providing apparatus storage unit 407 into the temporary storage unit 406 and execute it.

  The external communication unit 408 is for the service providing apparatus 400 to communicate with an external device. The external communication unit 408 is configured to be connectable to the communication network 500 and is not shown, but is necessary for communication between the external communication unit 408 and the communication network 500 such as a LAN or a router. Configurations are provided as appropriate.

(Communication between the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300)
As described above, the operation side communication unit 302 is configured to be able to communicate with the operated side communication unit 209. That is, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 can perform communication using a communication path formed by the operation side communication unit 302 and the operated side communication unit 209.

  A communication path formed by the operation side communication unit 302 and the operated side communication unit 209 is used to transmit and receive data between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200. Here, it is assumed that Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication is applied to the communication path. In other words, the operated-side communication unit 209 and the operating-side communication unit 302 are communication units that can transmit and receive signals by Bluetooth communication.

  Since Bluetooth communication is omnidirectional communication, when Bluetooth communication is performed between the operation-side communication unit 302 and the operated-side communication unit 209, a device that is not intended by the user is not erroneously operated. As described above, it is necessary to perform a pairing process for registering a communication destination device for Bluetooth communication in advance. Pairing is a process in which communication devices register each other's addresses in order to communicate with non-directional communication means. By performing pairing, an address for Bluetooth communication is registered between the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300. Therefore, by specifying this address and performing Bluetooth communication, a device unintended by the user is erroneously detected. Can be prevented from being operated. In each embodiment, it is assumed that the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 have already performed the pairing process described above and have registered addresses for Bluetooth communication with each other.

  Note that the communication path is not limited as long as it can transmit and receive data, and IEEE802.11 radio such as a wireless LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), or the like can be applied.

  In addition, when only one-way communication from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200 is required, infrared communication or the like may be applied to the communication path.

(Communication between the operation target device 200 and the service providing device 400)
Further, as described above, the external communication unit 208 of the operation target device 200 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication network 500. Similarly, the external communication unit 408 of the service providing apparatus 400 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication network 500. That is, the operation target device 200 and the service providing device 400 can communicate using a communication path formed via the communication network 500. In this case, it is assumed that the Internet is applied to the communication network 500, for example.

(Communication between remote operation device 300 and service providing device 400)
Further, as described above, the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the remote operation device 300 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication network 500. That is, the remote operation device 300 and the service providing device 400 can communicate using a communication path formed via the communication network 500. In this case, it is assumed that, for example, the Internet and a mobile phone network are applied to the communication network 500.

(Communication between remote control devices 300)
In addition, as described above, the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the remote operation device 300 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication network 500, so that the remote operation devices 300 communicate with each other via the communication network 500. Communication can be performed using a route. In this case, it is assumed that, for example, a mobile phone network is applied to the communication network 500.

[Key points of the invention]
As described above, the remote operation system 100 allows the user to operate the operation target device 200 using the remote operation device 300, so that the content provided by the service providing device 400 is displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200. A system that provides a VOD service that can be viewed on the Internet is assumed. Further, as described in the Background Art section, VOD services often provide content that cannot be viewed freely by users such as minors (hereinafter referred to as viewing restricted content). The viewing restricted content is, for example, content with a restricted viewing age (in other words, content with rating restrictions), content that cannot be viewed unless purchased (in other words, paid content), and the like.

  In each embodiment, a user (for example, a minor) who cannot freely view the viewing-restricted content is referred to as an “operator”. A user (for example, a guardian or the like) who gives the operator permission to view the view-restricted content is called “permitter”. Note that when only “user” is described, it includes both an operator and an authorized person.

  When the remote operation device 300 used by the operator is explicitly indicated, “operator device 3001” is described. When the remote operation device 300 used by the permitter is explicitly indicated, “remote operation device 300” is indicated. 3002 ".

  The main feature of the present invention is that an operator who operates the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 (operation device) obtains viewing permission from an authorized person using the permitter device 3002 (permission input device). Thus, viewing-restricted content provided by the service providing apparatus 400 can be viewed.

  The viewing permission includes the following two types. 1) One is a type in which the operator obtains permission to view the content from the authorized person at the timing when the operator intends to view the view-restricted content. This type of viewing permission is referred to as “per-time permission”.

  2) The other is that the operator obtains a viewing permission from the permitted person in advance so that the viewing-limited content may be viewed within a predetermined range, and the viewing-restricted content is within the permitted range. It is a type of viewing. This type of viewing permission is referred to as “prior permission”.

(Example screen for obtaining viewing permission)
Next, a flow of viewing the viewing-restricted content when the operator obtains viewing permission from the authorized person will be described with reference to a screen example. Here, an outline of the flow of processing will be described, and details of each processing will be described later.

(Remote control app)
First, an application program (hereinafter referred to as a remote control application) serving as a user interface for the remote operation device 300 to operate the operation target device 200 will be described. The remote operation device 300 according to each embodiment normally operates as a mobile phone, but the operation target device 200 can be operated by starting a remote control application. As described above, by installing the remote control application in the remote operation device 300, various electronic devices can be operated as the remote operation device 300.

  In particular, mobile phones that are equipped with infrared communication means and Bluetooth communication means as data transmission / reception means are widely used. Therefore, when a mobile phone is applied as the remote operation device 300, it is preferable that these communication means can be used as communication means for remote operation.

  An example of a display screen when the remote control application is activated will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 307 of the remote operation device 300 when the remote control application is activated. The illustrated image is called software keyboard display (hereinafter referred to as soft key display). In the soft key display, the arrangement of each operation key included in the operation unit 308 and the function assigned to each operation key are displayed.

  In other words, the operation keys are arranged in the same arrangement as in FIG. 3 on the operation unit 308, and are displayed by inputting operation keys corresponding to the keys displayed on the display unit 307 in the operation unit 308. Processing corresponding to the function being performed is executed. For example, in FIG. 3, the volume of the operation target device 200 is increased by performing an input on the operation key of the operation unit 308 corresponding to the key displayed as “Sound ↑”.

  As described above, by performing the soft key display, an arbitrary remote control operation can be assigned to the operation key of the operation unit 308, whereby the operation target device 200 is operated by the remote operation device 300 having the function of the mobile phone. It becomes possible.

  The remote control device 300 is not limited to the above example as long as it can input a remote control. For example, the display unit 307 and the operation unit 308 of the remote operation device 300 may be configured by a touch panel so that a screen for remote operation is displayed on the display unit 307 and a remote operation input corresponding to the displayed screen may be received. Good.

(Screen Example 1: Screen example for obtaining permission each time)
Next, how the operator obtains permission from the permitter each time and views the viewing-restricted content will be described with reference to a screen example. Here, it is assumed that the operator has not obtained prior permission from the permitter. In addition, it is assumed that the power source of the operation target device 200 is initially turned off. However, it is assumed that the operation target device 200 is in a state in which only a remote control command (described later) including a command indicating that the power key is pressed can be received even when the power is off (that is, in a standby state). .

  In using the VOD service provided by the service providing apparatus 400, the operator first inputs a user ID and password to the operator apparatus 3001. Therefore, in the remote control application shown in FIG. 3, when the operator operates the “user registration” key, the screen displayed on the display unit 307 changes to the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for inputting the user ID and password of the operator in the operator device 3001. In FIG. 4, when the user ID and password are input and the “Register” button is pressed, the input user ID and password are stored in the operator device 3001.

  Next, in order to turn on the power of the operation target device 200, the display is performed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 when the operator operates the “power” key in the remote control app shown in FIG. The screen is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 when the operation target device 200 is powered on. In the present embodiment, since a television receiver is assumed as the operation target apparatus 200, a television broadcast is displayed on the display unit 204 when the power is turned on.

  When the operator operates the “power” key, a remote control command including a command indicating that the power key has been pressed is transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200, and the operation target device 200 The power is turned on with the reception of the remote control command as a trigger.

  Next, when the operator operates the “menu” key in the remote control app shown in FIG. 3 to use the VOD service, the screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 is shown in FIG. Transition to the screen. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a menu for using the VOD service is displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200. Here, three menus for using the VOD service are displayed. FIG. 6 shows a state where the “content list”, which is the menu arranged at the top, is focused.

  When the operator operates the “menu” key, a predetermined remote control command is transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200. Then, the operation target apparatus 200 makes a log-in request to be described later to the service providing apparatus 400 using the reception of the remote control command as a trigger, and displays the screen shown in FIG. To do.

  Next, in order to display a list of contents currently provided by the service providing apparatus 400, the operator presses the “OK” key while the “content list” is focused on the screen shown in FIG. Is operated, the screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 is changed to the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a list of contents currently provided by the service providing apparatus 400 is displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target apparatus 200. Here, titles of three contents are displayed as contents provided by the service providing apparatus 400. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the content titled “Pineapple of the Caribbean” is focused.

  When the operator operates the “OK” key, a predetermined remote control command is transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200. Then, the operation target apparatus 200 acquires a content list from the service providing apparatus 400 using the reception of the remote control command as a trigger, and displays the screen illustrated in FIG. 7 on the display unit 204.

  Next, when the operator operates the “decision” key in a state where the desired content is focused on the screen shown in FIG. 7 in order to display the attribute information of the content, the display unit of the operation target device 200 The screen displayed on 204 transitions to the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how content attribute information is displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200. In this example, as the content attribute information “pineapple of caribbean”, the title of the content, the playback time of the content, the charge, the content of viewing restrictions, and the outline of the content are displayed. As shown in the figure, this content is charged (300 yen), and viewing restrictions (PG: parental guidance) are provided. Therefore, since this content is viewing-restricted content, in order for the operator to view this content, permission of viewing by the authorized person is required.

  When the operator operates the “OK” key, a predetermined remote control command is transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200. Then, the operation target device 200 acquires the attribute information of the content from the service providing device 400 using the reception of the remote control command as a trigger, and displays the screen shown in FIG.

  Next, when the operator operates the “view” button on the screen shown in FIG. 8 to view the content, the screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 is the screen shown in FIG. Transition to. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which it is displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 that permission is being acquired from the permitter each time.

  Note that when the operator operates the “view” button, a predetermined remote control command is transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200. Then, the operation target device 200 confirms whether or not the permission of the authorized person is necessary with the reception of the remote control command as a trigger. Since the content “pineapple of caribbean” is the viewing-restricted content as described above, a request for permission is transmitted to the permitter device 3002 each time. Then, while waiting for a response from the permitter, the operation target device 200 displays the screen illustrated in FIG. 9 on the display unit 204.

  Next, in the permitter device 3002 that has received the request for permission each time, the permitter inputs whether or not the permission is granted each time. An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the permitter device 3002 will be described later. When the permitter grants permission each time, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response indicating that permission has been granted each time. When permission is granted from the permitter each time, the operation target device 200 acquires content data from the service providing device 400 and displays the screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which viewing restricted content is reproduced on the display unit 204. In other words, since the permission can be obtained from the permitter each time, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content.

  Next, FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 307 of the permitter device 3002 when the permitter device 3002 receives a request for permission each time. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the content of permission is displayed on the display unit 307 of the permitter device 3002 each time it is requested. Here, it is displayed as to which operator wants to give permission to view what kind of content. In addition, it is possible to input whether permission is given each time using a button at the bottom of the screen.

  In order to notify the permitter that permission has been requested each time, not only the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit 204 of the permitter device 3002, but also a predetermined output from the voice output unit 305 of the permitter device 3002. May be output, or a permitter device 3002 may be vibrated by operating a vibrator (not shown).

  Next, on the screen shown in FIG. 11, when the permitter operates the “permit” button to grant permission each time, the screen displayed on the display unit 307 of the permitter device 3002 is further displayed in FIG. 12. Transition to the screen shown. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the display unit 307 of the permitter device 3002 displays that the granted content is paid content each time. Here, it is displayed in FIG. 11 that the granted content is paid content each time, and whether or not to purchase the content can be input with a button at the bottom of the screen. Here, when the permitter operates the “Purchase” button, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response indicating that permission has been granted. As a result, playback of the viewing-restricted content is started on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 (see FIG. 10).

  In the above description, the case where the viewing-restricted content is paid is described as an example. Therefore, when the permitter operates the “permit” button in FIG. 11, the screen transitions to the screen illustrated in FIG. If it is free, when the permitter operates the “permit” button in FIG. 11, a response indicating that permission has been granted is immediately transmitted without shifting to the screen shown in FIG. 12.

(Screen Example 2: Screen example for obtaining prior permission)
Next, how the operator obtains prior permission from the permitter will be described with reference to a screen example.

  In order to request prior permission from the permitter, as shown in FIG. 13, when the operator operates the “decision” key in a state where the “previous permission acquisition” is focused on the menu screen, The screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the apparatus 200 changes to the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the display unit 204 displays that the prior permission is being obtained from the permitter.

  When the operator operates the “OK” key, a predetermined remote control command is transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200. Then, a request for prior permission is transmitted to the permitter device 3002. Then, the operation target device 200 displays the screen illustrated in FIG. 14 on the display unit 204 until there is a response from the permitter.

  Next, in the permitter device 3002 that has received the request for prior permission, the permitter inputs the content of the prior permission. An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the permitter device 3002 will be described later.

  When the prior permission is given from the permitter, the permitter device 3002 transmits that the prior permission has been given. Then, when prior permission is given from the permitter, the screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 transitions to the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 displays the content given by the permitter in advance. In this example, from the permitter, the upper limit of the content viewing fee (upper limit of purchase amount) is 800 yen, the content viewing deadline (reproduction deadline) is 21:00 on February 11, and the content viewing time (maximum reproduction time). ) Indicates that prior permission of up to 3 hours was given. Therefore, the operator can freely view the viewing-restricted content within the range of the given prior permission. In other words, if the total price of the content to be viewed is 800 yen or less, is the period up to 21:00 on February 11, and the total viewing time is 3 hours or less, the viewing-restricted content is free. Can watch. However, if you want to view age-restricted content, a separate permission from the permitter is required for viewing.

  Next, FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 307 of the permitter device 3002 when the permitter device 3002 receives a request for prior permission. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a screen for inputting content for giving prior permission is displayed on the display unit 307 of the permitter device 3002. Here, as the contents for giving prior permission, the permitter can input an upper limit amount (upper limit of purchase amount), a viewing time limit (reproduction time limit), and a viewing time (maximum replay time).

  When the permitter operates the “permit” button, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response indicating that prior permission is given with the input content. In addition, when the permitter operates the “not permit” button, the permitter apparatus 3002 transmits a response not permitting.

(User registration screen example)
In addition, when the permitter and the operator use the VOD service in the remote operation system 100, the permitter needs to perform user registration in advance. Hereinafter, the flow of user registration will be described with reference to a screen example.

