WO2016190061A1

WO2016190061A1 - Information processing device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2016190061A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/063632
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宜克神宮; 泰憲青木; 龍次郎阿部
Original assignee: ソニーセミコンダクタソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date: 2015-05-22
Filing date: 2016-05-06
Publication date: 2016-12-01

Abstract

This technology relates to an information processing device and method which enable viewing restriction on a content to be more easily controlled according to position. In one aspect of this technology, on the basis of information relating to the position of a user, a viewing restriction on a content is controlled according to whether or not the user is located within a content viewing-controlled region where the viewing restriction on the content is controlled. This technology is applicable, for example, to an information processing device for controlling the viewing restriction on the content, an electronic device for reproducing the content, a system for implementing a service for providing the content, and the like.

Description

Information processing apparatus and method

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method that can more easily control content viewing restriction according to a position.

Conventionally, an IRD set-top box that allows access to a remote signal source only when it is in a permitted location has been considered (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Special table 2002-511696

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 only limits the region where the set-top box can be used, and it is easy for a user who views content to move like a mobile terminal. There was a possibility that it could not cope with.

This technology has been proposed in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to make it easier to control viewing restrictions on content according to position.

According to one aspect of the present technology, content viewing restriction is performed based on whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area, which is an area in which content viewing restriction is controlled, based on information on the user's position. It is an information processing apparatus provided with the control part to control.

The information on the user's position can be information indicating the current position of the user.

The information indicating the current position of the user is the current coordinates of the device carried by the user, measured using GPS (Global Positioning System) or A-GPS (Assisted-GPS), and the control unit The content viewing restriction can be controlled according to whether or not the current coordinates of the device carried by the user are located within the content control area indicated by the coordinates.

The information regarding the position of the user may be information indicating an area where the user is located.

The information indicating the area where the user is located may be information related to a communication partner device of wireless communication of the device carried by the user.

The information related to the device of the communication partner of the wireless communication is identification information of a device carried by the user and wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi, the control unit, the identification information, The viewing restriction of the content can be controlled according to whether or not it matches the identification information corresponding to the content control area.

The information regarding the position of the user can be information indicating the movement of the user.

The information indicating the movement of the user may be information related to a communication partner device of close proximity wireless communication of the device carried by the user.

The information related to the communication partner device of the near field communication is identification information of a device that performs near field communication using NFC (Near field radio field) with the device carried by the user, and the control unit includes the identification information. However, it is possible to control the viewing restriction of the content depending on whether or not it matches the identification information corresponding to the content control area.

The control unit can release the content viewing restriction when the user is located in the content viewing control area.

The control unit can restrict viewing of the content when the user is located in the content viewing control area.

The control unit can control acquisition of the content as control of viewing restriction of the content.

The control unit can control reproduction of the content as control of viewing restriction of the content.

A content acquisition unit that acquires the content; a reproduction unit that reproduces the content; and an output unit that outputs the content reproduced by the reproduction unit, wherein the control unit is acquired by the content acquisition unit. In addition, the viewing restriction of the content can be controlled, and the reproduction unit can reproduce the content that is not restricted in viewing.

The content is broadcast by a broadcast signal, and the content acquisition unit can receive the broadcast signal and acquire the content from the received broadcast signal.

The content is distributed via a predetermined communication network, and the content acquisition unit can acquire the content distributed via the communication network.

The apparatus may further include a storage unit that stores the content acquired by the content acquisition unit, and the control unit may control viewing restrictions on the content stored in the storage unit.

A position information acquisition unit that acquires information about the user's position; and the control unit controls viewing restrictions on the content based on the information about the user's position acquired by the position information acquisition unit. Can do.

A display control unit that displays information related to the content that is not restricted for viewing; and a reception unit that receives an operation for designating content based on the information related to the content displayed by the display control unit, Can reproduce the content specified by the operation received by the receiving unit.

According to one aspect of the present technology, the content viewing is also performed based on whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area, which is an area in which content viewing restriction is controlled based on information on the user position. This is an information processing method for controlling restrictions.

In one aspect of the present technology, the content viewing restriction is determined based on whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area, which is an area in which content viewing restriction is controlled, based on information on the user's position. Is controlled.

This technology can process information. Further, according to the present technology, it is possible to more easily control the viewing restriction of the content according to the position.

It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of a content provision system. It is a block diagram which shows the main structural examples of a terminal device. It is a functional block diagram explaining the example of the main functions implement | achieved by the control part. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a viewing control process. It is a figure explaining the example of a screen display. It is a flowchart explaining the other example of the flow of a viewing-and-listening control process. It is a flowchart explaining the further another example of the flow of a viewing-and-listening control process. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of a content provision system. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a viewing control process. It is a block diagram which shows the further another structural example of a content provision system. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a viewing control process. And FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of a computer.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be given in the following order.
1. First embodiment (content provision system)
2. Second embodiment (content provision system)
3. Third embodiment (content provision system)
4). Fourth embodiment (computer)

<1. First Embodiment>
<Limited content provision>
Conventionally, as a method of restricting the viewing of content, the content is scrambled and broadcast by digital broadcasting, etc., and the B-CAS card number is registered with the broadcaster on the receiving side, and the scramble is released for viewing. There was a way to be able to.

Such a method of controlling scrambling using a B-CAS card has been difficult to use on mobile devices because it hinders downsizing, weight reduction, power saving, and cost reduction of devices. Further, there is a possibility that complicated work such as registration is required before viewing the content.

By the way, as a specific example of viewing content using a mobile device, for example, there is a service that distributes content only to visitors as an added value of event participation in event venues such as concerts, circuits, and stadiums. Visitors can acquire and view the distributed content using a mobile device that they carry. Distribution is limited to the venue, so people outside the venue cannot view the content.

In this way, in order to limit the content distribution area, for example, a method of adjusting the output of radio waves (broadcast waves and wireless communication signals) for distributing contents so that the radio waves can reach only inside the venue is considered. It is done. However, in this method, it is difficult to completely match the boundary of whether or not radio waves can be received with the boundary inside and outside the venue. For example, if the radio wave is too weak, a location where the radio wave cannot be received (where the content cannot be viewed) occurs in the venue, and if the radio wave is too strong, a location where the radio wave can be received (where the content can be viewed) occurs outside the venue. there is a possibility. In other words, there is a possibility that the content viewing service cannot be provided safely, fairly and stably throughout the venue.

In addition, it is possible to distribute restriction cancellation codes in the venue or register users in advance, but there is a possibility that complicated work such as code input work and registration work may be required. In addition, there is a possibility that problems such as inability to view due to work mistakes may occur.

<Content restriction control according to position>
In view of this, the content viewing restriction is controlled based on whether or not the user is located in the content viewing control area, which is an area where the content viewing restriction is controlled, based on the information related to the user position.

For example, in the information processing device, the content viewing restriction is performed based on whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area, which is an area where content viewing restriction is controlled, based on information on the position of the user. Provide a control unit to control.

In this way, the information processing apparatus can more easily control the viewing restriction of the content according to the position.

<Content provision system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration example of a content providing system which is an embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied.

1, the content providing system 100 includes a terminal device 101 (terminal device 101-1 and terminal device 101-2) and a content providing device 102. In the following description, the terminal device 101-1 and the terminal device 101-2 are referred to as the terminal device 101 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

In the content providing system 100, the content providing device 102 provides content to the terminal device 101 (the terminal device 101-1 and the terminal device 101-2), and the user of the terminal device 101 provides the content to the terminal device 101. This is a system for acquiring and playing back and viewing the image and sound.

