JP7288013B2 - Display device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for promoting reuse of broadcast content.

There are techniques for improving the convenience and operability of electronic program guides (EPGs) including information on broadcast content that has been broadcast in the past. As a background art in this technical field, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, "In a digital broadcasting receiver, when a program broadcast in the past is selected in a program table, content information of the program can be obtained from multiple routes (for example, broadcast signals and the Internet). A program search means for searching whether or not is provided, and the search result by this program search means is displayed on an electronic program guide (abstract excerpt)." technology is disclosed.

JP 2012-199345 A

The technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1 handles, from the present time, a broadcast program guide that informs the user of broadcast contents scheduled to be broadcast, for example, one week ahead, and a past broadcast program guide that retroactively stores the broadcast program guide. . However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when past content, which is broadcast content that was broadcast in the past, is selected, only for the selected broadcast content, after selection, whether there is recording or re-service such as VOD or rebroadcast is performed. is performed and presented to the user. Therefore, it takes time for the user to grasp whether the past content can be reused. Moreover, only the information of the selected specific past content can be obtained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a content viewing technology that is highly convenient for the user by immediately presenting to the user the presence or absence of re-service of past content in a bird's-eye view and easy-to-view manner. intended to

The present invention is a display device comprising: a storage unit for accumulating program information related to broadcast content broadcast in the past; a reconstructing unit that searches for the presence or absence of re-service content that can be delivered as a re-service from the corresponding content distribution server, associates the obtained search result with the program information, and creates a reconstructed program guide; a display unit for displaying the reconstructed program table created by the construction unit, and if there is a contract with a provider of the re-service content in order to view the re-service content, the reconstruction unit and creating the reconstructed program guide so as to identify the reconstructed service contents provided by the contracted provider.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the presence or absence of the re-service of a past content can be immediately shown to a user in a bird's-eye view and easy-to-see form, and the content viewing technique highly convenient for a user can be provided. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of user information according to the embodiment of this invention; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a reconstructed program guide according to the embodiment of this invention; 4 is a flow chart of processing by a content processing unit according to the embodiment of the present invention; It is an example of the flowchart of the update process of embodiment of this invention. (a) is an example of a flowchart of reconstructed program guide presentation processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. (b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the flow of processing when requesting VOD distribution according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the reconstructed program guide according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the reconstructed program guide according to the embodiment of the present invention; (a) is a system configuration diagram of the first embodiment. (b) is a system configuration diagram of a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an agent service device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a content viewing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation sequence of a content processing unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. It is a hardware block diagram of the content viewing-and-listening apparatus of 2nd embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation sequence of a content processing unit according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a reconstructed program guide according to the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the reconstructed program table of the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of a content viewing device according to a third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a service list according to the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a reconstructed program guide according to the third embodiment; FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, in the present specification, components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In the embodiment of the present invention, the presence or absence of re-service of broadcast content (past content) that was broadcast in the past is constantly searched, held in the latest state, and reflected and displayed in the program table according to the user's request. .

First, the configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention that implements the above functions will be described.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a content viewing system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. Note that the embodiments of the present invention hereinafter deal with broadcast content and network content. Both are called broadcast content or content when there is no particular need to distinguish between them.

As shown in the figure, the content viewing system 200 of this embodiment includes a broadcast service device 202, a VOD service device 203, a streaming service device 204, a search engine 205, and a content processing section 206. These units are connected via a network 201 .

The network 201 is, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) network. In this embodiment, not only the Internet but also an intranet, a router device for connecting to the Internet, and the like are included.

The broadcast service device 202 is installed in a broadcast station (broadcast service provider) or the like. The broadcast service device 202 services broadcast content as a broadcast signal 217 by means of radio waves. Note that the broadcast service device 202 may stream broadcast content via the network 201 . Incidentally, the broadcast service provider supplies broadcast content that has already been broadcast to a VOD content provider (VOD service provider) or a streaming service provider (streaming service provider).

The VOD service device 203 is owned by a VOD service provider. The VOD service device 203 provides the provided broadcast content as VOD content to the requester via the network 201 .

Streaming service device 204 is owned by a streaming service provider. The streaming service device 204 streams the provided broadcast content via the network 201 according to the requester's instruction.

The contents provided by the VOD service device 203 and the streaming service device 204 are, for example, live performances such as movies and concerts, live sports broadcasts, and broadcast contents broadcast in the past.

Due to user's time constraints, etc., there are cases where broadcast contents cannot be viewed in real time. The broadcast service device 202 provides the VOD service device 203 and the streaming service device 204 with the broadcast content so that the user 216 can view the held broadcast content even after the broadcast. In particular, the VOD distribution service is highly convenient because the user 216 can view broadcast content in a desired time zone.

As a result, broadcasters such as broadcasting stations can increase the business returns obtained from broadcast content. Note that the streaming service device 204 and the VOD service device 203 may be operated by the broadcast content owner, or may be operated by different operators.

The search engine 205 searches for various types of information in the network 201 according to instructions from the content processing unit 206 and the like, and presents them to the request source.

The content processing unit 206 provides the broadcast content selected by the user 216 to the user in a viewable manner. Broadcast contents are provided from the broadcasting service device 202 , the VOD service device 203 and the streaming service device 204 .

The number of broadcast service devices 202, VOD service devices 203, streaming service devices 204, search engines 205, and content processing units 206 does not matter.

Next, the configuration of the content processing unit 206 will be described. The content processing unit 206 of this embodiment includes a program guide agent 211 , a program guide reconstruction unit 212 , a content reception/control unit 213 , a user input unit 214 and an output unit 215 .

In addition, the content processing unit 206 of the present embodiment includes a program information storage unit 221, a user information storage unit 222, a search unit 222, and a storage unit that stores data used for processing by each of the above units and stores processing results. and a result holding unit 223 .

The content reception/control unit 213 receives broadcast content in real time, reproduces it, and outputs it via the output unit 215 in a viewable form to the user. Also, it receives contents transmitted from the VOD service device 203 and the streaming service device 204, reproduces them, and outputs them via the output unit 215 in a viewable form for the user. That is, the content reception/control section 213 and the output section 215 function as a reception/playback section.

Furthermore, the content reception/control unit 213 acquires program information of broadcast content from the broadcast service device 202 in response to a request from the user. The acquired program information is accumulated in the program information accumulation unit 221 via the program guide agent 211 . The program information is, for example, information used in the EPG function, and includes information specifying the program title, broadcast date (broadcast start time), channel, performers, genre, series, and the like.

The program guide agent 211 accesses the broadcast service device 202 or the like at predetermined time intervals, acquires program information, and stores it in the program information storage unit 221 . In addition, the broadcast content stored in the program information storage unit 221 is searched for the presence or absence of re-service, and the search result is stored in the program information storage unit 221 in association with the broadcast content. The search results include re-service information including whether or not re-service is available, broadcast content-related information, and the like.

The program guide agent 211 uses the search engine 205 to search for the presence or absence of re-service of broadcast content that was broadcast in the past using a search keyword or the like. The re-service search may be performed periodically at predetermined time intervals, for example. For example, as described above, when program information is acquired at predetermined time intervals, a service search may be performed again each time program information is acquired.

Also, the search for re-service may be made in response to a particular event. The specific event is, for example, the timing of receiving new program information via the content reception/control section 213 . In this case, among the newly received program information, only broadcast content (past content) that was broadcast in the past may be searched. For example, when the user 216 views broadcast content, the program guide agent 211 receives program information via the content reception/control unit 213 . Then, immediately after the end of this broadcast content, a re-service search is performed.

The re-service includes, for example, re-broadcasting, provision by VOD, and all other methods of re-providing broadcast content that has been broadcast in the past, regardless of its form. Further, the re-service information includes, for example, re-broadcast, re-service form such as VOD, and the start time of the re-broadcast.

Further, when the program guide agent 211 of the present embodiment receives an instruction to select broadcast content to be viewed from the user via the user input unit 214 and a reconstructed program guide (to be described later), the program guide agent 211 receives content so as to view the broadcast content. give directions to the department.