  In the remote control application shown in FIG. 3, when the permitter operates the “user registration” key, the screen displayed on the display unit 307 changes to the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting the name and age of the permitter and the name and age of the operator to whom the permitter grants permission in the permitter device 3002. The name and age of the operator are repeatedly input by the number of operators.

  Then, when the operator operates the “Next” button on the screen shown in FIG. 17, the screen displayed on the display unit 307 changes to the screen shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen for inputting the contact information (address and telephone number) of the permitter and credit card information (name of credit card, credit card number, and expiration date of credit card) in the permitter apparatus 3002. It is a schematic diagram which shows. The credit card information is used for billing processing when purchasing paid content.

  Then, when the operator operates the “Register” button on the screen shown in FIG. 18, the screen displayed on the display unit 307 transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen that displays that the user registration has been completed and that the user ID and password of each user have been issued in the permitter device 3002. Each user inputs this user ID and password on the screen shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 1]
One embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 20 to 27.

[Overview of the flow to obtain viewing permission]
With reference to FIG. 20, an outline of a flow for obtaining viewing permission from an authorized person in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a flow in which the operator obtains viewing permission from the permitter in the remote control system 100 according to the present embodiment.

(Flow to get permission each time)
First, a flow in which the operator obtains permission from the permitter each time will be described. When the operator operates the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 and tries to view the viewing restricted content, the operation side communication unit 302 of the operation target device 200 from the operation side communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001. A predetermined remote control command is transmitted to 209 (flow (1) in FIG. 20). Then, the operation target device 200 that has received the remote control command checks whether or not the operator can freely view the viewing-restricted content. If the operator determines that the viewing-restricted content cannot be freely viewed, the operation target device 200 specifies the permitter device 3002 and the operation side of the specified permitter device 3002 from the operated-side communication unit 209. A request for permission is transmitted to the communication unit 302 each time (flow (2) in FIG. 20).

  When the permitter inputs on the permitter device 3002 whether or not to allow viewing in response to the request, the permitter device 3002 receives the operation side communication unit of the operation target device 200 from the operation side communication unit 302. A response is transmitted to 209 (flow (3) in FIG. 20). At this time, if the permitter inputs that permission is granted each time, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content to be viewed.

  According to the above configuration, when the operator tries to view the viewing-restricted content using the operator device 3001, a request for permission is transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the permitter device 3002 each time. When the permitter inputs permission to be granted each time in the permitter device 3002, the permitter device 3002 transmits a permission to the operation target device 200 each time. As a result, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content. If the permitter inputs that permission is not granted each time, the permitter device 3002 transmits that permission is not granted to the operation target device 200 each time, so the operator views the viewing-restricted content. It is not possible.

(Flow to obtain prior permission)
Next, a flow in which the operator obtains prior permission from the permitter will be described. The flow for obtaining prior permission is substantially the same as the flow for obtaining permission each time described above.

  First, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, the operation-side communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001 performs an operation on the operated-side communication unit 209 of the operation target device 200. A predetermined remote control command is transmitted (flow (1) in FIG. 20). Then, the operation target device 200 that has received the remote control command specifies the permitter device 3002, and requests the prior permission from the operated communication unit 302 of the specified permitter device 3002 from the operated communication unit 209. The request is transmitted (flow (2) in FIG. 20).

  When the permitter inputs on the permitter device 3002 as to whether or not to give prior permission to the request, the permitter device 3002 receives the operation side communication unit of the operation target device 200 from the operation side communication unit 302. A response is transmitted to 209 (flow (3) in FIG. 20). At this time, if the permitter inputs that the prior permission is given, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content within the permitted range.

  According to the above configuration, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, a request for prior permission is transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the permitter device 3002. The Then, when the permitter inputs that the prior permit is given by the permitter device 3002, the permitter device 3002 transmits that the prior permit is given to the operation target device 200. As a result, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content within the previously permitted range. If the permitter inputs that the prior permission is not given, the fact that the prior permission is not given to the operation target device 200 is transmitted from the permitter device 3002, and therefore the operator cannot obtain the prior permission. Can not.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, in order to obtain permission and prior permission from the permitter, the operator only has to operate the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 used by the operator. In addition, the permitter only has to input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter when there is a permit request, and the permitter does not need to operate the operation target device 200 by himself / herself. .

  Further, according to the above configuration, the operation target device 200 and the permitter device 3002 directly exchange requests for permission and prior permission each time and responses to them, so that the operator device 3001 and the permitter device Even when at least one of the terminals 3002 does not include the telephone / web communication unit 303 (that is, cannot communicate with the communication network 500 as a mobile phone network), the operator obtains permission and prior permission from the permitter each time. be able to.

[More detailed configuration of each device]
Next, more detailed configurations of the operation target device 200, the remote operation device 300, and the service providing device 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an operation target device 200, a remote operation device 300, and a service providing device 400 according to the present embodiment.

(Detailed configuration of the operation target device)
First, a more detailed configuration of the operation target device 200 will be described. As illustrated, the operation target device storage unit 207 includes a user attribute information storage unit 11 (storage unit), a content list storage unit 12, and a content information storage unit 13. The operation target device control unit 203 includes a user registration processing unit 1, a command reception processing unit 2, a power management unit 3, a viewing state inspection unit 4, a user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 (user attribute information storage unit), authority An inspection unit 6, a permission acquisition unit 7 (permission request transmission unit, permission signal reception unit), a user operation processing unit 8, and a user attribute information transmission unit 9 are included.

  The user attribute information storage unit 11 stores attribute information of users (operators and authorized persons) who use the remote operation system 100 in a readable state. The user attribute information storage unit 11 can have a data structure as shown in Table 1 below, for example. Table 1 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the user attribute information storage unit 11. As shown in Table 1, the user attribute information storage unit 11 includes “user ID”, “name”, “age”, “purchasing authority”, “permitter device address”, “permitter device” as user attribute information. A set of “phone number”, “permitter ID”, “upper limit amount”, “viewing deadline”, and “viewing time” is stored for each user.

  The “user ID” is an ID that can uniquely identify the user on the VOD service. In the example of Table 1, the value “1234567890” is stored as the user ID. “Name” is the name of the user identified by the user ID. In the example of Table 1, a value “Taro Yamada” is stored as the name. “Age” is the age of the user identified by the user ID. In the example of Table 1, a value of “12 years old” is stored as the age.

  “Purchase authority” indicates whether or not the user identified by the user ID has authority to view paid content. Therefore, normally, the value of the purchase authority is “none” when the user identified by the user ID is an operator, and “present” when the user identified by the user ID is an authorized person.

  The “permitter device address” is an address of the permitter device 3002 when the operation side communication unit 302 of the permitter device 3002 performs Bluetooth communication. In the example of Table 1, the value “00: 11: 22: 33: 44: AA” is stored as the permitter device address.

  The “permitter device telephone number” is the telephone number of the permitter device 3002 when communicating with the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002 via the communication network 500 as a mobile phone network. In the example of Table 1, the value “090-1234-5678” is stored as the permitter device telephone number.

  “Permitter ID” is the user ID of the permitter who registered the user information of the operator when the user identified by the user ID is the operator. In the example of Table 1, the value “1234567800” is stored as the permitter ID.

  “Upper limit amount” is an upper limit value of the amount of money that the operator can purchase the viewing-restricted content when the user identified by the user ID is the operator. In the example of Table 1, a value of “800 yen” is stored as the upper limit amount. The upper limit is given by prior permission from the permitter.

  The “viewing deadline” is a deadline (playback deadline) in which, when the user identified by the user ID is an operator, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content. In the example of Table 1, a value “21:00 on February 11, 2008” is stored as the viewing time limit. Note that the viewing time limit is given by prior permission from the permitter.

  “Viewing time” is the total time (maximum playback time) in which the operator can view the viewing-restricted content when the user identified by the user ID is the operator. In the example of Table 1, a value of “3 hours” is stored as the viewing time limit. The viewing time is given by prior permission from the permitter.

  Note that the upper limit amount, the viewing period, and the viewing time are stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 in a state where there is no value (NULL value) when prior permission is not given from the permitter. In addition, the record with the purchase authority “Yes” is stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 in a state where the permitter ID, the upper limit amount of money, the viewing period, and the viewing time have no value (NULL value).

  Next, the content list storage unit 12 stores a list of content acquired by the user operation processing unit 8 described later from the service providing apparatus 400 in a readable state. The content list storage unit 12 can have a data structure as shown in Table 2 below, for example. Table 2 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content list storage unit 12. As shown in Table 2, the content list storage unit 12 stores a set of “content ID” and “title” for each content.

  The “content ID” is an ID that can uniquely identify the content on the VOD service. In the example of Table 2, the value “111122223333” is stored as the content ID.

  “Title” is the title (title) of the content identified by the content ID. In the example of Table 2, the value “pineapple of caribbean” is stored as the title.

  Next, the content information storage unit 13 stores content attribute information acquired by the user operation processing unit 8 described later from the service providing apparatus 400 in a readable state. The content information storage unit 13 can have a data structure as shown in Table 3 below, for example. Table 3 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content information storage unit 13. As shown in Table 3, the content information storage unit 13 stores a set of “content ID”, “title”, “playback time”, “charge”, “viewing restriction”, and “outline” for each content. .

  The “content ID” and “title” are the same as described above.

  “Reproduction time” is the reproduction time of the content identified by the content ID. In the example of Table 3, a value of “110 minutes” is stored as the reproduction time.

  The “charge” is an amount that the user needs to pay when viewing the content identified by the content ID. Therefore, the content for which the charge value is set is paid content. In the example of Table 3, a value of “300 yen” is stored as the fee.

  The “viewing restriction content” indicates the content of viewing restriction of the content identified by the content ID. In the example of Table 3, the fact that “adult permission is required (there is a rating regulation)” is stored as the viewing restriction content.

  “Summary” is a summary (summary) of the content identified by the content ID. In the example of Table 3, “2003 published American adventure movie” is stored as an overview.

  Note that content for which a value is set for “charge” is paid content. Further, content for which a value is set for “charge” or “viewing restriction content” is viewing restriction content.

  Next, the user registration processing unit 1 will be described. The user registration processing unit 1 performs processing on the operation target device 200 side in a series of processing in which an authorized person registers attribute information of users (permitted users and operators) who use the remote operation system 100. As will be described later, in the remote operation system 100, only the authorized person can register the attribute information of the user (authorized person and operator) (hereinafter referred to as user registration).

  Specifically, first, the user registration processing unit 1 transmits “first registered user information” transmitted from the permitter device 3002 as a result of user registration by the permitter via the operated-side communication unit 209. Receive. The “first registered user information” is data including the attribute information of the permitter and the attribute information of one or more operators to which the permitter grants permission. Then, the user registration processing unit 1 transmits “second registered user information” obtained by adding the ID of the operation target device 200 to the received first registered user information to the service providing device 400 via the external communication unit 208. To do.

  The first registered user information can have a data structure as shown in Table 4 below, for example. Table 4 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the first registered user information. As shown in Table 4, the first registered user information includes “permitter name”, “permitter age”, “permitter address”, “permitter phone number”, “permitter card name”, “permitter card”. “Number”, “permitter card expiration date”, “permitter device address”, “permitter device phone number”, “operator name”, and “operator age”.

  The “permitter name” is the name of the permitter. In the example of Table 4, the value “Ichiro Yamada” is set as the permitter name. The “permitter age” is the age of the permitter. In the example of Table 4, a value of “41 years old” is set as the permitter age.

  The “permitter address” is the address of the permitter. In the example of Table 4, a value of “Osaka Prefecture XX City ΔΔ Town” is set as the permitter address. The “permitter phone number” is the phone number of the contact information of the permitter. In the example of Table 4, the value “06-XXXX-XXXX” is set as the permitter telephone number.

  The “permitter card name” is the name of the permitter's credit card. In the example of Table 4, the value “ICHIRO YAMADA” is set as the permitter card name. The “permitter card number” is the credit card number of the permitter. In the example of Table 4, the value “1234567890123450” is set as the permitter card number. The “permitter card expiration date” is the expiration date of the permitter's credit card. In the example of Table 4, the value “October 2013” is set as the permitter card expiration date. The reason why the information on the credit card is included in the attribute information of the permitter is to perform a billing process to be described later when purchasing paid content.

  The “permitter device address” is an address of the permitter device 3002 when the operation side communication unit 302 of the permitter device 3002 performs Bluetooth communication. In the example of Table 4, a value of “00: 11: 22: 33: 44: AA” is set as the permitter device address. The “permitter device telephone number” is the telephone number of the permitter device 3002 when communicating with the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002 via the communication network 500 as a mobile phone network. In the example of Table 4, the value “090-1234-5678” is set as the permitter device telephone number.

  The “operator name” is the name of the operator to whom the permitter represented by the permitter name gives permission. In the example of Table 4, the value “Taro Yamada” is set as the operator name. “Operator age” is the age of the operator. In the example of Table 4, a value of “12 years old” is set as the operator age. The set of operator name and operator age is data that is repeated by the number of operators to which permission is given by the permitter, but in the example of Table 4, only one is described.

  The second registered user information can have a data structure as shown in Table 5 below, for example. As shown in Table 5, the second registered user information includes “operation target device ID” in addition to the data items included in the first registered user information. The ID of the operation target device is an ID that can uniquely identify the operation target device 200 on the VOD service. In the example of Table 5, the value “9912345678” is set as the operation target device ID.

  By transmitting the second registered user information to the service providing apparatus 400, the user (permitter and operator) who uses the remote operation system 100 is notified to the service providing apparatus 400, and is identified by the operation target apparatus ID. The operation target device 200 can notify the service providing device 400 that it is a device used by an authorized user who uses the remote operation system 100.

  In the service providing apparatus 400, a user registration processing unit 41 described later performs user registration processing on the service providing apparatus 400 side based on the received second registered user information.

  Subsequently, after the user registration processing unit 1 transmits the second registered user information to the service providing apparatus 400, the “user registration result information” transmitted by the service providing apparatus 400 as a response is transmitted via the external communication unit 208. Receive. “User registration result information” is data including a user ID and a password for each user issued by the service providing apparatus 400.

  The user registration result information can have a data structure as shown in Table 6 below, for example. Table 6 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the user registration result information. As shown in Table 6, the user registration result information includes “permitter name”, “permitter ID”, “permitter password”, “operator name”, “operator ID”, and “operator password”. Consists of including.

  The “permitter name” and “operator name” are the same as those included in the second registered user information.