That is, the content providing apparatus 102 transmits such content data as a radio signal. Then, the terminal device 101 receives this wireless signal, acquires and reproduces the content data, and allows the user to view images and sounds.

<Content acquisition area>
Since the range in which the content providing apparatus 102 can transmit a radio signal is limited, in such a content providing system 100, the content obtainable area 111 is formed. The content obtainable area 111 indicates a range where a wireless signal from the content providing apparatus 102 reaches with sufficient strength, and the terminal apparatus 101 can stably obtain the content provided from the content providing apparatus 102. It is. In other words, the terminal device 101 cannot stably acquire content provided from the content providing device 102 because the radio signal strength of the radio signal is weak outside the content acquisition possible region 111.

That is, the content acquirable area 111 is not actively set, and is formed as a result of the attenuation of radio waves from the content providing apparatus 102. Of course, the content obtainable area 111 may be actively set by controlling the radio wave intensity of the radio wave transmitted by the content providing apparatus 102.

Note that the content acquirable area 111 may be indoors, outdoors, or may include both indoors and outdoors. Further, the content acquirable area 111 may partially or entirely overlap with the content acquirable area 111 corresponding to another content providing apparatus.

<Content viewing permission area>
A content viewing permission area 112 is set as a partial area of the content obtainable area 111. The content viewing permission area 112 is an embodiment of a content viewing control area that is an area for controlling the viewing restriction of the content provided by the content providing apparatus 102, and is an area where viewing of the content is permitted. That is, when the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 reproduces the content provided from the content providing device 102, and outputs the image or sound of the content (the image or sound of the content to the user). Can be viewed).

In the case of the example in FIG. 1, since the terminal device 101-1 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, the content provided by the content providing device 102 can be acquired and reproduced. On the other hand, although the terminal device 101-2 is located in the content obtainable area 111 but is located outside the content viewing permission area 112, the content provided by the content providing apparatus 102 can be obtained and reproduced. Can not.

The content viewing permission area 112 may be provided so that various event venues such as live performances, theater performances, circuits, and stadiums are within the area. For example, the content viewing permission area 112 may match the event venue. Further, the content viewing permission area 112 may coincide with a part of the event venue (for example, a part of the conference room).

Note that the content viewing permission area 112 may be indoors, outdoors, or may include both indoors and outdoors.

The content viewing permission area 112 only needs to be included in the content obtainable area 111, and as long as the content viewing permission area 112 is included, the shape and size of the content viewing permission area 112 are arbitrary. Further, the number of content viewing permission areas 112 in one content obtainable area 111 is arbitrary, and may be one as shown in the example of FIG. 1 or may be plural.

<Content viewing restriction control based on current position coordinates>
In the case of the content providing system 100, in the terminal device 101, content viewing restriction is controlled based on whether or not the user is located in the content viewing control area based on information regarding the position of the user carrying the terminal device 101. Is done.

In the content providing system 100, information indicating the current position of the user is used as information regarding the position of the user. As information indicating the current position of the user, as shown in the example of FIG. 1, for example, the current state of the device carried by the user is measured using GPS (Global Positioning System) or A-GPS (Assisted-GPS). Coordinates may be used.

When using the GPS in the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 101 receives a GPS signal from a GPS satellite (a “time signal” for measuring the distance from the satellite, and “all satellite orbit data (almanac data) for knowing the position of the satellite”. ”Or“ satellite orbit data (ephemeris data) ”and the like, and measures its own position (current coordinates) from the information.

When using A-GPS in the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 101 transmits the satellite orbit data of almanac data and ephemeris data from the A-GPS server 104 via the base station 105 of the mobile phone communication network. Obtained by telephone data communication. Then, the terminal device 101 searches for a desired GPS satellite 103 using the orbit data, acquires a GPS signal (time signal, etc.) from the GPS satellite 103, and own position (current coordinates) from the information. Positioning.

The terminal device 101 compares the coordinates of the current position of the terminal device 101 with the coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112, and restricts content viewing depending on whether or not the terminal apparatus 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112. Control. For example, when the terminal device 101 is located within the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 permits viewing of the content. Conversely, when the terminal device 101 is located outside the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 prohibits viewing of the content.

<Content playback control>
As control of content viewing restriction, for example, content reproduction may be controlled. For example, when viewing restriction is applied to content, the terminal device 101 may permit viewing of the content by releasing the viewing restriction of the content. For example, when the content data provided from the content providing apparatus 102 is scrambled, the terminal apparatus 101 uses the predetermined encryption key information necessary for the descrambling to release the scramble, Content may be played back.

Also, for example, the execution of content playback processing may be controlled. In other words, the content reproduction process may be executed only when it is located within the content viewing permission area 112. In this case, it is not necessary to scramble the content.

The positioning of the terminal device 101 is repeatedly performed. When the terminal device 101 moves outside the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 prohibits viewing of the content. That is, content viewing is restricted. For example, when the content data provided from the content providing apparatus 102 is scrambled, the terminal apparatus 101 may stop the descrambling. In addition, for example, execution of content reproduction processing may be prohibited.

<Content acquisition control>
Note that, as another method of controlling content viewing restriction, for example, content acquisition may be controlled.

<Content>
The content provided in the content providing system 100 is arbitrary information. For example, the content is information including a moving image, a still image, and sound corresponding to the image. The contents of images and sounds are arbitrary.

Further, the way of providing the content to the terminal device 101 is arbitrary.

<Broadcast content>
For example, the content may be broadcast content broadcast from the content providing apparatus 102 by a predetermined broadcast signal (also referred to as a broadcast wave). In this case, the content providing apparatus 102 may be a broadcasting station that broadcasts a broadcast signal. In this case, the terminal device 101 acquires and reproduces broadcast content by receiving the broadcast signal in accordance with the channel (band) of the broadcast signal.

When controlling the acquisition of the broadcast content, the terminal device 101 receives the broadcast signal in accordance with the channel (band) of the broadcast signal when the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112. Also good. That is, viewing of the content is permitted and the restriction is released.

In other words, when the terminal device 101 is located outside the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 cannot receive the broadcast signal because it does not match the channel (band) of the broadcast signal. That is, content viewing is prohibited (restricted).

Further, when the positioning of the terminal device 101 is repeatedly performed and the terminal device 101 moves from the content viewing permission area 112 to the outside of the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal apparatus 101 prohibits viewing of the content. That is, the channel selection of the broadcast signal including the content is finished, and the reception of the broadcast signal is finished.

<Streaming content>
Further, for example, the content may be streaming content that is streamed from the content providing apparatus 102 via a predetermined communication network (for example, the Internet). In this case, the content providing apparatus 102 may be a server that provides a streaming content distribution service. Further, in this case, the terminal device 101 accesses a predetermined address of the content providing device 102, acquires streaming content distributed from that address, and plays it.

When controlling the acquisition of the streaming content, the terminal device 101 accesses a predetermined address of the content providing device 102 when the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, and the streaming content that is streamed from that address. May be obtained. That is, viewing of the content is permitted and the restriction is released.

In other words, when the terminal device 101 is located outside the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 does not access the address for distributing the streaming content, and thus cannot acquire the streaming content. That is, content viewing is prohibited (restricted).

Further, when the positioning of the terminal device 101 is repeatedly performed and the terminal device 101 moves from the content viewing permission area 112 to the outside of the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal apparatus 101 prohibits viewing of the content. That is, the access to the address for distributing the streaming content ends, and the acquisition of the streaming content ends.

