WO2016208106A1

WO2016208106A1 - Content reproduction device, content reproduction method, content transmission device, and content transmission method

Info

Publication number: WO2016208106A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/002149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Teruhiko Koori; Takashi Yamanishi; Takehiko Nakano
Original assignee: Sony Corporation
Priority date: 2015-06-24
Filing date: 2016-04-21
Publication date: 2016-12-29
Also published as: JP6623576B2; JP2017011593A

Abstract

A system processes video program content and information related to the video program content. Circuitry identifies a restricted section based on the information related to the video program content, and controls selective reproduction of the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content.

Description

CONTENT REPRODUCTION DEVICE, CONTENT REPRODUCTION METHOD, CONTENT TRANSMISSION DEVICE, AND CONTENT TRANSMISSION METHOD

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2015-127093 filed on June 24, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present technology relates to a content reproduction device, a content reproduction method, a content transmission device, and a content transmission method.　More particularly, the present technology relates to a content reproduction device that reproduces accumulated program content.

Program content including advertisement (CM) sections is transmitted through broadcasting or communication (see PTL 1, for example).　The reception side accumulates the program content sent through broadcasting or communication in an accumulation unit, and views the program content by reproducing it at an appropriate time.　In that case, the advertisement sections might be skipped or fast-forwarded by a user (viewer) operation.

JP 2008-199674 A

Summary

The present technology is to enable appropriate reproduction of a restricted reproduction section such as an advertisement section when program content including the restricted reproduction section is accumulated and reproduced.

The present technology enables appropriate reproduction of a restricted reproduction section such as an advertisement section when program content including the restricted reproduction section is accumulated and reproduced.　The advantageous effects described in this specification are merely examples, and the advantageous effects of the present technology are not limited to them and may include additional effects.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a transmission/reception system as an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example data structure in a new descriptor included in a PMT of MPEG2-TS or a new box of MP4. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example structure of a content reproduction device. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed notification to the effect that a request for a specific operation such as skipping or fastforwarding is not to be accepted. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a table that holds the starting times, the ending times, and the numbers of reproduction times of respective CM sections. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device after a jump. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device at the time of a jump. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device after a jump. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device at the time of a jump. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device after a jump. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device at the time of a jump. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device at the time of a jump. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device at the time of a jump. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device at the time of a jump. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device.

The following is a description of a mode for embodying the present technology (the mode will be hereinafter referred to as the "embodiment").　Explanation will be made in the following order.
1. Embodiment
2. Modifications

<1. Embodiment>
(Example Configuration of a Transmission/Reception System)
Fig. 1 shows an example configuration of a transmission/reception system 10.　In the transmission/reception system 10, a broadcast transmission system 100 and a program providing server (a distribution server) 200 are provided on the transmission side, and a content reproduction device 300 is provided on the reception side.　The program providing server 200 is connected to the content reproduction device 300 through a communication network 400 such as the Internet.

On the reception side, a television receiver 510 or a mobile terminal 520 is connected to the content reproduction device 300.　The content reproduction device 300 and the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520 are connected in a wired or wireless manner.　In the example shown in the drawing, the content reproduction device 300 exists independently of the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520, but the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520 may have the functions of the content reproduction device 300.

The content reproduction device 300 is connected to various kinds of servers through the communication network 400.　The various kinds of servers include a content usage control server 610, an advertisement viewing rate measurement server 620, a point server 630, an advertisement providing server 640, a user information management server 650, and a content usage history management server 660.　These servers may be combined into one server.

The broadcast transmission system 100 transmits program content including advertisement sections (hereinafter referred to as "CM sections" as appropriate) as restricted reproduction sections to the reception side through broadcasting.　The program providing server 200 transmits program content including CM sections to the reception side through communication.　The broadcast transmission system 100 and the program providing server 200 each include a program content acquisition unit that acquires program content from a storage, for example, and a transmission unit that transmits the program content.　The broadcast transmission system 100 and the program providing server 200 transmit not only the program content but also various kinds of information related to the program content.　In this case, the various kinds of information are buried in the program content.

The various kinds of information related to the program content include information listed below, for example.　The information (3) forms the information indicating the CM sections.　The information (4) and (5) forms the information for lifting the restriction on the CM sections.
(1) The ID with which the program content can be identified
(2) The IDs with which CMs can be identified
(3) The starting times and the ending times of the respective CMs in the content
(4) The period during which CM skipping/fastforwarding is restricted
(5) The number of times a CM needs to be reproduced before the restriction on CM skipping/fastforwarding is lifted
(6) The URLs of the respective servers (cloud servers)

Fig. 2 shows an example data structure in a new descriptor included in a PMT of MPEG2-TS or a new box of MP4.　The field of "content_id" indicates the ID with which the program content can be identified.　The field of "restriction_expiration_date" indicates the date until which CM skipping/fastforwarding is restricted.　Although this field indicates the date on which the restriction is lifted in this example, this field may indicate the time in which the restriction is lifted after the recording.

The field of "restriction_expiration_count" indicates the number of times a CM needs to be reproduced before the restriction on CM skipping/fastforwarding is lifted.　The field of "pb_history_server_url" indicates the URL of the content usage history server.　The field of "ad_pgm_count" indicates the number of CMs (CM sections) in the program content.

Each of the CMs has the respective fields of "ad_pgm_id", "ad_pgm_start_time", "ad_pgm_end_time", and "ad_pgm_server_url".　The field of "ad_pgm_id" indicates the ID with which the CM can be identified.　The field of "ad_pgm_start_time" indicates the starting time of the CM in the program content.　The field of "ad_pgm_end_time" indicates the ending time of the CM in the program content.　The field of "ad_pgm_server_url" indicates the URL of the advertisement providing server.

The structure of a PMT is specified in the specifications of MPEG-2 Systems (ISO/IEC 13818-1), and the structure of a PMT in broadcasting in Japan is specified in the ARIB standard specifications STD-B10.　The box structure of MP4 is specified in ISO/IEC 14496-12.

Part of the above described information of various kinds may not be provided together with the program content to the content reproduction device 300, but be provided from a server (a cloud server) connected to the communication network 400, to the content reproduction device 300.　Some of the information may be provided to the content reproduction device 300 in both manners.　For example, dynamic control can be performed by replacing information in the program content with cloud server information.