The program information storage unit 221 stores the program information acquired by the content reception/control unit 213 and the program information acquired by the program listing agent 211 . The program information accumulation unit 221 continues to hold, for a predetermined period of time, not only the program information provided in real time from the present to the future, but also the program information acquired in the past. The period of program information to be accumulated is predetermined, for example, for the past one month, the past one year, or the like.

The user information holding unit 222 holds personal information of the user 216 . Details will be described later.

The search result holding unit 223 holds search results searched by the program guide agent 211 . Among the search results, information related to the broadcast content, for example, whether or not there is a re-service, information on a re-service provider in the case of re-service, etc., is stored in association with the program information accumulated by the program information accumulation unit 221 . For example, it is held for each broadcast content. Associated information may include, for example, metadata dependent on the broadcast content.

The search result holding unit 223 holds other information such as graphic symbols 224, billing information 225, advertisement information 226, evaluation information 227, and the like. These details will also be described later.

The program guide reconstruction unit 212 reconstructs a program guide from the program information accumulated in the program information accumulation unit 221 in response to a request from the user 216, and presents it to the user. The program information storage unit 221 also includes program information of content that has been broadcast in the past. Therefore, the reconstructed program guide includes not only program information from the present to the future, but also program information of content broadcast in the past.

Note that the program guide reconstructed by the program guide reconstruction unit 212 does not necessarily have to be in tabular format. The program information may be program data (reconstructed program data) associated with time information such as the start time and broadcast time of each broadcast content. Hereinafter, such program data is also referred to as a reconstructed program guide.

Further, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 uses the search results held in the search result holding unit 223 and the user information held in the user information holding unit 222 to reconstruct the program guide. Hereinafter, program information, search results, and user information used by the program guide reconstruction unit 212 to reconstruct the program guide are collectively referred to as program data construction information.

In this embodiment, as described above, the program guide agent 211 updates program information and search results at predetermined timings. Therefore, when receiving an instruction, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 can reconstruct the program guide using these pieces of information that are always updated to the latest state.

In the following embodiments, the processes executed by the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstructing unit 212 are called agent processes. The agent process, for example, collects and updates program information, collects and updates search results, and creates a reconstructed program guide using the program information and search results according to instructions from the user, and presents it to the user. and processing for receiving instructions from the user via the reconstructed program guide.

User input unit 214 is an interface that receives instructions from user 216 . In this embodiment, for example, an instruction to display a reconstructed program guide is accepted. The instruction is output to the program guide reconstruction unit 212 . Also, for example, it accepts designation of broadcast content to be viewed. The designation is received via, for example, a reconstructed program guide. That is, the user input unit 214 functions as a selection reception unit together with the reconstructed program guide.

The content reception/control unit 213 identifies the distribution source of the broadcast content whose designation is received via the user input unit 214, and requests the distribution source to transmit the content.

Thereby, the user 216 receives the distribution service of the viewed content from the network 201 and the broadcast signal 217 .

Next, user information held in the user information holding unit 222 and information held in the search result holding unit 223 will be described.

As user information, for example, log-in information to registered VOD services is registered for each of one or more users or user groups. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 can create a different reconstructed program guide for each user or user group by referring to the user information. Thereby, viewing of the broadcast content can be effectively encouraged.

A specific example of the user information 310 is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, user information 310 includes user authentication information 312 and service list 313 for each user 311 .

The user authentication information 312 stores information used for authentication processing. For example, for each user 311, a user ID specifying the user, the password of the user, and personal information of the user are stored. As personal information, for example, an IP address, device information, name, sex, date of birth, email address, etc. are registered.

As for the user authentication information 312, as shown in this figure, a plurality of user IDs may be registered for one user. This assumes, for example, a family-based user group or the like.

In the service list 313, registration information of VOD distribution services to which the user 311 is subscribed or used is registered. In this example, four services of MNK on-demand, Re:TV, Net Prime, and You Cast are registered. For example, for each service, the service name, user ID, service URI, logo data link destination and data, etc. are registered.

Note that the storage format of the user information 310 is not limited to the format shown in FIG. 2, and may conform to commonly used database software. Also, the information to be registered is not limited to the above example.

The graphic symbols 224 include, for example, the logo of the VOD service provider that operates the VOD service device 203, thumbnails of broadcast content, and the like. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 superimposes these graphic symbols on the reconstructed program guide to give a visual effect.

For example, if the broadcast content distributed by the VOD service device 203 is pay content, the billing information 225 includes price information, payment information by a registered payment method, and the like.

The advertisement information 226 includes PR (promotion) information displayed multiplexed in the reconstructed program guide and ordinary advertisement information. PR information and advertisement information may be held in association with broadcast content. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 reconstructs the program guide so that these pieces of information are superimposed on the program guide. The PR information and advertisement information differ depending on the user's profile, viewing history information, and the like. By superimposing and displaying these, in addition to billing for viewing broadcast content, it leads to income such as advertising fees. Broadcasters operating the broadcast service device 202 or VOD service providers operating the VOD service device 203 can diversify their earnings.

Evaluation information 227 includes program evaluation information such as broadcast content reviews. For example, the evaluation information 227 is acquired at the same time when the program listing agent 211 acquires related information and re-service information, as described above. Note that an evaluation information collection unit that manages the evaluation information 227 may be provided, and the evaluation information collection unit may directly collect the evaluation information via the search engine 205 . The program guide reconstruction unit 212 reconstructs the program guide so that the collected evaluation information is superimposed and displayed. As a result, the user 216 can be provided with information about the broadcast content, can be given prior knowledge of the broadcast content, and can be assisted in viewing the broadcast content.

[Reconstructed program guide]
Here, an example of a reconstructed program table reconstructed using the above information and displayed on the display by the output unit 215 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the reconstructed program table 100 of this embodiment.

The reconstructed program guide 100 of this embodiment presents program information to the user and accepts instructions from the user.

The reconstructed program table 100 includes a current time display area 101, a reverse date button 102a, a forward date button 102b, a date display area 103, a media type display area 104, and a broadcaster (channel) display area 105. , a time-series display area 106 , a broadcast information display area 107 , a description display area 114 of the selected broadcast content, an advertisement display area 115 , and an operation instruction reception section 116 .

The current time is displayed in the current time display area 101 . In the date display area 103, the range in which program information can be displayed is displayed in units of dates. The current time display area 101 includes a reverse date button 102a and a forward date button 102b. These receive an instruction to change the date range displayed in the date display area 103 . If the displayable range does not fit in the date display area 103, the user 216 can change the range via the reverse date button 102a and forward date button 102b.

For example, in the example of this figure, the current time displayed in the current time display area 101 is January 5 (Thursday) 18:25. Dates before and after the current time are displayed in the date display area 103 . In this example, dates from January 1st (Sunday) to January 7th (Saturday) are displayed. January 1st (Sun) to January 4th (Wed) are past dates, January 5th (Thurs) is the current date, January 6th (Fri) and January 7th (Sat) are future dates is the date of

The program guide reconstruction unit 212 creates a reconstructed program guide so that the program information of the date for which the selection instruction is received from the user 216 via the date display area 103 is displayed in the broadcast information display area 107 in tabular form. do. In the example of this figure, January 3 (Tuesday) is selected, and the broadcast information display area 107 displays broadcast program information for January 3, which is earlier than the present (January 5).

In the broadcast information display area 107, program information is displayed in chronological order for each date and each broadcaster (channel). In the program field where each program information is displayed, for example, information indicating the title of the program and whether or not there is a re-service is displayed.

In the example of this figure, for example, the program information of the broadcast content whose title is "photograph" is displayed in the program field for the time 20:00 to 21:00 of the broadcaster "02ETE".

In displaying the program information, the display mode may be changed depending on the presence or absence of re-service. For example, in this example, the background color is changed. A white background indicates that past broadcast content is being re-serviced. On the other hand, those with a different background color indicate that there is no re-service. With such a display mode, the user 216 can confirm the presence or absence of re-service at a glance.

