JP2002199318A - Program video recording reservation device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To propose a program viewing system that collectively records programs on a center side and provides the recorded programs to a user via a high-speed network. SOLUTION: 1 is a CATV coaxial cable, 2 is an intranet connecting a center to each home by a high-speed IP line, and 3 is a CAT for receiving a program transmitted to the cable 1
The V tuner 4 receives the program received by the CATV tuner 2 as an NTSC signal, encodes the program into MPEG2, accumulates it for a predetermined period, and stores the MPE in the intranet 2.
Video server that sends G2 stream, 5 is CATV
A cable modem 6 connects to the Internet using the cable 1, and a cable modem 6 connects to the Internet via the cable modem 5 to acquire the latest program guide, and also performs user registration and recording reservation from each home terminal 7 or mobile terminal 8. , A control server that receives operations such as program viewing and controls the video server 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to satellite broadcasting and CAT.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the presence of a plurality of broadcast media such as V and terrestrial broadcasts, the present invention relates to a recording device for recording these broadcasts, and more particularly to a joint recording in a condominium or a community formed in a specific area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the start of digital broadcasting, the number of broadcasting channels has been increased. As the number of broadcast channels increases, the probability that an interesting program will be broadcast in the same time zone increases. For this reason, it becomes necessary to simultaneously record programs on a plurality of channels that are broadcast simultaneously.

Therefore, a video deck using a hard disk capable of recording a plurality of channels has been developed.

[0004]

However, conventional recording devices such as video decks cannot simultaneously record programs on a very large number of channels such as 10 channels. As a solution to this problem, there is a method of preparing recording apparatuses and tuners by the number of broadcast channels. However, the cost burden on the user increases, and eventually, a large number of people record the same program at a plurality of locations. This is a waste of resources, is not an environmentally friendly design, and is not a good solution.

[0005] Furthermore, in the method of recording at home, the standby power becomes a problem because the recording device must always be in the energized state. In particular, in order to respond to a change in broadcast time in baseball broadcasts, it is necessary to periodically receive an electronic program guide to check whether the broadcast time has changed. Becomes very large.

On the other hand, the spread of the Internet and the
In line with IT (Information Technology) policies, high-speed networks for homes are also being rapidly established. For this reason, a program viewing system that accepts recording of a program in a lump and provides the user with the recorded program via a high-speed network has also become a reality.

[0007] By using such a program viewing system, a user can watch a favorite program at a desired time, including a program broadcast at the same time.

However, since the number of programs to be recorded increases monotonically, there are problems such as increased maintenance such as backup of a recording medium and extremely high running costs such as additional recording media.

Further, as the number of channels increases, information for selecting a program also increases. For this reason, for example, as a result of impairing the listability of the program guide, there is a possibility that usability may deteriorate or a program of interest may be missed.

[0010] Furthermore, there is a considerable demand from users for recording from outside. In response to this request, VCRs that allow recording reservations to be made on the go using the DTMF signal of a push telephone have been released.However, since it is necessary to set a video tape in advance to the position where you want to record, There is a problem that reservations cannot be handled.

Further, it is necessary to connect a telephone line to the video deck, which is a problem in installation.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the center manages the time limit for storing recorded programs, so that program viewing with a high degree of freedom can be performed without adding recording media. We propose a program viewing system that can be provided. This system accepts recordings of programs in a batch,
In order to provide the recorded program to the user via the high-speed network, the user only needs to turn on the terminal and access the center when the user wants to watch the program. Therefore, it can be said that the system is environmentally friendly, as it does not require the terminal side's standby power or recording media.

Further, a GUI displayed on the terminal on the center side
By providing data, we propose a program viewing system that facilitates the configuration of individual GUI screens in consideration of user preferences and provides an easy-to-use operation environment. Also, by connecting the center side to the Internet, a program viewing system capable of performing a reservation operation from a mobile terminal capable of connecting to the Internet is proposed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program recording reservation device for storing a program being broadcast, and a recording reservation device for determining a program to be stored by the storage device and controlling storage in the storage device. A program transmission unit for transmitting a program stored in the storage unit to a plurality of users; and a program recording reservation device for receiving, from each user, a program to be transmitted by the program transmission unit, wherein the recording reservation unit includes: Receiving recording reservations from the plurality of users via the Internet. As a result, the user can reserve a program for recording on a mobile phone or the like from an outside location and view the program reserved for recording at home when there is time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program recording reservation device having a program management means for giving a storage time limit to a program stored in the program storage means and deleting a program which has exceeded the storage time limit from the program storage means. It is characterized by the following. This makes it possible to provide a program recording function using a limited recording medium without adding a recording medium.