  The “permitter ID” is a user ID of the permitter represented by the name of the permitter, and is issued by the service providing apparatus 400. In the example of Table 6, the value “1234567800” is set as the permitter ID. The “permitter password” is a password of the permitter identified by the permitter ID, and is issued by the service providing apparatus 400. In the example of Table 6, the value “3fear9fd” is set as the permitter password.

  The “operator ID” is a user ID of the operator represented by the operator name, and is issued by the service providing apparatus 400. In the example of Table 6, the value “1234567890” is set as the operator ID. The “operator password” is an operator password identified by the operator ID, and is issued by the service providing apparatus 400. In the example of Table 6, the value “de5gr4sfq” is set as the operator password.

  The set of the operator name, operator ID, and operator password is data that is repeated by the number of operators, but in the example of Table 6, only one person is described.

  Subsequently, the user registration processing unit 1 records in the user attribute information storage unit 11 based on the information included in the first registered user information and the user registration result information in order to store the user registered user attribute information. Is generated.

  Specifically, based on the “permitter ID” and “permitter name” included in the user registration result information and the “age” included in the first registered user information, the record of the permitter is stored in the user attribute information. Generated in part 11. At this time, “purchase authority” of the record is set to “present”. Further, “permitter ID”, “upper limit amount”, “viewing restriction”, and “viewing time” have no value (NULL value).

  Further, based on the “operator ID” and “operator name” included in the user registration result information and the “age” included in the first registered user information, the record of the operator is stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11. Generate. At this time, the purchase authority for the record is set to “none”. Further, the “permitter ID” is set to the permitter ID included in the user registration result information. Further, “upper limit amount”, “viewing restriction”, and “viewing time” have no value (NULL value).

  Finally, the user registration processing unit 1 transfers the received user registration result information via the operated-side communication unit 209 as a response to the permitter device 3002 that has transmitted the first registered user information. Thereby, the permitter using the permitter device 3002 can know the IDs and passwords of all users registered in the service providing device 400.

  Next, the command reception processing unit 2 will be described. The command reception processing unit 2 receives the “remote control command” transmitted from the remote operation device 300 via the operated side communication unit 209. Then, an instruction corresponding to the command name included in the received remote control command is given to each unit of the operation target device control unit 203.

  The remote control command can have a data structure as shown in Table 7 below, for example. Table 7 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the remote control command. As shown in Table 7, the remote control command includes “user ID”, “password”, and “command name”.

  The “user ID” is a user ID of a user who uses the remote operation device 300 that has transmitted the remote control command. The “password” is the password of the user and is issued by the service providing apparatus 400.

  The “command name” indicates the operation content of the user on the remote control application. The command name has only a type corresponding to a key operation on the remote control application, and a value corresponding to the key operation is set. In Table 7, the value “0xAAAA 8888 2201”, which means a remote control command including a command indicating that the power key is pressed (hereinafter referred to as a power command), is described as an example.

  Next, the power management unit 3 will be described. In response to an instruction from the command reception processing unit 2 that has received the power command, the power management unit 3 supplies power to each unit included in the operation target device 200 (that is, turns on the main power) or the above Switching between power supply not being performed (that is, standby mode). That is, when a power command is received in the standby state, the power management unit 3 switches the main power on, and conversely, when the power command is received when the main power is on, the power management unit 3 Switches to the standby state.

  It should be noted that the operation target device 200 can receive at least a power command even in a standby state. In addition, when the main power is on, the operation target device 200 can receive all remote control commands.

  Next, the viewing situation inspection unit 4 will be described. When the operator is viewing viewing-restricted content with prior permission from the permitter, whether the viewing state inspection unit 4 is viewing within the viewing time limit or viewing time range given by the prior permission. (Hereinafter referred to as a content viewing inspection process).

  Specifically, the viewing state inspection unit 4 first searches the user attribute information storage unit 11 for a record having the user ID of the user who is viewing the content, and acquires “viewing time limit” and “viewing time”. To do. Then, the viewing state inspection unit 4 checks whether or not the current system time of the operation target device 200 has passed the acquired viewing time limit. Further, it is checked whether or not the total content reproduction time exceeds the acquired viewing time. Note that the total content playback time is stored in the operation target device storage unit 207 for each user.

  If it is found as a result of the above inspection that it is not within the range of the viewing period or the viewing time limit given by the permitter, the viewing status inspection unit 4 displays an error message on the display unit 204 and Stop playback. If the operator wants to continue viewing the viewing-restricted content, a new prior permission may be obtained from the authorized person.

  Note that the content viewing inspection process is repeatedly executed at predetermined timings (for example, every minute) while waiting for reception of a remote control command. The flow of the content viewing inspection process will be described later using a flowchart.

  Next, the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 will be described. When the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 receives a remote control command, the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 refers to the user ID included in the received remote control command, and whether or not a record having the user ID is stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11. (In other words, it is checked whether or not the user is registered in the operation target device 200). If the record having the user ID is not stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 (that is, if the user is not registered in the operation target device 200), the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 In order to request the service providing apparatus 400 to acquire the attribute information of the user identified by the user ID, a “user information request” is transmitted through the external communication unit 208. The user information request may have a data structure as shown in Table 8 below, for example. Table 8 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the user information request. As shown in Table 8, the user information request includes a “user ID”. In the example of Table 8, a value “REQUEST_USER_DATA” is set as the user information request. The “user ID” is the same as the data stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 shown in Table 1.

  Then, after transmitting the user information request, the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 receives “user attribute information” transmitted by the service providing apparatus 400 as a response via the external communication unit 208. Then, the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 stores the data included in the received user attribute information in the user attribute information storage unit 11.

  The user attribute information can have a data structure as shown in Table 9 below, for example. Table 9 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the user attribute information. As shown in Table 9, the user attribute information includes “user ID”, “name”, “age”, “purchasing authority”, “permitter device address”, “permitter device phone number”, “permitter ID”. , “Upper limit amount”, “viewing time limit”, and “viewing time”. Each data is the same as the data stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 shown in Table 1.

  Here, the purpose of the above process performed by the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 will be described. For example, consider a case where an operator uses another operation target device 200 that is not the operation target device 200 that is normally used (for example, the operation target device 200 at a place where the user is out). In this case, in the operation target device 200 that is normally used, if the authorized person has performed user registration, the user registration processing unit 1 stores a record corresponding to the operator in the user attribute information storage unit 11. The user attribute information storage unit 11 of the other operation target device 200 does not store a record corresponding to the operator. Therefore, in the another operation target device 200, the operator's “age” and “upper limit amount” cannot be acquired in the authority check process described later, and as a result, the operator does not acquire the other operation target. Viewing restricted content cannot be viewed using the device 200. Therefore, when the operator views the content using the different operation target device 200, the operator obtains the user attribute information of the operator stored in the service providing device 400, so that the operator The purpose is to enable viewing-limited content to be viewed on the other operation target device 200.

  Note that the record generated by the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 in the user attribute information storage unit 11 may be deleted from the user attribute information storage unit 11 at the timing when the operation target device 200 enters a standby state. This is because the use of another operation target device 200 (for example, the operation target device 200 at a place away from home) is often temporary.

  Next, the authority checking unit 6 will be described. The authority checking unit 6 analyzes the content of the remote control command received from the operator device 3001, and determines whether or not the operation to be performed by the operator needs to obtain permission or prior permission from the permitter each time. Judgment (hereinafter referred to as authority checking process).

  In what case, the authority checking unit 6 will be described each time it is determined that it is necessary to obtain permission or prior permission. First, the authority checking unit 6 determines that permission is required each time when the operation content of the operator is “operation for viewing content”. 1) This is a case where an operator who does not satisfy the age limit tries to view and 2) an operator whose upper limit is not set by prior permission tries to view paid content. The “operation for viewing content” is specifically an operation of pressing the “view” button on the screen shown in FIG.

  The above 1) will be specifically described. First, a record having the user ID included in the remote control command received from the operator device 3001 is searched in the user attribute information storage unit 11 to acquire the “age” of the user identified by the user ID. Then, “viewing restriction” included in the attribute information of the content that the operator wants to view is acquired from the content information storage unit 13. Then, the acquired age is compared with the acquired viewing restriction. If the acquired age does not satisfy the acquired viewing restriction, it is determined that permission is required each time.

  For example, if the user's age is 15 and the content viewing restriction is “requires adult permission”, the user's age does not satisfy the content viewing restriction. Is determined to be necessary.

  Next, the above 2) will be specifically described. First, a record having a user ID included in a remote control command received from the operator device 3001 is searched in the user attribute information storage unit 11 to obtain an “upper limit amount”. Then, the “fee” of the content to be viewed is acquired from the content information storage unit 13. When the acquired upper limit amount is not set (NULL value) and a value is set for the acquired fee (other than the NULL value), it is determined that permission is required each time.

  The authority checking unit 6 determines that permission is unnecessary in the following cases. That is, 1) when the content viewed by the operator is content without age restriction, or when the content is age-restricted but the operator's age satisfies the restriction, and 2) The upper limit given by the prior permission is the total amount of content purchased when the content viewed by the operator is not paid content, or even when paid content is viewed (purchased). This is a case where either is within the range of the amount of money. It is assumed that the total purchase amount of content is stored in the operation target device storage unit 207 for each user.

  Even when a user whose “purchase authority” is “present” views the paid content, the authority inspection unit 6 determines that permission is not required each time.

  On the other hand, when the authority checking unit 6 determines that prior permission is required, the operation content of the operator is “operation for obtaining prior permission”. Specifically, this is the case where the prior permission acquisition menu is operated on the screen shown in FIG.

  In addition, when an operator who has been given a maximum amount by prior permission tries to view paid content, and the total purchase amount of content exceeds the maximum amount when viewing the paid content, The authority checking unit 6 determines that there is an error and displays the error on the display unit 204. In this case, the operator needs to obtain a new prior permission from the authorized person in order to view the paid content.

  The flow of the authority inspection process described above will be described later using a flowchart.

  Next, the permission acquisition unit 7 will be described. The permission acquisition unit 7 has the permitter device 3002 obtain permission or prior permission from the permitter whenever the authority checking unit 6 determines that permission or prior permission is required from the permitter. Make a request for.

  Specifically, first, the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter is specified. Therefore, the permission acquisition unit 7 is included in the record stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 as the attribute information of the authorized person of the operator identified by the user ID included in the remote control command received from the operator device 3001. Obtain the “permitter device address”.

  And the permission acquisition part 7 requests | requires permission or prior permission with respect to the permitter apparatus 3002 which has the said permitter apparatus address acquired each time. Specifically, the “permission request” is transmitted via the operated-side communication unit 209. The permission request may have a data structure as shown in Table 10 below, for example. Table 10 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the permission request. As shown in Table 10, the permission request includes “permitter user information”, “operator user information”, “operation content”, “content information”, “first permission request content”, and “second permission request content”. Is included.

  The “permitter user information” is all data included in the record stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 as the attribute information of the permitter of the operator identified by the user ID included in the remote control command. This is data for indicating a permitter who is a partner to notify a permission request.

  “Operator user information” is all data included in a record stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 as attribute information of the operator identified by the user ID included in the remote control command. This is data for notifying the permitter what kind of operator the permission request is.

  The “operation content” is an “operation for viewing content” or an “operation for obtaining prior permission” by the operator. The operation content is “operation for viewing content” when the “view” button is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 8, and the operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission”. This is a case where the “obtain prior permission” menu is operated on the screen shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the request is a permission request for permission or a permission request for requesting prior permission depending on the value of the operation content. In the example of Table 10, “Operation for viewing content” is set.

  “Content information” is attribute information of the content when the operation content is “operation for viewing content”. Specifically, all data (content ID, title, playback time, fee, viewing restriction content, and outline) included in the content record searched in the content information storage unit 13 are included. This is data for informing the permitter what kind of content is the permission request.

  “First permission request content” is content (first) for requesting permission from the permitter when the operation content is “operation for viewing content”. In the example of Table 10, it is set that permission is required for viewing content with rating restrictions.

  The “second permission request content” is a content (second) for requesting permission from the permitter when the operation content is “content viewing operation”. In the example of Table 10, it is set to request permission for viewing paid content.

  When the operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, no value is set in the content information, the first permission request content, and the second permission request content (a null value).

  Then, after transmitting the permission request to the permitter device 3002, the permission acquisition unit 7 receives the “permission result response” transmitted by the permitter device 3002 as a response via the operated-side communication unit 209. The permission result response (permission signal) is data including a result indicating whether or not the permitter has given viewing permission.

  The permission result response may have a data structure as shown in Table 11 below, for example. Table 11 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the permission result response. As shown in Table 11, the permission result response includes “permitter ID”, “operator user information”, “operation content”, “content information”, “first permission content”, “second permission content”, and It is configured to include “third permission content”.

  The “permitter ID” is a user ID of the permitter and is data for indicating the permitter who has given permission.

  The “operator user information” is the same data as the “operator user information” included in the permission request. “Operation content” is the same data as the operation content included in the permission request. The content information is the same data as the content information included in the permission request. This is data for indicating which permission request is a permission result response.

  The “first permission content” is the content that the permitter gives permission to the first permission request content included in the permission request whenever the operation content is “operation for viewing content”. If the permitter does not give permission each time, no value is set (null value). 2) When the operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, an “upper limit amount” given by the permitter in advance is set. If the permitter does not give prior permission for the maximum amount, no value is set (null value). In the example of Table 11, it is set that content with rating restrictions may be viewed.

  The “second permission content” is the content that the permitter gives permission to the second permission request content included in the permission request whenever the operation content is “content viewing operation”. If the permitter does not give permission each time, no value is set (null value). 2) When the operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, “viewing time limit” for which the permitter has given prior permission is set. If the permitter does not give prior permission for the viewing time limit, no value is set (null value). In the example of Table 11, it is set that pay content can be viewed.

  “Third permission content” is a data item provided only when the operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, and “viewing time” when the permitter gives prior permission is set. If the permitter does not give prior permission for viewing time, no value is set (null value).

  If the permission acquisition unit 7 receives any of the following permission result responses A) to C) (hereinafter referred to as a non-permission response), the permission acquisition unit 7 treats it as an error and displays that fact on the display unit 204. That is, A) The operation content is “operation for viewing content”, and the content for requesting permission is set in the first permission request content of the corresponding permission request, but the value of the first permission content of the permission result response is a value. Or B) the operation content is “operation for viewing content”, and the content for requesting permission is set in the second permission request content of the corresponding permission request. If no value is set for the second permission content, or C) the operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, the first permission content, the second permission content, and the third permission of the permission result response If no value is set for any of the contents, it is one of the authorization result responses.

  Note that even when a permission result response is not received for a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) after the permission request is transmitted, it is treated as an error and a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 204.