As program information, an evaluation information display object 111a, a rebroadcast schedule display object 110, a pay content display object 112a, a VOD service provider's logo 113a, and a thumbnail image 109a are displayed in each program column. good too. By displaying these pieces of information, the user can easily understand how the distribution service of each broadcast content is performed.

Furthermore, it may be created so that only the re-services provided by the service provider contracted by the user 216 to whom the reconstructed program guide 100 is provided are displayed among the re-services being provided. This is realized by referring to the service list 313 . In addition, all the re-services provided may be displayed, and the re-services provided by the service provider with which the user 216 has a contract may be displayed in an identifiable manner.

Further, the operation instruction reception unit 116 is an area that receives an operation instruction from the user 216 . As described above, the user 216 selects a desired date and time and a desired program via the date display area 103 and broadcast information display area 107 . The operation instruction accepting unit 116 accepts an intention to decide the selection, an instruction such as movement.

The operation instruction accepting unit 116 includes a decision button 116b for accepting a decision intention, and a cross key button 116a for accepting a movement instruction. In addition, a move button 117a for receiving various instructions when viewing broadcast content, a setting button 117b for selecting various setting screens, a volume button 117c for selecting a volume adjustment screen, and a button 117d for returning to the home screen or the like. , provided.

The date selected via the cursor and the instruction on the operation instruction receiving unit 116 is displayed in a different display mode. In this example, the background color and character color are changed for display. Similarly, selection candidates or selected broadcast contents (programs) are displayed in a manner clearly indicating that they are selection candidates. For example, in this example, it is surrounded by the selection display frame 108 . The display mode may be changed depending on whether it is a candidate or when it is selected.

Note that the cross key button 116a, enter button 116b, move button 117a, setting button 117b, volume button 117c, and return button 117d correspond to buttons of a remote control controller (not shown) to move the cursor and perform various operations. Buttons for user operations such as switching to a screen. The user instructs to scroll the broadcast information display area 107 using the cross key button 116a.

Upon receiving an instruction to change the display mode of the reconstructed program guide 100 via the user input unit 214 , the content reception/control unit 213 transmits the instruction to the program guide reconstructing unit 212 . The program guide reconstruction unit 212 receives the instruction, reconstructs a program guide displayed according to the instruction, and causes the output unit 215 to output the program guide.

Also, upon receiving a selection of broadcast content to be viewed via the user input unit 214, the content reception/control unit 213 accesses the distribution source of the selected content via the network 201 and requests distribution.

In the description display area 114 of the selected broadcast content, supplementary information of the broadcast content selected as a selection candidate is displayed. The incidental information includes, for example, program description information, evaluation information, billing information, representative images, and the like. These are indicated by text, an evaluation information display object 111b, a billing information display object 112b, a broadcast content thumbnail image 109b, and the like, respectively. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 extracts related information from the program information accumulation unit 221 or the search result holding unit 223 for the programs selected by the user in the broadcast information display area 107 and displays it in the explanation display area 114 .

Description display area 114 may display, for example, a description of the selected broadcast content with selection display frame 108 attached. Here, a case where "Japan GPX" is selected is exemplified. Also, the evaluation information display object 111b indicates, for example, the evaluation score of the evaluation information with a star.

Further, in the explanation display area 114, a "program explanation" button 114a for accepting an instruction to shift to a detailed explanation screen of the broadcast content, and a "see evaluation" button for accepting an instruction to shift to an evaluation comment screen. 111c. Furthermore, if the re-service of the selected broadcast content is VOD, the logo 113b of the VOD service provider may be displayed. These assist the viewing of the user 216 .

The advertisement display area 115 displays PR (promotion) information and advertisement information associated with the selection candidate broadcast content. Here, as an example, a case is illustrated in which an advance notice of broadcast content related to the selected or candidate broadcast content is displayed. As the notice, for example, the content of the next broadcast content, the scheduled broadcast time, etc. are displayed. By providing such a variety of information, the user is encouraged to view the information.

In this embodiment, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 refers to the advertisement information 226, and if advertisement information is registered in association with the broadcast content selected as a selection candidate, extracts the advertisement information and displays it in this field. do.

[Processes executed by the content processing part]
In the content processing unit 206 of this embodiment, the agent process by the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 and the content reception/output process by the content reception/control unit 213 are executed independently. The flow of both processes will be explained using FIG.

Upon receiving a start instruction from the user 216, the content processing unit 206 causes the program guide agent 211 to execute the agent process (step S1001). It also causes the content reception/control unit 213 to execute a content reception output process (step S1002). The content processing unit 206 executes these processes until an end instruction such as power-off is received from the user 216 .

Interprocess communication (S1003) is performed via the network 201 between the agent process (S1001) and the content reception output process (S1002). For example, when broadcast content is selected in the agent process, an instruction to receive the broadcast content is sent to the content reception output process through inter-process communication.

The user 216 not only instructs the start and end of the process, but also directly or indirectly performs an input operation on both processes.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, even within the agent process, the process of updating program information and search results and the process of presenting a reconstructed program guide are performed independently of each other.

The flow of these processes will be described below. FIG. 5 is a processing flow of update processing of program information and search results by the program guide agent 211 of the embodiment. Here, a periodic search performed at predetermined time intervals and an additional search triggered by a specific event are performed. The periodical search is performed on all broadcast contents whose program information is accumulated in the program information accumulation unit 221 and for which re-search is specified. On the other hand, in the additional search, the past contents in the newly received program information are searched.

The program guide agent 211 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed (step S1101). If the predetermined time has passed, first, the timer is reset (step S1102). Then, the presence or absence of re-service is searched for all target broadcast contents (step S1103). By overwriting the obtained search results in the search result holding unit 223, the search results held in the search result holding unit 223 are updated (step S1104).

On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the program listing agent 211 determines whether or not program information has been received (step S1106). Here, the content may be obtained by itself at predetermined time intervals via the network 201 or may be received from the content reception/control unit 213 . If not, the process returns to step S1101.

If received (S1106: Yes), the program guide agent 211 first stores the received program information in the program information storage unit 221 (step S1107).

Next, the program listing agent 211 determines whether or not there is past content in the received program information (step S1108). Here, the current time is compared with the end time information of each content in the program information, and content whose end time information is earlier than the current time is determined as past content. If there is no past content, the process returns to step S1101.

If there is past content (step S1108; Yes), the program guide agent 211 searches for the presence or absence of re-service for the past content (step S1101). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

The program guide agent 211 repeats the above processing until an end instruction is received. At this time, in the search and collection process, not only whether there is a re-service, but also related information related to the broadcast content to be re-serviced, such as information on the service provider, description of the content of the broadcast content, billing information, reviews and evaluations of the broadcast content. Search and collect information, etc.

The program guide agent 211 of this embodiment repeats the above process while the content processing unit 206 is running, regardless of whether the user 216 is viewing broadcast content. Thereby, the program data construction information is always updated (refreshed) to the latest one.

In the above process, the presence or absence of re-service and related information are searched for all programs in step S1103, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the type of program to be searched may be determined in advance. For example, only programs with a length of 5 minutes or longer are included, and news and weather forecasts are excluded.

Next, the flow of reconstructed program guide creation processing by the program guide agent 211 will be described with reference to FIG. 6(a). Here, the flow of processing when accepting a selection instruction from a user authenticated by login processing will be described.

When the program guide agent 211 receives the input of the user ID and password from the user 216 via the user input unit 214, it performs login processing (step S1201).

If the authentication succeeds, the program guide agent 211 causes the program guide reconstructing unit 212 to create a reconstructed program guide (step S1202). At this time, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 combines the program information accumulated in the program information accumulation unit 221, the user information held in the user information holding unit 222, and the search results held in the search result holding unit 223. Use The search results and program information to be used are the latest ones updated by the update process.

For example, only the information of the VOD service of the VOD service provider registered as the user information by the logged-in user 216 is extracted, and the reconstructed program guide is created.

Note that the VOD distribution request via the created reconstructed program guide can be sent directly from the user 216 to the VOD service apparatus 203 as shown in FIG. , to the VOD service device 203 via the program listing agent 211 .