For example, the information (2) through (5) may be provided from a cloud server to the content reproduction device 300.　In that case, the content reproduction device 300 sends the information (1), for example, to the cloud server, and acquires the information (2) through (5) about the respective CM sections included in the program content.　In this example, the information (1) forms the information for acquiring the information (2) through (5).

An example method of burying the various kinds of information in the program content is now described.　In a stream in the MPEG2-TS format, for example, a descriptor to be stored in an existing program map table (PMT) may be newly defined according to the specifications of the Association of Radio Industries and Business (ARIB) or the Next Generation Television & Broadcasting Promotion Forum (Next TV-F), and the descriptor may be included in the fields carrying the above information.

In a file in the MP4 format, for example, a new box to be stored in an existing moov box or moof box may be defined in the same manner, and the new box may be included in the fields carrying the above information.

The content reproduction device 300 receives program content transmitted from the broadcast transmission system 100 or the program providing server 200.　This program content includes CM sections as described above.　As well as the program content, various kinds of information are transmitted to the content reproduction device 300 from the broadcast transmission system 100 or the program providing server 200, as described above.

The content reproduction device 300 transmits the program content received from the broadcast transmission system 100 or the program providing server 200, directly to the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520.　Alternatively, the content reproduction device 300 accumulates the program content in an accumulation unit.　The content reproduction device 300 may transmit the program content to the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520, and also accumulate the program content in the accumulation unit.　The content reproduction device 300 reproduces program content accumulated in the accumulation unit at an appropriate time designated through a user operation, and transmits the program content to the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520.

The accumulation unit may be included in the content reproduction device 300, or may be formed with a server in a cloud or a server (the program providing server 200, for example) connected to the communication network 400.　In a case where the accumulation unit is formed with a server in a cloud, the content reproduction device 300 transmits program content received from the broadcast transmission system 100 or the program providing server 200 to the server via the communication network 400, and the program content is then accumulated.　However, a server that stores the program content may exist in a cloud, and the content reproduction device 300 may virtually perform an accumulating operation, and reproduce the virtually accumulated program by receiving and displaying the program from the server in the cloud via the communication network 400.　In this case, the URL of the program in the server storing the program content may be included in a new descriptor in the PMT of MPEG2-TS or a new box of MP4.

The content reproduction device 300 also stores various kinds of information received together with program content from the broadcast transmission system 100 or the program providing server 200, and various kinds of information acquired from a cloud server, into a storage unit, and uses the information when appropriate.

Fig. 3 shows an example structure of the content reproduction device 300.　The content reproduction device 300 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, a digital tuner 303, a communication unit 304, an accumulation unit 305, an output unit 306, a user operation unit 307, and a display unit 308.

The control unit 301 includes a CPU, and controls operations of the respective components of the content reproduction device 300.　The storage unit 302 is formed with a ROM that stores control software and holds data, and a RAM that forms the work area for the CPU.　The user operation unit 307 is a component for users to conduct various operations.　The display unit 308 displays a status of the content reproduction device 300, and guidance on user operations.　The user operation unit 307 and the display unit 308 constitute a user interface unit.

The digital tuner 303 receives program content transmitted from the broadcast transmission system 100 through broadcasting.　The communication unit 304 communicates with a server (a cloud server) connected to the communication network 400.　The communication unit 304 receives program content delivered from the program providing server 200.

The accumulation unit 305 is formed with a hard disk drive (HDD), for example.　Under the control of the control unit 301 based on a user operation, the accumulation unit 305 accumulates program content received by the digital tuner 303 or the communication unit 304.　Also, under the control of the control unit 301 based on a user operation, the accumulation unit 305 reproduces accumulated program content at an appropriate time.　In this sense, the accumulation unit 305 also functions as a reproduction unit.

Program content received by the digital tuner 303 and the communication unit 304 may be accumulated in a server in a cloud.　In this case, program content received by the digital tuner 303 and the communication unit 304 is sent to the server via the communication unit 304 and is accumulated in the server.　However, this accumulation operation may be virtualized where program content is stored beforehand in a server in a cloud as described above.　In this case, under the control of the control unit 301 based on a user operation, program content is reproduced from the server at an appropriate time.

Under the control of the control unit 301 based on a user operation, the output unit 306 selectively sends the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520 program content received by the digital tuner 303 or the communication unit 304, or program content reproduced by the accumulation unit 305 (or program content reproduced from a server in a cloud in a case where the program content is accumulated in the server).

When reproducing program content and transmitting the program content to the television receiver 510 or the mobile terminal 520, the content reproduction device 300 performs reproduction in a CM section, from which the reproduction restriction has not been lifted, at a normal speed (this reproduction will be hereinafter referred to as "normal reproduction").　For example, while normal reproduction is being performed in this CM section, a request issued through a user operation for a specific operation such as skipping or fastforwarding is not accepted.

In this case, for the user's convenience, the content reproduction device 300 displays an image or outputs sound, to notify the user that any request for a specific operation such as skipping or fastforwarding is not to be accepted, for example.　Fig. 4 shows an example of the notification displayed on the display unit 308.

The content reproduction device 300 determines whether to lift the reproduction restriction based on the information about the number of times normal reproduction should be performed (see the field of "restriction_expiration_count" in Fig. 2) or the information about the expiration date (see the field of "restriction_expiration_date" in Fig. 2).　It is possible to take into consideration both the expiration date and the number of time normal reproduction should be performed.

As for a CM section that has already been subjected to normal reproduction the predetermined number of times, for example, a request for a specific operation such as skipping or fastforwarding is accepted during normal reproduction of the CM section.　As for a CM section that has already passed its expiration date, for example, a request for a specific operation such as skipping or fastforwarding is accepted during normal reproduction of the CM section.　In a case where both the expiration date and the number of times normal reproduction should be performed are taken into consideration, a request for the specific operation is accepted for a CM section that has not yet passed the expiration date but has already been subjected to normal reproduction the predetermined number of times.　Here, the information about the predetermined number of times and the expiration date may be values transmitted together with program content as described above, or may be values determined beforehand in the specifications of broadcasting/distribution.