  On the other hand, if the permission acquisition unit 7 receives the following D) or E) permission result response (hereinafter referred to as a permission response), the permission is given from the permitter, so the user operation processing unit 8 causes the subsequent processing to be performed. That is, D) The operation content is “operation for viewing content”, and the first permission content of the permission result response corresponding to the permission requested in the first permission request content or the second permission request content of the corresponding permission request or When the second permission content is set, or E) The operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, and at least one of the first permission content, the second permission content, and the third permission content of the permission result response When one value is set, it is one of the permission result responses.

  The flow of processing (hereinafter referred to as permission acquisition processing) performed by the permission acquisition unit 7 will be described later using a flowchart.

  Next, the user operation processing unit 8 will be described. The user operation processing unit 8 performs a process according to the content of an instruction from the user's remote operation device 300. The instruction contents are 1) a menu display instruction, 2) a content list display instruction, 3) a content information display instruction, 4) a content reproduction instruction (content viewing instruction), and 5) an operation as a television receiver. This is an operation instruction for a function (for example, channel change, volume adjustment, screen brightness adjustment, etc.) that the target device 200 generally has.

  The above 1) is that the operator operates the “menu” key on the remote control application, and the above 2) is the state where the “content list” is focused on the screen shown in FIG. Then, the operator operates the “decision” key on the remote control application, and the above 3) is the state where the content is focused on the screen shown in FIG. The above 4) is to operate the “decision” key, and the operator presses the “decision” key on the remote control application while the “view” button is focused on the screen shown in FIG. Is to operate. Therefore, the instruction content can be determined based on the current screen display state on the display unit 204 and the command name included in the remote control command from the operator device 3001.

  Here, the process performed by the user operation processing unit 8 when the instruction content is the above 1) to 4) will be described. If the instruction content is 5) above, only the channel change, volume adjustment, screen brightness adjustment, etc. are performed, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  When the instruction content is 1), the user operation processing unit 8 first transmits a “login request” to the service providing apparatus 400. The login request is transmitted in order to log in to the service providing apparatus 400 so that the operator can enjoy the VOD service.

  The login request can have a data structure as shown in Table 12 below, for example. Table 12 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the login request. As shown in Table 12, the login request includes “user ID” and “password”. The user ID and password included in the login request are the same as the user ID and password included in the remote control command received by the command reception processing unit 2, respectively.

  After transmitting the login request, the user operation processing unit 8 receives a “login notification” transmitted from the service providing apparatus 400 as a response indicating whether or not the login is successful.

  The login notification may have a data structure as shown in Table 13 below, for example. Table 13 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the login notification. As shown in Table 13, the login notification includes “user ID” and “login result”. The “user ID” is used to indicate which user's login request is a login notification. The “login result” indicates whether the login has succeeded or failed. In the example of Table 13, the success is set as the login result.

  When the user operation processing unit 8 refers to the login result included in the login notification and finds that the login is successful, the user operation processing unit 8 displays a menu screen as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if login fails, it is treated as an error and a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 204.

  Next, when the instruction content is 2), the user operation processing unit 8 first transmits a “content list request” to the service providing apparatus 400. The content list request may have a data structure as shown in Table 14 below, for example. Table 14 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content list request.

  After transmitting the content list request, the user operation processing unit 8 receives the “content list” transmitted from the service providing apparatus 400 as a response.

  The content list can have a data structure as shown in Table 15 below, for example. Table 15 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content list. As shown in Table 15, the content list is configured to include “number of cases”, “content ID”, and “title”. “Number of cases” indicates the number of sets of content IDs and titles included in the content list. In addition, although the set of content ID and title is data repeated by the number of contents, in this example, only 1 set is described.

  Then, the user operation processing unit 8 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 204 based on the received content list. Further, a set of content ID and title included in the received content list is stored in the content list storage unit 12.

  Next, when the instruction content is 3) above, the user operation processing unit 8 transmits a “content information request” to the service providing apparatus 400. The content information request may have a data structure as shown in Table 16 below, for example. Table 16 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content information request. In the example of Table 16, the value “REQUEST_CONT_DETAIL” is set as the content information request.

  After transmitting the content information request, the user operation processing unit 8 receives “content information” transmitted by the service providing apparatus 400 as a response. The content information can have a data structure as shown in Table 17 below, for example. Table 17 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content information. As shown in Table 17, the content information includes the same data as the data stored in the content information storage unit 13 shown in Table 3.

  Then, the user operation processing unit 8 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 204 based on the received content information. The received content information is stored in the content information storage unit 13.

  Next, when the instruction content is the above 4), the user operation processing unit 8 transmits “billing information” including a content fee and a “content data request” to the service providing apparatus 400. The billing information and the content data request signal can have a data structure as shown in Table 18 and Table 19 below, for example.

  Table 18 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the billing information. As shown in Table 18, the billing information includes “content ID”, “charge”, and “permitter ID”. The “charge” is an amount that the user needs to pay when viewing the content identified by the content ID. In the example of Table 18, a value of “300 yen” is set as the fee. The “permitter ID” is the user ID of the permitter of the operator who views the content identified by the content ID.

  Table 19 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content data request. In the example of Table 19, the value “REQUEST_CONT_DATA” is set as the content data request. Further, as shown in Table 19, the content data request includes “permitter ID” and “operation target device ID”. By including the operation target device ID, it is possible to confirm on the service providing device 400 side that the content data request is from the operation target device 200 used by the authorized user.

  Subsequently, after transmitting the charging information, the user operation processing unit 8 receives “charging notification” transmitted by the service providing apparatus 400 as a response. The billing notification can have a data structure as shown in Table 20 below, for example. Table 20 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the billing notification. As shown in Table 20, the billing notification includes “content ID”, “charge”, “permitter ID”, and “billing result”.

  The “content ID”, “charge”, and “permitter ID” are the same data as the content ID, charge, and permitter ID included in the corresponding content data request, respectively. The “billing result” indicates whether the billing process in the service providing apparatus 400 has succeeded or failed. Note that in the example of Table 20, success is set as the accounting result.

  Then, the user operation processing unit 8 refers to the billing result included in the received billing notification, and if it is found that billing is successful, the user operation processing unit 8 continues to receive “content data” transmitted from the service providing apparatus 400. Then, the user operation processing unit 8 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 10 on the display unit 204 based on the received content data.

  If it is found that charging has failed, it is treated as an error and a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 204.

  The content data can have a data structure as shown in Table 21 below, for example. Table 21 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the content data. As shown in Table 21, the content data includes “data size” and “data body”. “Data size” is the number of bytes of content data. The “data body” is a content data entity (binary).

  Next, the user attribute information transmission unit 9 will be described. The user attribute information transmission unit 9 transmits “user attribute information” corresponding to the user who performed the command operation to the service providing apparatus 400. The user attribute information can have a data structure as shown in Table 9, for example. As shown in Table 9, the user attribute information is all data included in the record in the user attribute information storage unit 11.

  Here, the purpose of the user attribute information transmitting unit 9 transmitting user attribute information to the service providing apparatus 400 will be described. As described above, an operator may use another operation target device 200 that is not the operation target device 200 that is normally used (for example, the operation target device 200 at a destination). In this case, as described above, the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 of the other operation target device 200 acquires the user attribute information stored in the service providing device 400. Therefore, in order for the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 of the other operation target device 200 to acquire the user attribute information from the service providing device 400, the user attribute information transmission unit 9 of the operation target device 200 that is normally used is used. However, the user attribute information is transmitted to the service providing apparatus 400 in advance.

(Detailed configuration of remote control device)
Next, a more detailed configuration of the remote operation device 300 will be described. As illustrated, the remote control device storage unit 310 includes a use user attribute information storage unit 31 and a command storage unit 32. In addition, the remote operation device control unit 306 includes a use user registration processing unit 21, a command transmission processing unit 22, a user registration processing unit 23, and a permission request reception processing unit 24 (permission request receiving unit, permission input unit, permission signal transmission unit). ) Is included. Note that the user registration processing unit 23 and the permission request reception processing unit 24 illustrated by the dotted line frame operate only with the remote operation device 300 as the permitter device 3002.

  The used user attribute information storage unit 31 stores the user ID and password of the user who uses the remote operation device 300 in a readable state. The command transmission processing unit 22 uses the user ID and password stored in the used user attribute information storage unit 31 as data included in the remote control command.

  Next, the command storage unit 32 stores a command name corresponding to a key operation on the remote control application in a readable state. The command name stored in the command storage unit 32 is used by the command transmission processing unit 22 as data included in the remote control command.

  Next, the use user registration processing unit 21 will be described. The use user registration processing unit 21 receives input of a user ID and password from the user, and stores the received user ID and password in the use user attribute information storage unit 31.

  The reason for accepting the input of the user ID and password from the user is to specify the user who uses the remote operation device 300. Therefore, when the number of users who use the remote operation system 100 can be limited to one, the user ID and password of the user are stored in the used user attribute information storage unit 31 in advance, so that the user ID It is not necessary to provide a mechanism for receiving input of passwords.

  Note that the input of the user ID and password from the user is accepted on the screen described in FIG. At this time, the input user ID and password are only stored in the used user attribute information storage unit 31 and are not transmitted to the operation target device 200.

  Next, the command transmission processing unit 22 will be described. The command transmission processing unit 22 generates a remote control command corresponding to a key operation on the user's remote control application. As described above, the remote control command can have the data structure shown in Table 7, for example. Then, the generated remote control command is transmitted to the operation target device 200 via the operation side communication unit 302.

  The command transmission processing unit 22 includes a user ID and password stored in the use user attribute information storage unit 31, and a command name stored in the command storage unit 32 according to a key operation on the remote control application. Based on the above, a remote control command is generated.

  Next, the user registration processing unit 23 will be described. The user registration processing unit 23 performs processing on the remote operation device 300 side in a series of processes in which the permitter registers attribute information of users (permitters and operators) who use the remote operation system 100.

  Specifically, first, input of attribute information of a user (permitter and operator) is received from the permitter, and “first registered user information” is generated based on the received attribute information of the user. As described above, the first registered user information can have the data structure shown in Table 4, for example. Then, the generated first registered user information is transmitted to the operation target device 200 via the operation side communication unit 302.

  Note that the input of user attribute information from the permitter is accepted on the screen described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. That is, the name of the permitter, the age of the permitter, the address of the permitter, the phone number of the permitter's contact, the name of the permitter's credit card, the credit card number of the permitter, the expiry date of the permitter's credit card, the operation The operator's name and operator's age are input. It is assumed that the “permitter device address” and the “permitter device phone number” included in the first registered user information are stored in the permitter device 3002 in advance.

  Further, the user registration processing unit 23 receives the “user registration result information” transmitted by the operation target device 200 as a response after transmitting the first registered user information to the operation target device 200. Then, the permitter name, permitter ID, permitter password, operator name, operator ID, and operator password included in the received user registration result information are displayed on the display unit 307 (see FIG. 19).

  Next, the permission request reception processing unit 24 will be described. The permission request reception processing unit 24 receives a permission request transmitted from the operation target device 200. Then, with reference to “operation content” included in the received permission request, it is checked whether the requested permission content is permission each time or prior permission. Specifically, if the operation content is “operation to view content”, permission is granted each time, and if the operation content is “operation to obtain prior permission”, it is determined to be prior permission.

  When the requested permission content is permission each time, the permission request reception processing unit 24 further checks the content for which permission is requested. Specifically, “first permission request content” and “second permission request content” included in the received permission request are referred to.

  As a result of the above reference, for example, if it is found that permission for “viewing content with rating restrictions” is requested as the first permission request content, the permission request reception processing unit 24 grants the permission. A screen on which the permitter can input whether or not to give is displayed on the display unit 307 (see FIG. 11). Furthermore, for example, if it is found that permission for “viewing paid content” is requested as the second permission request content, the permission request reception processing unit 24 permits whether or not to purchase the paid content. A screen that can be input by the user is displayed on the display unit 307 (see FIG. 12).

  Then, the permission request reception processing unit 24 generates a permission result response (permitted response or non-permitted response) based on the input result from the permitter, and returns the generated permission result response to the operation target device 200. . As described above, the permission result response can have the data structure shown in Table 11, for example.

  Specifically, for example, when the content of the first permission request included in the permission request is “viewing content with rating restriction”, the content of the input from the permitter is viewing of content with rating restriction. Is not permitted, a non-permitted response that does not set a value in the first permitted content of the permitted result response (NULL value) is returned to the operation target device 200.

  Also, for example, when the second permission request content included in the permission request is “viewing paid content”, if the content of the input from the permitter does not permit the purchase of the paid content, A non-permitted response that does not set a value in the second permitted content of the permitted result response (NULL value) is returned to the operation target device 200.

  Further, for example, in the case where the first permission request content included in the permission request is “viewing content with rating restrictions” and the second permission request content is “viewing paid content”, If the content of the input from the permitter is to permit viewing of the pay content with a rating restriction and to permit the purchase of the pay content, the permission request reception processing unit 24 receives the first permission result response. A permission response in which the permission content and the second permission content are set as such is returned to the operation target device 200.

  Further, for example, in the case where the first permission request content included in the permission request is “viewing content with rating restriction” and the second permission request content is not set (has a null value) (that is, In the case of non-paid content), if the content of the input from the permitter is to permit viewing of content with a rating restriction, an authorization response in which the fact is set only for the first permitted content is sent to the operation target device. Reply to 200.

  Next, the case where the requested permission content is prior permission will be described. In this case, the permission request reception processing unit 24 displays on the display unit 307 a screen on which the permitter can input “upper limit amount”, “viewing time limit”, and “viewing time” (see FIG. 16).

  Then, the permission request reception processing unit 24 generates a permission response or a non-permission response based on the input result from the permitter, and returns the generated permission response or non-permission response to the operation target device 200.

  Specifically, the operation target device 200 includes a permission response including the first permission content, the second permission content, and the third permission content including values input by the permitter for the upper limit amount, the viewing time limit, and the viewing time, respectively. Reply to If there is no input from the permitter, no value is set (set to a NULL value). If there is no input from the permitter for all of the upper limit amount, viewing time limit, and viewing time, a non-permission response is returned to the operation target device 200.

  The processing performed by the permission request reception processing unit 24 will be described later using a flowchart.

(Detailed configuration of service providing device)
Next, a more detailed configuration of the service providing apparatus 400 will be described. As illustrated, the service providing device storage unit 407 includes a registered user information storage unit 51, a user ID / password storage unit 52, a user attribute information storage unit 53, a content information storage unit 54, and a content data storage unit 55. Yes. The service providing apparatus control unit 403 includes a user registration processing unit 41, a user attribute information transmission processing unit 42, a login processing unit 43, a charging processing unit 44, a data transmission processing unit 45, and a user attribute information reception processing unit 46. It is out.

