JPH1175128A - Program selection device and system therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program selection device which can effectively retrieve and select a program that is adaptive to the liking of a user by integrating the viewing frequency for each attribute of the viewed programs to hold the viewing histories of programs and displaying the program information, based on these viewing histories. SOLUTION: This device includes a display part 104, a program attribute holding part 101 which holds plural program attributes representing the contents of each of a fixed number of programs, and a viewing history holding part 108 which holds the viewing histories of programs. Then the program attributes held at the part 101 are displayed at the part 104, based on the viewing histories held at the part 108. As a result, a program that is adaptive to the user's liking is displayed, based on the viewing history of the user when the user selects the programs. Thus, it's possible to effectively retrieve and select a program that is adaptive to the user's liking among a plurality of programs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a program selection device for searching and selecting a program based on program information, a program selection method, a recording medium storing a program selection program, and a program selection system (hereinafter referred to as "program selection device"). In particular, the present invention relates to a program selection device for searching and selecting a program suitable for the user's preference.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of satellite broadcasting and cable television broadcasting, the number of programs such as televisions and radios that can be viewed by users has been steadily increasing. However, in spite of the fact that the number of programs has been increasing, the method of searching and selecting programs that viewers want to view has not been improved much. Viewers select the program they want to watch from a large number of programs on "paper" media, such as newspaper and television program sections and specialized information magazines, and confirm the broadcast date and channel. I do. Alternatively, a program selection device may be used. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-303216 discloses a program selection device which has channel information and broadcast time information for each program, searches for a corresponding program when a viewer specifies a keyword, and automatically performs a reservation operation such as program recording. It is disclosed in the gazette.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned work has become extremely troublesome and difficult for viewers with the increase in the number of programs. When a conventional program selection device is used, the search function is based on a predetermined keyword without considering the user's preference, and the information displayed on the screen at a time is "paper". No consideration is given to the fact that the number is very small compared to the “depending on” media, so that it is difficult to efficiently search and select programs that match the user's preferences.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a program selection device for efficiently searching for and selecting a program suitable for a user's preference in view of such a problem.

[0005]

A program selection device according to the present invention is a device for selecting a program, comprising a display means, a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of a program for each program of a fixed amount, and a program name. A program information holding unit that holds a plurality of program attributes including: a viewing history holding unit that integrates a viewing frequency of each program attribute for a viewed program to hold a viewing history of the program; and holds the viewing history holding unit. And display control means for displaying the program information held in the program information holding means on the display means based on the obtained viewing history.

[0006] Thereby, based on the viewing frequency of the user, when the user selects a program, a program attribute suitable for the user's preference can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. (Embodiment 1) In Embodiment 1, an apparatus for displaying a message relating to a counter program will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a program selection device according to the present invention.

The present apparatus comprises a program attribute holding unit 101, a program attribute acquisition unit 102, a program table generation unit 103, a display unit 104,
Input unit 105, program selection unit 106, viewing program extraction unit 10
7, a viewing history holding unit 108, a viewing frequency extracting unit 109, a viewing frequency holding unit 110, a program attribute extracting unit 111, and a link generating unit 112. Program attribute holding unit 101
Holds a program attribute for each program. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of program attributes for each broadcasting station. Here, the program attribute is
The information (broadcast start date and time, program name, contents, performer, genre, link) indicating the detailed contents of the program as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the broadcast start date and time, the program name, the contents, the cast, and the genre are sent in advance from the broadcast station, and the link is generated by the link generation unit 112. For example, information indicating program attributes as shown in FIG. 2 is stored in the hard disk.

[0009] The program attribute acquisition unit 102 is a program table generation unit 1
The program attribute of the time including the time designated by the program table display request from the program 03 is acquired from the program attribute holding unit 101.
For example, information representing the program attributes 201, 202, and 203 in FIG. 2 is obtained. When the user inputs a program search, the program guide generation unit 103 determines the amount of information to be displayed from the size of the display area of the display unit 104 based on the input from the input unit 105, and acquires the program attribute. A program guide is generated from the program attributes acquired by the unit 102 and displayed on the display unit 104. Also, if the user inputs a program selection,
In response to the notification from the program selection unit 106, the display of the program selected by the user is emphasized. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a program table. For example, a program table is generated from information for two channels that can be displayed on a television screen as shown in program attributes 201 and 202 in FIG. 2, converted into an image signal, and output to a television. In addition, the display of the selected program “only child 50” as indicated by 306 in FIG. 3 is emphasized. Where 30
1 is a date display unit, 302 is a time display unit, 303 is a program attribute display unit, 304 is a link information display unit, 305 is a scroll icon display unit, 306 is a selected program, and 3
07 is a channel display unit, 308 is a program name display unit, 30
9 is a content display section, and 310 is a performer display section. In addition,
As shown in FIG. 2 (b) 204, the program "Kayo Best Sen"
Are held, but the performer display section 310
Since the display area of is limited, only four persons are displayed.

[0010] Further, the program guide generation unit 103 searches the program attribute acquisition unit 102 for link information of all programs broadcasted in the same time zone as the processed program. The information is detected, and a message including the program attribute in the information of the detected link is displayed. For example, information of a link including the program attribute “Hiromi Yamazaki” is detected, and a message “there is a program featuring Hiromi Yamazaki in the back program” is displayed.

The display unit 104 displays the program table generated by the program table generator 103. For example, a program guide as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on a television screen. The input unit 105 is for the user to perform operations such as program search and program selection.
For example, when the user presses a button on the infrared remote control, input of a channel and time, and input of search and selection of a program are performed.

[0012] A program selection unit 106 receives a program selection by the user, and actually receives, makes a reservation for reception, or makes a reservation for recording the program selected by the user. And the like, and notifies the program guide generation unit 103 that the processing has been performed. For example, when the user presses a button on the infrared remote controller, the program guide generation unit 103 makes a reservation to receive the program “Only child 50” of the program guide displayed on the television screen as shown by 306 in FIG. Notify.

[0013] The viewed program extracting section 107 extracts the program attribute of the program viewed from the program attribute holding section 101. For example, when the program "One Child" at 13:45 on January 10 is viewed, a program attribute as indicated by 204 in FIG. 2A is extracted. The viewing history holding unit 108 holds the viewing history as a viewing history table by sequentially holding the program attributes of each program extracted by the viewing program extracting unit 107.
Here, the viewing history refers to the history of the program attributes and channels excluding the link of the viewed program. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a viewing history table. For example, if you actually watch a program,
The information is stored in the hard disk as information indicating the viewing history table as shown in FIG.

The viewing frequency extracting section 109 sequentially reads out the program attributes from the viewing history table, and extracts the viewing frequency by adding up the number of times of reading for each program attribute. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a viewing frequency table. For example, the program attributes are sequentially read from the information indicating the viewing history table as shown in FIG. 4, and the viewing frequency as shown in FIG. 5 is extracted by integrating the number of times of reading for each program attribute.