In the method of FIG. 6(b), the program guide agent 211 obtains program information from the VOD service device 203 (step S1301), creates a reconstructed program guide according to the procedure of FIG. 6(a) (step S1302), Present to user 216 . Program information is associated with each broadcast content (VOD content) displayed in the reconstructed program guide. The program information includes, for example, the access information of the distributor.

When the user 216 designates a desired program via the reconstructed program guide, the user input unit 214 accepts the designation, and the content reception/control unit 213 transmits a distribution request to the VOD service device 203 (step S1303). At this time, the content reception/control unit 213 uses the access information of the distributor included in the program table. The VOD service device 203 receives the distribution request and distributes the VOD content (moving image) to the content reception/control unit 213 of the transmission source (step S1304). The content reception/control unit 213 outputs the delivered moving image to the output unit 215 and presents it to the user 216 .

It should be noted that the communication between the user 216 and the VOD service device 203, that is, the communication between the content reception/control unit 213 and the VOD service device 203 may be configured to perform authentication processing such as login processing. good.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(c), when the program guide agent 211 is interposed, the program guide agent 211 obtains program information from the VOD service device 203 (step S1401) in the same manner as described above, and A reconstructed program guide is created according to the procedure (step S1402) and presented to the user 216. FIG.

When the user 216 designates a desired program via the reconstructed program guide, the user input unit 214 accepts the designation, and the content reception/control unit 213 transmits a delivery request and member information to the program guide agent 211 (step S1403). Then, the program guide agent 211 transmits the distribution request to the VOD service apparatus 203 that is the distribution source of the requested VOD content (moving image) (step S1404). At this time, the program guide agent 211 also transmits information (distribution destination information) specifying the distribution destination of the VOD content (moving image) (step S1404). The distribution destination information is, for example, the IP address of the content reception/control section 213 or the like.

In response to the distribution request, the VOD service device 203 distributes the VOD content (video) to the content reception/control unit 213 specified by the distribution destination information (step S1405). The content reception/control unit 213 outputs the delivered moving image to the output unit 215 and presents it to the user 216 . When performing authentication processing such as login processing, the content reception/control unit 213 transmits authentication information to the program guide agent 211, and the program guide agent 211 transmits the authentication information to the VOD service device 203. .

Note that the display mode of the reconstructed program table 100 is not limited to the above example. For example, in the past direction, for a period exceeding a predetermined period, only series broadcast content may be displayed for each broadcasting station.

FIG. 7 shows a display example of the reconstructed program table 100a in this case. For example, in the example of this figure, the current date and time is January 5, 2017, 18:25. A period during which past content can be displayed (past display period) is assumed to be one month. That is, until December 5th, each program information is displayed in the broadcast information display area 107 in the manner shown in the reconstructed program table 100 described above.

On the other hand, for a period exceeding one month, which is the past display period, only series broadcast contents are displayed for each broadcasting station. In this case, broadcast programs are not displayed in chronological order.

It should be noted that it is not necessary to display broadcast contents of all series. For example, as a broadcast content list before the past display period, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 may display only content that the user is interested in.

In addition, the program guide agent 211 may further retain the user's viewing history, for example. Then, the viewing history of the user is referred to, and the content that has been viewed, the content related to the viewing history, or the content series displayed in the past or future broadcast program table is limited and presented to the user. The presence or absence of association is determined using, for example, the program information of the content. For example, if a keyword registered in the program information matches, a part of the program name matches, a performer name matches, etc., it is determined that there is a relationship.

By configuring in this way, in this embodiment, it is made easy to find desired content from among a huge amount of past content. In addition, it is possible to appropriately limit the total data capacity of search results of past contents.

At this time, if the broadcast content is a series, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 puts the newest series before December 5 in front, and further past broadcast content can be grasped. It may be displayed in aspect 118 .

In this case, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 displays a series selection button 119 for accepting series selection in the description display area 114 of each broadcast content, and accepts series selection via this button. That is, the program table reconstruction unit 212 displays the series selection button 119 together with the incidental information of the broadcast content series selected by the user via the broadcast information display area 107 . Then, selection of a series to be displayed on output unit 215 from among one or more series of the broadcast content is accepted via series selection button 119 .

Further, in the display of the program table for the future, the presence or absence of programs provided in the same series in the past and/or the evaluation information thereof may be displayed.

FIG. 8 shows a display example of the reconstructed program table 100b in this case. In the reconstructed program guide 100b shown in FIG. 8, the current time is January 5th. Therefore, the program information for January 5th and later is for the future.

For example, when a future date and time and broadcast content at that date and time are selected, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 retrieves the program information held in the program information accumulation unit 221 and the search results held in the search result holding unit 223. , the evaluation information 227 is referred to, and the series information and the evaluation information held in association with the broadcast content are created so as to be displayed.

In this case, for example, the program information includes series identification information that identifies broadcast content of the same series. The program guide rebuilding unit 212 uses the series specifying information to create a reconstructed program guide so that the evaluation information of the past content of the series is displayed together with the program information of the future content.

For example, in the example of this figure, "Drama 01" is selected by the selection display frame 108 in the broadcast information display area 107. FIG. When series specifying information is registered in the program information accumulation unit 221 in association with the selected broadcast content, the program table reconstruction unit 212 further displays the series as series information in the selection display frame 108, for example. Display object 120a. Also, when evaluation information is registered in association with program information having the same series identification information, an evaluation information display object 111b is displayed in the selection display frame 108. FIG.

Note that the series display object 120b and the evaluation information display object 111b may also be displayed in the explanation display area 114. FIG.

Further, the explanation display area 114 may further display a “view past broadcast program” button 120c for accepting an instruction to transition to a screen for selecting past broadcast content. Upon receipt of an instruction via main button 120c, program guide reconstruction unit 212 creates a reconstructed program guide so that past series information of broadcast content selected as selection candidates in selection display frame 108 is displayed. do.

By adopting such a display mode, the presence of future and past broadcast content can be indicated in an easy-to-understand manner. User 216 can also view past ratings for the same series in the reconstructed program guide. That is, it is possible to newly provide useful information to the user 216 .

It should be noted that the VOD schedule object 121 may be further displayed within the program display of each broadcast content in the broadcast information display area 107 . If the program information accumulation unit 221 or the search result holding unit 223 holds information indicating that a VOD distribution service is planned in the future in association with the broadcast content, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 Based on the information, this VOD schedule object 121 is displayed. The VOD service device 203 provides whether or not there is a schedule for this VOD distribution service. This allows the user to decide whether to view live or VOD.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the above functions of the content processing unit 206 are variously distributed and implemented in the user-side device and the service-side device. As a result, we can flexibly provide a service-oriented system to a user-oriented system. An embodiment for each specific implementation mode will be described below.

<<First Embodiment>>
First, a first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, in the content processing unit 206, the functions enclosed by the dashed line 231 in FIG. , and the remaining program guide agent 211 and program guide reconstructing unit 212 are examples implemented by other devices accessible via the network 201 .

First, the system configuration of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 9A, the content viewing system 200 of the present embodiment includes a broadcast service device 202, a VOD service device 203, a streaming service device 204, a search engine 205, an agent service device 400, content A viewing device 500 is provided.

As described above, the agent service device 400 implements the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 of the content processing unit 206 in FIG. 1, and includes various data. Content viewing device 500 also implements content reception/control section 213 , user input section 214 , and output section 215 . Also in this embodiment, the number of each device does not matter.

Next, the hardware configuration of the agent service device 400 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the agent service device 400 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the agent service device 400 of this embodiment comprises a server device 410 and a storage device 430 .

The server device 410 includes a CPU 411 , a RAM 412 , a storage IF section 413 , an IP network section 414 and an internal storage 415 .

The storage device 430 holds a program information database (DB) 431, a user information DB 432, and a search result DB 433. These are databases that store data held by the program information storage unit 221, the user information storage unit 222, and the search result storage unit 223 in FIG. 1, respectively. This database stores the reconstructed program guide for each user created by the program guide reconstructing unit 212 .