  The registered user information storage unit 51 stores the second registered user information received by the user registration processing unit 41 in a readable state. The registered user information storage unit 51 may have a data structure as shown in Table 22 below, for example. Table 22 is a table showing an example of the data structure of the registered user information storage unit 51.

  As shown in Table 22, the registered user information storage unit 51 includes “permitter name”, “permitter age”, “permitter address”, “permitter telephone number”, “permitter card name”, “permitter”. Stores a set of “card number”, “permitter card expiration date”, “permitter device address”, “permitter device phone number”, “operator name”, “operator age”, and “operation target device ID” To do. Each data is the same as the data included in the second registered user information shown in Table 5. The set of the operator name and the operator age is data repeated as many times as the number of operators that are permitted by the permitter, but in the example of Table 22, only one person is described.

  The user ID / password storage unit 52 stores the set of user ID and password for each user issued by the user registration processing unit 41 in a readable state.

  The user ID / password storage unit 52 may have a data structure as shown in Table 23 below, for example. As shown in Table 23, the user ID / password storage unit 52 includes “permitter name”, “permitter ID”, “permitter password”, “operator name”, “operator ID”, and “operator”. Remember the password. Each data is the same as the data included in the user registration result information shown in Table 6. The set of the operator name, operator ID, and operator password is data repeated for the number of operators, but in the example of Table 23, only one person is described.

  The content information storage unit 54 stores content attribute information transmitted from the data transmission processing unit 45 to the operation target device 200 in a readable state. The content information storage unit 54 can have the same data structure as that of Table 3 described above, for example.

  The content data storage unit 55 stores content that the data transmission processing unit 45 transmits to the operation target device 200 in a readable state.

  The user attribute information storage unit 53 stores the user attribute information received by the user attribute information reception processing unit 46 in a readable state. The user attribute information storage unit 53 can have the same data structure as that of Table 1 described above, for example.

  Next, the user registration processing unit 41 will be described. The user registration processing unit 41 performs processing on the service providing apparatus 400 side among a series of processing in which the operator registers attribute information of users (permitters and operators) who use the remote operation system 100.

  Specifically, the “second registered user information” transmitted by the operation target device 200 is received, and the attribute information of the permitter and the operator included in the received second registered user information is registered user information storage unit 51. To store.

  Further, the user registration processing unit 41 issues a set of user ID and password for each authorized person and operator included in the received second registered user information, and the issued user ID and password set is Stored in the user ID / password storage unit 52 every time.

  Then, as a response to the received second registered user information, the user registration processing unit 41 generates “user registration result information” based on the issued user ID and password, and the generated user registration result information is It transmits to the operation target device 200. As described above, the user registration result information can have the data structure shown in Table 6, for example.

  Next, the user attribute information transmission processing unit 42 will be described. The user attribute information transmission processing unit 42 receives the user information request transmitted from the operation target device 200. And as a response, the information memorize | stored in the user attribute information storage part 53 is acquired, and it transmits to the operation target apparatus 200 as "user attribute information." As described above, the user attribute information can have the data structure shown in Table 9, for example.

  Next, the login processing unit 43 will be described. The login processing unit 43 receives the “login request” transmitted from the operation target device 200 and checks whether or not the combination of the user ID and password included in the received login request belongs to a valid user.

  Specifically, among the combinations of “user ID” and “password” stored in the user ID / password storage unit 52, a combination of “user ID” and “password” included in the received login request is included. Check if it exists. If it exists, it is determined that the login request is from a legitimate user, and a “login notification” is generated with the value of the login result as “success”. On the other hand, if it does not exist, it is determined that the request is not a login request from a valid user, and a “login notification” is generated with the value of the login result as “failure”. Then, the login processing unit 43 transmits the generated login notification to the operation target device 200. Note that the login notification may have the data structure shown in Table 13, for example, as described above.

  Next, the accounting processing unit 44 will be described. The billing processing unit 44 receives the “billing information” transmitted from the operation target device 200, and converts the amount indicated by “charge” included in the received billing information into the “permitter ID” included in the received billing information. The billing process for debiting from the credit card account of the authorized person identified by “” is performed. The billing process includes “permitter card name”, “permitter card number”, and “permitter card valid” stored in the registered user information storage unit 51 as attribute information of the permitter identified by “permitter ID”. It is based on the “deadline”. Since the accounting process is performed using a generally known method, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  If the billing process is completed normally, a “billing notification” having a billing result value of “success” is generated. On the other hand, if the billing process is not completed normally, a “billing notification” with a billing result value of “failure” is generated. Then, the charging processing unit 44 transmits the generated charging notification to the operation target device 200. Note that the billing notification can have the data structure shown in Table 20, for example, as described above.

  Next, the data transmission processing unit 45 will be described. Upon receiving the “content list request” transmitted from the operation target device 200, the data transmission processing unit 45 acquires all the content ID and title pairs included in the content information storage unit 54, and acquires the acquired content ID and title. A “content list” is generated based on the set. Then, the generated content list is transmitted to the operation target device 200. As described above, the content list can have the data structure shown in Table 15, for example.

  Further, when receiving the “content information request” transmitted from the operation target device 200, the data transmission processing unit 45 acquires all the information included in the content information storage unit 54 and transmits it to the operation target device 200 as “content information”. To do. As described above, the content information can have the data structure shown in Table 17, for example.

  Further, when receiving the “content data request” transmitted from the operation target device 200, the data transmission processing unit 45 acquires the content data included in the content data storage unit 55 and transmits it to the operation target device 200. As described above, the content data can have the data structure shown in Table 21, for example. If the requested content is charged, the content data is transmitted to the operation target device 200 only when the charging processing in the charging processing unit 44 is normally completed.

  Next, the user attribute information reception processing unit 46 will be described. When receiving the “user attribute information” transmitted from the operation target device 200, the user attribute information reception processing unit 46 stores the data included in the received user attribute information in the user attribute information storage unit 53. If a record for the corresponding user already exists in the user attribute information storage unit 53, the record may be updated with data included in the received user attribute information.

[Processing flow in remote operation system 100]
Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the flow of processing in each device when the operator uses the VOD service in the remote operation system 100 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in each device when the operator uses the VOD service in the remote operation system 100. Here, the description will be made assuming that the user registration work by the permitter is completed. First, the operation target device 200 will be described as being in a power-off state (standby state).

  First, processing in the operator device 3001 will be described. First, in order to use the VOD service, the operator activates a remote control application on the operator device 3001 (step S101).

  When the operator operates the “user registration” key on the remote control application after the remote control application is activated (YES in step S102), the user registration processing unit 21 receives an input of the user ID and password of the operator (See FIG. 4) is displayed on the display unit 307 (step S103). When an operation for registering a user ID and password is accepted from the operator (YES in step S104), the use user registration processing unit 21 stores the input user ID and password in the use user attribute information storage unit 31. Store (step S105).

  When the number of operators can be limited to one, the user ID and password of the operator are stored in the used user attribute information storage unit 31 in advance, so that the processing of steps S102 to S105 is omitted. be able to.

  Next, when the operator operates the “power” key on the remote control application (YES in step S106), command transmission processing unit 22 transmits a power command to operation target device 200 (step S107).

  If the operator performs an operation to end the remote control app (YES in step S108), operator device 3001 ends the remote control app without transmitting the remote control command to operation target device 200 (step S108). S109).

  When the operator does not end the remote control application (NO in step S108) but performs a predetermined operation that is a target for transmitting a remote control command (YES in step S110), command transmission processing unit 22 Transmits a remote control command corresponding to the operation to the operation target device 200 (step S111).

  Next, processing in the operation target device 200 will be described. When a power command is received from operator device 3001 (YES in step S112), power management unit 3 supplies power to each unit included in operation target device 200 (step S113).

  Subsequently, while waiting for reception of a remote control command from the operator device 3001, the viewing state inspection unit 4 performs content viewing inspection processing (step S114). The content viewing inspection process will be described later using a detailed flowchart.

  Next, when a remote control command is newly received from operator device 3001 (YES in step S115), first, user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 determines that the user ID included in the received remote control command is user attribute information. It is checked whether or not it is stored in the storage unit 11 (step S116). If the user ID included in the received remote control command is not stored in user attribute information storage unit 11 (NO in step S116), user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 adds the received remote control command to the received remote control command. In order to acquire the attribute information of the user identified by the included user ID, a user information request is transmitted to the service providing apparatus 400 (step S117). Thereafter, the user attribute information confirmation / acquisition unit 5 receives the user attribute information from the service providing apparatus 400, and stores the data included in the received user attribute information in the user attribute information storage unit 11 (step S118).

  When the user ID included in the received remote control command is stored in user attribute information storage unit 11 (YES in step S116), the user information request is not transmitted to service providing apparatus 400.

  Then, it is checked whether or not the remote control command received in step S115 is a power command (step S119). If the command is a power command (YES in step S119), the power management unit 3 stops supplying power to the function included in the operation target device 200 (sets the standby state) (step S120).

  On the other hand, if it is not a power command (NO in step S119), permission acquisition processing is performed in order to obtain viewing permission from the permitter (step S121). The permission acquisition process will be described later using a detailed flowchart. Thereafter, the user attribute information transmission unit 9 transmits user attribute information to the service providing apparatus 400 (step S122).

  Next, processing in the service providing apparatus 400 will be described. Upon receiving a user information request from the operation target device 200 (YES in step S123), the user attribute information transmission processing unit 42 acquires user attribute information from the user attribute information storage unit 53, and operates the acquired user attribute information. It transmits to the target apparatus 200 (step S124).

  Further, when receiving the user attribute information from the operation target device 200 (YES in step S125), the user attribute information reception processing unit 46 stores the received user attribute information in the user attribute information storage unit 53 (step S126). .

(Flow of permission acquisition process)
Next, an outline of the flow of permission acquisition processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of permission acquisition processing.

  First, the authority inspection unit 6 of the operation target device 200 performs an authority inspection process for determining whether or not the operation to be performed by the operator needs to obtain viewing permission from the authorized person (step S201). . The authority checking process will be described later using a detailed flowchart.

  As a result of the authority checking process, when the operation to be performed by the operator needs to obtain viewing permission (“required” in step S202), the permission acquisition unit 7 identifies the permitter device 3002. Then, a permission request is transmitted to the permitter device 3002 (step S204).

  In response to the permission request, the permitter device 3002 inputs whether or not the permitter grants permission, and transmits a permission result response to the operation target device 200 as a result (hereinafter referred to as permission input processing). (Step S205). The permission input process will be described later using a detailed flowchart.

  When the permission acquisition unit 7 receives a permission result response from the permitter device 3002 (YES in step S206), the permission acquisition unit 7 analyzes the content of the permission result response, and if permission is given (that is, if it is a permission response). (YES in step S207), the command processing is continued (step S209). The command processing will be described later using a detailed flowchart.

  On the other hand, if permission is not given (that is, if it is a non-permission response) (NO in step S207), the permission acquisition unit 7 treats it as an error and displays that fact on the display unit 204 (step S208). At this time, command processing is not performed.

  As a result of the authority checking process, if the operation to be performed by the operator does not require viewing permission (“unnecessary” in step S202), the operation continues without obtaining permission from the authorized person. Command processing is performed (step S209).

  If it is determined in the authority checking process that the operation to be performed by the operator is an error (“error” in step S202), the command process is not performed.

(Flow of permission input process)
Next, the permission input process in the permitter device 3002 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of permission input processing.

  When the permitter device 3002 receives a permission request from the operation target device 200 (step S251), the permission request reception processing unit 24 analyzes the content of the received permission request signal, and the requested permission content is Whether it is permission or prior permission is checked (step S252).

  If the requested permission content is permission each time (“permit every time” in step S252), a screen is displayed on which the permitter can input whether permission is granted or not (see FIG. 11). (Step S253). When the permitter inputs that permission is granted each time (“permitted” in step S254), it is further checked whether or not the granted content is paid content (step S255). If it is paid content (YES in step S255), permission request reception processing unit 24 displays a screen on which the permitter can input whether or not to purchase paid content (see FIG. 12) (step S256). .

  If the content is not paid content (NO in step S255), or the authorized person inputs that the paid content is to be purchased ("purchase" in step S257), the permission request reception processing unit 24 notifies that. A permission response is transmitted to the transmission source of the permission request (S258).

  On the other hand, if the permitter inputs that the permission is not granted in step S254 ("not permitted") or if it is entered that the paid content is not purchased ("not purchased" in step S257), the permission is granted. The request reception processing unit 24 transmits a non-permission response to that effect to the transmission source of the permission request (S259).

  If the requested permission content is prior permission (“prior permission” in step S252), a screen allowing the permitter to input whether or not prior permission is given is displayed (see FIG. 16). (Step S260).

  If there is an input for giving prior permission (“permitted” in step S261), the permission request reception processing unit 24 transmits a permission response to that effect to the transmission source of the permission request (S262). ). On the other hand, when there is an input indicating that the prior permission is not given (“not permitted” in step S261), the permission request reception processing unit 24 transmits a non-permitted response to that effect to the transmission source of the permission request. (S263).

(Authority check process flow)
Next, an outline of the flow of authority inspection processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of authority checking processing.

  First, when the user's operation content is “operation for viewing content” (YES in step S301), the authority checking unit 6 checks whether or not the content has viewing restrictions (step S302). Specifically, the content information storage unit 13 searches the attribute information of the content to be viewed, and acquires “viewing restriction” set for the content. If a value is set for the viewing restriction (YES in step S302), then authority checking unit 6 checks whether the age of the user satisfies the restriction (step S303). Specifically, a record having the user ID included in the remote control command received from the operator device 3001 is searched in the user attribute information storage unit 11 to acquire the “age” of the user identified by the user ID. Then, the acquired age is compared with the acquired viewing restriction. If the user's age does not satisfy the restriction (NO in step S303), authority checking unit 6 determines that permission is required for each permitter (step S304).

  Next, when the age of the user satisfies the restriction (YES in step S303), authority checking unit 6 further checks whether or not the content to be viewed is paid (step S305). If there is no charge (NO in step S305), authority checking unit 6 determines that permission of the permitter is unnecessary (step S310).

  On the other hand, if the content is charged (YES in step S305), authority checking unit 6 further checks whether the user has the authority to purchase the content (step S306). Specifically, a record having the user ID included in the remote control command received from the operator device 3001 is searched in the user attribute information storage unit 11, and the “purchasing authority” of the user identified by the user ID is acquired. And check its value. If there is a purchase authority (YES in step S306), authority inspection unit 6 determines that permission of the permitter is unnecessary (step S309). On the other hand, if there is no purchase authority (NO in step S306), it is further checked whether or not the total purchase amount of content exceeds the upper limit amount set for the user by purchasing paid content (step S306). S307).