The viewing frequency holding unit 110 holds the viewing frequency extracted by the viewing frequency extracting unit 109 as a viewing frequency table. For example, information indicating a viewing frequency table as shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the hard disk. Program attribute extraction unit 111
Extracts from the viewing frequency holding unit 110 a program attribute having a viewing frequency equal to or higher than a preset numerical value. For example,
Assuming that the preset numerical value is 3, a program attribute of the performer 501 “Hiromi Yamazaki” whose viewing frequency is 3 or more is extracted from the viewing frequency table of FIG.

[0016] The link generation unit 112 is a program attribute holding unit 1
From 01, a program that shares the program attribute extracted by the program attribute extraction unit 111 is detected, and a link is generated to the program attribute of each program. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101. For example, the program 601 “Hot child” of FIG. 6 sharing the program attribute of performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”,
The program 602 "one child", the program 603 "kayo bestsen" and the program 604 "piano course" are detected, and links 605, 606, 607 and 608 for each program are generated, and the data is stored in the hard disk of the program attribute holding unit 101. To memorize.

Next, a detailed operation of the present apparatus will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the first embodiment. Here, the program guide display operation before link generation is described with reference to FIG.
It is assumed that the program attributes shown in FIG. 2 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101.

First, when a user inputs a channel and time using the input unit 105, a request for displaying a program table is generated. For example, when the user inputs 7:00 am on January 10 of the MHK synthesis (CH1) shown in FIG. 2A, a display request for the program guide is generated (step 701). Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101, and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 102
Acquires the program attributes of the programs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on January 10 from all broadcast stations from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes them to the program table generating unit 103 (step 702).

Next, the program table generator 103 is operated by the display 104
The amount of information to be displayed is determined based on the size of the display area, and a program guide is generated and displayed on the display unit 104. Here, a program guide is generated from the program attributes for two channels that can be displayed by the program guide generator 103, 201 in FIG. 2A and 202 in FIG. 2B and displayed on the display 104 (step 70).
3).

Next, when the user selects a program displayed on the display unit 104 using the input unit 105, a program selection request is generated. For example, if the user uses MHK General (C
A program selection request is generated by selecting the program "Only child 50" at 8:45 am on January 10 in H1) (step 704). Next, the program selector 106 processes one of the programs and notifies the program guide generator 103. In response to this, the program table generator 103 emphasizes the display of the program. FIG. 3 shows the program table generated here. Here, the program selection unit 106 makes a reservation for receiving the program “One-only child”, and the program guide generation unit 103 emphasizes the display of the program “One-only child 50” as indicated by 306 in FIG. 3 (step 70).
5).

Next, the program guide generation unit 103 searches the program attribute acquisition unit 102 for link information of all programs broadcast in the same time zone as the processed program, and displays a message if there is no link information. End the operation without executing. Here, since there is no link information, the message display is not executed and the operation ends (step 706). Before the link is generated, no message is displayed (step S7).
07).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the basic algorithm of link generation. Here, the link generation operation will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is assumed that a certain program is actually viewed. Here, it is assumed that the program "One Child" indicated by 204 in FIG. 2A has been viewed (step 801). Next, the viewing program extraction unit 107 extracts the program attributes of the program viewed from the program attribute holding unit 101.
Here, a program attribute as indicated by 204 in FIG. 2A is extracted (step 802).

Next, the viewing history holding unit 108 holds the viewing history as a viewing history table by sequentially holding the extracted program attributes for each program. Here, the viewing history of the program "One Child" is stored in the viewing history table (step 803). FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a viewing history table before viewing the program "One-only child", and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a viewing history table after viewing the program "One-only child".

Next, the viewing frequency extracting unit 109 sequentially reads out the program attributes from the viewing history table, and extracts the viewing frequency by adding up the number of times of reading for each program attribute. Hold. Here, the viewing frequency is extracted from the viewing history table of FIG. 4 and stored (step 804). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a viewing frequency table before viewing the program “One-only child”, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a viewing frequency table after viewing the program “One-only child”. FIG.
Is extracted from the viewing history table shown in FIG. 10, and the viewing frequency table shown in FIG. 5 is extracted from the viewing history table shown in FIG.

Next, the program attribute extracting unit 111 extracts a program attribute having a viewing frequency equal to or higher than a preset numerical value from the viewing frequency holding unit 110. If there is no corresponding program attribute, the operation ends without doing anything. Here, assuming that the preset numerical value is 3, the program attribute of the performer 501 “Hiromi Yamazaki” whose viewing frequency is 3 or more is extracted from the viewing frequency table of FIG. 5 (step 805, step 80).
6).

Next, the link generation unit 112 searches the program attribute holding unit 101 for a program sharing the program attribute extracted by the program attribute extraction unit 111, and generates a link in the program attribute group of the program. Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101 after the above-mentioned link is generated. In this example, the program 601 “only child” and the program 60 of FIG.
2. Search for "one child", program 603 "kayo best sen" and program 604 "piano course", and generate links 605, 606, 607 and 608 to the program attribute group of the program (step 807).

FIG. 11 shows a program attribute holding unit 101 after generating the above-mentioned link of a user who likes the program "One Child".
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of FIG. Here, the format of the link information is defined as follows. <Program attribute item that caused link> its attribute value (<program attribute item “program name” representing program name of first link destination)
The program name <the program attribute item "broadcast start date and time" for specifying the first link destination program> the broadcast start date and time <the program attribute item "channel" for specifying the first link destination program> Channel,..., <Program attribute item “program name” indicating the program name of the n-th link destination> its program name <n
Program attribute item "broadcast start date and time" for specifying the program at the link destination> broadcast start date and time <program attribute item "channel" for specifying the program at the nth link destination>
For example, “Yomi Yamazaki (<program name> Kayo Best Sen <channel> CH2, <program name> piano course <broadcast start date and time>) 1/24 13:00 <channel> shown in 605 of FIG. CH3, <program name>
Is the only one sharing the program attribute value "Hiromi Yamazaki" of the program attribute item "Performer" with the program name "Kayo Bestsen" of the first program attribute item "Program name". , One called "channel"
The second program attribute item, "CH2",
A second program attribute item called "program name" called "piano course", a second program attribute item called "broadcast start date and time" and a broadcast start date and time "1/24 13:00"
"CH3" of the second program attribute item "Channel"
, And a third program attribute item of “program name”, which is “the only child”. In this example, the “broadcast start date and time” is omitted only when there is no need for limitation, and the “channel” is omitted only when the broadcast station is the same. Thus, the third program attribute item, the program name “One-only child”, represents two programs, the program 601 “One-child” and the program 602 “One-child”.

Next, the operation of displaying the program guide after link generation will be described with reference to FIG. Consider a case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101. First, when a user inputs a channel and time using the input unit 105, a display request of a program guide is generated. For example, when the user inputs 7:00 am on January 17 of the XYZ television (CH2) shown in FIG. 6B, a display request of the program guide is generated (step 701).

Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 stores the program attributes of the programs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on January 17 of all broadcast stations in the program attribute holding unit 1.
01 and passed to the program guide generator 103 (step 702).