<Download contents>
Further, for example, the content may be download content downloaded from the content providing apparatus 102 via a predetermined communication network (for example, the Internet). In this case, the content providing apparatus 102 may be a server that provides a download content download service. In this case, the terminal device 101 accesses a predetermined address of the content providing device 102, downloads the download content from the address, and stores it in the storage unit. Then, at a predetermined timing, the terminal device 101 reads the downloaded content data from the storage unit and reproduces it.

When controlling the acquisition of the download content, when the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 accesses the memory address storing the download content in the memory and reads the download content. May be. That is, viewing of the content is permitted and the restriction is released.

In other words, when the terminal device 101 is located outside the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 does not access the memory address storing the downloaded content, and thus cannot download the downloaded content. That is, content viewing is prohibited (restricted).

Further, when the positioning of the terminal device 101 is repeatedly performed and the terminal device 101 moves from the content viewing permission area 112 to the outside of the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal apparatus 101 prohibits viewing of the content. That is, access to the memory address for storing the download content is completed, and acquisition of the download content is completed.

Of course, the content may be provided to the terminal device 101 by a method other than the above-described examples.

<Configuration of Content Providing System 100>
The configuration of the content providing system 100 is arbitrary and is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, the number of terminal devices 101 may be 1 or 3 or more. The number of content providing apparatuses 102, GPS satellites 103, A-GPS servers 104, and base stations 105 may be plural. Further, the number of these devices may not be unified, and the number of some of these devices may be different from the number of other devices.

Furthermore, the content providing system 100 may have a device not shown in FIG. Further, the A-GPS server 104 and the base station 105 may be omitted.

<Configuration of terminal device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration example of the terminal device 101. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal device 101 includes a control unit 151, an antenna 152, a communication unit 153, an antenna 154, a communication unit 155, a storage unit 156, an output unit 157, and an input unit 158.

The control unit 151 controls each processing unit of the terminal device 101 to execute processing related to content acquisition, reproduction, and the like.

The communication unit 153 receives wireless signals from other communication devices such as the GPS satellite 103 and the base station 105 via the antenna 152. The communication unit 153 extracts necessary information (for example, a GPS signal) from the received radio signal and supplies the extracted information to the control unit 151. Moreover, the communication part 153 transmits the information supplied from the control part 151 to another apparatus via the antenna 152 as a radio signal as needed.

The communication unit 155 receives a wireless signal including content and information related to the content supplied from the content providing apparatus 102 via the antenna 152. The communication unit 155 extracts content, information related to the content, and the like from the received wireless signal and supplies the extracted information to the control unit 151. Further, the communication unit 155 transmits information supplied from the control unit 151 as a radio signal to another device such as the content providing device 102 via the antenna 154 as necessary.

The storage unit 156 is a storage medium that stores information, and stores information supplied from the control unit 151. In addition, the storage unit 156 is controlled by the control unit 151 to read information stored therein and provide the control unit 151 with the information. The storage unit 156 can store arbitrary information. For example, content data, information related to the content, and the like can be stored.

The output unit 157 includes, for example, a display for displaying an image and a speaker for outputting sound, and displays an image of content supplied from the control unit 151 or outputs the sound. In addition, the output unit 157 may have an output terminal that outputs content as data, for example.

The input unit 158 has arbitrary input devices such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch pad, for example, and accepts information input by the user or the like when the input device is operated by the user or the like. The input unit 158 supplies the received information to the control unit 151.

The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the terminal device 101 may have a configuration (processing unit or the like) other than the configuration shown in FIG. Further, the terminal device 101 may omit (do not have) a part of the configuration shown in FIG.

<Functional block>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by the control unit 151.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 151 includes, as functional blocks, a content acquisition availability determination unit 181, a content list acquisition unit 182, a position information acquisition unit 183, a control position information acquisition unit 184, a position determination unit 185, and a content list display. A control unit 186, a content designation receiving unit 187, a content information acquisition unit 188, a content acquisition unit 189, and a content reproduction unit 190 are included.

The content acquisition availability determination unit 181 performs processing related to content acquisition availability determination. The content list acquisition unit 182 performs processing related to acquisition of a content list. The position information acquisition unit 183 performs processing related to acquisition of position information of the terminal device 101. The control position information acquisition unit 184 performs processing related to acquisition of a control position indicating a position where content viewing restriction control is performed. The position determination unit 185 performs processing related to position determination of the terminal device 101.

The content list display control unit 186 performs processing related to display control of a content list and the like. The content designation accepting unit 187 performs processing related to accepting content designation by the user or the like. The content information acquisition unit 188 performs processing related to acquisition of content information that is information related to content. The content acquisition unit 189 performs processing related to content acquisition. The content playback unit 190 performs processing related to content playback.

<Flow of viewing control processing for broadcast content>
Next, an example of the flow of the viewing control process, which is a process related to content viewing restriction control, executed by the terminal device 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a case where the content is broadcast content will be described. This will be described with reference to FIG. 5 as necessary.

When the viewing control process is started, the content acquisition possibility determination unit 181 determines whether or not the terminal device 101 is located in the broadcast wave receivable area (content acquisition area 111) in step S101. The content acquisition possibility determination unit 181 performs this determination using, for example, the radio wave intensity of the wireless signal from the content providing apparatus 102 received by the communication unit 155. For example, when it is determined that the radio wave intensity is sufficiently strong and the terminal device 101 is located in the broadcast wave receivable area (content acquirable area 111), the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the content list acquisition unit 182 controls the communication unit 155 to acquire a broadcast program guide that is a list of programs scheduled to be broadcast as a list of content to be broadcast from other devices such as the content providing device 102. To do. The contents of the broadcast program guide are arbitrary, but may include information indicating the program name, broadcast time, broadcast channel, content viewing permission area 112 that is permitted to be reproduced, and the like.

In step S103, the position information acquisition unit 183 controls the communication unit 153 to acquire a GPS signal or the like from the GPS satellite 103 or the like, and calculates and acquires the coordinates of the current position as the position information of the terminal device 101.

In step S104, the control position information acquisition unit 184 controls the communication unit 155 to acquire viewing permission area information including coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 from another apparatus such as the content providing apparatus 102. The viewing permission area information may be registered in the terminal device 101 in advance. For example, the viewing permission area information may be stored in the storage unit 156 in advance. In that case, the control position information acquisition unit 184 acquires viewing permission area information including coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 from the storage unit 156.

In step S105, the position determination unit 185 compares the coordinates of the current position of the terminal device 101 acquired in step S103 with the coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 acquired in step S104, and the terminal device 101 permits content viewing. It is determined whether or not it is located in the area 112. If it is determined that the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the content list display control unit 186 controls the output unit 157 to present, as an image (content list display screen), a program that can be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 where the terminal device 101 is currently located.

5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a content list display screen displayed on the display of the output unit 157. FIG. In the case of the example of FIG. 5A, for example, a message 211, a content list 212, an enter button 213, a detail button 214, a cancel button 215, and the like are displayed on the content list display screen 201.

The message 211 is a message that prompts the user to select content such as “Please select content to view”. Of course, the content of the message 211 is arbitrary and is not limited to the example of A of FIG.

The content list 212 is a list of content including at least content permitted to be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 where the terminal device 101 is located. In the content list 212, for example, items such as broadcast time, content name, broadcast channel, and the like are displayed. Of course, the content of the content list 212 is arbitrary, and items other than these may be displayed, or a part of the example of FIG. 5 may be omitted.