The internal storage 415 holds a program that implements the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 in FIG. The CPU 411 develops these programs in the internal storage 415 in the RAM 412 and implements their functions. At this time, the CPU 411 reads data from the storage device 430 via the storage IF unit 413 as necessary and uses it for processing. The obtained result is stored in the storage device 430 . Furthermore, the reconstructed program guide 100 obtained as a result of the processing is provided to the content viewing device 500 via the IP network section 414. FIG.

In this manner, the agent service device 400 of this embodiment provides the user 216 with an agent service realized by the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 .

Furthermore, upon receiving various instructions from the user 216 via the reconstructed program table 100, the agent service apparatus 400 of this embodiment performs processing according to the instructions. For example, upon receiving an instruction as a selection candidate, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 creates a reconstructed program guide so that the program information and the like of the broadcast content is displayed in the explanation display area 114, and sends the program guide to the content viewing device 500. Send.

Also, upon receiving an instruction to view broadcast content from the user, the program listing agent 211 transmits access information to the distribution source of the broadcast content to the content viewing apparatus 500 . For example, upon receiving an instruction to distribute VOD content, the IP address of the VOD service device 203 that distributes the corresponding VOD content is transmitted to the content viewing device 500 .

Note that the program guide agent 211 may be configured to transmit access information of the content viewing device 500 of the delivery destination to the delivery source to request delivery.

Next, the configuration of the content viewing device 500 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a content viewing device (content viewing terminal) 500 of this embodiment.

A content viewing device 500 of this embodiment includes a TV device 510 , an information terminal device 530 , and a content terminal device 550 .

The information terminal device 530 can be realized by, for example, a smart phone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), or the like. The content terminal device 550 can be realized by a stick type PC or the like. By using these, the content viewing apparatus 500 can be realized only by installing software on the existing hardware without using dedicated hardware including the TV apparatus 510 .

The TV device 510 includes an IP network (NW) unit 511, a CPU 512, a RAM 513, an internal storage 514, a digital IF unit 515, a reception selection unit 516, a user input unit 517, a signal separation unit 518, a video A processing unit 519 , a graphics unit 521 , a display output unit 522 , an audio processing unit 520 , an audio output unit 523 , a display 524 and a speaker 525 are provided.

The TV device 510 implements the output unit 215 in FIG. 1 and a broadcast content reception function that is a part of the content reception/control unit 213 .

Reception tuning section 516 receives broadcast signal 217 and outputs it to signal separation section 518 . The reception channel selection unit 516 includes an RF tuner and the like, and selects a channel specified by the user via the user input unit 517 using a remote control or the like from the broadcast signal 217 . Then, the selected broadcast signal 217 is demodulated and sent to the signal separator 518 as received data of the broadcast program. Received data of a broadcast program is multiplexed with video data, audio data, broadcast data, and the like.

The signal separation unit 518 separates video data and audio data from the received data and sends them to the video processing unit 519 and the audio processing unit 520, respectively. The video data and audio data are encoded to compress the information amount of the original data. The video processing unit 519 and the audio processing unit 520 respectively decompress and decode the video data and audio data, obtain the video data and audio data of the TV broadcast program, and output them to the graphics unit 521 and the audio output unit 523, respectively. send. The graphics unit 521 manages images to be displayed on a plane-by-plane basis.

The display 524 displays the video data on which the OSD and the like are superimposed. A speaker 525 outputs audio data of the TV broadcast program as sound. Thereby, the TV device 510 provides the user with viewing of the broadcast content. Note that the TV device 510 may be a device in which all or part of the display 524 and the speaker 525 are separated.

The digital IF unit 515 has, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) or USB digital IF function. The digital IF unit 515 receives video and audio content data as an external input, and outputs the data to the display 524 and speaker 525 via the graphics unit 521 , display output unit 522 and audio output unit 523 .

The content terminal device 550 implements a network content reception function, which is a part of the content reception/control unit 213 in FIG. Note that network content includes, for example, VOD content, streaming content, and the like.

Content terminal device 550 includes CPU 551 , RAM 552 , internal storage 553 , network (NW) communication section 555 , audio processor 556 , graphic processor 557 and digital IF section 559 . A program presentation application 554 is installed in the internal storage 553 . The graphics processor 557 also includes a video processing unit 558 .

The NW communication unit 555 has at least IP network functions, and may include other communication functions.

The CPU 551 of the content terminal device 550 loads the program stored in the internal storage 553 into the RAM 552 and executes it.

Programs stored in the internal storage 553 include a WEB browser for processing data such as HTML, and a program presentation application 554 . A program for decoding compression-encoded video data using the video processing unit 558 in the graphic processor 557 as an auxiliary processor, and a program for decoding compression-encoded audio data using the audio processor 556 as an auxiliary processor. further includes a program for decoding the

The digital IF section 559 multiplexes the video data from the graphic processor 557 and the audio data from the audio processor 556 and sends the multiplexed data to the digital IF section 515 of the TV apparatus 510 .

Program presentation application 554 processes network content received via NW communication unit 555 and transmits the processed content to TV apparatus 510 via digital IF unit 559 . That is, it implements a program presentation function. The CPU 551 implements a program presentation function by deploying the program presentation application 554 in the RAM 552 and executing it.

Note that the functions of the content terminal device 550 may be provided in the TV device 510 . In this case, it connects to the network 201 via the IPNW unit 511 and receives broadcast content from the VOD service. Internal storage 514 also holds a program for program presentation application 554 . The CPU 512 develops the program presentation application 554 in the RAM 513 and executes it.

Information terminal device 530 implements the function of user input unit 214 in FIG. Although not shown, it includes the same configuration as the content terminal device 550, that is, a NW communication unit, CPU, RAM, internal storage, audio processor, and graphic processor. Furthermore, the information terminal device 530 has an input display section as a user interface. The input display section is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel with an input sensor. A program guide access application 531 is installed in the information terminal device 530 .

The program guide access application 531 displays the reconstructed program guide received via the network 201 on the input display unit and accepts instructions from the user 216 . The CPU realizes the program guide access function by developing the program guide access application in the RAM and executing it.

The program presentation application 554 of the content terminal device 550 and the program guide access application 531 of the information terminal device 530 cooperate to receive the agent service realized by the agent service device 400 .

An operation sequence in this case will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case of requesting a reconstructed program guide and requesting viewing of VOD content in the reconstructed program guide will be described as an example. Also, as shown in FIG. 6B, a case where the user 216 directly transmits a VOD delivery request to the VOD service device 203 will be described as an example.

Upon receiving a start instruction from the user 216, the program guide access application 531 displays a login screen. When the user 216 inputs login information (S101), it is accepted (S17). Note that the instruction to start may be, for example, activating a program guide access application. Also, the login information may be, for example, a user ID and password.

The program guide access application 531 transmits the received login information to the agent service device 400 as a reconstructed program guide request (S102). As an agent process, the agent service device 400 receives the login information and authenticates the user 216 (S18). Here, for example, the user information DB 432 is used to authenticate the user 216 . If the authentication succeeds, the reconstructed program guide is created (S18a), and transmitted to the requesting program guide access application 531 (S103).

The program guide access application 531 displays the received reconstructed program guide on the input display section (S19). Note that the reconstructed program guide is transmitted to the TV device 510 via the content terminal device 550 (S104) (S105) and displayed on the TV device 510 so that the user 216 can easily check it on a larger screen. You can

The user 216 selects broadcast content to view from the displayed reconstructed program guide (S106). Upon receiving the selection by the user 216 (S20), the program guide access application 531 transmits the URI of the selected broadcast content (VOD) to the program presentation application 554 as the selection result (S107). At this time, it is also transmitted to the agent service device 400 (S108). This is for monitoring the operating state of the entire system in the agent service device 400 .

The program presentation application 554 transmits a distribution request to the VOD service device 203 specified by the broadcast content URI (S20a), and receives the broadcast content transmitted in response to the distribution request (S21). The content terminal device 550 then decodes the received broadcast content and transmits it to the TV device 510 (S109).

The TV device 510 displays the broadcast content (S22).

When the user 216 instructs to end (logout) (S110), the program guide access application 531 receives this (S23) and transmits it to the agent service device 400 (S111).

The agent service device 400 terminates the agent process (S18).