Next, the program table generator 103 is operated by the display 104
The amount of information to be displayed is determined based on the size of the display area, and a program guide is generated and displayed on the display unit 104. Here, a program table is generated from the program attributes for two channels that can be displayed by the program table generator 103, 610 in FIG. 6B and 611 in FIG. 6C, and displayed on the display 104 (step 70).
3).

Next, when the user selects a program displayed on the display unit 104 using the input unit 105, a program selection request is generated. For example, when the user selects the program “Serial Drama“ Saiyuki ”” at 8:10 am on January 17 on XYZ TV (CH2), a program selection request is issued (step 704). Next, the program selector 106 processes one of the programs and notifies the program guide generator 103.
In response to this, the program table generator 103 emphasizes the display of the program. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a program table displayed by the above procedure. Here, the program selecting unit 106 makes a reservation to receive the program “Serial drama“ Saiyuki ””, and the program guide generating unit 103 displays the program “Serial drama“ Seiyuki ”” as shown by 1201 in FIG. (Step 70)
5).

Next, the program guide generation unit 103 searches the program attribute acquisition unit 102 for link information of all programs broadcast in the same time zone as the processed program, and displays a message if link information is available. Go to run. Here, the broadcast date and time of the program "Seiki Drama" Saiyuki "" is searched for link information of all programs broadcasted from 8:10 am to 9:00 am on January 17, and since there is link information, a message is displayed. Is displayed (step S706).

If there is link information, the link information is detected, and a message including the program attribute in the detected link information is displayed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a program table displayed by the above procedure. Here, the link 605 in FIG. 6A is detected, and a message 1301 in FIG. 13 “There is a program featuring Hiromi Yamazaki in the back program” is displayed (step S707).

Although only the message is displayed in the present embodiment, the reservation of the corresponding counterprogram may be automatically performed. Further, in the present embodiment, a link is generated only when the viewing frequency is 3 or more, but processing may be performed in descending order of the viewing frequency, or a link may be generated for each viewing frequency. Is also good.

In this embodiment, a link is generated. However, the above processing may be performed without mediation of the link, or a link may be generated as needed. In this embodiment, the viewing history is
Although the program attributes of the viewed program are extracted and generated, the program attributes of a selected program or a reserved program may be extracted and generated.

The above-described program selection device is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program.
The program is provided by being stored in a storage medium. (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 2, an apparatus for displaying program attributes in order of priority and viewing frequency will be described.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention. Since there are many parts similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, only the differences will be described. The program table generating unit 103 is configured not only to use the program attributes acquired by the program attribute acquiring unit 102 but also
The program table is generated using the viewing frequency and the buffer 113. For example, a program table is generated from information on two channels that can be displayed on a television screen as shown in program attributes 610 and 611 in FIG. 6 and a viewing frequency as shown in FIG. Output. FIG. 15 shows a program table displayed at this time. Note that 609 in FIG.
As shown in the figure, seven performers of the program “Kyo Besten” are held, but since the display area of the performer display section 1501 is limited, the buffer 113 is used to link 6
07, the program attribute "Hiromi Yamazaki" is found and rearranged for preferential display, and the remaining six performers are rearranged in descending order of the viewing frequency shown in FIG. 5, and only the top four are displayed.

The buffer 113 is a buffer for temporarily storing data when the program guide generator 103 generates a program guide. For example, it is used to sort seven performers of the program “Kyoyo Bestsen” in descending order of viewing frequency. Next, a detailed operation of the present apparatus will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the program attributes for each broadcasting station. Here, it is assumed that the broadcast start date and time, the program name, the contents, the cast, and the genre have been sent from the broadcast station in advance, and the link has been created in the first embodiment.

It is assumed that the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101, and the viewing frequency of the viewing frequency holding unit 110 is as shown in FIG. FIG.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the second embodiment. First, the user enters the input unit 1
By inputting the channel and the time using 05, a display request for the program guide is generated. For example, if the user
By inputting 7:00 a.m. on January 17 of the XYZ television (CH2) shown in (a), a display request for a program guide is generated (step 1601).

Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 stores the program attributes of the programs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on January 17 of all broadcast stations in the program attribute holding unit 1.
01 and passed to the program guide generator 103 (step 1602).

Next, when all the program attributes of the program can be displayed in the display area of one program, the program guide generation unit 103 proceeds to the end determination without performing the process of generating the program guide in the order of viewing frequency. Here, as an example of the processing, the processing for the program attribute “performer” regarding the program “Kyoyo Bestsen” will be described. In the display area of the program “Kyoyo Bestsen”, four people can be displayed with one line as the program name, two lines as the content, and four lines as the performers. On the other hand, as shown by 609 in FIG.
Since seven performers are held, it is determined that all the performers cannot be displayed (step 1603).

If all the program attributes of the program cannot be displayed in the display area of one program, it is determined whether or not the program being processed has link information. If there is no link information, the processing based on the link information is not performed. here,
Since it has the link information indicated by reference numeral 607 in FIG. 6B, a process based on the link information is performed (step 160).
4).

If there is link information, the program attribute causing the link included in the link information is stored in the buffer 113. Here, the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki” is obtained from the link information of the program “Kyo Best Sen” indicated by 607 in FIG. 6B and stored in the buffer 113 (step 1605). Next, the program attributes are rearranged in the order of the viewing frequency with reference to the viewing frequency table, a program table is generated, and the generated program table is stored in the buffer 113. Here, with reference to the viewing frequency table of FIG. 5, three people who can be displayed except for the performer "Hiromi Yamazaki"
Performer "POKIO" (viewing frequency 2), performer "Seiko Umeda" (viewing frequency 1) and performer "Shinji Kawamura" (viewing frequency 1) are arranged in order of viewing frequency, and a program table is generated and stored in the buffer 113. I do. (Step 1606).

Next, it is determined whether the processing of the program to be displayed has been completed. If not, return to display area judgment
(Step 1607). Here, the description of the processes related to other programs and other program attributes will be omitted. When the processing of all the programs to be displayed has been completed, the program guide stored in the buffer is displayed on the display unit 104. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the program guide displayed at this time (step 1608). FIG.
12 is compared with 1202 in FIG. 12, the program attribute “Hiromi Yamazaki” that caused the link is the first, and the performer “POK” with the highest viewing frequency excluding the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”
"IO" is displayed second.

In the present embodiment, program attributes whose viewing frequency is higher than a preset numerical value are displayed preferentially, and the rest are displayed in descending order of viewing frequency. May be displayed, or may be displayed only in descending order of the viewing frequency. In addition, although the rearrangement is performed only for the performers, other program attributes may of course be used, or different program attributes may be combined or the rearrangement of only a specific part may be prohibited. That is, any object may be used as long as the program attributes whose viewing frequency is equal to or higher than a preset numerical value are displayed preferentially or displayed in descending order of viewing frequency.

In the present embodiment, a link is generated, but the above processing may be performed without mediating the link, or a link may be generated as needed. In this embodiment, the viewing history is
Although the program attributes of the viewed program are extracted and generated, the program attributes of a selected program or a reserved program may be extracted and generated.