In the content list 212, the content permitted to be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 in which the terminal device 101 is located can be identified as the content permitted to be viewed in the other content viewing permission area 112. It may be displayed as possible. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 5A, the content permitted to be viewed in the other content viewing permission area 112 may be displayed in gray. Further, only the content permitted to be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 where the terminal device 101 is located may be displayed as the content list 212.

The content list 212 is a GUI, and any content in the content list 212 can be selected. For example, a touch panel is stacked on the surface of the display on which the content list display screen 201 is displayed. When the user taps any content in the content list 212 with a finger or the like, the content is selected. Also good. Then, an anchor 216 indicating the selection may be displayed on the selected content. As shown in the example of FIG. 5A, if the content list 212 includes content that is permitted to be viewed in the other content viewing permission area 112, the content cannot be selected. Good.

The determination button 213 is a GUI button that determines the selection of content in the content list 212 when operated by a user or the like. The detail button 214 is a GUI button that displays detailed information of the content currently selected in the content list 212 when operated by a user or the like. The cancel button 215 is a GUI button that cancels the selection of content in the content list 212 when operated by a user or the like.

Returning to FIG. 4, in step S <b> 107, the content designation accepting unit 187 controls the input unit 158, for example, and accepts selection of a program input as an operation on the content list display screen 201 described above. For example, the content designation receiving unit 187 receives a program selection input on a touch panel superimposed on a display.

In step S108, the content information acquisition unit 188 controls the communication unit 155, for example, and acquires information related to the program selected by the operation accepted in step S107 from another device such as the content providing device 102, for example. To do. The content of the information related to the selected program is arbitrary. For example, information indicating a broadcast channel (band) of a program, encryption key information necessary for descrambling, and the like may be included.

In step S109, the content acquisition unit 189 controls the communication unit 155 to scan the broadcast channel of the selected program.

In step S110, the content acquisition unit 189 determines whether a broadcast wave has been received by the scan in step S109. If it is determined that the signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, the content acquisition unit 189 receives and acquires a broadcast signal of the selected program (broadcast content).

In step S112, the content playback unit 190 uses the encryption key information for the selected program to release the viewing restriction by, for example, releasing the scramble of the acquired program (broadcast content).

In step S113, the content reproduction unit 190 controls the output unit 157 to output the reproduced content image and sound.

When the process of step S113 is completed, the viewing control process ends.

If it is determined in step S101 that the terminal device 101 is not located in the broadcast wave receivable area (content acquirable area 111), the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined in step S105 that the terminal device 101 is not located in the content viewing permission area 112, the process proceeds to step S114. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S110 that the broadcast wave has not been received, the process proceeds to step S114.

In step S114, the content list display control unit 186 notifies the user that viewing is impossible. For example, the content list display control unit 186 displays a viewing impossible notification screen 221 as in the example of FIG. 5B on the display. On the viewing impossible notification screen 221 in FIG. 5B, a message notifying that the content cannot be viewed is displayed, for example, “Content cannot be viewed here”.

When the process of step S114 ends, the viewing control process ends.

Repeat each process of the viewing control process as described above.

By doing in this way, the terminal device 101 can more easily control the viewing restriction of the content according to the position.

<Use case example>
Such a content providing system 100 that controls viewing restrictions on broadcast content can be used as a system that restricts viewing permission of area broadcasts using TV broadcasts based on position information, for example. Further, for example, by using the content providing system 100 in various event venues such as live performances, theater performances, circuits, and stadiums, it is possible to provide broadcast content only for people in the venue.

<Flow of viewing control processing for streaming content>
Next, an example of the flow of viewing control processing when the content is streaming content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the viewing control process is started, the content acquisition possibility determination unit 181 determines whether or not the terminal device 101 is located in the content acquisition possible area 111 in step S131. For example, when it is determined that the radio wave intensity is sufficiently strong and the terminal device 101 is located in the content acquisition area 111, the process proceeds to step S132.

In step S132, the content list acquisition unit 182 controls the communication unit 155 to acquire a content distribution list that is a list of content to be distributed from other devices such as the content providing device 102. The content of the content distribution list is arbitrary, but may include, for example, content name, distribution time, distribution source address, information indicating the content viewing permission area 112 that is permitted to be reproduced, and the like.

In step S133, the position information acquisition unit 183 controls the communication unit 153 to acquire a GPS signal or the like from the GPS satellite 103 or the like, and calculates and acquires the coordinates of the current position as the position information of the terminal device 101.

In step S134, the control position information acquisition unit 184 controls the communication unit 155 to acquire viewing permission area information including coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 from another apparatus such as the content providing apparatus 102. The viewing permission area information may be registered in the terminal device 101 in advance. For example, the viewing permission area information may be stored in the storage unit 156 in advance. In that case, the control position information acquisition unit 184 acquires viewing permission area information including coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 from the storage unit 156.

In step S135, the position determination unit 185 compares the coordinates of the current position of the terminal device 101 acquired in step S133 with the coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 acquired in step S134, and the terminal device 101 permits content viewing. It is determined whether or not it is located in the area 112. If it is determined that the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, the process proceeds to step S136.

In step S136, the content list display control unit 186 controls the output unit 157 to display content that can be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 where the terminal device 101 is currently located, for example, an image (content list display screen 201 (FIG. 5). A)).

In this case, for example, items such as a distribution time, a content name, and a distribution source address may be displayed in the content list 212.

In step S137, the content designation receiving unit 187, for example, controls the input unit 158 to receive selection of content input as an operation on the content list display screen 201 described above. For example, the content designation accepting unit 187 accepts content selection input on a touch panel superimposed on a display.

In step S138, the content information acquisition unit 188 controls the communication unit 155, for example, and acquires information related to the content selected by the operation received in the process of step S137 from another device such as the content providing device 102, for example. To do. The content of the information regarding the selected content is arbitrary. For example, information indicating a distribution source address of content, encryption key information necessary for descrambling, and the like may be included.

In step S139, the content acquisition unit 189 controls the communication unit 155 to access the distribution source address of the selected content such as the content providing apparatus 102.

In step S140, the content acquisition unit 189 determines whether or not the content distribution source address has been accessed by the processing in step S139. If it is determined that access has been made, the process proceeds to step S141.

In step S141, the content acquisition unit 189 acquires distribution data of the selected content (streaming content).

In step S142, the content reproduction unit 190 uses the encryption key information for the selected content to release the viewing restriction by, for example, releasing the scrambled content (streaming content).

In step S143, the content reproduction unit 190 controls the output unit 157 to output the reproduced content image and sound.

When the process of step S143 is finished, the viewing control process is finished.

If it is determined in step S131 that the terminal device 101 is not located in the content obtainable area 111, the process proceeds to step S144. If it is determined in step S135 that the terminal device 101 is not located in the content viewing permission area 112, the process proceeds to step S144. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S140 that the content distribution source address cannot be accessed, the process proceeds to step S144.

In step S144, the content list display control unit 186 notifies the user that viewing is impossible, for example, by displaying the viewing impossible notification screen 221 (B in FIG. 5) on the display.

When the process of step S144 is finished, the viewing control process is finished.

Repeat each process of the viewing control process as described above.

<Use case example>
The content providing system 100 that controls the viewing restriction of streaming content can be used as a system that restricts reproduction permission of content distributed by data using position information, for example. For example, the content providing system 100 can be applied to distribute data only to people in the venue at various event venues such as live performances, theater performances, circuits, and stadiums.