As shown in FIG. 6(c), when a VOD delivery request is transmitted via the program guide agent 211, instead of S20a, the agent service device 400 is the VOD service device 203 specified by the URI of the broadcast content. (S18b).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the content viewing system 200 receives and reproduces re-service content, which is broadcast content to be re-serviced. A storage unit for accumulating information in association with a broadcast start time, and a search for the presence or absence of re-service of the past content whose program information is accumulated in the storage unit, and the obtained search result is used as the program of the past content. The program table agent 211 stores program data construction information in the program information accumulation unit 221 and the search result holding unit 223 in association with the information, and reconstructed program data is created using the program data construction information and presented to the user 216. a user input unit 214 and an output unit 215 functioning as a selection accepting unit for accepting selection of the re-service content to be viewed through the reconstructed program data; and the selected re-service content and a content reception/control unit 213 and an output unit 215 that receive and reproduce the content. Then, the program guide agent 211 repeatedly searches for the presence or absence of the re-service, and every time a search result is obtained, the program data construction information is updated by reflecting the search result. A content viewing system 200 is provided that creates the reconstructed program data using the updated program data construction information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to always keep the program data construction information, which is information such as the presence or absence of re-service of past contents, in the latest state. Then, according to the user's request, the program data construction information is used to reconstruct the program table and present it to the user.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when searching for a re-service of past content on the network, the user's waiting time for search results is eliminated, and whether or not there is a re-service of past content is presented immediately and in an easy-to-understand manner. We can provide a system that can That is, the user can know at once whether or not a plurality of past contents displayed in the program guide will be re-serviced. Also, the program table is reconstructed using the program data construction information which is always kept up-to-date. The user's waiting time is also reduced because the search is not performed after receiving the user's request.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the content viewing device 500, which is the device on the user 216 side, can be realized by implementing software without using dedicated hardware. Therefore, a service-oriented system can be realized.

Also, the program data construction information is retrieved and collected by the agent service device 400 on the service side. Therefore, even when many users use the system, the search process is not duplicated. Therefore, it is efficient.

<<Second Embodiment>>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the functions enclosed by the broken line 232 in FIG. , and , are implemented in a device on the user 216 side, and the rest of the program guide agent 211 is arranged in another device accessible via the network 201 .

In this embodiment, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 is implemented by the device on the user 216 side, so that information held by the device on the user 216 side can be reflected when creating the reconstructed program guide. For example, information related to recorded content held by the device on the user 216 side can be reflected.

The system configuration of the content viewing system 200 of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9(a). However, as described above, in the present embodiment, the content viewing device 500a includes the functions enclosed by the dashed line 232 in the content processing section 206 of FIG. The agent service device 400 has other functions of the content processing unit 206 .

Accordingly, the agent service device 400 of this embodiment has basically the same configuration as the agent service device 400 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the internal storage 415 does not have a program that implements the program guide reconstruction unit 212 .

FIG. 13 shows a content viewing device 500a of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the content viewing device 500a includes a TV device 510a, a set-top box (also referred to as a content receiving device) 570, and a content storage 600. FIG.

The TV device 510a implements the function of the output unit 215 in FIG. Also, the content receiving device 570 realizes the functions of the content receiving/controlling unit 213, the program guide reconstruction unit 212, and the user input unit 214 shown in FIG.

The TV device 510a has basically the same configuration as the TV device 510 described using FIG. However, the IPNW unit 511 may not be provided.

The content receiving device 570 includes a user input unit 571, a network IF unit 577, a reception selection unit 576, a signal separation unit 578, a video processing unit 579, an audio processing unit 580, a graphics unit 581, and a digital IF. A unit 582 , a CPU 572 , a RAM 573 and an internal storage 574 are provided. These basically realize the same function as the function of the same name of the TV device 510 .

The content receiving device 570 further includes a storage IF section 575 . A storage IF unit 575 is an interface with the content storage 600 . The CPU 572 accesses data stored in the content storage 600 via the storage IF section 575 .

The content storage 600 holds a program guide application 601 and recorded content 603 . Furthermore, a reconstructed program guide 602 is also held in the content storage 600 .

The recorded content 603 is data of broadcast content recorded by the content receiving device 570 . The recorded content 603 stored in the content storage 600 enables re-viewing of the broadcast content, and is a type of re-service.

Recorded content 603 is stored in association with information specifying broadcast content.

The program guide application 601 receives the agent service provided by the agent service device 400 . Moreover, in this embodiment, the function of the program guide reconstruction unit 212 is also implemented. In the content receiving device 570, the CPU 572 develops the program guide application 601 in the RAM 573 and executes it, thereby realizing these functions.

The reconstructed program guide 602 created by the program guide reconstructing unit 212 by the program guide application 601 is sent to the TV device 510 a via the digital IF unit 582 and displayed on the display 524 . In this manner, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 presents the reconstructed program guide 602 to the user 216 and prompts the user 216 to select broadcast content.

When reconstructing the program guide, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 accesses the program information storage unit 221, the user information storage unit 222, and the search result storage unit 223 on the agent service device 400 side, and reconstructs necessary data (program data construction information). Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when recorded content 603 is stored in the content storage 600 in association with each acquired broadcast content, that information is also reflected in the reconstructed program table 602 .

As described above, in this embodiment, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 is implemented on the content viewing device 500a side. Therefore, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 can reflect the presence/absence of the recorded content 603 accumulated by the content viewing device 500a in the reconstructed program guide 602. FIG.

Next, the operation sequence when the program guide application 601 of this embodiment receives the agent service realized by the agent service device 400 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, as in the description using FIG. 12, a case where viewing of VOD content is requested in the reconstructed program table will be described as an example. Also, as shown in FIG. 6B, a case where the user 216 directly transmits a VOD delivery request to the VOD service device 203 will be described as an example. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected about the same process as FIG.

The program guide application 601 displays a login screen upon receiving a start instruction from the user. When the user 216 inputs login information (S101), it is accepted (S17).

The program guide application 601 transmits the received login information to the agent service device 400 as a reconstructed program guide request (S102). As an agent process, the agent service device 400 receives the login information and authenticates the user 216 (S18). Here, for example, the user information DB 432 is used to authenticate the user 216 . Then, if the authentication succeeds, the program data construction information is transmitted to the requesting program guide application 601 (S18a, S121).

The program guide reconstruction unit 212 realized by the program guide application 601 creates a reconstructed program guide using the program data construction information (S24). At this time, the information about the recorded content held in the content storage 600 of the content viewing device 500 itself is also reflected. Then, the created reconstructed program guide is transmitted to the TV device 510a (S105) and displayed (S19).

The user 216 selects broadcast content to view from the displayed reconstructed program guide (S106). When the program guide application 601 receives the selection by the user 216 (S20), it transmits the URI of the selected broadcast content (VOD) to the agent service device 400 as the selection result (S108).

The program guide application 601 also transmits a distribution request to the VOD service device 203 specified by the URI of the broadcast content (S20a), and receives the broadcast content transmitted in response to the distribution request (S21). Then, the received broadcast content is decoded and transmitted to the TV device 510 (S109).

The TV device 510 displays the broadcast content (S22).

When the user 216 instructs to end (logout) (S110), the program guide application 601 receives this (S23) and transmits it to the agent service device 400 (S111).

The agent service device 400 terminates the agent process (S18).

As shown in FIG. 6(c), when a VOD delivery request is transmitted via the program guide agent 211, instead of S20a, the agent service device 400 is the VOD service device 203 specified by the URI of the broadcast content. (S18b).

Here, an example of a reconstructed program guide reconstructed by the program guide reconstructing unit 212 of the present embodiment and displayed on the display 524 of the TV device 510a will be described.

FIG. 15 is an example of the reconstructed program table 100c of this embodiment. The reconstructed program table 100c reflects recorded contents. The same numbers are assigned to the same parts as those of the reconstructed program guides 100, 100a, and 100b, and redundant explanations are omitted.

The recorded content 603 is reflected in the reconstructed program table 100c. When broadcast content that has been broadcast in the past is in the list of recorded content 603 , for example, a recorded content display object 131 is displayed superimposed on the broadcast content in the broadcast information display area 107 .