The above-described program selection device is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program.
The program is provided by being stored in a storage medium. (Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 3, an apparatus for displaying a linked program name and displaying a linked program table will be described.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention. Since there are many parts similar to the configuration of the first embodiment, only the differences will be described. Using the buffer 113, the program guide generation unit 103 adds and displays the program name of the link destination. For example, a program guide is generated from information on two channels that can be displayed on the television screen as shown in the program attributes 610 and 611 in FIG. 6, and the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki” is transmitted from the link 607 in FIG. , And the program name “One Child” and the program name “Piano Course”, add this information, convert it to an image signal, and output it to the television. FIG. 18 shows a program table displayed at this time. As shown at 1801 in FIG. 18, the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki” has the program name “Hot child”
And the program name "Piano Course" is added and displayed.

The buffer 113 is a buffer for temporarily storing data when the program guide generator 103 generates a program guide. For example, it is used to add and display the program name “Hitomikko” and the program name “Piano Course” to the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”. The link selection unit 114 selects one of the link destinations displayed on the display unit 104 based on the input information from the input unit 105, and
A request is made to generate the program guide of the selected link destination at 03. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which the program name "Piano Course" at the link destination is selected. For example, when the program name “piano lecture” is selected as shown in 1901 in FIG. 19, the program guide generation unit 103 generates a program table with the program name “piano lecture” as shown in 2001 in FIG. FIG. 20 shows a program table displayed at this time.

Next, a detailed operation of the present apparatus will be described. It is assumed that the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101, and the viewing frequency table of the viewing frequency holding unit 110 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the third embodiment.

First, when a user inputs a channel and time using the input unit 105, a display request for a program guide is generated. For example, when the user operates the MHK shown in FIG.
By inputting 7:00 am on January 17 of the total (CH1), a display request for the program guide is generated (step 2101).
Next, the program attribute acquisition unit 102 acquires the program attribute of the time including the designated time from the program attribute holding unit 101, and passes it to the program table generation unit 103. Here, the program attribute acquisition unit 10
2 acquires the program attributes of the programs from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on January 17 of all the broadcasting stations from the program attribute holding unit 101 and passes them to the program table generating unit 103 (step 2102).

Next, the program table generator 103 determines whether the program being processed has link information. If there is no link information, the processing based on the link information is not performed. Here, as an example of the processing, the processing related to the program “Kyoyo Bestsen” indicated by 603 in FIG. 6B will be described. Since the program “Kyo Best Vest” has the link information indicated by 607 in FIG. 6B, processing is performed based on the link information (step 2103).

When the link information is provided, the program attribute and the link destination program name which cause the link included in the link information are stored in the buffer 113. Here, the performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”, the program name “Hittorikko”, and the program name “Piano Course” are obtained from the information of the link of the program “Kayo Bestsen” and stored in the buffer 113 (step 210).
4).

Next, display contents for each program are generated from program attributes other than the link information and stored in the buffer 113.
Here, the display contents of the program “Kyoyo Bestsen” are generated (step 2105). Next, it is determined whether the processing of the program to be displayed has been completed. If not, the process returns to the link information determination (step 2106). Here, the description of the processing related to other programs is omitted.

When the processing of the program to be displayed has been completed, the program table stored in the buffer 113 is displayed on the display unit 104.
To be displayed. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the program guide displayed at this time (step 2107). Comparing 1801 in FIG. 18 with 1202 in FIG. 12, the link destination program name “Holiday” and “Piano Course” are displayed next to the program attribute “Hiromi Yamazaki” which caused the link.

The user can select a program by any method using a general user interface, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, means such as selection with a remote control key or a cross cursor may be used. As shown in FIG. 19, the program name “Piano Course”
Is selected, the link to the program “Piano Course” is interpreted, and the link selection unit 114 sends the program table generation unit 10
3 is requested to generate a program table, and a program table including the program “Piano Course” is displayed. FIG. 20 shows a program table displayed at this time.

In the present embodiment, if there is link information, it is always added and displayed. However, the display may be set to ON or OFF by a user's instruction, They may be displayed automatically in conjunction with each other. Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program, but is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. You may.

The above-described program selection device is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program.
The program is provided by being stored in a storage medium. (Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 4, a device for identifying a user will be described. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention.

Since there are many parts similar to the structure of the first embodiment, only the differences will be described. The user identification unit 115 identifies a user at the time of use. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input unit, that is, a remote controller 2301. A key 2302 is a key for switching the user A, and a key 2303 is a key for switching the user B. For example, when the key 2302 is pressed, the user is identified as A, and when the key 2303 is pressed, the user is identified as B. The remote control 23
The other keys 01 are used for selecting a program, turning on the power, and the like, and are the same as those of a general TV remote controller, so that the details are omitted.

The individual viewing history holding section 116 generates an individual viewing history table based on the viewing history of programs actually viewed for each user. For example, an individual viewing history table is generated based on the viewing history of programs actually viewed for each of the users A and B. The viewing frequency extraction unit 109 extracts the viewing frequency from the individual viewing history table of the selected user. For example, the viewing frequency of users A and B is as shown in FIG.

Next, a detailed operation of the present apparatus will be described. Consider a case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101. Here, users A and B
Is assumed to be as shown in FIG. However, the link information is different for each user. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for user switching according to the fourth embodiment.

First, it waits for an input to occur (step 2501). Here, a process when the user A operates the input unit to select the user A will be described. When an input occurs, if the input content is a user switching request, the process proceeds to the switching process of the individual viewing history table, and if not, the process proceeds to the program selection process. Here, since the input content is a user switching request by the selection of the user A, the process goes to the individual viewing history table switching process (step 25).
02).

If the input content is a user switching request, the user identification unit 115 performs a process of switching the personalized viewing history table to that of the currently used user,
Return to waiting for input. Here, the user identification unit 115
However, the personal viewing history table is switched to that of the user A (step 2503). If the input content is not a user switching request, a program selection process is performed, and the process returns to wait for input (step 2504).

Subsequently, the user A receives the XYZ television (CH
By selecting 7:00 am on January 17 in 2), the program guide shown in FIG. 12 is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step 2501, step 2502, step 2504). Here, even if the user A operates the input unit to select any program, as shown in FIG. No message is displayed because there is no link information lower than 3.

Subsequently, when the user B operates the input unit to select the user B, the user identification unit 115 identifies the user as B, and switches the individual viewing frequency table to that of the user B. (Step 2501, Step 2502, Step 2
503). Subsequently, the user B receives the XYZ television (CH2)
By selecting 7:00 am on January 17, the program table is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step 2).
501, step 2502, step 2504).

Here, when the user B operates the input unit and selects the program "High school baseball", as shown by 2401 in FIG. Since the viewing frequency of “Saiyuki” is equal to or greater than the preset numerical value of 3, there is a serial drama “Saiyuki” in 2601 “back program” in FIG. Is displayed. FIG. 26 shows the program table generated here.

Although the display of the program guide according to the present embodiment is based on the first embodiment, it may be based on the second or third embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing frequency table and the link are generated from the individual viewing history table every time the user is switched, but the viewing frequency table and the individual link information may be stored for each individual. Alternatively, the information of the individual viewing frequency table and the link of the individual may be generated in advance for each individual.