A program recording reservation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein prior to the time limit for deleting the program from the program storage means, the program management means notifies that the time limit for deleting the program is imminent. It is characterized by having. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from deleting the recorded program without ever viewing it.

The program recording reservation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the program history storing the program ID specified by the program specifying means and at least one of a genre, a performer, and a keyword of the program in chronological order. Storage means, an advertisement database for storing advertisements to be displayed on the operation screen of the terminal, and at least one of information on a viewing ratio of each genre, an appearance frequency of each performer, and an appearance frequency of each keyword in the program history storage means. And an advertisement selecting unit for selecting an advertisement from the advertisement database, and an advertisement inserting unit for inserting the selected advertisement into an operation screen of a terminal for performing reproduction and recording reservation of the program. As a result, advertisement display can be performed in consideration of the user's preference.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the program recording reservation apparatus, the designation of the stored program is performed by setting a broadcast date and time of the program, a title,
It is characterized by performing using at least one piece of information among the performers, genres, and keywords. Accordingly, when the number of programs reserved for recording is large, the user can efficiently select a program to be reproduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program recording reservation apparatus for automatically downloading and storing a program whose storage period has expired in a program reproduction apparatus for reproducing a program transmitted by the program recording reservation apparatus according to the second aspect. It is characterized by having a program storage means for storing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from deleting the recorded program without ever viewing it.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program recording reservation device, comprising: a program information acquiring unit for acquiring program information including at least one of a broadcast date and time, a title, a cast, a genre, and a program description; A program storage unit that stores the program stored in the storage unit to a plurality of users in association with the program information for a predetermined period; and a search unit that searches for the program information in the program storage unit. And a program search means for each user to determine a program to be transmitted by the program transmission means. As a result, even if the user misses the program, it is possible to search for and view the program based on the program information within a predetermined period.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Overall Configuration One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall system configuration of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 001 is a CATV coaxial cable, 002 is an intranet connecting a center to each home by a high-speed IP line, 003 is a CATV tuner that receives programs transmitted to the CATV coaxial cable 001, and 004 is CATV.
A video server that receives a program received by the tuner 002 as an NTSC signal, encodes the MPEG-2 and stores it for a predetermined period, and sends an MPEG-2 stream to the intranet 002. 005 is a CATV coaxial cable 001. A cable modem on the center side for connecting to the CATV station side using the cable modem, 011 is a cable modem on the CATV station side for accepting connection of the cable modem on the center side, 0
12 is a gateway for relaying data communication between the cable modem 011 on the CATV station side and the Internet, 009 is a program transmitting unit for multiplexing a plurality of programs and transmitting them to the CATV coaxial cable 001, and 013 supplies program table data to the Internet 014, a mobile terminal gateway that relays data communication between the Internet and the mobile phone network; 014, a base station that performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 008 and connects to the mobile phone network; It connects to the Internet via the cable modem 005 to obtain the latest program guide, and accepts operations such as user registration, recording reservation, and program viewing from each home terminal 007 or mobile terminal 008, and controls the video server 004. Control server. Also, it goes without saying that the video server 004 and the control server 006 may be realized on one PC or workstation. In addition, each home terminal 007 is a general-purpose terminal equipped with an Internet browser.
It may be realized by a device such as a PC. As for the service for connecting to the control server and making a program reservation, the mobile terminal 008 includes a function of connecting to the Internet from the base station 015 via the mobile terminal gateway 014 and a function of browsing a page described in html. And a portable device having the following. In this case, connection to the Internet may be either a packet method or a circuit switching method. The above-mentioned MPEG is Moving Pic
This is an international standard that defines the compression method, decompression method, and data structure for storing and transmitting video (moving images). The playback quality of MPEG-2 used in this embodiment is comparable to that of a high-definition television.

In addition, any method of connection to the Internet, such as a dial-up connection using a modem or a DSU, packet communication of a PHS or a mobile phone, may be used. The method of receiving the program is not limited to CATV, but may be terrestrial broadcasting or satellite broadcasting. For example, when a digital BS broadcast is used for receiving a program, a digital BS tuner is used instead of the CATV tuner 003. In the digital BS broadcast, a program guide can be obtained from the broadcast, so that a modem for connecting to the Internet is unnecessary when only the home terminal 007 is used. The digital BS tuner and the video server 00
The video and audio signals between them may be either analog signals or digital signals.