Also in the description display area 114, a recorded content display object 131a indicating the recorded content is superimposed and displayed.

Next, FIG. 16 shows another example of the reconstructed program table displayed on the content viewing device 500 of this embodiment.

The reconstructed program table 100d is an arrangement of recording reservation buttons 131b of broadcast contents. The recording reservation button 131b is displayed in the explanation display area 114 as shown in the figure.

The program guide reconstruction unit 212 displays the recording reservation button 121b in the explanation display area 114 of the reconstructed program guide 100d.

When program guide application 601 detects that recording reservation button 121b has been pressed, program guide application 601 identifies the broadcast content corresponding to the program information displayed in explanation display area 114 at that time. The program guide application 601 instructs a recording/playback application (not shown) to record the specified broadcast content.

The recording/playback application performs recording when the broadcast start time comes as time elapses. The recorded content is stored in the content storage 600 as the recorded content 603 in association with information specifying the broadcast content of the recording source.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the case of searching for a re-service of past content on the network, it is possible to eliminate the user's waiting time for search results, and It is possible to provide a system capable of presenting the presence or absence of re-service immediately and in an easy-to-understand manner, and of eliminating duplication of search processing among a large number of users. That is, the user can know at once whether or not a plurality of past contents displayed in the program guide will be re-serviced. Also, a reconfigured program guide can be obtained with a short waiting time.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the content viewing device 500 used by the user 216 implements the function of the program guide reconstruction unit 212 . Therefore, it is possible to reflect the information unique to the device itself, such as the presence/absence of recording, in the reconfigured program guide.

In addition to this, the content viewing device 500a can be configured using general-purpose products such as TV devices, smartphones, tablet PCs, and stick-type PCs, and by reflecting the existence of recorded content, the user's viewing cost can be reduced. reduction, etc. can be realized.

In the above embodiment, the content viewing device 500a is realized by the TV device 510a and the content receiving device 570 as shown in FIG. However, it is not limited to this form. The content viewing device 500a may be realized by a TV device 510, an information terminal device 530, and a content terminal device 550, as shown in FIG.

In this case, the content terminal device 550 has a program that implements the program guide reconstruction unit 212 in the internal storage 553 . Then, the CPU 551 develops it in the RAM 552 and executes it, thereby realizing the program guide reconstruction unit 212 .

Also, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 11, a content storage 600 may be provided. In this case, the content terminal device 550 has a storage IF function and is configured to be able to access the content storage 600 .

It should be noted that the content receiving device 570 does not have to implement all the functions of the program guide reconstructing unit 212 in FIG. It is sufficient that the function of reflecting the recorded content 603 in the reconstructed program table is minimally realized. In this case, other functions are realized by the agent service device 400 side.

Furthermore, the program guide application 601 of this embodiment may implement a priority order determination function for determining the order of priority of selection by the user 216 . For example, when a plurality of types of broadcast content that are being re-serviced are selected, the priority determination unit selects the content to be reproduced according to the predetermined priority.

The priority may be determined by the re-service type or may be determined by the conditions.

For example, when the priority order is set such that the recorded content 603 has the highest priority, when the VOD content and the recorded content 603 are used to select the broadcast content that is being re-serviced, the recorded content 603 is automatically selected. be done. In addition, if the priority is set according to conditions such as the one with the lowest price, and if there are paid VOD content and free VOD content, free VOD distribution is selected. In addition, for example, a condition such as selecting a condition that can further reduce the amount of communication may be used.

By providing the priority determining unit in this way, the user 216 can receive the desired content re-service without trouble.

The priority order determination unit is realized, for example, by causing the CPU 572 to load a program stored in the content storage 600 or the internal storage 574 into the RAM 573 and execute the program.

<<Third Embodiment>>
Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described. This embodiment is an example in which all the functions of the content processing unit 206 are realized by the device on the user 216 side.

In this embodiment, the function of the program guide agent 211 is also realized by the device on the user 216 side. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, when the program guide agent 211 collects the program data construction information, it is possible to limit the range of collection using information unique to the user 216 .

The configuration of the content viewing system of this embodiment is obtained by removing the agent service device 400 from the system configuration of the first embodiment and the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9(a).

First, the content viewing device 500b of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of the content viewing device 500b of this embodiment.

A content viewing device 500b of this embodiment includes a display device 590, a content receiving device 570, and a content storage 600b.

The display device 590 has at least a configuration capable of realizing the display function of the TV devices 510 and 510a shown in FIGS. For example, it includes a digital IF unit 515 , a display output unit 522 , an audio output unit 523 , a display 524 and a speaker 525 . The output of content receiving device 570 is received by digital IF section 515 and output from display 524 and speaker 525 . Instead of the display device 590, TV devices 510 and 510a may be used.

The content storage 600b stores an agent application 611, which is a program that implements the functions of the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstruction unit 212. FIG. Further, in this embodiment, a service list 612, program data construction information 613, reconstructed program table 614, and recorded content 615 are stored.

The CPU 572 implements the function of the program guide agent 211 and the function of the program guide reconstructing unit 212 by developing the agent application 611 in the RAM 573 and executing it.

The program data construction information 613 is information collected by the program guide agent 211 and used by the program guide reconstruction unit 212 to create a reconstructed program guide. For example, it is the information held in the program information accumulation unit 221, the user information holding unit 222, and the search result holding unit 223 in FIG.

The service list 612 is a list storing contract information of the user 216 with each VOD service provider. In this embodiment, the program guide agent 211 refers to it during retrieval, and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 refers to it during reconstruction.

Information registered in the service list 612 will now be described. FIG. 18 is an example of the service list 612. As shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, the service list 612 includes login information (here, user ID 612b and password 612c) for each information (here, service name) 612a specifying a VOD service, login information (here, user ID 612b and password 612c) for using the service, A URI 612d of the VOD service and related information 612e such as a logo used for display are registered.

Note that, as shown in this figure, the service names of uncontracted VOD services may also be registered. That is, a list of VOD services for which the content viewing device 500b searches for the presence or absence of re-services via the network 201 may be registered regardless of the presence or absence of a contract. A list of unsubscribed VOD services is made by the user 216 or the manufacturer of the content viewing device 500b.

In the service list 612, a user ID 612b and a password 612c are registered as login information for the VOD service to which the user 216 has a viewing contract. On the other hand, the login information is not registered for the VOD service for which the contract has not been made. The service list 612 shown in FIG. 18 is an example in which the user 216 has a viewing contract only for the "MNK on-demand" service.

Note that the service list 612 may be configured so that the user 216 can edit it. For example, the agent application 611 displays an edit button 612f together with a list in response to a user's request. Then, upon accepting the press of the edit button 612f, the agent application 611 accepts input by the user to the service list 612. FIG.

Although the edit button 612f is shown in FIG. 18 for convenience, it is not managed as user information, but is a button for transitioning to an edit screen.

Content viewing device 500b is usually owned by an individual or family. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the service list 612 is put into a usable state as soon as the content viewing device 500b is activated.

The program guide agent 211 implemented by the agent application 611, when searching for re-services, searches only services of VOD service providers with contracts in the service list 612, for example, regarding the presence or absence of VOD distribution.

It should be noted that, as in the other embodiments, it may be configured to search for all VOD services to be searched regardless of whether they are contracted or not. In this case, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 refers to the service list 612 and creates a reconstructed program guide so that whether or not there is a contract or not can be identified.

In the content viewing device 500b of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the agent application 611 directly or indirectly confirms the presence or absence of re-service of the broadcast content with the VOD service device 203, the broadcast service device 202, and the streaming service device 204. , holds the confirmed result as the search result. It also manages user information. As described above, such collection of program data construction information is performed periodically or upon occurrence of a predetermined event.

Furthermore, the agent application 611 of this embodiment reconstructs the broadcast program guide according to the user's 216 request.

Then, in this embodiment, when receiving the provision of the re-service, the user 216 confirms the reconstructed program guide on the content viewing device 500b and selects the broadcast content to be viewed. The content viewing device 500b receives re-services from the VOD service device 203, the broadcasting service device 202, or the streaming service device 204 according to the user's selection, and reproduces them.