Further, in the present embodiment, the users A, B
However, it goes without saying that any number of people can realize this. Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program, but is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. You may.

The above-described program selection device is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program.
The program is provided by being stored in a storage medium. (Fifth Embodiment) In a fifth embodiment, a description will be given of a device for identifying a user by further setting an input unit for each user.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the program selecting apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Since there are many parts similar to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, only the differences will be described. The input unit 105a is for the user A to perform operations such as program search and selection, and the input unit 105b is for the user B
Are for performing operations such as program search and selection. Each input unit outputs information for identifying a user. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input unit. FIG.
FIG. 2A shows a remote controller 2801 dedicated to the user A.
FIG. 8B illustrates a remote controller 2802 dedicated to the user B. The keys of the remote controllers 2801 and 2802 are used for selecting a program, turning on the power, and the like, and are the same as those of a general TV remote controller.

The user identification section 115 identifies a user at the time of use. For example, when the remote controller 2801 is operated, the user is identified as A, and when the remote controller 2802 is operated, the user is identified as B. Next, a detailed operation of the present apparatus will be described. Consider a case where the program attributes shown in FIG. 6 are stored in a part of the program attribute holding unit 101. Here, it is assumed that the viewing frequency of the users A and B is as shown in FIG. However, the link information is different for each user.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for user switching according to the fifth embodiment. First, variables “N” and “M” are initialized. The variable “N” records the identification number of the input unit that generated the input being processed,
The variable “M” records the identification number of the input unit processed immediately before. Here, for example, “0” is assigned as an initial value to the variables “N” and “M” (step 2901).

Next, it waits for an input from the input unit 105a or 105b to occur (step 2902). Here, a process in the case where the user A operates the input unit 105a to select 7:00 am on January 17 of the XYZ television (CH2) will be described. When an input occurs, the identification number of the input unit where the input has occurred is recorded in a variable “N”. Here, the identification number “1” of the input unit 105a is recorded in the variable “N” (Step 2903).

Next, the variable “N” and the variable “M” are compared. If they are different, the process goes to the individual viewing history table switching process, and if they are the same, the process goes to the program selection process without performing the individual viewing history table switching process. Here, the variable “N” is “
Since the variable "M" is different from "0" at "1", the process goes to the switching process of the individual viewing history table (step 2904). If the variable “N” is different from the variable “M”, the user identification unit 115 performs a process of switching the individual viewing history table to one corresponding to the input unit that generated the input being processed. here,
The personalized viewing history table is switched to that of user A (step 2905).

Next, the variable “N” is substituted for the variable “M”. Here, the value “1” of the variable “N” is substituted for the variable “M” (step 2906). Next, program selection processing is performed, and the process returns to waiting for input. Here, the user A is XY
Since 7:00 am on January 17 of Z TV (CH2) is selected, the program guide shown in FIG. 12 is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step 2907).

Here, even if the user A operates the input unit to select any program, as shown in FIG. 24A, the viewing frequency of the user A's individual viewing frequency table is set in advance. No message is displayed because there is no link information lower than the given numerical value 3. Subsequently, the user B operates the input unit 105b to operate the XYZ television (CH2) on January 1st.
When 7:00 am on the 7th is selected, the user identification unit 115 switches the individual viewing frequency table to that of the user B, and the program table is displayed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step 2).
902, step 2903, step 2904, step 2905, step 2906, step 2907).

Here, when the user B operates the input unit and selects the program “High school baseball”, as shown at 2401 in FIG. Since the viewing frequency of “Saiyuki” is equal to or greater than the preset numerical value of 3, there is a serial drama “Saiyuki” in 2601 “back program” in FIG. Is displayed. FIG. 26 shows the program table generated here.

Although the display of the program guide of this embodiment is based on the first embodiment, it may be based on the second or third embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing frequency table and the link are generated from the individual viewing history table every time the user is switched, but the viewing frequency table and the individual link information may be stored for each individual. Alternatively, the information of the individual viewing frequency table and the link of the individual may be generated in advance for each individual.

Further, in the present embodiment, the users A, B
However, it goes without saying that any number of people can realize this. Further, in the present embodiment, the viewing history is generated by extracting the program attributes of the viewed program, but is generated by extracting the program attributes of the selected program or the reserved program. You may.

The above-described program selection device is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program.
The program is provided by being stored in a storage medium. (Embodiment 6) In paid commercial satellite broadcasting, cable television, and the like, a charging system for paying only for programs actually viewed by a user has been generalized. Is sent to the broadcasting station via a general telephone line or the like. Embodiments 6 and 7 are devices that use the viewing information for each user sent to the broadcast station in this way.

Embodiment 6 describes a program selection system in which a broadcast device holds a viewing history, a receiving device receives the viewing history held in the broadcasting device, and displays a message about a counterprogram. FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of Embodiment 6 of the program selection system according to the present invention.

The same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the components having the same functions will be omitted. This system includes a broadcasting device 3050 and a receiving device 3000.
The broadcasting device 3050 is a broadcasting station, and the program attribute holding unit 30
51, a viewing program extraction unit 107, a viewing history holding unit 108, and a viewing history transmission unit 117.

The receiving apparatus 3000 is different from the configuration of the program information search apparatus of the first embodiment in that the viewing program extracting section 107 and the viewing history holding section 108 are deleted, and the viewing history receiving section 118 is added. The program attribute holding unit 3051 holds the program attribute for each program, similarly to the program attribute holding unit 101.

The viewing history transmitting unit 117 periodically or in accordance with a request from the receiving device 3000,
Is transmitted to the viewing history receiving unit 118. The viewing history receiving unit 118 acquires a viewing history similar to that held by the viewing history holding unit 108 in the first embodiment from the viewing history transmitting unit 117. Program attribute holding unit 101
Holds a program attribute including link information for each program. The detailed operation of the present system is the same as that of the first embodiment if the entire system is regarded as one program information search device, and the description thereof is omitted.

This embodiment is a program selection system in which the broadcast program includes the viewed program extracting section 107 and the viewing history holding section 108 of the first embodiment, and the other apparatus is included in the receiving apparatus.
Similarly, the present invention may be a program selection system that includes the viewing program extraction unit 107 and the viewing history holding unit 108 according to the second to fifth embodiments in a broadcasting device, and the other in a receiving device.

The viewing history holding unit 108 holds all the program attributes of the program watched by the user, but may hold a part of the program attributes. Only the minimum possible information may be stored. For example, only the “viewing period” and “CH”, or only an identifier (ID) that can uniquely specify a program may be held. In this case, when the viewing frequency is extracted, the viewing frequency extraction unit 109 extracts all the program attributes of the program from the program attribute holding unit 101 using the minimum information that can identify the program, and then extracts the viewing frequency. Is extracted.

The above-described program selection device is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program.
The program is provided by being stored in a storage medium. (Embodiment 7) In Embodiment 7, a broadcast device retains a viewing history to generate link information, a receiving device receives a program attribute including link information from the broadcast device, and displays a message about a counterprogram. The following describes a program selection system to be executed.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the seventh embodiment of the program selection system according to the present invention. The same components as those of the program information search device shown in FIG. 1 according to the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the components having the same functions will be omitted. The present system uses the broadcast device 315
0 and the receiving device 3100.