  Specifically, first, a record having the user ID included in the remote control command received from the operator device 3001 is searched in the user attribute information storage unit 11 to obtain “upper limit amount”. Then, the “fee” of the content to be viewed is acquired from the content information storage unit 13. If the acquired upper limit amount is not set (NULL value) and a value is set for the acquired fee (other than the NULL value) (“not applicable” in step S307), permission is granted each time. Is determined to be necessary (step S304).

  On the other hand, when the acquired upper limit is set, it is checked whether the acquired price value exceeds the acquired upper limit value when added to the total price purchased by the user so far . If the value exceeds the upper limit amount (YES in step S307), the pre-permission range is exceeded, so the authority checking unit 6 determines that there is an error and notifies the display unit 307 to that effect. It is displayed (step S308). On the other hand, if it does not exceed the value of the upper limit amount (NO in step S307), since it is within the range of prior permission, authority checking unit 6 determines that permission of the permitter is unnecessary (step S309).

  In addition, when the upper limit amount is not set for the user (“not applicable” in step S307), it means that prior permission has not been obtained, so the authority checking unit 6 needs permission from the permitter. Determination is made (step S304).

  Further, when the user operation content is not “content viewing operation” (NO in step S301), and the user operation content is “operation for obtaining prior permission” (YES in step S311), authority The inspection unit 6 determines that permission from the permitter is necessary (step S312). On the other hand, when the user's operation content is not “operation for obtaining prior permission” (NO in step S311), the authority checking unit 6 determines that the permission of the permitter is unnecessary (step S313).

(Content viewing inspection process flow)
Next, an outline of the flow of content viewing inspection processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of content viewing inspection processing.

  When the user is viewing the viewing-restricted content (YES in step S401), the viewing state inspection unit 4 checks whether the “viewing deadline” given by the permitter in advance by the prior permission has elapsed (step S402). ). Specifically, the “viewing time limit” stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 is acquired. Then, the viewing state inspection unit 4 checks whether or not the current system time of the operation target device 200 has passed the acquired viewing time limit. If the viewing time limit has passed (YES in step S402), viewing status inspection unit 4 displays an error message on display unit 204 (step S404), and stops playback of the content (step S404). S405).

  If the viewing time limit has not elapsed (NO in step S402), viewing status inspection unit 4 further checks whether the “viewing time” given by the permitter by prior permission has not passed (step S402). S402). Specifically, “viewing time” stored in the user attribute information storage unit 11 is acquired. Then, it is checked whether or not the total content reproduction time exceeds the acquired viewing time. If the viewing time is exceeded (YES in step S402), viewing status inspection unit 4 displays an error message on display unit 204 (step S404), and stops playback of the content (step S405). ).

(Command processing flow)
Next, an outline of the flow of command processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of command processing.

  When the user instruction content is a menu display instruction (YES in step S501), the user operation processing unit 8 of the operation target device 200 transmits a “login request” to the service providing device 400 (step S501). S502).

  When the service providing apparatus 400 receives the login request (YES in step S503), the service providing apparatus 400 checks whether or not the login processing unit 43 is a valid user (step S504), and may be a valid user. If it is known, the login processing unit 43 transmits a “login notification” indicating that the login has been successful to the operation target device 200 as a result of successful login (YES in step S505) (step S506). On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is not a valid user, the login processing unit 43 transmits a “login notification” indicating that the login has failed to the operation target device 200 as a result of login failure (NO in step S505). (Step S507).

  Thereafter, when receiving the login notification from the service providing apparatus 400, the user operation processing unit 8 of the operation target apparatus 200 analyzes the content of the login notification and checks whether or not the login is successful (step S508). If it is found that the login is successful (YES in step S508), a menu for using the VOD service is displayed on the display unit 204 (see FIG. 6) (step S509). If it is found that login has failed (NO in step S508), an error is displayed on display unit 204 (step S510).

  If the user instruction content is not a menu display instruction (NO in step S501) but a content list display instruction (YES in step S511), the user operation processing unit 8 instructs the service providing apparatus 400. On the other hand, a “content list request” is transmitted (step S512).

  When service providing apparatus 400 receives the content list request (YES in step S513), data transmission processing unit 45 performs the service providing apparatus based on the content attribute information stored in content information storage unit 54. A “content list” currently provided at 400 is generated, and the generated content list is transmitted to the operation target device 200 (step S514).

  Thereafter, when the user operation processing unit 8 of the operation target device 200 receives the content list from the service providing device 400 (YES in step S515), the received content list is displayed on the display unit 204 (see FIG. 7). (Step S516).

  If the user instruction is not a content list display instruction (NO in step S511) but a content information display instruction (YES in step S521), the user operation processing unit 8 causes the service providing apparatus 400 to display the content information. In response to this, a “content information request” is transmitted (step S522).

  When the service providing apparatus 400 receives the content information request (YES in step S523), the data transmission processing unit 45 acquires content attribute information from the content information storage unit 54, and transmits the content attribute information to the operation target apparatus 200. , And transmitted as “content information” (step S524).

  Thereafter, when the user operation processing unit 8 of the operation target device 200 receives the content information from the service providing device 400 (YES in step S525), the received content information is displayed on the display unit 204 (see FIG. 8). (Step S526).

  If the user instruction is not a content information display instruction (NO in step S521) but a content reproduction instruction (viewing instruction) (YES in step S531), the user operation processing unit 8 “Billing information” and “content data request” are transmitted to the providing apparatus 400 (step S532).

  When service providing apparatus 400 receives billing information and content data request (YES in step S533), billing processing unit 44 first performs billing processing that is generally used (step S534). If the billing process is completed normally (YES in step S535), billing processing unit 44 transmits a “billing notification” indicating that the billing is successful to operation target device 200 (step S536). Further, subsequently, the data transmission processing unit 45 transmits “content data” stored in the content data storage unit 55 to the operation target device 200 (step S537).

  On the other hand, if the billing process is not normally completed (NO in step S535), billing processing unit 44 transmits a “billing notification” indicating that the billing has failed to operation target device 200 (step S538). .

  When the user operation processing unit 8 of the operation target device 200 receives a billing notification that the billing is successful from the service providing device 400 (YES in step S539), the user operation processing unit 8 continues to receive content data from the service providing device 400. The received content data is displayed on the display unit 204 (see FIG. 10) (step S540). On the other hand, when a billing notification that the billing has failed is received from service providing apparatus 400 (NO in step S539), user operation processing unit 8 displays an error on display unit 204 (step S540).

  Further, when the user instruction content is not a content reproduction instruction (NO in step S531), the user instruction content is an operation instruction of a function generally provided in the operation target device 200. A corresponding process is performed (step S551).

(User registration process flow)
Next, an overview of the flow of user registration processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of user registration processing.

  When the operator operates the “user registration” key on the remote control application after the remote control application is activated, the user registration processing unit 23 of the permitter device 3002 receives an input of the attribute information of the permitter and the operator (see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) are displayed (step S601). When receiving an operation for registering the attribute information of the authorized person and the operator from the authorized person, the user registration processing unit 23 transmits “first registered user information” to the operation target device 200. (Step S602).

  Then, when the operation target device 200 receives the first registered user information (YES in step S603), the user registration processing unit 1 adds the ID of the operation target device 200 to the received first registered user information. “Second registered user information” is generated (step S604) and transmitted to the service providing apparatus 400 (step S605).

  When service providing apparatus 400 receives the second registered user information (YES in step S606), user registration processing unit 41 includes the attributes of the authorized person and the operator included in the received second registered user information. Information is stored in the registered user information storage unit 51, a user ID and password pair is issued for each authorized person and operator, and the issued user ID and password pair is stored in the user ID / password storage unit 52. (Step S607).

  Then, the user registration processing unit 41 generates “user registration result information” based on the issued user ID and password, and transmits the generated user registration result information to the operation target device 200 (step S608).

  Then, when the operation target device 200 receives the user registration result information (YES in step S609), the user registration processing unit 1 uses the first registration user information and the information included in the received user registration result information. In order to store the registered user attribute information, a record is generated in the user attribute information storage unit 11 (step S610).

  Then, the user registration processing unit 1 transfers the received user registration result information to the permitter device 3002 (step S611).

  When the user registration processing unit 23 of the permitter device 3002 receives the user registration result information (YES in step S612), the “permitter name” and “permitter ID” included in the received user registration result information are included. "," Permitter password "," operator name "," operator ID ", and" operator password "are displayed on the display unit 307 (see FIG. 19) (step S613).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when an operator who has not been given prior permission from the permitter tries to view the viewing-restricted content using the operator device 3001, the operation target device 200 is allowed to be permitted. A permission request for requesting permission is transmitted to the device 3002 each time. When the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request, the permitter can input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 each time. Then, when the permitter inputs permission from the permitter device 3002 each time, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response to the view target device 200 to grant viewing permission. When the operation target device 200 receives a response indicating permission, the operation target device 200 reproduces the viewing-restricted content that the operator is attempting to view.

  Similarly, in the present embodiment, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, the operation target device 200 requests the permitter device 3002 for prior permission. Send permission request. When the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request, the permitter can input whether or not to give prior permission in the permitter device 3002. Then, when the permitter inputs in the permitter device 3002 that prior permission is given, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response indicating that prior permission is given to the operation target device 200. When the operation target device 200 receives a response to give prior permission, the operation target device 200 can view the viewing-restricted content within the previously permitted range.

  As described above, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content by obtaining permission or prior permission from the permitter each time. At that time, the operator only has to operate the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 used by the operator. In addition, the permitter only has to input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter when there is a permit request, and the permitter does not need to operate the operation target device 200 by himself / herself. .

  Furthermore, since the operation target device 200 and the permitter device 3002 directly exchange a request for permission and prior permission each time, and a response to them, at least one of the operator device 3001 and the permitter device 3002 can call / Even if the Web communication unit 303 is not provided (that is, communication with the communication network 500 as a mobile phone network is not possible), the operator can obtain permission and prior permission from the permitter each time.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, as a flow of obtaining viewing permission from the permitter, 1) the operation target device 200 directly transmits a permission request to the permitter device 3002, and 2) as a response, the permitter device 3002 directly In the above description, the permission result response is transmitted to the operation target device 200. However, the flow of obtaining viewing permission from the permitter is not limited to this.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, 1) the operation target device 200 transmits a permission request to the permitter device 3002 via the operator device 3001, and 2) as a response, the permitter device 3002 receives the operator device. A mode in which a permission result response is transmitted to the operation target device 200 via the 3001 will be described.

  One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Further, the description of the same processing as that described in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

[Overview of the flow to obtain viewing permission]
With reference to FIG. 28, an outline of a flow for obtaining viewing permission from an authorized person in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a flow in which an operator obtains viewing permission from an authorized person in remote operation system 100 according to the present embodiment.

(Flow to get permission each time)
First, a flow in which the operator obtains permission from the permitter each time will be described. First, when the operator operates the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 to view the viewing-restricted content, the operation target device 200 is operated from the operation side communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001. A predetermined remote control command is transmitted to the side communication unit 209 (flow (1) in FIG. 28). Then, the operation target device 200 that has received the remote control command checks whether or not the operator can freely view the viewing-restricted content. If the operator determines that the viewing-restricted content cannot be freely viewed, the operation target device 200 first permits permission from the operated communication unit 209 to the operation communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001 each time. Is requested (flow (2) in FIG. 28). The operator device 3001 that has received a request for permission every time identifies the permitter device 3002, and from the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the operator device 3001, the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the identified permitter device 3002. A request for permission is transmitted each time (flow (3) in FIG. 28).

  When the permitter inputs on the permitter device 3002 about whether or not to allow viewing in response to the request, the permitter device 3002 receives the operator device 3001 from the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. A response is transmitted to the telephone / web communication unit 303 (flow (4) in FIG. 28). Upon receiving the response, the operator device 3001 transfers the response from the operation side communication unit 302 to the operated side communication unit 209 of the operation target device 200 (flow (5) in FIG. 28). As a result, if the permitter inputs that permission is granted each time, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content to be viewed.

  According to the above configuration, when the operator tries to view the viewing-restricted content using the operator device 3001, a request for permission is transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the operator device 3001 each time. . Then, a request for permission is transmitted from the operator device 3001 to the permitter device 3002 each time. When the permitter inputs permission to be granted each time at the permitter device 3002, the permitter device 3002 transmits a permission to the operator device 3001 each time. Then, the operator device 3001 transmits a permission to the operation target device 200 each time. As a result, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content. Note that if the permitter inputs that permission is not granted each time, the permitter device 3002 transmits that the permission is not given to the operation target device 200 via the operator device 3001. The person cannot view the viewing-restricted content.

(Flow to obtain prior permission)
Next, a flow in which the operator obtains prior permission from the permitter will be described. The flow for obtaining prior permission is substantially the same as the flow for obtaining permission each time described above.

  First, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, the operation-side communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001 performs an operation on the operated-side communication unit 209 of the operation target device 200. A predetermined remote control command is transmitted (flow (1) in FIG. 28). Then, the operation target device 200 that has received the remote control command first makes a request for prior permission from the operated communication unit 209 to the operation communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001 (flow in FIG. 28). 2)). Upon receiving the request for prior permission, the operator device 3001 identifies the permitter device 3002, and from the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the operator device 3001, the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the identified permitter device 3002. In response to this, a request for prior permission is transmitted (flow (3) in FIG. 28).

  When the permitter inputs on the permitter device 3002 as to whether or not to give prior permission to the request, the permitter device 3002 receives the operator device 3001 from the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. A response is transmitted to the telephone / web communication unit 303 (flow (4) in FIG. 28). Upon receiving the response, the operator device 3001 transfers the response from the operation side communication unit 302 to the operated side communication unit 209 of the operation target device 200 (flow (5) in FIG. 28). As a result, if the permitter inputs that the prior permission is given, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content within the permitted range.

  According to the above configuration, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, a request for prior permission is transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the permitter device 3002. The Then, when the permitter inputs that the prior permit is given by the permitter device 3002, the permitter device 3002 transmits a prior permission to the operator device 3001. Then, a message indicating that prior permission is given from the operator device 3001 to the operation target device 200 is transmitted. As a result, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content within the previously permitted range. If the permitter inputs that the prior permission is not given, the fact that the prior permission is not given to the operation target device 200 is transmitted from the permitter device 3002 via the operator device 3001. The person cannot obtain prior permission.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, in order to obtain permission and prior permission from the permitter, the operator only has to operate the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 used by the operator. In addition, the permitter only has to input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter when there is a permit request, and the permitter does not need to operate the operation target device 200 by himself / herself. .