In a case where the reproduction restriction is to be lifted based on the information about the number of times normal reproduction should be performed, the content reproduction device 300 reproduces a CM section in a normal manner from its starting time till its ending time, and then stores the count value of the number of times the CM section has been reproduced.　As for a method of managing the history of reproduction of CM sections in program content, the starting times, the ending times, and the numbers of times reproduction should be performed are stored in a table for the respective CM sections, and, after normal reproduction is performed, the corresponding number of times is recorded, as shown in Fig. 5.　This table may be stored in the content reproduction device 300, or may be stored in a server in a home network or in the content usage history management server 660 in a cloud.

The flowchart in Fig. 6 shows an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device 300.　In step ST1, the content reproduction device 300 starts the process.　In step ST2, the content reproduction device 300 starts normal reproduction of program content.　In step ST3, the content reproduction device 300 checks the current position of reproduction.

In step ST4, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether a CM section is being reproduced.　If a CM section is being reproduced, the content reproduction device 300 sets a CM section flag in step ST5.

In step ST6, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether there is a request for skipping or fastforwarding.　If there is a request for skipping or fastforwarding, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST7 determines whether the number of times the CM section has been reproduced is smaller than a predetermined number of times.

If the number of times the CM section has been reproduced is smaller than the predetermined number of times, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST8 notifies the user (viewer) that the request is not to be accepted.　As described above, this notification is issued in the form of a displayed image (see Fig. 4) or output sound, for example.　After carrying out step ST8, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST13.

If the number of times the CM section has been reproduced is not smaller than the predetermined number of times, or is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of times in step ST7, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST9 performs skipping or fastforwarding as requested.　After carrying out step ST9, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST13.

If any CM section is not being reproduced in step ST4, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST10 determines whether a CM section flag has been set.　If a CM section flag has been set, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST11 increments the number of times the corresponding CM section has been reproduced, by "1".　In step ST12, the content reproduction device 300 resets the CM section flag.　After carrying out step ST12, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST13.

If neither skipping nor fastforwarding is requested in step ST6, or no CM section flag has been set in step ST10, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST13.

In step ST13, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether there is a request for suspension of normal reproduction.　If there is no request for suspension of normal reproduction, the content reproduction device 300 returns to step ST3, and repeats the same procedures as above.　If there is a request for suspension of normal reproduction, the content reproduction device 300 ends the normal reproduction in step ST15.

In a case where reproduction is performed after a jump from a position A in program content to a future position B (B0, B1, B2, or B3), as shown in Fig. 7, there may be a CM section (X1 or X2) whose starting time falls between the position A and the position B.　In that case, reproduction may be started from the position B after normal reproduction of the CM section, if the CM section has not yet been reproduced the predetermined number of times.　The CM section to be reproduced in this case is the CM section whose starting time is earlier than and the closest to the position B.　If the position B is located in a CM section, the position B is moved to a position immediately after the CM section.

Here, a "jump from the position A to the position B" means that normal reproduction starts after movement from the position A to the position B is conducted by a method other than normal reproduction.　Specific examples of such movement include the following cases. (1) Normal reproduction is conducted after fastforwarding from the position A to the position B is performed. (2) Normal reproduction is conducted after a seek bar is moved from the position A to the position B. (3) Normal reproduction is started after an operation to select a chapter starting from the position B is performed in the position A.

The flowchart in Fig. 8 shows an example of the reproduction operation of the content reproduction device 300 at the time of such a jump.　In step ST21, the content reproduction device 300 starts the process.　In step ST22, the content reproduction device 300 sets the reproduction position at the position B.　In step ST23, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the starting position of a CM section is located between the position A and the position B.

If the starting position of a CM section is located between the position A and the position B, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST24 identifies the CM section X whose starting position is located before and closest to the position B.　In step ST25, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the number of times the CM section X has been reproduced is smaller than a predetermined number of times.

If the number of times the CM section X has been reproduced is smaller than the predetermined number of times, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST26 determines whether the position B is located in the CM section X.　If the position B is located in the CM section X, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST27 moves the position B to the ending time of the CM section X.　After carrying out step ST27, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST28.　If the position B is not located in the CM section X in step ST26, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST28.

In step ST28, the content reproduction device 300 sets the reproduction position at the starting position of the CM section X.　In step ST29, the content reproduction device 300 starts normal reproduction.　In step ST30, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the CM section X is being reproduced.

If the CM section X is being reproduced, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST31 determines whether there is a request for skipping or fastforwarding.　If there is a request for skipping or fastforwarding, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST32 notifies the user that the request is not to be accepted.

After carrying out step ST32, the content reproduction device 300 returns to step ST30, and repeats the same procedures as above.　If neither skipping nor fastforwarding is requested in step ST31, the content reproduction device 300 immediately returns to step ST30.

If the CM section X is not being reproduced in step ST30, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST33.　In step ST33, the content reproduction device 300 increments the number of times the CM section X has been reproduced, by "1".　In step ST34, the content reproduction device 300 sets the reproduction position at the position B.

After carrying out step ST34, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST35.　If the starting position of any CM section is not located between the position A and the position B in step ST23, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST35.　In step ST35, the content reproduction device 300 starts normal reproduction.

After carrying out step ST35, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST36 ends the process at the time of the jump.　After that, the content reproduction device 300 performs the above described reproduction operation shown in the flowchart in Fig. 6.

In a case where reproduction is conducted after a jump from a position A in program content to a past position C (C0, C1, or C2), as shown in Fig. 9, reproduction may be started from the position C after reproduction of the CM section whose starting time is earlier than and the closest to the position C.

Fig. 10 shows an example of the reproduction operation of the content reproduction device 300 at the time of such a jump.　In step ST41, the content reproduction device 300 starts the process.　In step ST42, the content reproduction device 300 sets the reproduction position at the position C.　In step ST43, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether there is a CM section whose starting position is located before and closest to the position C.

If there exists such a CM section, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST44 identifies the CM section Y whose starting position is located before and closest to the position C.　In step ST45, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the number of times the CM section Y has been reproduced is smaller than a predetermined number of times.