According to the present system, for example, the portable terminal 00
The user can access the control server 006 using the mobile phone 8 and make a recording reservation for a program that he / she wants to watch from outside, and after returning home, can view the program reserved with the home terminal 007. Further, in the present system, it is possible to make a reservation for recording of all the programs that are broadcast simultaneously.
If the user misses the desired program, the home server 007 accesses the control server 006 to search whether the program is stored in the video server 004. Can send an MPEG2 video stream, and the home terminal 007 can receive and view the stream. In the present embodiment, since all programs are temporarily stored in the video server, the user can enjoy the program from the beginning even if the program broadcast has already started.

The running cost of system management is
It is better to display the banner advertisement on the GUI provided to the terminal by the control server. This advertisement can be selected according to the user's preference, as shown in the examples described later, and a superior advertisement effect can be expected as compared with the indiscriminate advertisement.

Next, a detailed configuration of the video server 004 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the video server 004.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CATV tuner 00.
Video encoder for digitally encoding to the MPEG2 format using the NTSC video output from
Reference numeral 2 denotes a video data storage unit that stores an MPEG-2 stream output from a video encoder. Reference numeral 203 denotes a video that receives a control signal such as reproduction, channel change, or rewind transmitted from a terminal 007 and transmits the control signal to an intranet 002. A video stream control unit for controlling a stream,
204 returns the ID of the video data corresponding to the program title or broadcast date, and also converts expired video data or video data that has not been reserved by anyone according to the storage capacity of the video data storage unit 202. Video data management unit 205 to be deleted from the data storage unit 202
Is a date and time management unit that holds calendar information and time, and receives date and time reference and number of days calculation from the video data management unit 204, and 206 is a storage period of each video data stored in the video data storage unit 202 and the number of reservations from the user 207 is a video data storage unit 20
2, title, genre,
A program information table 208 for storing program information such as performers, program contents, broadcast dates, and the like, and a high-speed communication interface 208 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the intranet 002.

First, the operation at the time of transmitting a video stream will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Step a1> Terminal 007 is in control server 0
When the control server 006 transmits a video data transmission request to the video data management unit 20
4 receives the video data transmission request.

<Step a2> Video data management unit 204
Searches the program information table 207 and checks whether the requested video data is stored in the video data storage unit 202. FIG. 4 shows an example of the program information table 207.
Shown in

<Step a3> Video data storage section 202
If the requested video data is stored in step a4, the process proceeds to step a4. If not, step
Proceed to a6.

<Step a4> Video data management unit 204
Returns the ID of the corresponding video data to the control server 006, and the control server 006 relays this to the terminal 007.

<Step a5> The terminal 007 requests the video stream control unit 203 to transmit video data using the video data ID returned from the control server 006.

<Step a6> Video stream control unit 2
03 starts transmission of video data to the terminal 007 via the high-speed communication interface 208, and ends the step.

<Step a7> The control server 006 is notified that there is no corresponding video data, and the step ends.

In this embodiment, all the programs received by the CATV tuner are converted into MPEG2 video data by the video encoder 201 and temporarily stored in the video data storage unit 202. Then, the video data requested by the control server 006 is transmitted to the intranet 002 via the high-speed communication interface 208. Therefore, in the case of real-time viewing, video data is stored and simultaneously transmitted to the intranet.

Next, the operation of managing video data will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When implementing a service for recording and providing broadcasts, the amount of video data to be stored increases in proportion to the passage of time, and it is difficult to permanently retain all the recorded video data. Therefore, in this embodiment, an approach is adopted in which the storage period of the video data is determined in advance, and the video data whose storage period has expired is automatically deleted.

<Step b1> The date / time management unit 205 sets a predetermined time (for example, every day at 4:00 in the morning).
Then, the video data management unit 204 is notified.

<Step b2> Upon receiving the notification from the date and time management unit 205, the video data management unit 204 searches the storage management table 206 and checks whether there is any video data whose storage period has expired. FIG. 5 shows an example of the accumulation management table 206.
Shown in

<Step b3> If there is video data whose storage period has expired, the flow proceeds to step b4; otherwise, the flow proceeds to step b5.

<Step b4> The record of the expired video data is deleted from the program information table 207, and at the same time, the corresponding video data is deleted from the video data storage unit 202.

<Step b5> The storage management table 206 is searched to determine whether there is video data seven days before the storage expiration date.

<Step b6> If there is video data seven days before the storage expiration date, the process proceeds to the next step. If not, the step ends.

<Step b7> With respect to the video data seven days before the expiration of the storage expiration, the storage management table 206 is searched to check whether there is a reservation from the user.

<Step b8> If there is video data reserved by the user among the video data seven days before the storage expiration date, a list is created in which these video data are associated with the reserved user ID. Proceed to the next step. If not, the step ends.

<Step b9> For each user included in the list created in step b8, the corresponding user terminal is notified that the storage term of the corresponding reserved video data in the list has been reduced to one week. And terminate the step.