<Flow of download content viewing control processing>
Next, an example of the flow of viewing control processing when the content is download content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the viewing control process is started, the content acquisition possibility determination unit 181 determines whether or not the terminal device 101 is located in the content acquisition possible area 111 in step S161. For example, when it is determined that the radio wave intensity is sufficiently strong and the terminal device 101 is located in the content acquisition area 111, the process proceeds to step S162.

In step S162, the content acquisition unit 189 controls the communication unit 155 to download and acquire desired content (download content) from another device such as the content providing device 102. The content acquisition unit 189 supplies the acquired download content to the storage unit 156 and stores it.

In step S163, the position information acquisition unit 183 controls the communication unit 153 to acquire a GPS signal or the like from the GPS satellite 103 or the like, and calculates and acquires the coordinates of the current position as the position information of the terminal device 101.

In step S164, the control position information acquisition unit 184 controls the communication unit 155 to acquire viewing permission area information including coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 from another apparatus such as the content providing apparatus 102. The viewing permission area information may be registered in the terminal device 101 in advance. For example, the viewing permission area information may be stored in the storage unit 156 in advance. In that case, the control position information acquisition unit 184 acquires viewing permission area information including coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 from the storage unit 156.

In step S165, the position determination unit 185 compares the coordinates of the current position of the terminal device 101 acquired in step S163 with the coordinates indicating the content viewing permission area 112 acquired in step S164, and the terminal device 101 permits content viewing. It is determined whether or not it is located in the area 112. If it is determined that the terminal device 101 is located within the content viewing permission area 112, the process proceeds to step S166.

In step S166, the content information acquisition unit 188 acquires information related to content that can be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 where the terminal device 101 is located.

In step S167, the content information acquisition unit 188 determines whether content that can be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 where the terminal device 101 is located is stored in the storage unit 156 based on the information acquired in step S166. judge. If it is determined that it is stored, the process proceeds to step S168.

In step S168, the content list display control unit 186 controls the output unit 157 to display content that can be viewed in the content viewing permission area 112 where the terminal apparatus 101 is currently located, for example, an image (content list display screen 201 (FIG. 5). A)).

In this case, for example, items such as a reproduction time, a content name, and a genre may be displayed in the content list 212.

In step S169, the content designation receiving unit 187 controls the input unit 158, for example, and receives selection of content input as an operation on the content list display screen 201 described above. For example, the content designation accepting unit 187 accepts content selection input on a touch panel superimposed on a display.

In step S170, the content information acquisition unit 188 acquires, for example, from the storage unit 156, the content selected by the operation accepted by the process in step S169.

In step S171, the content reproduction unit 190 uses the encryption key information for the selected content to release the viewing restriction by, for example, releasing the scrambled content (downloaded content).

In step S172, the content reproduction unit 190 controls the output unit 157 to output the reproduced content image and sound.

When the process of step S172 is finished, the viewing control process is finished.

If it is determined in step S161 that the terminal device 101 is not located in the content obtainable area 111, the process proceeds to step S173. If it is determined in step S165 that the terminal device 101 is not located in the content viewing permission area 112, the process proceeds to step S173. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S167 that the storage unit 156 does not store viewable content, the process proceeds to step S173.

In step S173, the content list display control unit 186 notifies the user that viewing is impossible, for example, by displaying the viewing impossible notification screen 221 (B in FIG. 5) on the display.

When the process of step S173 is finished, the viewing control process is finished.

Repeat each process of the viewing control process as described above.

<Use case example>
The content providing system 100 that controls the viewing restriction of the download content can be used as a system that restricts the reproduction permission of the data in the storage unit 156 with the position information, for example. For example, if you go to a museum, you can use the detailed explanation application for the exhibits. You can use the event park information app in the theme park. Download sales at stores (can be played for free at stores. Purchases are made to remove location restrictions.) In this way, at various event venues, content can be distributed only to people in the venue. The providing system 100 can be applied.

<Effect example>
As described above, by applying the content providing system 100, for example, it is possible to easily limit viewers in area broadcasting using a TV white space. For example, when performing area broadcasting as an added value of an event at various event venues such as a concert, a circuit, a stadium, etc., the security of the restriction on viewing of content becomes an issue.

For example, if you distribute the viewing restriction cancellation code in writing or electronically, the cancellation code may be distributed illegally, and even if you are not entering the venue, you can view area broadcasts illegally within the reach of the broadcast wave become.

On the other hand, in the content providing system 100, only a person who enters the venue (within the range permitted by the business operator) can view the content. This is useful for protecting the added value of area broadcasting aimed at encouraging participation in events, regardless of whether the content is paid or free of charge, and guarantees that the entire venue is supplied with sufficiently strong broadcast radio waves. Leads to improvement.

In addition, since the TV receiver automatically collects the viewing restriction release code through radio waves, the viewer does not input the wrong release code, so the trouble prevention effect is high. Furthermore, by storing the channel information to be scanned corresponding to the position information in the (device 3) of the reproduction software, it is possible to develop a service that can greatly reduce the viewer's trouble of channel selection.

<2. Second Embodiment>
<Content viewing restriction control based on current area>
In the first embodiment, based on the information indicating the current position of the user, it has been described that the content viewing restriction is controlled depending on whether or not the user is located in the content viewing control area. For example, the content viewing restriction may be controlled based on information indicating an area where the user is located.

<Content provision system>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration example of a content providing system which is an embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied.

In FIG. 8, the content providing system 250 includes a terminal device 101 and a content providing device 102 as with the content providing system 100, and the content providing device 102 provides content to the terminal device 101, and the terminal device 101 is a system in which a user 101 obtains and plays back the content on the terminal device 101 and views the image, sound, and the like.

Also in the content providing system 250, as in the content providing system 100, the content obtainable area 111 is formed, and the content viewing permission area 112 is set as a partial area of the content obtainable area 111. When the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 reproduces the content provided from the content providing device 102 and outputs an image or sound of the content (views the image or sound of the content to the user). Can). That is, in the case of the content providing system 250 as well as in the case of the content providing system 100, depending on whether or not the user is located in the content viewing control area based on the information regarding the position of the user carrying the terminal device 101. Content viewing restrictions are controlled.

<Content viewing restriction control based on current area>
In the case of the content providing system 250, information indicating an area where the user is located is used as information regarding the position of the user carrying the terminal device 101. As information indicating the area where the user is located, for example, information related to a communication partner device of the terminal device 101 for wireless communication may be used.

In the example of FIG. 8, an access point (AP) 251 capable of performing wireless communication with the terminal device 101 is provided. A communicable area 252 indicates an area in which the access point 251 can communicate with other devices.

When the terminal device 101 is located in the communicable area 252, communication is established between the terminal device 101 and the access point 251, and mutual information is exchanged. In other words, when the terminal device 101 obtains information related to the access point 251 (that is, information related to a communication partner device of the wireless communication of the terminal device 101), the terminal device 101 is located in the communicable area 252. Will be.

Therefore, if it is a condition for permitting content viewing to have information on the access point 251, the communicable area 252 of the access point 251 becomes the content viewing permission area. Note that the size and shape of the communicable area 252 of each access point 251 can be arbitrarily set by changing the radio wave intensity or providing directivity. In addition, an arbitrary number of access points 251 can be arranged at an arbitrary position. Therefore, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, by combining the communicable areas 252 (arranging a plurality of access points 251), the content viewing permission area 112 having an arbitrary shape can be formed.