If the number of times the CM section Y has been reproduced is smaller than the predetermined number of times, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST46 determines whether the position C is located in the CM section Y.　If the position C is located in the CM section Y, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST47 moves the position C to the ending time of the CM section Y.　After carrying out step ST47, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST48.　If the position C is not located in the CM section Y in step ST46, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST48.

In step ST48, the content reproduction device 300 sets the reproduction position at the starting position of the CM section Y.　In step ST49, the content reproduction device 300 starts normal reproduction.　In step ST50, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the CM section Y is being reproduced.

If the CM section Y is being reproduced, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST51 determines whether there is a request for skipping or fastforwarding.　If there is a request for skipping or fastforwarding, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST52 notifies the user that the request is not to be accepted.

After carrying out step ST52, the content reproduction device 300 returns to step ST50, and repeats the same procedures as above.　If neither skipping nor fastforwarding is requested in step ST51, the content reproduction device 300 immediately returns to step ST50.

If the CM section Y is not being reproduced in step ST50, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST53.　In step ST53, the content reproduction device 300 increments the number of times the CM section Y has been reproduced, by "1".　In step ST54, the content reproduction device 300 sets the reproduction position at the position C.

After carrying out step ST54, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST55.　If the starting position of any CM section is not included in step ST43, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST55.　In step ST55, the content reproduction device 300 starts normal reproduction.

After carrying out step ST55, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST56 ends the process at the time of the jump.　After that, the content reproduction device 300 performs the above described reproduction operation shown in the flowchart in Fig. 6.

The above described CM section reproduction may be restricted to the cases listed below (see Fig. 11). (1) A case where a result d1 of subtraction of the ending time of the CM section Y from the time of the position C is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value T1, and/or a case where a result d2 of subtraction of the time of the position C from the starting time of a CM section Z that is later than and closest to the position C is equal to or greater than a predetermined value T2. (2) A case where the result d1 of subtraction of the ending time of the CM section Y from the time of the position C is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value T1, and/or a case where a result d3 of subtraction of the time of the position C from the time of the position A is equal to or greater than a predetermined value T3. (3) A case where the ratio of d1 to (d1 + d2) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

The above cases are expressed as follows.
Case 1) IF (d1 < T1) THEN "reproduction of the CM section Y"
Case 2) IF (d2 > T2) THEN "reproduction of the CM section Y"
Case 3) IF (d3 > T3) THEN "reproduction of the CM section Y"
Case 4) IF ((d1 < T1) and (d2 > T2)) THEN "reproduction of the CM section Y"
Case 5) IF ((d1 < T1) and (d3 > T3)) THEN "reproduction of the CM section Y"
Case 6) IF (d1/(d1 + d2) < P) THEN "reproduction of the CM section Y"

The flowchart in Fig. 12 shows an example of the reproduction operation of the content reproduction device 300 in a case where the above restrictions are valid.　In this case, step ST60 is added between step ST44 and step ST45 of the reproduction operation shown in the flowchart in Fig. 10.　In step ST60, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the requirement for a restriction (one of the cases 1 through 6) is satisfied, and moves on to step ST45 only when the requirement is satisfied.　The other aspects of the reproduction operation shown in the flowchart in Fig. 12 are the same as those of the reproduction operation shown in the flowchart in Fig. 10.

In a case where a program being broadcast or streamed is displayed on a display device such as the television receiver 510, the number of times a CM section has been displayed may be counted as the number of times the CM section has been reproduced.　For example, the content usage history management server 660 in a cloud counts the number of times a broadcast program received and displayed by the television receiver 510 has been reproduced.　The content reproduction device 300 refers to the history when reproducing the same program that has been recorded, and reflects the history in reproducing CM sections.

Fastforwarding/rewinding at a predetermined speed or higher may not be restricted even in CM sections.　Editing such as deleting may be prohibited in a CM section that has not yet been reproduced a predetermined number of times.　On the other hand, a CM section that has been reproduced the predetermined number of times or more may be controlled not to be automatically reproduced, or may be automatically deleted.

The number of times a CM section needs to be reproduced before the reproduction restriction is lifted may be set at a very large value or may be unlimited depending on program content.　However, in a case where the numbers of times a CM section has been reproduced by users (viewers) have been combined in a server in a cloud, and the total number of times the CM section has been reproduced has reached a predetermined number, or where a small number of times of reproduction is set for a rerun or the like, the number of times a CM section needs to be reproduced may be changed.

In that case, the content reproduction device 300 may directly access the content usage control server 610 managing the necessary number of times of reproduction or access the content usage control server 610 via the content usage history management server 660.　Based on the result of the access, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether to put a restriction on reproduction of the CM sections in program content.　In this case, every time performing normal reproduction of a CM section, the content reproduction device 300 of each user (viewer) notifies the server performing the above counting in a cloud of the normal reproduction.

As for reproduction of a CM section, a CM recorded in an accumulation unit (the accumulation unit in the content reproduction device 300 or an accumulation unit in a cloud) may be reproduced, or a CM that is being streamed or has been downloaded via the communication network 400 may be reproduced.

A CM section to be reproduced may be selected based on the usage history of program content and/or various kinds of information about the user.　For example, the contents of a CM may be changed based on the number of times the CM section has been reproduced.　Specifically, a CM that has not been reproduced is recorded and is then reproduced, for example.　As for a CM that has been reproduced, the ID of the recorded CM is sent to the advertisement providing server 640, and the URL of a replacement CM is received.　The CM is acquired from the URL and is then reproduced.

Also, a CM may be replaced with the latest CM prepared by sponsors based on the reproduction date, for example.　Specifically, after a predetermined period has passed since the date of recording, or after the expiration date on which broadcast/distribution metadata has been sent, the ID of a recorded CM is sent to the advertisement providing server 640, and the URL of a replacement CM is received.　The CM is acquired from the URL and is then reproduced.