Broadcasting apparatus 3150 is a broadcasting station, and includes program attribute storage section 119, viewing program extraction section 107, viewing history storage section 108, viewing frequency extraction section 109, and viewing frequency storage section 11.
0, a program attribute extraction unit 111, a link generation unit 112, and a program attribute transmission unit 120. The receiving apparatus 3100 includes a program attribute storage unit 101, a program attribute acquisition unit 102, a program table generation unit 103, a display unit 104, an input unit 105, and a program selection unit 106.

The program attribute holding unit 119 holds program attributes for each program, similarly to the program attribute holding unit 101. The program attribute transmitting unit 120 transmits the program attribute including the link information held in the program attribute holding unit 119 to the program attribute holding unit 101 periodically or in response to a request from the receiving device 3100.

The program attribute holding unit 101 holds program attributes including link information for each program. The detailed operation of the present system is the same as that of the first embodiment if the entire system is regarded as one program information search device, and the description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the viewing program extracting unit 1 of the first embodiment is used.
07, the viewing history holding unit 108, the viewing frequency extracting unit 109,
This is a program selection system that includes a viewing frequency holding unit 110, a program attribute extraction unit 111, and a link generation unit 112 in a broadcasting device, and includes others in a receiving device. Similarly, the present invention provides
Viewed program extracting section 107, viewing history holding section 108, viewing frequency extracting section 109, viewing frequency holding section 1 of the second to fifth embodiments.
10, a program selection system that includes a program attribute extraction unit 111 and a link generation unit 112 in a broadcasting device and includes others in a receiving device.

[0092] It is to be noted that only the components related to the display to the user and the input by the user are indispensable in the receiving device, and the other components may be included in any of the broadcasting device and the receiving device. For example, if all of them are included in the receiving device, Embodiments 1 to 5 are performed, and Embodiments 6 and 7 are examples in which distribution is performed to the broadcasting device and the receiving device. Therefore, it is up to the system designer how to distribute components other than those related to display to the user and input by the user, and distribution is performed in consideration of the processing capacity, processing speed, economy, etc. of each device. I just need.

The above-described program selection device is realized by a normal computer and a program selection processing program.
The program is provided by being stored in a storage medium.

[0094]

【The invention's effect】

(A) As is clear from the above description, the program selection device according to the present invention is a device for selecting a program, comprising a display means, a plurality of programs each representing a program content of a certain amount of programs, and A program information holding unit for holding information; a viewing history holding unit for holding a viewing history of a program; and a program information held in the program information holding unit based on the viewing history held in the viewing history holding unit. Display control means for displaying on the display means.

Thus, based on the viewing history of the user, a program guide suitable for the user's preference can be displayed when the user selects a program. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (B) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (a), wherein the program information for each program held in the program information holding means comprises a plurality of program attributes each including a program name; The viewing history holding means is characterized in that the number of program attributes of the viewed program is integrated for each program attribute and stored as a viewing frequency for each program attribute.

Thus, based on the viewing frequency of the user, a program attribute suitable for the user's preference can be displayed when the user selects a program. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (C) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (b), wherein the display control means adds a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or greater than a preset numerical value to the program information. The information is displayed on the display means.

Thus, it is possible to automatically extract the user's preference from the viewing frequency and display a program attribute suitable for the user's preference when the user selects a program. In addition, when a program suitable for the user's preference exists as a counterprogram, the fact can be displayed, which is useful for preventing oversight. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

(D) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (b), wherein the display control means sets the program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or higher than a preset numerical value to another program attribute. It is characterized in that a display is made in the display space of the display means with higher priority than in the display space. As a result, the user's preference can be automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, the program attributes suitable for the user's preference can be preferentially displayed. Further, even in the case of a program guide having only a limited display area, it is possible to change and display the program attribute displayed in the program guide to an optimum one according to the user's preference. That is, since the contents according to the user's preference can be displayed with priority, it is easy to find the program corresponding to the user's preference, which is useful for preventing oversight.

Therefore, a program suitable for the user's preference can be efficiently searched and selected from a plurality of programs. (E) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (B), wherein the display control means displays the program attributes in the display space of the display means in descending order of the viewing frequency. And

Thus, the user's preference can be automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, the program attributes suitable for the user's preference can be displayed in descending order of the viewing frequency. . Further, even in the case of a program guide having only a limited display area, the program attributes displayed in the program guide can be changed to an optimum one according to the user's preference and displayed. That is, since the content corresponding to the user's preference can be preferentially displayed, it is easy to find a program corresponding to the user's preference, which is useful for preventing oversight.

Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (F) Further, in the program selection device according to the present invention, in the program selection device according to (b), the display control means sets a program name of a program having a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or greater than a preset numerical value. It is characterized in that it is displayed in addition to the display of program information of another program having a program attribute.

Thus, it is possible to automatically extract the user's preference from the viewing frequency and display the program name of a program having a program attribute suitable for the user's preference when the user selects a program. it can. That is, since the program name according to the user's preference can be displayed, it is easy to find the program name, which is useful for preventing oversight. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

(G) The program selecting apparatus according to the present invention is the program selecting apparatus according to (b), wherein the display control means selects a program which shares a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or higher than a preset numerical value. It is characterized in that a link is generated, the link information is added to the display of the program information of the link source program and displayed, and a program table of the linked program is displayed by a user operation.

Thus, the user's preference is automatically extracted from the viewing frequency, and when the user selects a program, a program name sharing a program attribute suitable for the user's preference is displayed on the same screen. be able to. Further, by displaying the link information, the display of the program guide can be immediately switched to the program of the link destination. That is, the program name according to the user's preference is displayed, and the display of the program table can be switched immediately, so that the program name can be easily found, and it is useful to prevent oversight.

Therefore, a program suitable for the user's preference can be efficiently searched and selected from a plurality of programs. (H) In addition, the program selection device according to the present invention includes the above (C),
In the program selecting device of (d), (e), (f) or (g), the program selecting device further comprises a user identification means for identifying a user, and the viewing frequency is a viewing frequency for each user. It is characterized by being.

As a result, (c),
(D), (e), (f) or (g) can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (I) The program selection device according to the present invention is the program selection device according to (h), wherein the program selection device further comprises:
A plurality of input units each receiving an operation of a different user are provided, and the user identification unit identifies the user by identifying the input unit.

As a result, the effect (h) can be obtained without being conscious of user switching for each input means. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (N) As is clear from the above description, the program selection system according to the present invention includes a broadcasting device for transmitting a viewing history of a program and a receiving device for receiving the viewing history and selecting a program based on the broadcast history. The system, wherein the broadcasting device includes:
A viewing history holding unit that holds a viewing history of the program; and a viewing history transmitting unit that transmits the viewing history of the program. The receiving device includes a viewing history receiving unit that receives the viewing history, and a display that displays the program information. Means, program information holding means for holding a plurality of program information representing the contents of the program for each program of a certain amount of programs, and program information holding means held by the program information holding means based on the viewing history received by the viewing history receiving means. Display control means for retrieving the program information and displaying the program information on the display means.