Note that the access point 251 may be installed outside the content viewing permission area 112. For example, the access points 251 may be arranged so that the communicable areas 252 are distributed so as to fill the entire content acquirable area 111, and a part of the communicable areas 252 may be designated as the content viewing permission area 112. . In this case, information related to the access point 251 corresponding to a part of the communicable area 252 is set in advance as information permitting viewing of the content, and information related to the access point 251 obtained by the terminal device 101 is set in advance. Whether or not the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112 can be determined by determining whether or not the information matches the received information.

It should be noted that the information related to the access point 251 (information related to the communication partner device of the terminal device 101) may be any information. For example, it may be device information of the access point 251 (device information of a communication partner device). The contents of this device information are arbitrary. For example, it may be identification information for identifying the access point 251 (identification information of the communication partner device). This identification information may be, for example, a MAC address, an IP address, a serial number, or a model name.

Further, the method of wireless communication between the access point 251 and the terminal device 101 is arbitrary. For example, wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used, and wireless communication using WiFi may be used. For example, the access point 251 may be a Bluetooth (registered trademark) parent device, and the terminal device 101 may be a child device. For example, the access point 251 may be a WiFi access point (or a WiFi router) or the like.

As described above, the content providing system 250 uses information regarding the access point 251 instead of using coordinates indicating the current position of the terminal device 101 calculated using the GPS signal as information regarding the position of the user of the terminal device 101. Except for this, it is basically the same as the content providing system 100.

That is, the configuration of the terminal device 101 described with reference to FIG. 2 and the configuration of functional blocks described with reference to FIG. 3 can also be applied to the content providing system 250.

<Flow of viewing control processing for broadcast content>
An example of the flow of the viewing control process regarding the viewing restriction control of the broadcast content in the case of the content providing system 250 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the viewing control process is started, the content acquisition possibility determination unit 181 determines in step S201 whether the terminal device 101 is located in the broadcast wave receivable area (content acquisition area 111), as in step S101. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the terminal device 101 is located in the broadcast wave receivable area (content acquirable area 111), the process proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the content list acquisition unit 182 controls the communication unit 155 and acquires the broadcast program guide from other devices such as the content providing device 102, as in step S102.

In step S203, the position information acquisition unit 183 controls the communication unit 153 to communicate with the communicable access point 251 and acquire the device information (identification information).

In step S204, the control position information acquisition unit 184 controls the communication unit 155 to include device information (identification information) of the access point 251 corresponding to the content viewing permission area 112 from another device such as the content providing device 102. Acquire viewing permission device information. Note that the viewing-permitted device information may be registered in the terminal device 101 in advance. For example, viewing permission device information may be stored in the storage unit 156 in advance. In this case, the control position information acquisition unit 184 acquires viewing-permitted device information including device information corresponding to the content viewing permission area 112 from the storage unit 156.

In step S205, the position determination unit 185 compares the device information of the communication partner of the terminal device 101 acquired in step S203 with the device information corresponding to the content viewing permission area 112 acquired in step S204. It is determined whether or not the communication partner device matches a device that permits viewing (viewing permitted device). If it is determined from the comparison result of the device information that the communication partner device of the terminal device 101 matches the viewing-permitted device, the process proceeds to step S206 assuming that the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112.

Each process of step S206 thru | or step S210 is performed similarly to each process of step S106 thru | or step S110 of FIG.

In step S211, the position determination unit 185 determines again whether or not communication with a communication partner device that matches the viewing-permitted device is possible. If it is determined that communication with the viewing-permitted device is possible even when the broadcast signal is received, the process proceeds to step S212.

Each process from step S212 to step S215 is executed in the same manner as each process from step S111 to step S114 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S211 that communication with a viewing-permitted device is not possible when receiving a broadcast signal, the process proceeds to step S215.

Repeat each process of the viewing control process as described above.

By doing so, also in this case, the terminal device 101 can more easily control the content viewing restriction according to the position.

As for the viewing control process for streaming content and download content, this broadcast content viewing control process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 as in the case of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

<3. Third Embodiment>
<Content viewing restriction control based on user movement>
In the second embodiment, based on the information indicating the current area of the user, it has been described that the content viewing restriction is controlled depending on whether or not the user is located in the content viewing control area. For example, content viewing restriction may be controlled based on information indicating user movement.

<Content provision system>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration example of a content providing system which is an embodiment of an information processing system to which the present technology is applied.

In FIG. 10, the content providing system 300 includes a terminal device 101 and a content providing device 102 as with the content providing system 100, and the content providing device 102 provides content to the terminal device 101. 101 is a system in which a user 101 obtains and plays back the content on the terminal device 101 and views the image, sound, and the like.

Also in the content providing system 300, as in the content providing system 100, the content acquirable area 111 is formed, and the content viewing permission area 112 is set as a partial area of the content acquirable area 111. When the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 reproduces the content provided from the content providing device 102 and outputs an image or sound of the content (views the image or sound of the content to the user). Can). That is, in the case of the content providing system 300, as in the case of the content providing system 100, depending on whether or not the user is located in the content viewing control area based on information on the position of the user carrying the terminal device 101. Content viewing restrictions are controlled.

<Content viewing restriction control based on user movement>
In the case of the content providing system 300, information indicating the movement of the user is used as information regarding the position of the user carrying the terminal device 101. As information indicating the movement of the user, for example, information regarding a communication partner device of the close proximity wireless communication of the terminal device 101 may be used.

In the case of the example in FIG. 10, the reader / writer 301 (reader / writer 301-1 to reader / writer 301-3) capable of performing near field communication with a predetermined communication standard such as NFC (Near Field Radio Radio Communication) with the terminal device 101. Is provided. Note that the reader / writer 301-1 to the reader / writer 301-3 are referred to as a reader / writer 301 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

The reader / writer 301 is installed in the content viewing permission area 112. The reader / writer 301 performs close proximity wireless communication with the terminal device 101 that is in close proximity, and exchanges information with each other. In other words, the reader / writer 301 can communicate only with the terminal device 101 at substantially the same position. That is, if the terminal device 101 obtains the device information of the reader / writer 301, it indicates that the terminal device 101 has come close to the reader / writer 301 (moved to substantially the same position). That is, if the terminal device 101 obtains the device information of the reader / writer 301 in the content viewing permission area 112, the user of the terminal device 101 has entered the content viewing permission area 112.

Therefore, if it is a condition for permitting content viewing to have information related to the reader / writer 301 in the content viewing permission area 112, the content can be provided only to the user who has entered the content viewing permission area 112.

In this case, since the communicable area of the reader / writer 301 is very narrow, it is almost impossible to form the content viewing permission area 112 by the communicable area. Therefore, in this case, the content viewing permission area 112 may be physically formed by a wall, for example.

Since the reader / writer 301 only needs to indicate that the user of the terminal device 101 has entered the content viewing permission area 112, any number of reader / writers 301 can be provided at any position in the content viewing permission area 112. For example, when the reader / writer 301 is installed together with a gate or the like at the entrance of the content viewing permission area 112 and the user enters the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 must be brought close to the reader / writer 301 to establish communication. It may not be necessary. In this way, it can be shown that the user has entered the content viewing permission area 112 more reliably.

Also, for example, a reader / writer 301 is installed at the exit of the content viewing permission area 112 together with a gate or the like, and when the user enters the content viewing permission area 112, the terminal device 101 is placed close to the reader / writer 301 for communication. It may be necessary to establish it. In this way, not only entrance but also entry can be managed more reliably.