Also, a CM may be replaced with a CM that meets the needs of the user, or a CM that does not appear to be effective may be replaced with an effective one based on attribute information (such as age, gender, nationality, and address) of the user, information reflecting preferences (such as histories of reproduction, viewing, reservations, and storing of programs), the history of access to CM information (specific information that has been broadcast/delivered together with CMs, and the viewing status of the site at each URL), and feedback (likes/dislikes, use/disuse, and purchases) from the user about CMs.

Specifically, at a start of reproduction of program content, for example, the ID of the program content or a list of the IDs of the CMs in the program content, the attribute information about the user, the information reflecting preferences of the user, the history of access to CM information, and feedback information from the user about CMs are sent to the advertisement providing server 640.　Alternatively, the advertisement providing server 640 acquires those pieces of information from the user information management server 650.　From the advertisement providing server 640, the content reproduction device 300 receives a list of the URLs of CMs selected based on the information, and acquires and reproduces the CMs by accessing the URLs at the respective times for reproduction of the CM sections.

In the above described example cases, the reproduction restriction is lifted based on the information about the number of times normal reproduction has been performed.　However, the content reproduction device 300 performs substantially the same reproduction operation in cases where the reproduction restriction is lifted based on the information about the expiration date.　The reproduction operations shown in the flowcharts in Figs. 13, 14, 15, and 16 are reproduction operations to be performed by the content reproduction device 300 in cases where the reproduction restriction is lifted based on expiration information, and correspond to the reproduction operations shown in the flowcharts in Figs. 6, 8, 10, and 12, respectively.　However, step ST11 in Fig. 13, step ST33 in Fig. 14, and step ST53 in Fig. 15 may be carried out only in cases where reproduction is restricted based on both the expiration date and the number of times.

In the flowchart in Fig. 13, step ST7 of the flowchart in Fig. 6 is replaced with step ST7A, but the other steps are the same as those of the flowchart in Fig. 6.　In step ST7A, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction.　If the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST8.　If the current time is not before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST9.

In the flowchart in Fig. 14, step ST25 of the flowchart in Fig. 8 is replaced with step ST25A, but the other steps are the same as those of the flowchart in Fig. 8.　In step ST25A, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction.　If the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST26.　If the current time is not before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST35.

In each of the flowcharts in Figs. 15 and 16, step ST45 of the flowcharts in Figs. 10 and 12 is replaced with step ST45A, but the other steps are the same as those of the flowcharts in Figs. 10 and 12.　In step ST45A, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction.　If the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST46.　If the current time is not before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST55.

In free digital broadcasting/distribution that relies on advertising for income, time-shift viewing has become common as digital recording/reproduction devices have widely spread.　As a result, real-time viewing rate data on which the advertising business models are based is becoming meaningless.　In a case where normal reproduction (reproduction at a normal speed) of a CM (a CM section) is performed before a predetermined expiration date (the expiration date until which CM skipping/fastforwarding is restricted), the advertisement viewing rate measurement server 620 that measures viewing rates is accessed, and the viewing rates might be added up as in the case of real-time viewing.

Here, the advertisement viewing rate measurement server 620 is a server for measuring data from which advertising fees are calculated.　The advertisement viewing rate measurement server 620 recognizes a CM accumulated in the accumulation unit, and, if reproduction of the CM satisfies a predetermined condition for measuring a viewing rate, adds the viewing rate as an advertisement viewing rate.　In this case, it becomes possible to collect viewing rate (CM viewing rate) data in the form of actual numbers reflecting actual viewing, instead of estimated viewing rates of samples.

In a case where a user (viewer) views a CM by reproducing program content in the accumulation unit while CM skipping/fastforwarding is restricted, the point server 630 may be accessed, and a point may be added as a bonus for viewing the CM to a point card associated with the user.

Here, the point server 630 is a server for passing a consideration (point) for viewing a CM on to the viewer (user).　The point server 630 recognizes a CM accumulated in the accumulation unit.　If reproduction of the CM satisfies a predetermined condition, a point is added to the point card associated with the user.　The user can use this point in paying for viewing a pay-per-view broadcast or reproducing a program (a recorded or downloaded program) that may require payment, or in paying for a video-on-demand (VOD) service via the Internet, for example.

Even in a case where the restriction period of CM skipping/fastforwarding has not expired yet, if normal reproduction of a CM has been performed a predetermined number of times, such as one time, the restriction is not put on CM skipping/fastforwarding in reproducing the CM for the second time and thereafter.

In a case where a predetermined period of time has passed (the restriction period of CM skipping/fastforwarding has expired), the CMs accumulated in the accumulation unit are regarded as advertisements whose values have dropped, and may be replaced with CMs obtained from the advertisement (CM) providing server 640 in a cloud.　A replacement CM may be a CM based on the past program content viewing habit of the user (viewer), or may be a local CM based on information about the program viewing area, for example.

Here, the advertisement (CM) providing server 640 is a server for providing CMs to users (viewers).　If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the advertisement (CM) providing server 640 provides a CM with a high commercial value, instead of an old CM accumulated in the accumulation unit or a CM whose commercial value has dropped.　In this case, a consideration (point) for viewing a CM supplied from the advertisement (CM) providing server 640 may also be passed on to the user.

The flowchart in Fig. 17 shows an example of a reproduction operation of the content reproduction device 300.　In step ST61, the content reproduction device 300 starts the process.　In step ST62, the content reproduction device 300 detects the head of a CM section X while performing normal reproduction of program content, and then moves on to step ST63.

In step ST63, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction.　If the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST64 determines whether the number of times the CM section X has been reproduced is smaller than a predetermined number of times.　If the number of times the CM section X has been reproduced is smaller than the predetermined number of times, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST65 enables skipping/fastforwarding prohibition mode.

After carrying out step ST65, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST66.　If the current time is determined to be past the expiration date of the reproduction restriction in step ST63, or if the number of times the CM section X has been reproduced is determined to be equal to or larger than the predetermined number of times in step ST64, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST66.

In step ST66, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the condition for replacing an advertisement is satisfied.　For example, if the current time is past the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, or if the number of times the CM section X has been reproduced is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of times though the current time is before the expiration date of the reproduction restriction, the content reproduction device 300 determines that the condition for replacing an advertisement is satisfied.　If the condition for replacing an advertisement is satisfied, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST67 acquires a replacement CM from the advertisement (CM) providing server 640, and performs normal reproduction.