In this embodiment, the video data storage unit is a CATV
It is assumed that there will be a capacity for recording all channels for 24 hours and storing for about one month, but this capacity can be set freely according to the content of the service. Alternatively, a rental HDD or the like that can rent a predetermined capacity for a fee to each user may be connected to the video data storage unit. As a result, it is possible to copy video data that is not desired to be deleted and retain the data semi-permanently as long as the user pays the HDD usage fee. For rental
Moving video data to the HDD can be achieved by selecting options when playing back video data (Fig. 19). Here, in order to eliminate cumbersome operations, as long as the capacity of the rental HDD permits, an option of “do not delete even if the storage expiration date is exceeded” can be selected. If the capacity of the rental HDD is insufficient, the user is prompted to select video data to be deleted from the stored video data. At this time, it is convenient to show the video data to the user in order according to attributes such as the age of the accumulated date and time or whether or not the video data has already been viewed. The deletion of the video data stored in the rental HDD can be freely performed by the user at any time as in the case of file management of a general personal computer. In this embodiment, MPEG2 is used to encode video data.
It goes without saying that other formats such as G4 may be used. When using MPEG4, it is preferable to control the data amount of the video stream to be transmitted according to the capability of the terminal. The notification to the user terminal may be any means such as an e-mail or a unique communication method as long as the means can be received by the user terminal.

Also, by disclosing the program stored in the video data storage unit 202 to the user in response to the user's request, it is possible to confirm the existence of the content that can be currently viewed by the user.

It is conceivable to preferentially accumulate contents related to the current topic. For example, a drama that is currently being broadcast once a week, even if the storage period has passed, is preferentially stored as a back number until the broadcast of the drama ends. This is convenient for the user who is currently watching the drama to check the past contents.

Next, a detailed configuration of the control server 006 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the control server 006.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 301 denotes a communication interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the Internet using a global IP address assigned by the CATV station side; 302, a high-speed interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the intranet 002; Is an http server that accepts http access from both the Internet 010 and the intranet 002, 304 is a user authentication unit that performs user authentication for access to http,
An authentication database 305 stores a user ID and a password as a set. A user information management unit 306 calculates and manages the viewing history and viewing tendency of each user's video data.
A user information storage unit 07 stores the viewing history and viewing tendency of each user's video data. A user preference determination unit 308 determines the user's preference type using the data in the user information storage unit 307. The user preference type is a type in which the user is divided into predetermined groups in advance based on gender, age, and the tendency of the preference obtained from the viewing history of the video data. Used to determine advertising data. 309 is a home terminal 007, a mobile terminal 00
The GUI data storage unit 310 stores GUI (page data) components displayed on the GUI 8 and the latest program guide acquired from the Internet using the communication interface 301. The advertisement data storage unit 311 that stores the banner advertisement to be displayed uses the user preference determination unit 308 and considers each user's preference from the advertisement data in the advertisement data storage unit 310 and the data in the GUI data storage unit. The GUI data generation unit 312 that generates a GUI including a list of advertisements and recommended video data converts video data of the video server 004 in response to a reservation, search, or reproduction request from the home terminal 007 or the mobile terminal 008. This is a video data search unit to be searched. In this embodiment, a method of assigning a global IP address to the communication interface 301 in order to accept a request from the outside such as the mobile terminal 008 has been described. Assign a private IP address, C
Global at the gateway 012 in the ATV station
A method of using an address translation for associating an IP address with a private IP address and translating them mutually may be used.

First, the home server 007 sends the control server 0
The operation when accessing 08 is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Step c1> When the http server 303 receives access from the home terminal 007, the user authentication unit 304 requests the home terminal 007 to input a user ID and a password. Here, an example of a GUI displayed on the home terminal 007 is shown in FIG.

<Step c2> The user ID and password input from the home terminal 007 are stored in the authentication database 30.
Check if it exists in 5 FIG. 10 shows an example of the authentication database.

<Step c3> If the user ID and password exist in the authentication database in step c2, the process proceeds to the next step. If not, the message "User ID or password is incorrect."
A reply is sent from the server 303 to the home terminal 007, and the step ends.