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since it is assumed that communication between the operator device 3001 and the permitter device 3002 is performed via the communication network 500 as a mobile phone network, permission and advance permission are requested each time. Requests and responses to them are exchanged via the mobile telephone network. Therefore, even when the operator and the permitter are separated from each other (for example, when the operator is at home and the permitter is out), the operator is permitted from the permitter each time. And you can get prior permission.

[More detailed configuration of each device]
Next, a more detailed configuration of the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the operation target device 200, the remote operation device 300, and the service providing device 400 according to the present embodiment. Note that the service providing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the service providing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

(Detailed configuration of the operation target device)
First, a more detailed configuration of the operation target device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated, the operation target device 200 of the present embodiment is configured to include the same members as those of the operation target device 200 of the first embodiment, but the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment is Since the processing different from that of the permission acquisition unit 7 of the form 1 is performed, it will be described below.

  The permission acquisition unit 7 according to the present embodiment transmits a remote control command via the operated-side communication unit 209 when the authority checking unit 6 determines that it is necessary to obtain permission or prior permission from the authorized person each time. The “permission request” is transmitted to the operator device 3001. The permission request can have the data structure shown in Table 10, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  Then, the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment transmits a permission request to the operator device 3001, and then transmits the “permission result response” transmitted by the operator device 3001 as a response via the operated-side communication unit 209. Receive. As in the first embodiment, the permission result response can have the data structure shown in Table 11, for example.

  In addition, since the process after receiving the permission result response in the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment is the same as the process in the permission acquisition unit 7 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here. .

  The flow of processing (hereinafter, permission acquisition processing) performed by the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment will be described later using a flowchart.

(Detailed configuration of remote control device)
Subsequently, a more detailed configuration of the remote control device 300 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in the figure, the remote operation device 300 according to the present embodiment includes substantially the same members as those of the remote operation device 300 according to the first embodiment, but the remote operation device control unit 306 according to the present embodiment includes Further, since it includes a permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 (transfer processing means), it will be described below. Further, the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the present embodiment performs processing different from that of the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the first embodiment, and will be described below.

  The permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 will be described. The permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 operates in the remote operation device 300 as the operator device 3001. The permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 transmits the permission request received from the operation target device 200 via the operation side communication unit 302 to the permitter device 3002. Specifically, first, when the permission request is received, the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter is specified. Therefore, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 acquires “permitter device phone number” included in “permitter user information” included in the received permission request. Then, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 sends the received permission request to the permitter device 3002 having the acquired permitter device telephone number via the telephone / web communication unit 303 of the operator device 3001. To send.

  Then, after transmitting the permission request to the permitter device 3002, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 receives the permission result response transmitted by the permitter device 3002 as a response via the telephone / web communication unit 303. . Then, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 transmits the received permission result response to the operation target device 200 via the operation side communication unit 302.

  If the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 does not receive a permission result response from the permitter device 3002 for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes), the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 generates a non-permission response. The data is transmitted to the operation target device 200 via the operation side communication unit 302.

  The non-permission response may be generated as follows. That is, if the operation content of the permission request is “operation for viewing content” and the content for requesting permission is set in the first permission request content, the permission for which no value is set in the first permission content Generate a result response. In addition, when the operation content of the permission request is “operation for viewing content” and the content for requesting permission is set in the second permission request content, the permission for which no value is set in the second permission content Generate a result response. C) When the operation content of the permission request is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, a permission result in which no value is set in any of the first permission content, the second permission content, and the third permission content Generate a response.

  Next, the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the present embodiment will be described. The permission request reception processing unit 24 of the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request transmitted from the operator device 3001 via the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. Further, the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the permitter device 3002 returns a permission result response to the operator device 3001 via the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. Since the processing from immediately after receiving the permission request to immediately before transmitting the permission result response is the same as that of the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

[Processing flow in remote operation system 100]
The flow of processing in the remote operation system 100 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the flow of processing in the remote operation system 100 of the first embodiment, but will be described below because the flow of permission acquisition processing is different. Others are the same as the processing flow described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Flow of permission acquisition process)
With reference to FIG. 30, an outline of the flow of permission acquisition processing according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the flow of permission acquisition processing according to the present embodiment. The description of the processing that is the same as the flow of permission acquisition processing described in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

  When the operation to be performed by the operator needs to obtain viewing permission (“necessary” in step S202), the permission acquisition unit 7 according to the present embodiment applies to the operator device 3001. A permission request is transmitted (step S701).

  When the operator device 3001 receives the permission request (YES in step S702), the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 identifies the permitter device 3002 (step S703), and the received permission request is transmitted to the permitter. A permission request is transmitted to the device 3002 (step S704).

  Then, the permitter device 3002 transmits a permission result response to the operator device 3001 as a result of the permission input process in response to the permission request (step S205).

  When the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 of the operator device 3001 receives the permission result response from the permitter device 3002 (YES in step S705), the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 transmits the received permission result response to the operation target device 200. (Step S706).

  If the permission request / result transfer processing unit 25 of the operator device 3001 does not receive a permission result response from the permitter device 3002 for a predetermined time (eg, 3 minutes) (NO in step S705), the permission is denied. A response is generated (step S707), and the generated non-permission response is transmitted to the operation target device 200 (step S706).

  Then, operation target device 200 receives a permission result response from operator device 3001 (YES in step S206).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when an operator who has not been given prior permission from the permitter tries to view the viewing-restricted content using the operator device 3001, the operation target device 200 is A permission request for requesting permission is transmitted to the operator device 3001 each time. Then, the operator device 3001 that has received the permission request transmits a permission request to the permitter device 3002. When the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request, the permitter can input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 each time. When the permitter inputs permission to be granted each time in the permitter device 3002, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response to the operator device 3001 to grant viewing permission. Then, the operator device 3001 that has received the response transfers the response to the operation target device 200. When the operation target device 200 receives the response, the operation target device 200 reproduces the viewing-restricted content that the operator is attempting to view.

  Similarly, in the present embodiment, when an operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, the operation target device 200 first requests the operator device 3001 for prior permission. Send permission request for. Then, the operator device 3001 that has received the permission request transmits a permission request to the permitter device 3002. When the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request, the permitter can input whether or not to give prior permission in the permitter device 3002. Then, when the permitter inputs in the permitter device 3002 that prior permission is given, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response to give prior permission to the operator device 3001. Then, the operator device 3001 that has received the response transfers the response to the operation target device 200. When the operation target device 200 receives the response, the operation target device 200 can view the viewing-restricted content within the permitted range.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content by obtaining permission from the permitter each time. At that time, the operator only has to operate the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 used by the operator. In addition, the permitter only has to input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter when there is a permit request, and the permitter does not need to operate the operation target device 200 by himself / herself. . In addition, since communication between the operator device 3001 and the permitter device 3002 is assumed to be performed via a mobile phone network, the operator and the permitter are located at a distance (for example, the operator The operator can obtain permission from the permitter whenever he / she is at home and the permitter is out.

[Embodiment 3]
In the second embodiment, the flow of obtaining viewing permission from the permitter is as follows: 1) The operation target device 200 transmits a permission request to the permitter device 3002 via the operator device 3001, and 2) permission is given as the response. The mode in which the operator device 3002 transmits the permission result response to the operation target device 200 via the operator device 3001 has been described. However, the flow of obtaining viewing permission from the permitter is not limited to this.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, 1) service providing apparatus 400 transmits a permission request to permitter apparatus 3002, and 2) permitter apparatus 3002 transmits a permission result response to service providing apparatus 400 as a response. A form is demonstrated.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The description of the same processing as that described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted.

[Overview of the flow to obtain viewing permission]
With reference to FIG. 31, an outline of a flow for obtaining viewing permission from an authorized person in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a flow in which an operator obtains viewing permission from an authorized person in remote operation system 100 according to the present embodiment.

(Flow to get permission each time)
First, a flow in which the operator obtains permission from the permitter each time will be described. First, when the operator operates the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 to view the viewing-restricted content, the operation target device 200 is operated from the operation side communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001. A predetermined remote control command is transmitted to the side communication unit 209 (flow (1) in FIG. 31). Then, the operation target device 200 that has received the remote control command checks whether or not the operator can freely view the viewing-restricted content. If the operator determines that the viewing-restricted content cannot be freely viewed, the operation target device 200 first requests a request for permission from the external communication unit 208 to the external communication unit 408 of the service providing device 400 each time. (Flow (2) in FIG. 31). Then, the service providing apparatus 400 that has received the request for permission every time identifies the permitter apparatus 3002, and from the external communication unit 408 of the service providing apparatus 400 to the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the identified permitter apparatus 3002. Then, a request for permission is transmitted each time (flow (3) in FIG. 31).

  When the permitter inputs on the permitter device 3002 whether or not viewing is permitted in response to the request, the permitter device 3002 receives the service providing device 400 from the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. A response is transmitted to the external communication unit 408 (flow (4) in FIG. 31). When the service providing apparatus 400 receives the response, the service providing apparatus 400 transfers the response from the external communication unit 408 to the external communication unit 208 of the operation target device 200 (flow (5) in FIG. 31). As a result, if the permitter inputs that permission is granted each time, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content to be viewed.

  According to the above configuration, when the operator tries to view the viewing-restricted content using the operator device 3001, the operation target device 200 first transmits a request for permission to the service providing device 400 each time. . Then, a request for permission is transmitted from the service providing apparatus 400 to the permitter apparatus 3002 each time. When the permitter inputs permission to be granted each time in the permitter device 3002, the permitter device 3002 transmits permission to the service providing device 400. Then, a message indicating that permission is given from the service providing apparatus 400 to the operation target apparatus 200 is transmitted. As a result, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content. Note that if the permitter inputs that permission is not granted each time, the permitter device 3002 transmits that the permission is not given to the operation target device 200 via the service providing device 400. The person cannot view the viewing-restricted content.

(Flow to obtain prior permission)
Next, a flow in which the operator obtains prior permission from the permitter will be described. The flow for obtaining prior permission is substantially the same as the flow for obtaining permission each time described above.

  First, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, the operation-side communication unit 302 of the operator device 3001 performs an operation on the operated-side communication unit 209 of the operation target device 200. A predetermined remote control command is transmitted (flow (1) in FIG. 31). The operation target device 200 that has received the remote control command first makes a request for prior permission from the external communication unit 208 to the external communication unit 408 of the service providing device 400 (flow (2) in FIG. 31). . Then, the service providing apparatus 400 that has received the request for prior authorization specifies the permitter apparatus 3002, and the external communication unit 408 of the service providing apparatus 400 sends the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the specified permitter apparatus 3002 Then, a request for prior permission is transmitted (flow (3) in FIG. 31).

  When the permitter inputs on the permitter device 3002 whether or not to give prior permission to the request, the permitter device 3002 receives the service providing device 400 from the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. A response is transmitted to the external communication unit 408 (flow (4) in FIG. 31). When the service providing apparatus 400 receives the response, the service providing apparatus 400 transfers the response from the external communication unit 408 to the external communication unit 208 of the operation target device 200 (flow (5) in FIG. 31). As a result, if the permitter inputs that the prior permission is given, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content within the permitted range.

  According to the above configuration, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, a request for prior permission is transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the service providing device 400. The Then, when the permitter inputs that the prior permit is given by the permitter device 3002, the permitter device 3002 transmits a notification that the prior permit is given to the service providing device 400. Then, the service providing apparatus 400 transmits a message to give prior permission to the operation target apparatus 200. As a result, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content within the previously permitted range. If the permitter inputs that the prior permission is not given, the permitter device 3002 transmits that the prior permission is not given to the operation target device 200 via the service providing device 400. The person cannot obtain prior permission.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, in order to obtain permission and prior permission from the permitter, the operator only has to operate the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 used by the operator. In addition, the permitter only has to input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter when there is a permit request, and the permitter does not need to operate the operation target device 200 by himself / herself. .

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, it is assumed that communication between the service providing apparatus 400 and the permitter apparatus 3002 is performed via the communication network 500 as the Internet and a mobile phone network. The request for request and the response to them are exchanged via the Internet and the mobile phone network. Therefore, even when the operator and the permitter are separated from each other (for example, when the operator is at home and the permitter is out), the operator is permitted from the permitter each time. And you can get prior permission.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the service providing device 400 and the permitter device 3002 exchange requests for permission and prior permission and responses to them, so that the operator device 3001 can communicate with the telephone / web communication unit. Even if the mobile phone network 303 is not provided (that is, communication with the communication network 500 as a mobile phone network is not possible), the operator can obtain permission and prior permission from the permitter each time.

[More detailed configuration of each device]
Next, more detailed configurations of the operation target device 200, the remote operation device 300, and the service providing device 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the operation target device 200, the remote operation device 300, and the service providing device 400 according to the present embodiment.

(Detailed configuration of the operation target device)
First, a more detailed configuration of the operation target device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated, the operation target device 200 of the present embodiment is configured to include the same members as those of the operation target device 200 of the first embodiment, but the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment is Since the processing different from that of the permission acquisition unit 7 of the form 1 is performed, it will be described below.

  The permission acquisition unit 7 according to the present embodiment, when the authority checking unit 6 determines that it is necessary to obtain permission or prior permission from the authorized person each time, the permission obtaining unit 7 notifies the service providing apparatus 400 via the external communication unit 208 that Send a request. The permission request can have the data structure shown in Table 10, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  The permission acquisition unit 7 according to the present embodiment transmits a permission request to the service providing apparatus 400 and then receives the “permission result response” transmitted by the service providing apparatus 400 as a response via the external communication unit 208. To do. As in the first embodiment, the permission result response can have the data structure shown in Table 11, for example.

  In addition, since the process after receiving the permission result response in the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment is the same as the process in the permission acquisition unit 7 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here. .

  The flow of processing (hereinafter, permission acquisition processing) performed by the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment will be described later using a flowchart.

(Detailed configuration of remote control device)
Subsequently, a more detailed configuration of the remote control device 300 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in the figure, the remote operation device 300 according to the present embodiment is configured to include substantially the same members as those of the remote operation device 300 according to the first embodiment, but the permission request reception processing unit 24 according to the present embodiment includes A process different from that of the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the first embodiment is performed and will be described below.