After carrying out step ST67, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST68.　If the condition for replacing an advertisement is not satisfied in step ST66, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST68.

In step ST68, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the end of the CM section X or the replacement CM has been detected.　If the end of the CM section X or the replacement CM has been detected, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST69 increments the number of times the CM section has been reproduced, by "1".　In step ST70, the content reproduction device 300 disables the skipping/fastforwarding prohibition mode.

In step ST71, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the CM section X is subject to viewing rate measurement.　If the CM section X is subject to viewing rate measurement, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST72 accesses the advertisement viewing rate measurement server 620, to register the viewing rate.

After carrying out step ST72, the content reproduction device 300 moves on to step ST73.　If the CM section X is determined not to be subject to viewing rate measurement in step ST71, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST73.

In step ST73, the content reproduction device 300 determines whether the CM section X is valid for point acquisition.　If the CM section X is valid for point acquisition, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST74 accesses the point server 630, to pay a consideration (a point) for the viewing of the CM section X.

After carrying out step ST74, the content reproduction device 300 in step ST75 ends the process.　If the CM section X is determined not to be valid for point acquisition in step ST73, the content reproduction device 300 immediately moves on to step ST75, and ends the process.

Like presenting a list of program content accumulated (recorded) in the accumulation unit, the content reproduction device 300 may analyze the viewing history and the recording history of a user (viewer), and selects and presents recommended program content from video-on-demand (VOD) program content being provided.　In this case, the point paid for CM viewing as described above can be used in paying the necessary fee for viewing a VOD program, for example.　It is of course possible to charge a conventional credit card or receive payment by electronic money.

A free broadcast is a broadcast that can be viewed free of charge.　In a case where content with a high additional value is provided, the user may be charged for recording the content.　For example, it is possible to receive payment by points given for CM viewing as described above, charge a credit card, or receive payment by electronic money.

In some business model, a user is not charged for recording a program but is charged for reproducing a recorded program.　There may be a method of charging the user every time reproduction is performed, a method of charging the user for reproduction after the number of times reproduction has been performed exceeds a certain number of times, and a method of charging the user for reproduction after a certain period of time has passed, regardless of the number of times reproduction has been performed.　In another business mode, after a user (viewer) selects CM viewing, reproduction can be continued free of charge.

As described above in the transmission/reception system 10 shown in Fig. 1, the content reproduction device 300 performs normal reproduction of a CM section when the reproduction restriction on (skipping/fastforwarding of) the CM section has not been lifted.　In this case, any request issued for skipping/fastforwarding through a user operation during normal reproduction of the CM section is not accepted.　Thus, during reproduction of accumulated program content, the CM sections included in the program content can be appropriately reproduced.

In the transmission/reception system 10 shown in Fig. 1, the broadcast transmission system 100 or the program providing server (distribution server) 200 transmits program content together with information indicating CM sections in the program content or information for acquiring the information.　Thus, the reception side can accurately recognize the CM sections in the program content, and appropriately restrict the reproduction operation to be performed on the CM sections.

<2. Modifications>
In the above described embodiment, each restricted reproduction section included in program content is a CM (advertisement) section.　According to an embodiment of the present technology, however, restricted reproduction sections are not limited to CM sections, but include other sections that may require reproduction restrictions.　A restricted reproductions section may be an alert section for issuing an alert in viewing program content, a program promotion section for promoting some other program, or a section the producer side wishes to be viewed in normal reproduction even in the main content of the program, for example.