Here, FIG. 19 shows an example of a reconstructed program guide in this embodiment. The reconstructed program guide 100e basically has the same configuration as any of the reconstructed program guides 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d.

In the reconstructed program table 100e, a list of broadcast contents with re-services is displayed in an identifiable manner for the past contents. Here, for example, the logo 113a of the VOD service provider is displayed in each broadcast content column of the broadcast information display area 107. FIG. Also, the logo 113e may be displayed in the explanation display area 114 as well.

Furthermore, broadcast contents that are re-serviced by the VOD service provider with whom the user 216 has a contract and content by VOD service providers that are not contracted are displayed in a manner that allows them to be distinguished, for example, by changing the background color or character color. be done.

For example, in the example of FIG. 19, contracted broadcast content is displayed with a white background color, and non-contracted broadcast content is displayed with a background color other than white.

By displaying in such a manner, the user 216 can know whether or not there is a viewing contract for the broadcast content that the user 216 wishes to view.

It should be noted that, for example, there are re-services that can be temporarily viewed free of charge even if they are re-services provided by VOD service providers with whom no viewing contract has been signed. The program guide reconstructing unit 212 may further display such re-services in an identifiable manner.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19 , a spot viewable display object 123 is superimposed on the broadcast content display in the broadcast information display area 107 . At this time, the content may be displayed in the same manner as the contracted broadcast content. This allows the user to easily understand that viewing is possible.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the case of searching for a re-service of past content on the network, it is possible to eliminate the user's waiting time for search results, and It is possible to provide a system capable of presenting the presence or absence of re-service immediately and in an easy-to-understand manner.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user 216 side device also has the function of the program guide agent 211 . That is, the user-side device searches and collects program data construction information. Therefore, user-specific conditions such as whether or not there is a contract with a VOD service provider can be reflected at the time of searching. That is, the user's personal information can be used to limit the search range.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently collect reconstructed program listings containing useful information for users. Since the reconstructed program guide is generated using such information, the reconstructed program guide that is more user-friendly can be provided with less waiting time.

Note that the content viewer 700 may be provided in each of the above-described embodiments. The system configuration in this case is shown in FIG. 9(b). As shown in this figure, a content viewer 700 is connected to other devices via a network 201 . Also, the content viewing device 500 is directly connected.

In such a configuration, user 216 may view VOD-delivered broadcast content on content viewer 700 . In this case, the content viewing device 500 functions as a server that provides the content viewer 700 with the reconstructed program guide. On the other hand, the content viewer 700 functions as a client and receives reconstructed program listings.

The user 216 confirms the reconstructed program guide displayed on the content viewer 700 and receives the distribution service from the VOD service device 203 .

That is, the content viewer 700 identifies the broadcast content selected by the user via the reconstructed program guide, and notifies the content viewing device 500 of it. Then, the content viewing device 500 notifies the content viewer 700 of the distribution source information (distribution source address) of the VOD distribution service associated with the broadcast content. The content viewer 700 receives it, transmits a distribution request to the distribution source, and receives the distribution.

Content viewer 700 is implemented by, for example, a tablet PC. The content viewer 700 and the content viewing device 500 are connected via a LAN such as a home network. This protects the personal information of the user 216 and the like. The network means is not limited to this as long as it is means for protecting the personal information of the user 216 .

The embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19 are not limited to these, and for example, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with another embodiment. It is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. These all belong to the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, numerical values, messages, etc. appearing in sentences and drawings are only examples, and the effects of the present invention are not impaired even if different ones are used.

Moreover, the functions of the invention may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them in an integrated circuit, in whole or in part. Moreover, the microprocessor unit, CPU, etc. may be implemented by software by interpreting and executing an operation program for realizing each function. Moreover, the implementation range of software is not limited, and hardware and software may be used together.

100: Reconstructed program guide 100a: Reconstructed program guide 100b: Reconstructed program guide 100c: Reconstructed program guide 100d: Reconstructed program guide 100e: Reconstructed program guide 101: Current time display area 102a : reverse date button 102b: forward date button 103: date display area 104: media type display area 105: display area 106: time series display area 107: broadcast information display area 108: selection display frame 109a: thumbnail image, 109b: thumbnail image, 110: rebroadcast schedule display object, 111a: evaluation information display object, 111b: evaluation information display object, 111c: button for viewing evaluation, 112a: pay content display object, 112b: billing information Display Objects 113a: Logo 113b: Logo 113e: Logo 114: Explanation Display Area 114a: Program Explanation Button 115: Advertisement Display Area 116: Operation Instruction Reception Unit 116a: Cross Key Button 116b: OK button, 117a: move button, 117b: setting button, 117c: volume button, 117d: return button to home screen, etc., 119: series selection button, 120a: series display object, 120b: series display object, 120c: past broadcast program View button 121: VOD schedule object 121b: Recording reservation button 123: Spot viewable display object 131: Recorded content display object 131a: Recorded content display object 131b: Recording reservation button
200: Content Viewing System, 201: Network, 202: Broadcast Service Device, 203: VOD Service Device, 204: Streaming Service Device, 205: Search Engine, 206: Content Processing Unit, 211: Program Guide Agent, 212: Program Guide Replay Construction unit 213: Content reception/control unit 214: User input unit 215: Output unit 216: User 217: Broadcast signal 221: Program information storage unit 222: User information storage unit 223: Search result storage Section 224: Graphic symbols, etc., 225: Billing information, 226: Advertising information, 227: Evaluation information, 231: Broken line, 232: Broken line, 233: Broken line,
310: user information, 311: user, 312: user authentication information, 313: service list,
400: agent service device, 410: server device, 411: CPU, 412: RAM, 413: storage IF section, 414: IP network section, 415: internal storage, 430: storage device, 431: program information DB, 432: user Information DB, 433: Search result DB,
500: content viewing device, 500a: content viewing device, 500b: content viewing device, 510: TV device, 510a: TV device, 511: IPNW unit, 512: CPU, 513: RAM, 514: internal storage, 515: digital IF 516: Reception channel selection unit 517: User input unit 518: Signal separation unit 519: Video processing unit 520: Audio processing unit 521: Graphics unit 522: Display output unit 523: Audio output unit 524: display, 525: speaker, 530: information terminal device, 531: program guide access application, 550: content terminal device, 551: CPU, 552: RAM, 553: internal storage, 554: program presentation application, 555: NW communication Unit, 556: Audio processor, 557: Graphic processor, 558: Video processing unit, 559: Digital IF unit, 570: Content receiving device, 571: User input unit, 572: CPU, 573: RAM, 574: Internal storage, 575 : storage IF section, 576: reception selection section, 577: network IF section, 578: signal separation section, 579: video processing section, 580: audio processing section, 581: graphics section, 582: digital IF section, 590: display Device,
600: Content storage, 600b: Content storage, 601: Program guide application, 602: Reconstructed program guide, 603: Recorded content, 611: Agent application, 612: Service list, 612b: User ID, 612c: Password, 612d: URI , 612e: related information, 612f: edit button, 613: program data construction information, 614: reconstructed program guide, 615: recorded content, 700: content viewer

Claims (2)

A display device,
a storage unit for accumulating program information related to broadcast content broadcast in the past;
Based on the program information accumulated in the storage unit, search for the presence or absence of re-service content that can be distributed as a re-service from a content distribution server corresponding to the broadcast content that was broadcast in the past, and obtain search results. a reconstructing unit that creates a reconstructed program guide in association with the program information;
a display unit for displaying the reconstructed program guide created by the reconstructing unit,
When there is a contract with a provider of the re-service content in order to view the re-service content, the reconstruction unit is configured to identify the re-service content provided by the contracted provider. creating the reconstructed program guide;
A display device characterized by: The display device according to claim 1,
a selection reception unit that receives a selection operation of the re-service content to be viewed on the reconstructed program guide;
a communication unit;
The communication unit acquires the selected re-service content from the content distribution server,
the display unit displaying the re-service content acquired via the communication unit;
A display device characterized by:

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