Note that the information relating to the reader / writer 301 (information relating to the communication partner device of the near field communication of the terminal device 101) may be any information. For example, it may be device information of the reader / writer 301 (device information of a communication partner device). The contents of this device information are arbitrary. For example, identification information for identifying the reader / writer 301 (identification information of a communication partner apparatus) may be used. This identification information may be, for example, a MAC address, an IP address, a serial number, or a model name. Further, the method of close proximity wireless communication between the reader / writer 301 and the terminal device 101 is arbitrary.

As described above, the content providing system 300 uses information regarding the reader / writer 301 instead of using coordinates indicating the current position of the terminal apparatus 101 calculated using the GPS signal as information regarding the position of the user of the terminal apparatus 101. Except for this, it is basically the same as the content providing system 100.

<Flow of viewing control processing for broadcast content>
An example of the flow of viewing control processing related to control of viewing restrictions on broadcast content in the case of the content providing system 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the viewing control process is started, in step S231, the content acquisition availability determination unit 181 determines whether the terminal device 101 is located in the broadcast wave receivable area (content acquisition area 111), as in step S101. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the terminal device 101 is located in the broadcast wave receivable area (content acquirable area 111), the process proceeds to step S232.

In step S232, the content list acquisition unit 182 controls the communication unit 155 and acquires the broadcast program guide from other devices such as the content providing device 102, as in step S102.

In step S233, the position information acquisition unit 183 controls the communication unit 153, performs near field communication with the communicable reader / writer 301, and acquires the device information (identification information).

In step S234, the control position information acquisition unit 184 controls the communication unit 155, and the device information (identification information) of the reader / writer 301 installed in the content viewing permission area 112 from another device such as the content providing device 102. The viewing permission device information including is acquired. Note that the viewing-permitted device information may be registered in the terminal device 101 in advance. For example, viewing permission device information may be stored in the storage unit 156 in advance. In that case, the control position information acquisition unit 184 acquires viewing permission device information including device information of the reader / writer 301 installed in the content viewing permission region 112 from the storage unit 156.

In step S235, the position determination unit 185 compares the device information of the communication partner of the terminal device 101 acquired in step S233 with the device information corresponding to the content viewing permission area 112 acquired in step S234. It is determined whether or not the communication partner device matches a device that permits viewing (viewing permitted device). If it is determined from the comparison result of the device information that the communication partner device of the terminal device 101 matches the viewing-permitted device, it is assumed that the terminal device 101 is located in the content viewing permission area 112, and the process proceeds to step S236.

Each process from step S236 to step S244 is executed in the same manner as each process from step S106 to step S114 in FIG.

Repeat each process of the viewing control process as described above.

As for the viewing control process for streaming content and download content, this broadcast content viewing control process (FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 as in the case of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

<Others>
As described above, various examples have been described in each embodiment, but an information processing system (content providing system) to which the present technology is applied is not limited to the above-described example.

For example, the control position information acquired by the control position information acquisition unit 184 may change in time series. In other words, the shape and size of the content viewing permission area 112 may change along the time axis (for example, at a predetermined timing and every predetermined time).

Further, in the above description, the control of whether or not to allow viewing is performed as the viewing restriction control. However, this control method is arbitrary. For example, content permitted to be viewed may be set according to the user's position. For example, the user A1 located in the location A is permitted to view the content 1 and the content 2, and the user B2 located in the location B is permitted to view the content 2 to the content 4. You may make it provide the content according to a position. Further, depending on the position of the user, part of the video and audio of the content may be limited, or the quality of the image and audio may be limited.

Also, in the above, description is given so that content viewing is permitted when the user is located in the content viewing control area, which is an area where content viewing restrictions are controlled (that is, the content viewing permission area 112). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and content viewing may be prohibited when the user is located within the content viewing control area. That is, viewing of content is basically not restricted, but viewing of content may be restricted (for example, prohibited) only when the user is located in a specific area. For example, wireless communication for viewing content may be prohibited only in specific areas such as airplanes, trains, hospitals, and movie theaters.

Moreover, the restriction by the position as described above may be canceled by charging by the user. For example, when the user charges, the setting of the content viewing permission area 112 may be canceled so that the content can be viewed at an arbitrary position.

Furthermore, a plurality of control methods described in the embodiments may be combined. For example, as described in the first embodiment, the content viewing restriction is controlled using the coordinates indicating the current position of the user, and the wireless of the device carried by the user as described in the second embodiment. You may make it control content viewing restrictions also using the information regarding the communication partner apparatus.

In addition, for example, as described in the second embodiment, content viewing restriction is controlled using information related to a communication partner device of wireless communication of the device carried by the user, and also described in the third embodiment. As described above, content viewing restriction may be controlled using information indicating the movement of the user.

By using a plurality of methods in this way, it becomes possible to more reliably control viewing restrictions of content for each area, for example, covering the vicinity of the boundary where the radio field intensity of a large area is reduced with a small area. . In addition, since the area can be hierarchized, such as by forming a small area within the large area, more complex content viewing control can be performed. For example, it is possible to form a content viewing permission area 112 in a wide range such as the entire building while allowing the content permitted to be viewed to be changed for each room or for each seat.

Further, the content viewing restriction control by the terminal device 101 as described above may be performed outside the terminal device 101. For example, it may be performed by the content providing apparatus 102 or may be performed by another apparatus (such as a server) (not shown). In this case, information necessary for control (for example, position information and control position information) may be supplied to the device that performs the control, and the determined control information may be supplied to the terminal device 101 or the like. .

<4. Fourth Embodiment>
<Computer>
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in the computer. Here, the computer includes, for example, a general-purpose personal computer that can execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware and various programs.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processing by a program.

In the computer 800 shown in FIG. 12, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803 are connected to each other via a bus 804.

An input / output interface 810 is also connected to the bus 804. An input unit 811, an output unit 812, a storage unit 813, a communication unit 814, and a drive 815 are connected to the input / output interface 810.

The input unit 811 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touch panel, an input terminal, and the like. The output unit 812 includes, for example, a display, a speaker, an output terminal, and the like. The storage unit 813 includes, for example, a hard disk, a RAM disk, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The communication unit 814 includes a network interface, for example. The drive 815 drives a removable medium 821 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

In the computer configured as described above, the CPU 801 loads the program stored in the storage unit 813 into the RAM 803 via the input / output interface 810 and the bus 804 and executes the program, for example. Is performed. The RAM 803 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 801 to execute various processes.

The program executed by the computer (CPU 801) can be recorded and applied to, for example, a removable medium 821 as a package medium or the like. In that case, the program can be installed in the storage unit 813 via the input / output interface 810 by attaching the removable medium 821 to the drive 815.

This program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting. In that case, the program can be received by the communication unit 814 and installed in the storage unit 813.

In addition, this program can be installed in advance in the ROM 802 or the storage unit 813.

The program executed by the computer may be a program that is processed in time series in the order described in this specification, or in parallel or at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. It may be a program for processing.

Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.

Further, the processing of each step described above can be executed in each device described above or any device other than each device described above. In that case, the device that executes the process may have the functions (functional blocks and the like) necessary for executing the process described above. Information necessary for processing may be transmitted to the apparatus as appropriate.

In this specification, the system means a set of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing. Accordingly, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network and a single device housing a plurality of modules in one housing are all systems. .

Also, in the above, the configuration described as one device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices (or processing units). Conversely, the configurations described above as a plurality of devices (or processing units) may be combined into a single device (or processing unit). Of course, a configuration other than that described above may be added to the configuration of each device (or each processing unit). Furthermore, if the configuration and operation of the entire system are substantially the same, a part of the configuration of a certain device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or other processing unit). .