The present technology may also be embodied in the structures described below.
(1) An information processing device is described that includes
　　　an interface configured to receive video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content includes an unrestricted section and a restricted section; and
　　　circuitry configured to
　　　　　　identify the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content,
　　　　　　control reproduction of the unrestricted section, and
　　　　　　control selective reproduction of the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content..
(2) The information processing device of (1), wherein
the restricted section is positioned between a first portion of the unrestricted section and a second portion of the unrestricted section such that when the circuitry controls the restricted section to be reproduced, the first portion of the unrestricted section is played back prior to the restricted section, and the second portion of the unrestricted section is reproduced after the restricted section is reproduced.
(3)　The information processing device of any of (1) and/or (2), wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of a number of times the restricted section must be reproduced before the circuitry permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
(4)　The information processing device of any of (1) through(3), wherein
the video program content contains a second restricted section that is positioned after a first portion of the restricted section, and in response to receiving a request to skip or fast forward through advance to a predetermined point in the video program content, the circuitry causes the first portion of the restricted portion to be played when a starting position of the first portion of the restricted portion occurs before the predetermined point and is closer to the predetermined point than a second portion of the restricted portion.
(5)　The information processing device of any of (1) through (3), wherein
the video program content contains a second restricted section that is positioned after a first portion of the restricted section, and in response to receiving a request to go back to a predetermined point in the video program content prior to a present point, the circuitry causes the first portion of the restricted portion to be reproduced when a starting position of the first portion of the restricted portion occurs before the predetermined point and closer to the predetermined point than the second portion of the restricted portion.
(6)　The information processing device of any of (1) and/or (2), wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of an amount of time that must expire or an amount of play time of content in the restricted section that must be reproduced before the circuitry permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
(7)　The information processing device of any of (1) and/or (2), wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of an amount of time that must expire or before the circuitry permits substitution of different video content in the restricted section.
(8)　The information processing device of any of (1), (2) and/or (7), wherein
　　　the circuitry receives the different video content from a remote source and queues in storage the different video content for reproduction in the restricted section.
(9) The information processing device of any of (1), (2) and/or (7), wherein
　　　the different video content includes an advertisement based on past program viewing or an advertisement based on information about a program geographic viewing area.
(10)　The information processing device of any of (1) and/or (2), wherein
　　　the circuitry assigns consideration in a predetermined amount for time of reproduction expended or number of reproductions of content reproduced in the restricted section.
(11)　The information processing device of any of (1), (2) and/or (10),
the circuitry responds to a redemption of the consideration by reducing payment for video-on-demand content, removal of an advertisement, or enabling a recording of or extension of term of video-on-demand content.
(12)　The information processing device of any of (1) through (11), wherein the information related to the video program content is included in at least one of a Program Map Table for MPEG-2 or ARIB, or an MP4 box.
(13)　A transmitter including
　　　an interface configured to retrieve video program content from storage; and
circuitry configured to transmit the video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content includes an unrestricted section and a restricted section, wherein the
　　　　　　information related to the video program content identifies the restricted section, and includes a control parameter that is used by a receive system to selective reproduce the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content.　A non-transitory computer readable medium is also described that includes the features of the transmitter.
(14)　The transmitter of (13), wherein
the restricted section is positioned between a first portion of the unrestricted section and a second portion of the unrestricted section such that when the receiver controls the restricted section to be reproduced, the first portion of the unrestricted section is played back prior to the restricted section, and the second portion of the unrestricted section is reproduced after the restricted section is reproduced.
(15)　The transmitter of any of (13) and/or (14), wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of a number of times the restricted section must be reproduced before the receiver permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
(16)　The transmitter of any of (13) and/or (14), wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of an amount of time that must expire or an amount of play time of content in the restricted section that must be reproduced before the receiver permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
(17)　The transmitter of any of (13), (14) and/or (16), wherein
the restricted section is positioned between a first portion of the unrestricted section and a second portion of the unrestricted section such that when the receiver controls the restricted section to be reproduced, the first portion of the unrestricted section is played back prior to the restricted section, and the second portion of the unrestricted section is reproduced after the restricted section is reproduced.
(18)　The transmitter of any of (13), (14), (16) and/or (17), wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of a number of times the restricted section must be reproduced before the receiver permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
(19)　The transmitter of any of (13), (14), (16) and/or (17) wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of an amount of time that must expire or an amount of play time of content in the restricted section that must be reproduced before the receiver permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
(20)　A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored therein that when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform a method, the method including:
　　　retrieving video program content from storage; and
transmitting the video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content including an unrestricted section and a restricted section, wherein
　　　the information related to the video program content identifies the restricted section, and includes a control parameter that is used by a receive system to selectively reproduce the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content.
(21) A content reproduction device including:
a reproduction unit that reproduces program content including a restricted reproduction section from an accumulation unit; and
a control unit that restricts a reproduction operation of the reproduction unit to perform normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section when a reproduction restriction on the restricted reproduction section has not yet been lifted.
(22) The content reproduction device of (21), further including:
a reception unit that receives the program content together with information indicating the restricted reproduction section or information for acquiring the information; and
an accumulation control unit that accumulates the received program content in the accumulation unit.
(23) The content reproduction device of (22), wherein the reception unit further receives information for lifting the restriction on the restricted reproduction section or information for acquiring the information.
(24) The content reproduction device of any one of (21) through (23), wherein, when the reproduction unit reproduces the program content from the accumulation unit, the control unit restricts the reproduction operation of the reproduction unit to perform normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section before expiration of the reproduction restriction.
(25) The content reproduction device of (24), wherein, when normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section has been performed a predetermined number of times, the control unit does not restrict the reproduction operation of the reproduction unit even before the expiration of the reproduction restriction.
(26) The content reproduction device of (24) or (25), wherein
the restricted reproduction section is an advertisement section, and
the content reproduction device further includes
a communication unit that registers a viewing rate by accessing an advertisement viewing rate measurement server located outside, when normal reproduction of the advertisement section in the program content is performed before the expiration of the reproduction restriction.
(27) The content reproduction device of any one of (24) through (26), wherein
the restricted reproduction section is an advertisement section, and
the content reproduction device further includes
a consideration payment unit that pays a viewer a consideration for viewing of the advertisement section, when normal reproduction of the advertisement section in the program content is performed before the expiration of the reproduction restriction.
(28) The content reproduction device of (27), wherein the consideration payment unit gives the viewer a point by accessing a point server located outside.
(29) The content reproduction device of any one of (24) through (28), wherein
the restricted reproduction section is an advertisement section, and,
where the reproduction unit reproduces the advertisement section in the program content, the content reproduction device further includes
a communication unit that acquires a replacement advertisement by accessing an advertisement providing server located outside, after the expiration of the reproduction restriction or when the number of times normal reproduction of the advertisement section has been performed is equal to or larger than a predetermined number of times.
(30) The content reproduction device of any one of (21) through (23), wherein, when the reproduction unit reproduces the program content from the accumulation unit, the control unit restricts the reproduction operation of the reproduction unit to perform normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section in the program content before the number of times normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section has been performed reaches a predetermined number of times.
(31) The content reproduction device of (30), wherein
the restricted reproduction section is an advertisement section, and,
where the reproduction unit reproduces the advertisement section in the program content, the content reproduction device further includes
a communication unit that acquires a replacement advertisement by accessing an advertisement providing server located outside, when the number of times normal reproduction of the advertisement section has been performed is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of times.
(32) The content reproduction device of (30) or (31), wherein
the restricted reproduction section is an advertisement section, and,
where the reproduction unit reproduces the advertisement section in the program content, the content reproduction device further includes
a communication unit that acquires a replacement advertisement by accessing an advertisement providing server located outside, when a certain period of time has passed since accumulation of the program content in the accumulation unit.
(33) The content reproduction device of any one of (30) through (32), wherein
the restricted reproduction section is an advertisement section, and
the content reproduction device further includes
a communication unit that notifies an external server of normal reproduction of the advertisement section in the program content when the normal reproduction of the advertisement section is performed.
(34) The content reproduction device of any one of (31) through (33), wherein, where the reproduction restriction on the restricted reproduction section has not been lifted when the reproduction unit is performing normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section and there is a request for skipping or fastforwarding through a viewer operation, the control unit controls the reproduction unit to continue the normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section.
(35) The content reproduction device of (34), wherein the control unit determines whether the reproduction restriction on the restricted reproduction section has been lifted based on information about the number of times the restricted reproduction section is to be reproduced before the restriction on skipping or fastforwarding becomes unnecessary, or the expiration until which skipping or fastforwarding is restricted.
(36) The content reproduction device of any one of (21) through (35), wherein, where the reproduction unit is performing normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section, the content reproduction device further includes
a notification unit that notifies the viewer that a request for skipping or fastforwarding is not to be accepted, when the request is issued through a viewer operation, though the reproduction restriction on the restricted reproduction section has not been lifted.
(37) A content reproduction method including:
reproducing program content including a restricted reproduction section from an accumulation unit, the reproduction being performed by a reproduction unit; and
controlling a reproduction operation in the reproduction to perform normal reproduction of the restricted reproduction section when a reproduction restriction on the restricted reproduction section has not yet been lifted.
(38) A content transmission device including:
a program content acquisition unit that acquires program content including a restricted reproduction section; and
a transmission unit that transmits the program content together with information indicating the restricted reproduction section or information for acquiring the information.
(39) The content transmission device of (38), wherein the transmission unit further transmits information for lifting the restriction on the restricted reproduction section or information for acquiring the information.
(40) A content transmission method including:
acquiring program content including a restricted reproduction section; and
transmitting the program content together with information indicating the restricted reproduction section or information for acquiring the information, the transmission being performed by a transmission unit.