  The permission request reception processing unit 24 of this embodiment will be described. The permission request reception processing unit 24 of the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request transmitted from the service providing device 400 via the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. Further, the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the permitter device 3002 returns a permission result response to the service providing device 400 via the telephone / Web communication unit 303 of the permitter device 3002. Since the processing from immediately after receiving the permission request to immediately before transmitting the permission result response is the same as that of the permission request reception processing unit 24 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

(Detailed configuration of service providing device)
Next, a more detailed configuration of the service providing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated, the service providing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment includes substantially the same members as the service providing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment, but the service providing apparatus control unit 403 according to the present embodiment includes Further, since the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 is included, it will be described below.

  The permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 transmits the permission request received from the operation target device 200 via the external communication unit 408 to the permitter device 3002. Specifically, first, when the permission request is received, the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter is specified. Therefore, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 acquires “permitter device phone number” included in “permitter user information” included in the received permission request. Then, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 transmits the received permission request to the permitter device 3002 having the acquired permitter device telephone number via the external communication unit 408.

  Then, after transmitting the permission request to the permitter device 3002, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 receives the permission result response transmitted from the permitter device 3002 as a response via the external communication unit 408. Then, the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 transmits the received permission result response to the operation target device 200 via the external communication unit 408.

  If the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 does not receive a permission result response from the permitter device 3002 for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes), the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 generates a non-permission response. The data is transmitted to the operation target device 200 via the external communication unit 408.

  The non-permission response may be generated as follows. That is, if the operation content of the permission request is “operation for viewing content” and the content for requesting permission is set in the first permission request content, the permission for which no value is set in the first permission content Generate a result response. In addition, when the operation content of the permission request is “operation for viewing content” and the content for requesting permission is set in the second permission request content, the permission for which no value is set in the second permission content Generate a result response. C) When the operation content of the permission request is “operation for obtaining prior permission”, a permission result in which no value is set in any of the first permission content, the second permission content, and the third permission content Generate a response.

[Processing flow in remote operation system 100]
The flow of processing in the remote operation system 100 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the flow of processing in the remote operation system 100 of the first embodiment, but will be described below because the flow of permission acquisition processing is different. Others are the same as the processing flow described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Flow of permission acquisition process)
An overview of the flow of permission acquisition processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the flow of permission acquisition processing according to the present embodiment. The description of the processing that is the same as the flow of permission acquisition processing described in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

  When the operation to be performed by the operator needs to obtain viewing permission (“required” in step S202), the permission acquisition unit 7 of the present embodiment instructs the service providing apparatus 400. A permission request is transmitted (step S801).

  In service providing apparatus 400, when the permission request is received (YES in step S802), permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 identifies permitter apparatus 3002 (step S803), and the received permission request is given to the permitter. A permission request is transmitted to the device 3002 (step S804).

  Then, the permitter device 3002 transmits a permission result response to the operator device 3001 as a result of the permission input process in response to the permission request (step S205).

  When the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 of the service providing apparatus 400 receives the permission result response from the permitter apparatus 3002 (YES in step S805), the received permission result response is transmitted to the operation target apparatus 200. (Step S806).

  If the permission request / result transfer processing unit 47 of the service providing apparatus 400 does not receive a permission result response from the permitter apparatus 3002 for a predetermined time (eg, 3 minutes) (NO in step S805), the permission is denied. A response is generated (step S807), and the generated non-permission response is transmitted to the operation target device 200 (step S806).

  Then, operation target device 200 receives a permission result response from service providing device 400 (YES in step S206).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when an operator who has not been given prior permission from the permitter tries to view the viewing-restricted content using the operator device 3001, the operation target device 200 is A permission request for requesting permission is transmitted to the service providing apparatus 400 each time. The service providing apparatus 400 that has received the permission request transmits the permission request to the permitter apparatus 3002. When the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request, the permitter can input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 each time. Then, when the permitter inputs permission from the permitter device 3002 each time, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response to the service providing device 400 to grant viewing permission. The service providing apparatus 400 that has received the response transfers the response to the operation target apparatus 200. When the operation target device 200 receives the response, the operation target device 200 reproduces the viewing-restricted content that the operator is attempting to view.

  Similarly, in the present embodiment, when the operator performs an operation for obtaining prior permission using the operator device 3001, the operation target device 200 first requests the service providing device 400 for prior permission. Send permission request for. The service providing apparatus 400 that has received the permission request transmits the permission request to the permitter apparatus 3002. When the permitter device 3002 receives the permission request, the permitter can input whether or not to give prior permission in the permitter device 3002. Then, when the permitter inputs in the permitter device 3002 that the prior permission is given, the permitter device 3002 transmits a response indicating that the prior permission is given to the service providing device 400. The service providing apparatus 400 that has received the response transfers the response to the operation target apparatus 200. When the operation target device 200 receives the response, the operation target device 200 can view the viewing-restricted content within the permitted range.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the operator can view the viewing-restricted content by obtaining permission from the permitter each time. At that time, the operator only has to operate the operation target device 200 using the operator device 3001 used by the operator. In addition, the permitter only has to input whether or not to permit the permitter device 3002 used by the permitter when there is a permit request, and the permitter does not need to operate the operation target device 200 by himself / herself. .

  Further, since communication between the service providing apparatus 400 and the permitter apparatus 3002 is assumed to be performed via the communication network 500 as the Internet and a mobile phone network, requests for permission and prior permission each time, and those The response to is exchanged via the Internet and the mobile phone network. Therefore, even when the operator and the permitter are separated from each other (for example, when the operator is at home and the permitter is out), the operator is permitted from the permitter each time. And you can get prior permission.

  Furthermore, since the service providing apparatus 400 and the permitter apparatus 3002 exchange requests for permission and prior permission and responses to them, the operator apparatus 3001 does not include the telephone / web communication unit 303 (that is, Even if the communication network 500 as a mobile phone network cannot communicate, the operator can obtain permission and prior permission from the permitter each time.

[Modification]
As a mechanism in which a user such as a minor cannot freely view content with viewing restrictions, when a television receiver receives a predetermined signal related to the rating of a program transmitted together with broadcast radio waves, the television receiver There is known a mechanism in which an integrated circuit called a built-in V-chip (V-Chip) controls display of video (for example, does not display video) in accordance with the predetermined signal. The present invention can also be applied to such viewing restrictions using a V chip.

  Specifically, when the operator obtains permission from the permitter each time, even if the operation target device 200 as a television receiver receives the predetermined signal, video display control by the V chip is not performed. What should I do? Similarly, in the case where the operator has obtained prior permission from the permitted person in advance, even if the operation target device 200 as a television receiver receives the predetermined signal, video display control by the V chip is performed. Should be avoided.

(Additional notes)
Finally, each block of the remote operation device 300, the operation target device 200, and the service providing device 400, in particular, the remote operation device control unit 306, the operation target device control unit 203, and the service providing device control unit 403 is performed by hardware logic. You may comprise, and may implement | achieve by software using CPU as follows.

  That is, the remote operation device 300, the operation target device 200, and the service providing device 400 include a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, A RAM (random access memory) for expanding the program, a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data, and the like are provided. The object of the present invention is to provide program codes (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of control programs for the remote operation device 300, the operation target device 200, and the service providing device 400, which are software for realizing the functions described above. Is supplied to the remote operation device 300, the operation target device 200, and the service providing device 400, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) is recorded on the recording medium. This can also be achieved by reading out and executing.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the remote operation device 300, the operation target device 200, and the service providing device 400 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), IEEE802.11 radio, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to an apparatus capable of providing restrictions on user operations. In particular, an operation target device such as a television receiver, a recording / playback device, a personal computer, or the like provided with a mechanism in which an unauthorized user cannot view content with viewing restrictions, and a remote for a user to remotely operate the operation target device The present invention can be suitably applied to an operation device and a service providing device capable of transmitting content to the operation target device based on an instruction of a user using the remote operation device.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the operation object apparatus, the remote operation apparatus, and the service provision apparatus contained in the remote operation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the apparatus structure of the remote control system which concerns on each embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when a remote control application is started with the remote control apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which inputs an operator's user ID and password with the remote control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operation target device 200 when the operation target device illustrated in FIG. 1 is powered on. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode that the menu for using a VOD service was displayed in the operation target apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a content list is displayed on the operation target device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode that the attribute information of the content was displayed in the operation target apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode that the operation target apparatus shown in FIG. 1 displayed that permission was being acquired from the permitter each time. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state where viewing-restricted content is being played back on the operation target device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode that the content of permission was displayed each time it requested | required with the remote control apparatus (permitter apparatus which a permitter uses among them) shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode which displayed that the content which gave permission each time was a pay content in the remote control apparatus (permitter apparatus which an authorized person uses among them) shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows another example of the mode which displayed the menu for using a VOD service in the operation target apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode that it is displaying in the operation target apparatus shown in FIG. 1 that prior permission is being acquired from the permitter. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode that the content which the permission person gave prior permission is displayed in the operation target apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a mode that the screen which inputs the content which gives prior permission was displayed in the remote operation apparatus (permitter apparatus which an authorized person uses among them) shown in FIG. The name and age of the permitter and the name and age of the operator to whom permission is given are input by the remote control device (the permitter device used by the permitter) shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen which inputs the information of a permitter's contact information and credit card in the remote control apparatus (permitter apparatus which a permitter uses among them) shown in FIG. An example of a screen that displays that user registration has been completed and that each user's user ID and password have been issued in the remote control device (the permitter device used by the permitter) shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram shown. In the remote control system concerning one embodiment of the present invention, it is a mimetic diagram showing an outline of a flow in which an operator obtains viewing permission from a permitter. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in each device when an operator uses a VOD service in the remote operation system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the permission acquisition process in the said remote control system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the permission input process in the remote control system which concerns on each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the authority inspection process in the remote control system which concerns on each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the content viewing inspection process in the remote control system which concerns on each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the command processing in the remote control system which concerns on each embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the user registration process in the remote control system which concerns on each embodiment of this invention. In the remote control system concerning other one embodiment of the present invention, it is a mimetic diagram showing an outline of a flow in which an operator obtains viewing permission from an authorized person. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the operation object apparatus, the remote operation apparatus, and the service provision apparatus contained in the said remote operation system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the permission acquisition process in the said remote control system. In the remote control system concerning other one embodiment of the present invention, it is a mimetic diagram showing an outline of a flow in which an operator obtains viewing permission from an authorized person. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the operation object apparatus, the remote operation apparatus, and the service provision apparatus contained in the said remote operation system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the permission acquisition process in the said remote control system.

Explanation of symbols

5 User attribute information confirmation / acquisition part (user attribute information storage means)
6 Authority inspection part 7 Permission acquisition part (permission request transmission means, permission signal reception means)
8 User operation processing unit 9 User attribute information transmission unit 11 User attribute information storage unit (storage unit)
24 permission request reception processing unit (permission request receiving means, permission input means, permission signal transmitting means)
25 Permission request / result transfer processing section (transfer processing means)
42 User attribute information transmission processing unit 46 User attribute information reception processing unit 53 User attribute information storage unit 100 Remote operation system 200 Operation target device 209 Operated side communication unit 300 Remote operation device (operation device, permission input device)
3001 Operator device (operating device)
3002 Permitted device (permission input device)
302 Operation side communication unit 303 Telephone / Web communication unit 400 Service providing device 500 Communication network

Claims (14)

An operation target device that is connected to the operation device by short-range wireless communication, operates according to a signal transmitted by the operation device, and has an operation restriction depending on an operator of the operation device,
In response to a signal transmitted from the operation device by the operation of the operation device by the operator, a request for permission for the operator to perform the restricted operation is given through the operation device. Permission request transmitting means for transmitting to the permission input device used by the permitter;
Permission signal receiving means for receiving the permission signal transmitted by the permission input device as a response to the request via the operating device ;
A storage unit storing the communication address of the permission input device and the identification information of the operator in association with each other;
The permission signal the permission signal received by the receiving means is, if shows a permission of the operation, it has rows operate according to signals the operating device transmits,
When the restricted operation is performed, the permission request transmitting means transmits the permission to the permission input device of the communication address stored in the storage unit and associated with the identification information of the operator. An operation target device, characterized by transmitting a request for requesting .   The operation target apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restricted operation is a reproduction instruction for the content restricted by the user's own apparatus.   3. The operation target device according to claim 2, wherein the permission request transmission unit transmits the request including information for requesting permission to reproduce the content with the viewing restriction in the own device.   The operation target device according to claim 3, wherein the permission signal includes a permission to purchase the content when the content with the viewing restriction is charged.   3. The operation target device according to claim 2, wherein the permission request transmission unit transmits the request including information for requesting setting of a reproduction time limit of the content with the viewing restriction in the own device.   6. The operation target device according to claim 2, wherein the permission request transmission unit transmits the request including information for requesting setting of a maximum reproduction time in the own device of the content with the viewing restriction.   6. The permission request transmitting means transmits the request including information for setting an upper limit of a purchase price of the content when the content with the viewing restriction is charged. The operation target device according to 6. The correspondence between the communication address of the operator identification information and the permission input device, obtains from an external device, of claims 1, characterized in that it comprises a user attribute information storage means for storing in the storage unit 7 The operation target device according to any one of the above. Permission request receiving means for receiving the request transmitted from the operation target device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 via the operation device;
Permission input means for receiving permission input for the request from the permitter;
A permission input device comprising permission signal transmission means for transmitting the permission signal according to the input to the operation target device via the operation device. An operation device that transmits a signal to the operation target device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
Transfer processing means for transmitting the request transmitted from the operation target device to the permission input device according to claim 9 and transmitting the permission signal transmitted from the permission input device to the operation target device. An operating device comprising: A remote operation system comprising the operation target device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , the permission input device according to claim 9 , and the operation device according to claim 10 . A method of controlling an operation target device that is connected to an operation device by short-range wireless communication, operates according to a signal transmitted by the operation device, and is restricted in operation according to an operator of the operation device,
In response to a signal transmitted from the operation device by the operation of the operation device by the operator, a request for permission for the operator to perform the restricted operation is given through the operation device. A permission request transmission step for transmitting to a permission input device used by the permitter;
A permission signal receiving step for receiving the permission signal transmitted by the permission input device as a response to the request via the operation device;
The permission signal received by the permission signal receiving step, if shows a permission of the operation, see containing and performing an operation in accordance with signals the operating device transmits,
The operation target device includes a storage unit that stores the communication address of the permission input device and the identification information of the operator in association with each other,
When the restricted operation is performed, in the permission request transmitting step, the permission input device of the communication address stored in the storage unit and associated with the identification information of the operator is A method for controlling an operation target device, characterized by transmitting a request for permission . A control program for causing a computer to function as the operation target device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , the permission input device according to claim 9 , or the operation device according to claim 10. And a control program for causing the computer to function as each of the above means. A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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