The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. Of course, it is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the present technology can take a configuration of cloud computing in which one function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network and is jointly processed.

Further, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device or can be shared by a plurality of devices.

Further, when a plurality of processes are included in one step, the plurality of processes included in the one step can be executed by being shared by a plurality of apparatuses in addition to being executed by one apparatus.

In addition, the present technology is not limited to this, and any configuration mounted on such a device or a device constituting the system, for example, a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using a plurality of processors, a plurality of It is also possible to implement as a unit using other modules, a set obtained by further adding other functions to the unit (that is, a partial configuration of the apparatus), and the like.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1) A control unit that controls viewing restrictions on the content based on whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area, which is an area in which viewing restrictions on the content are controlled, based on information on the position of the user. An information processing apparatus comprising:
(2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), wherein the information regarding the position of the user is information indicating a current position of the user.
(3) The information indicating the current position of the user is a current coordinate of a device carried by the user, measured using GPS (Global Positioning System) or A-GPS (Assisted-GPS),
The said control part controls the viewing-and-listening restriction | limiting of the said content according to whether the present coordinate of the apparatus which the said user carries is located in the said content control area shown by a coordinate (2). Information processing device.
(4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the information related to the position of the user is information indicating an area where the user is located.
(5) The information processing apparatus according to (4), wherein the information indicating a region where the user is located is information regarding a communication partner apparatus of wireless communication of an apparatus carried by the user.
(6) The information regarding the communication partner device of the wireless communication is identification information of a device that performs wireless communication using the device carried by the user with Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi,
The information processing apparatus according to (5), wherein the control unit controls the viewing restriction of the content according to whether or not the identification information matches the identification information corresponding to the content control area.
(7) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the information related to the position of the user is information indicating movement of the user.
(8) The information processing device according to (7), wherein the information indicating the movement of the user is information regarding a communication partner device of close proximity wireless communication of the device carried by the user.
(9) The information related to the device of the communication partner of the proximity wireless communication is identification information of a device that performs proximity wireless communication using a device carried by the user and NFC (Near field radio communication),
The information processing apparatus according to (8), wherein the control unit controls viewing restriction of the content according to whether or not the identification information matches the identification information corresponding to the content control area.
(10) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein when the user is located in the content viewing control area, the control unit releases the viewing restriction on the content.
(11) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit restricts viewing of the content when the user is located in the content viewing control area.
(12) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control unit controls acquisition of the content as control of viewing restriction of the content.
(13) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the control unit controls reproduction of the content as control of viewing restriction of the content.
(14) a content acquisition unit for acquiring the content;
A playback unit for playing back the content;
An output unit for outputting the content reproduced by the reproduction unit;
The control unit controls viewing restrictions on the content acquired by the content acquisition unit;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the reproduction unit reproduces the content whose viewing is not restricted.
(15) The content is broadcast by a broadcast signal,
The information processing apparatus according to (14), wherein the content acquisition unit receives the broadcast signal and acquires the content from the received broadcast signal.
(16) The content is distributed via a predetermined communication network,
The information processing apparatus according to (14), wherein the content acquisition unit acquires the content distributed via the communication network.
(17) A storage unit that stores the content acquired by the content acquisition unit is further provided.
The information processing apparatus according to (14), wherein the control unit controls viewing restriction of the content stored in the storage unit.
(18) It further includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires information about the position of the user,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (14) to (17), wherein the control unit controls viewing restriction of the content based on information regarding the position of the user acquired by the position information acquisition unit.
(19) a display control unit for displaying information on the content that is not restricted for viewing;
A reception unit that receives an operation of designating content based on the information about the content displayed by the display control unit;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of (14) to (18), wherein the reproduction unit reproduces the content specified by the operation received by the reception unit.
(20) Based on information on a user's position, the content viewing restriction is controlled depending on whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area that is an area in which content viewing restriction is controlled. Method.

100 content provision system, 101 terminal device, 102 content provision device, 103 GPS satellite, 104 A-GPS server, 105 base station, 111 content acquisition area, 112 content viewing permission area, 151 control section, 152 antenna, 153 communication section , 154 antenna, 155 communication unit, 156 storage unit, 157 output unit, 158 input unit, 181 content acquisition availability determination unit, 182 content list acquisition unit, 183 position information acquisition unit, 184 control position information acquisition unit, 185 position determination unit , 186 content list display control unit, 187 content specification reception unit, 188 content information acquisition unit, 189 content acquisition unit, 190 content playback unit, 01 content list display screen, 211 message, 212 content list, 213 decision button, 214 detail button, 215 cancel, 216 anchor, 221 unviewable notification screen, 250 content provision system, 251 access point, 252 communicable area, 300 content provision System, 301 reader / writer, 800 computer

Claims

Information comprising: a control unit that controls the content viewing restriction according to whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area, which is an area in which content viewing restriction is controlled, based on information related to the user's position. Processing equipment.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the position of the user is information indicating a current position of the user.
Information indicating the current position of the user is measured using GPS (Global Positioning System) or A-GPS (Assisted-GPS), the current coordinates of the device carried by the user,
The said control part controls the viewing-and-listening restriction | limiting of the said content according to whether the present coordinate of the apparatus which the said user carries is located in the said content control area shown by a coordinate. Information processing device.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the position of the user is information indicating a region where the user is located.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information indicating a region where the user is located is information related to a communication partner apparatus for wireless communication of an apparatus carried by the user.
Information regarding the communication partner device of the wireless communication is identification information of a device that carries out wireless communication with the device carried by the user using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls viewing restriction of the content depending on whether the identification information matches the identification information corresponding to the content control area.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the position of the user is information indicating movement of the user.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information indicating the movement of the user is information related to a communication partner apparatus for close proximity wireless communication of an apparatus carried by the user.
Information on the device of the communication partner of the proximity wireless communication is identification information of a device that performs proximity wireless communication using the device carried by the user and NFC (Near field radio communication),
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit controls viewing restriction of the content according to whether or not the identification information matches the identification information corresponding to the content control area.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the user is located in the content viewing control area, the control unit releases the viewing restriction on the content.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restricts viewing of the content when the user is located within the content viewing control area.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls acquisition of the content as control of viewing restriction of the content.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls reproduction of the content as control for restricting viewing of the content.
A content acquisition unit for acquiring the content;
A playback unit for playing back the content;
An output unit for outputting the content reproduced by the reproduction unit;
The control unit controls viewing restrictions on the content acquired by the content acquisition unit;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction unit reproduces the content whose viewing is not restricted.
The content is broadcast by a broadcast signal,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the content acquisition unit receives the broadcast signal and acquires the content from the received broadcast signal.
The content is distributed via a predetermined communication network,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the content acquisition unit acquires the content distributed via the communication network.
A storage unit for storing the content acquired by the content acquisition unit;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control unit controls viewing restriction of the content stored in the storage unit.
A position information acquisition unit that acquires information about the position of the user;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control unit controls viewing restriction of the content based on information regarding the position of the user acquired by the position information acquisition unit.
A display control unit for displaying information on the content that is not restricted for viewing;
A reception unit that receives an operation of designating content based on the information about the content displayed by the display control unit;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the reproduction unit reproduces the content specified by the operation received by the reception unit.
An information processing method for controlling viewing restrictions on content based on whether or not the user is located in a content viewing control area, which is an area in which viewing restrictions on content are controlled, based on information related to the position of the user.