As a result, the viewing history of the user can be collectively managed on the broadcasting device side, and the receiving history need not be managed on the receiving device side. Processing can be performed based on the viewing history, and when a user selects a program, a program table suitable for the user's preference can be displayed regardless of the device. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

(G) As is clear from the above description, the program selection device according to the present invention is a device for receiving a program viewing history from a broadcast device and selecting a program based on the received history. Viewing history receiving means for receiving a history, display means for displaying program information, program information holding means for holding a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of the program for each program of a certain amount of programs, and the viewing history receiving means And display control means for retrieving the program information held in the program information holding means based on the received viewing history and displaying the program information on the display means.

As a result, since it is not necessary to manage the viewing history on the receiving side, even if the apparatus is changed due to replacement or the like, processing can be performed based on the past viewing history, and the user can select a program when selecting a program. Can be displayed irrespective of the device. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

(ヲ) As is clear from the above description, the program selection system according to the present invention receives a broadcast device for transmitting program information characterizing the content of a program for each program, and receives and transmits the program information. A receiving device for selecting a program based on the program information, wherein the broadcasting device includes a program information holding unit that holds a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of the program for each of a fixed amount of programs; A viewing history holding unit for holding a history, and a link for linking other program information to each program information held in the program information holding unit based on the viewing history held by the viewing history holding unit, and generating the information. A link adding unit that adds to the program information of each broadcast program; and a transmitting unit that transmits program information including information of the link added by the link adding unit. Receiving means for receiving program information including the program information, display means for displaying the program information, and searching for the program information received by the receiving means based on link information included in the program information received by the receiving means, and displaying the program information. And display control means for causing the display to be performed.

As a result, the user's viewing history and link information can be collectively managed on the broadcast device side, and there is no need to manage the viewing history and link information on the receiving device side. Even when the device is changed, the processing can be performed based on the past viewing history, and a program guide suitable for the user's preference can be displayed regardless of the device when the user selects a program.

Furthermore, since the processes from management of the viewing history to addition of link information are collectively processed on the broadcast device side, it is more efficient than the case where the processes are individually performed on a large number of receiving devices. Since the size of each receiving device is reduced, the receiving device can be provided to the user at a low cost. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

(W) As is apparent from the above description, the program selection device according to the present invention is a device for transmitting program information characterizing the content of a program for each program to a receiving device for selecting the program. A program information holding unit for holding a plurality of program information representing the contents of a program for each program of a fixed amount of programs, a viewing history holding unit for holding a viewing history of the program, and a viewing history held by the viewing history holding unit Link addition means for generating a link for linking each program information held in the program information holding means to other program information based on the program information, and adding the information to the program information of each broadcast program; and Transmitting means for transmitting program information including the link information.

As a result, the viewing history and link information of the user can be collectively managed on the transmitting side. Furthermore, since processing from management of the viewing history to addition of link information is collectively processed on the transmission side, it is more efficient than when processing is individually performed on a large number of receiving apparatuses. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

(F) As is clear from the above description, the program selection method according to the present invention is a method for selecting a program, and includes a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of a program for each of a fixed amount of programs. Acquiring a program history, a viewing history acquiring step of acquiring a program viewing history, and displaying the program information acquired in the program information acquiring step on a display device based on the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquiring step. And a display control step of causing

Thus, based on the viewing history of the user, a program guide suitable for the user's preference can be displayed when the user selects a program. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (G) In the program selection method according to the present invention, in the program selection method according to (A), the program information for each program acquired in the program information acquisition step includes a plurality of program attributes each including a program name. The viewing history acquisition step is characterized in that the number of program attributes of the viewed program is accumulated for each program attribute and held.

Thus, based on the viewing frequency of the user, a program attribute suitable for the user's preference can be displayed when the user selects a program. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (T) As is clear from the above description, the program selection method according to the present invention is a method for transmitting program information characterizing the content of a program to a receiving device for selecting the program, wherein A program information acquiring step of acquiring a plurality of program information representing the contents of the program for each program of the program, a viewing history acquiring step of acquiring a viewing history of the program, and a viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquiring step. A link adding step of linking each piece of program information obtained in the program information obtaining step with other program information, and adding the information to the program information of each broadcast program; Transmitting a program information including the information.

As a result, the viewing history of the user and the link information can be collectively managed on the transmitting side. Furthermore, since processing from management of the viewing history to addition of link information is collectively processed on the transmission side, it is more efficient than when processing is individually performed on a large number of receiving apparatuses. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

(4) A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute a step of selecting a program is recorded. A program information acquiring step of acquiring a plurality of pieces of program information representing program contents for each program, a viewing history acquiring step of acquiring a viewing history of the program, and a program based on the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquiring step. And a display control step of causing the display device to display the program information acquired in the information acquiring step.

Thus, based on the viewing history of the user, a program guide suitable for the user's preference can be displayed when the user selects a program. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (G) The computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention is the computer-readable recording medium according to (B), wherein the program information for each program acquired in the program information acquiring step includes a plurality of program information each including a program name. The viewing history acquisition step is characterized in that the viewing history acquisition step accumulates and holds the number of program attributes of the viewed program for each program attribute.

Thus, based on the viewing frequency of the user, a program attribute suitable for the user's preference can be displayed when the user selects a program. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs. (T) A computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention has recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute a step of transmitting program information characterizing the content of a program to a receiving device for selecting the program. A computer-readable recording medium, comprising: a program information obtaining step of obtaining a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of a program for each program of a fixed amount of programs; and a viewing history obtaining step of obtaining a viewing history of the program. And generating a link that links other program information to each program information acquired in the program information acquiring step based on the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquiring step, and adds the information to the program information of each broadcast program. A link adding step; and a transmitting step of transmitting program information including information on the link added in the link adding step. Characterized by recording the program selection processing program for executing and.

Thus, the viewing history and link information of the user can be collectively managed on the transmission side. Furthermore, since processing from management of the viewing history to addition of link information is collectively processed on the transmission side, it is more efficient than when processing is individually performed on a large number of receiving apparatuses. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search and select a program suitable for the user's preference from a plurality of programs.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program selection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of program attributes for each broadcasting station.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a program table generated in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a viewing history table after viewing a program “One Hitoko”.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a viewing frequency table after viewing a program “One Hitoko”.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101 after generating a link of a user who likes performer “Hiromi Yamazaki”.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm of link generation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a viewing history table before viewing a program “One-Only-Child”.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a viewing frequency table before viewing a program “One-Only-Child”.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the program attribute holding unit 101 after generating a link of a user who prefers the program “One child”.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a program table displayed according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a program table displayed according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program selection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a program table displayed according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program selection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a program table displayed according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which a linked program name “piano lecture” is selected.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a program table displayed according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a basic algorithm for displaying a program guide according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fourth embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention.