10　　　Transmission/reception system
100　　　Broadcast transmission system
200　　　Program providing server
300　　　Content reproduction device
301　　　Control unit
302　　　Storage unit
303　　　Digital tuner
304　　　Communication unit
305　　　Accumulation unit
306　　　Output unit
307　　　User operation unit
308　　　Display unit
400　　　Communication network
510　　　Television receiver
520　　　Mobile terminal
610　　　Content usage control server
620　　　Advertisement viewing rate measurement server
630　　　Point server
640　　　Advertisement (CM) providing server
650　　　User information management server
660　　　Content usage history management server

Claims

An information processing device comprising:
　　　an interface configured to receive video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content includes an unrestricted section and a restricted section; and
　　　circuitry configured to
　　　　　　identify the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content,
　　　　　　control reproduction of the unrestricted section, and
　　　　　　control selective reproduction of the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein
the restricted section is positioned between a first portion of the unrestricted section and a second portion of the unrestricted section such that when the circuitry controls the restricted section to be reproduced, the first portion of the unrestricted section is played back prior to the restricted section, and the second portion of the unrestricted section is reproduced after the restricted section is reproduced.
The information processing device of claim 2, wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of a number of times the restricted section must be reproduced before the circuitry permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
The information processing device of claim 3, wherein
the video program content contains a second restricted section that is positioned after a first portion of the restricted section, and in response to receiving a request to skip or fast forward through advance to a predetermined point in the video program content, the circuitry causes the first portion of the restricted portion to be played when a starting position of the first portion of the restricted portion occurs before the predetermined point and is closer to the predetermined point than a second portion of the restricted portion.
The information processing device of claim 3, wherein
the video program content contains a second restricted section that is positioned after a first portion of the restricted section, and in response to receiving a request to go back to a predetermined point in the video program content prior to a present point, the circuitry causes the first portion of the restricted portion to be reproduced when a starting position of the first portion of the restricted portion occurs before the predetermined point and closer to the predetermined point than the second portion of the restricted portion.
The information processing device of claim 2, wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of an amount of time that must expire or an amount of play time of content in the restricted section that must be reproduced before the circuitry permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
The information processing device of claim 2, wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of an amount of time that must expire or before the circuitry permits substitution of different video content in the restricted section.
The information processing device of claim 7, wherein
　　　the circuitry receives the different video content from a remote source and queues in storage the different video content for reproduction in the restricted section.
The information processing device of claim 7, wherein
　　　the different video content includes an advertisement based on past program viewing or an advertisement based on information about a program geographic viewing area.
The information processing device of claim 2, wherein
　　　the circuitry assigns consideration in a predetermined amount for time of reproduction expended or number of reproductions of content reproduced in the restricted section.
The information processing device of claim 10,
the circuitry responds to a redemption of the consideration by reducing payment for video-on-demand content, removal of an advertisement, or enabling a recording of or extension of term of video-on-demand content.
The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the information related to the video program content is included in at least one of a Program Map Table for MPEG-2 or ARIB, or an MP4 box.
A receiver comprising:
　　　an information processing device that includes
　　　　　　an interface configured to receive video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content includes an unrestricted section and a restricted section, and
　　　　　　circuitry configured to
　　　　　　identify the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content,
　　　　　　control reproduction of the unrestricted section, and
　　　　　　control selective reproduction of the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content; and
　　　a reproduction device having a display, and configured to receive the video program content and reproduce the video program content on the display.
The receiver of claim 13, wherein
　　　the reproduction device being one of a television and a mobile terminal.
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored therein that when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform a method, the method comprising:
receiving through an interface video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content including an unrestricted section and a restricted section;
　　　identifying with circuitry the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content;
　　　controlling with the circuitry reproduction of the unrestricted section; and
　　　controlling with the circuitry selective reproduction of the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content.
A transmitter comprising:
　　　an interface configured to retrieve video program content from storage; and
circuitry configured to transmit the video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content includes an unrestricted section and a restricted section, wherein the
　　　　　　information related to the video program content identifies the restricted section, and includes a control parameter that is used by a receive system to selective reproduce the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content.
The transmitter of claim 16, wherein
the restricted section is positioned between a first portion of the unrestricted section and a second portion of the unrestricted section such that when the receiver controls the restricted section to be reproduced, the first portion of the unrestricted section is played back prior to the restricted section, and the second portion of the unrestricted section is reproduced after the restricted section is reproduced.
The transmitter of claim 17, wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of a number of times the restricted section must be reproduced before the receiver permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
The transmitter of claim 17, wherein
the information related to the video program content includes an indication of an amount of time that must expire or an amount of play time of content in the restricted section that must be reproduced before the receiver permits skipping or rapid reproduction of the restricted section in response to a request to skip or fast forward through the restricted section.
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored therein that when executed by a processor causes the processor to perform a method, the method comprising:
　　　retrieving video program content from storage; and
transmitting the video program content and information related to the video program content, the video program content including an unrestricted section and a restricted section, wherein
　　　the information related to the video program content identifies the restricted section, and includes a control parameter that is used by a receive system to selectively reproduce the restricted section based on the information related to the video program content.