23 illustrates an example of an input unit, a remote controller 2301. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the viewing frequency of users A and B.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a basic algorithm for user switching according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a program table displayed according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fifth embodiment of the program selection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input unit. FIG. 28 (a)
28 shows a remote controller 2801 dedicated to the user A.
(B) is a figure which shows the remote control 2802 exclusively for user B.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a basic algorithm for user switching according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sixth embodiment of the program selection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a program selection system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 program attribute storage unit 102 program attribute acquisition unit 103 program table generation unit 104 display unit 105 input unit 105a input unit 105b input unit 106 program selection unit 107 viewing program extraction unit 108 viewing history storage unit 109 viewing frequency extraction unit 110 viewing frequency storage Unit 111 program attribute extraction unit 112 link generation unit 113 buffer 114 link selection unit 115 user identification unit 116 personal viewing history storage unit 117 viewing history transmission unit 118 viewing history reception unit 119 program attribute storage unit 120 program attribute transmission unit 301 date display Unit 302 time display unit 303 program attribute display unit 304 link information display unit 305 scroll icon display unit 306 selected program 307 channel display unit 308 program name display unit 309 content display unit 310 performer display unit 2301 remote control 230 Key 2303 Key 2801 remote control 2802 remote control

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Chihiro Kawahara 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for selecting a program, comprising: display means; program information holding means for holding a plurality of pieces of program information representing program contents for each of a certain number of programs; Holding the viewing history holding means, and display control means for displaying the program information held in the program information holding means on the display means based on the viewing history held in the viewing history holding means. Program selection device. 2. The program information for each program held in the program information holding means includes a plurality of program attributes including a program name, and the viewing history holding means includes a number of program attributes for the viewed program. 2. The program selection device according to claim 1, wherein the program selection device accumulates the values for each program attribute and holds the sum as a viewing frequency for each program attribute. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the display control means adds a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or greater than a preset numerical value to the program information and causes the display means to display the program attribute. Selection device. 4. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein said display frequency is set such that a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or greater than a preset numerical value is displayed in a display space of said display means prior to other program attributes. 3. The program selection device according to claim 2, wherein 5. The program selection device according to claim 2, wherein the display control means displays the program attributes in a display space of the display means in descending order of the viewing frequency. 6. The display control means adds and displays a program name of a program having a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or greater than a preset numerical value to display of program information of another program having the program attribute. 3. The program selection device according to claim 2, wherein the program selection is performed. 7. The display control means generates a link to a program sharing a program attribute whose viewing frequency is equal to or greater than a preset numerical value, and uses the link information to display program information of a link source program. 3. The program selection device according to claim 2, wherein the program information is additionally displayed, and the program information of the linked program is displayed by a user operation. 8. The program selection device according to claim 3, further comprising user identification means for identifying a user, wherein the viewing frequency is a viewing frequency for each user. The program selection device according to 6 or 7. 9. The program selection device further includes a plurality of input units each receiving an operation of a different user, and the user identification unit identifies a user by identifying the input unit. 9. The program selection device according to claim 8, wherein the program selection is performed. 10. A system comprising: a broadcasting device for transmitting a viewing history of a program; and a receiving device for receiving the viewing history and selecting a program based on the viewing history. And a viewing history transmitting means for transmitting a viewing history of the program, wherein the receiving device includes: a viewing history receiving means for receiving the viewing history; a display means for displaying program information; For each program of the amount of programs, program information holding means for holding a plurality of program information representing the contents of the program, based on the viewing history received by the viewing history receiving means,
And a display control means for searching for the program information held in the program information holding means and displaying the program information on the display means. 11. An apparatus for receiving a viewing history of a program from a broadcasting device and selecting a program based on the receiving history, a viewing history receiving means for receiving the viewing history of the program, and a display means for displaying program information. A program information holding unit that holds a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of the program for each of a fixed number of programs, based on the viewing history received by the viewing history receiving unit,
And a display control means for retrieving the program information held in the program information holding means and displaying the program information on the display means. 12. A system comprising: a broadcasting device for transmitting program information characterizing the content of a program for each program; and a receiving device for receiving the program information and selecting a program based on the program information, The broadcast device includes: a program information holding unit that holds a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of the program for each of a fixed number of programs; a viewing history holding unit that holds a viewing history of the program; Based on your viewing history,
A link adding unit that generates a link for linking each program information held in the program information holding unit with other program information and adds the information to the program information of each broadcast program; and a link added by the link adding unit. Transmitting means for transmitting program information including information of the following; receiving means for receiving program information including link information; display means for displaying program information; and a program received by the receiving means. A program selection system, comprising: display control means for retrieving program information received by the receiving means based on link information included in the information and displaying the program information on the display means. 13. An apparatus for transmitting program information characterizing the contents of a program for each program to a receiving apparatus for selecting the program, comprising: A program information holding unit for holding information; a viewing history holding unit for holding a viewing history of a program; and a viewing history held by the viewing history holding unit.
A link adding unit that generates a link for linking each program information held in the program information holding unit with other program information and adds the information to the program information of each broadcast program; and a link added by the link adding unit. Transmitting means for transmitting program information including the above information. 14. A method for selecting a program, comprising: a program information acquiring step of acquiring a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of a program for each of a fixed number of programs; and a viewing history of acquiring a program viewing history. A program selection method, comprising: an acquisition step; and a display control step of displaying, on a display device, the program information acquired in the program information acquisition step based on the viewing history acquired in the viewing history acquisition step. 15. The program information for each program obtained in the program information obtaining step includes a plurality of program attributes including a program name, and the viewing history obtaining step determines the number of program attributes for the viewed program. 15. The program selection method according to claim 14, wherein the program selection is accumulated for each program attribute and held. 16. A method for transmitting program information characterizing the content of a program for each program to a receiving device for selecting the program, comprising: A program information obtaining step of obtaining information; a viewing history obtaining step of obtaining a viewing history of a program; and a program information obtaining step of obtaining the viewing history of the program. A link for linking the program information of each broadcast program and adding the information to the program information of each broadcast program; and a transmitting step of transmitting program information including the link information added in the link adding step. A program selection method characterized by the following: 17. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute a step of selecting a program, the computer comprising: A program information obtaining step of obtaining program information of the program; a viewing history obtaining step of obtaining a viewing history of the program; and displaying the program information obtained in the program information obtaining step based on the viewing history obtained in the viewing history obtaining step. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program selection processing program for executing a display control step of causing a device to display the program. 18. The program information for each program obtained in the program information obtaining step includes a plurality of program attributes including a program name, and the viewing history obtaining step determines the number of program attributes for the viewed program. 18. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program selection processing program according to claim 17, wherein the program selection processing program is integrated and stored for each program attribute. 19. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a step of transmitting program information characterizing the content of each program to a receiving device for selecting the program. A computer, a program information obtaining step of obtaining a plurality of pieces of program information representing the contents of the program for each of a fixed number of programs; a viewing history obtaining step of obtaining a viewing history of the program; A link adding step of generating a link that links other program information to each program information acquired in the program information acquiring step based on the acquired viewing history, and adding the information to program information of each broadcast program; Transmitting the program information including the information of the link added in the link adding step. A computer-readable recording medium management program.