<Step c4> Using the user ID input in step c2, a user preference type is obtained from the user preference determination unit 308, and advertisement data corresponding to this preference type is extracted from the advertisement data storage unit 310. Then, the GUI data generation unit generates a menu screen including the banner advertisement. Here, each advertisement data in the advertisement data storage unit is given a priority order of the preference type of the user who wants to show the advertisement, and is selected in order from the advertisement having the highest priority of the preference type of the currently accessed user. You. When a large number of candidate advertisement data are displayed, an advertisement to be incorporated is determined in accordance with the contract content of the advertisement. FIG. 11 shows an example of the format of the advertisement data storage unit including the user preference type. Figure
In the example of 11, the advertisement data indicated by ID00001 has preference type A and B in priority order, and ID0002 indicates that preference type C or D is given priority to the same extent. The display score expresses the number of times an advertisement is displayed for a user corresponding to the priority preference type as a point, such as 2 points when the advertisement is displayed to the user with the highest priority, and 1 point otherwise. Is set to a high value when displayed to a user having a preference type with a high priority. This data can be used to determine advertising rates to sponsors. The dynamic generation of GUI data here is performed using a general method such as CGI.

<Step c5> GU generated in step c4
The I data is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007, and the step ends. At this time, the home terminal 00
FIG. 12 shows an example of the menu screen displayed in FIG. Subsequent viewing of video data, search of video data, and recording reservation are performed through this menu screen. It is assumed that a banner advertisement is appropriately inserted into the GUI displayed on the terminal in each step in the same manner as in step c4.

Instead of setting the preference type in advance, a keyword is attached to each advertisement data, and the frequency of appearance of the keyword used for explaining the program contents of the program that the user has watched in the past is stored in the user information storage unit. 307 may be stored as user information (see FIG. 17), and the sum of the appearance frequencies of the respective keywords attached to each advertisement may be regarded as the matching degree, and the advertisements to be incorporated in descending order of the matching degree may be determined. A user registration screen as illustrated in FIG. 13 may be prepared for a user who accesses for the first time, and a questionnaire for obtaining an initial value of the user's preference type may be performed.

Next, the operation of viewing the video data (program) stored from the home terminal 007 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Step d1> When the http server 303 receives a transmission request for the program list screen from the home terminal 007, the user information management unit 204 uses the user ID of the user who is currently accessing to request the recording reservation program. A user preference type is acquired from the list and the user preference determination unit 308.

<Step d2> From the user preference type obtained in step d1, the advertisement data is selected in the advertisement data storage unit, and the GUI data generation unit 311 displays the GUI in the GUI data generation unit 311 together with the recording reservation program list obtained in step d1. Generate data.
FIG. 15 shows an example of the GUI data here. In the example of FIG. 15,
Using the user preference type obtained in step d1, many other users having the same preference type as the currently accessing user have reserved many, and the currently accessing user introduces an unreserved program. ing.

<Step d3> The GU generated in step d2
The I data is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007.

<Step d4> GUI from home terminal 007
When a program (video data) desired to be watched through is selected, the video data search unit 312 causes the video server 004
, And obtains the ID of the selected program and returns it to the home terminal 007.

<Step d5> Using the acquired program ID, the home terminal 007 sends a request to the video stream control unit 203 of the video server 004 to a predetermined port of a predetermined address that can be used by the home terminal 007. Requests that the selected video data be sent.

<Step d6> When the home terminal 007 receives the MPEG2 stream sent from the video server 004, the reproduction of the program (video data) starts. Figure
16 shows a display example on the home terminal 007. In FIG. 16, an operation request from the user is received, and the screen is rewound to the lower right of the screen.
A GUI for stopping, pausing, and fast-forwarding is displayed. Signals for controlling the transmission of these streams are sent to the video stream control unit 20 of the video server 004.
3 and the playback of the video is controlled. It is needless to say that these operations are not limited to GUI operations, and may be performed using a remote controller or the like.

<Step d7> The user information in the user information storage unit 307 of the video server 004 is updated based on the program information (see FIG. 4) of the program (video data) watched by the user. FIG. 17 shows an example of the user information. With the user information in FIG. 17, for example, it is possible to estimate user preferences such as what genre the user likes and what performers' programs they watch well. Therefore, the user information in FIG. 17 is used by the user preference determination unit to determine the user preference type.

If the home terminal 007 has a function of downloading and executing an arbitrary object (program), in step d3, a GUI for returning the object for operating the video stream control unit 203 and performing MPEG-2 playback. At step d6, the home terminal 007 executes the received object in step d3, and requests the video server 004 to transmit a stream, so that the video data can be reproduced. You may do it.

Next, an operation of searching for a program (video data) stored from the home terminal 007 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Step e1> When the http server 303 receives the transmission request of the GUI data for program (video data) search from the home terminal 007, the title, genre, cast, program contents, broadcast date, etc. are shown in FIG. The GUI data generation unit 311 generates program search GUI data for searching for program information using a keyword. FIG. 20 shows an example of this program search GUI data.

<Step e2> When a search condition is input on the home terminal 007 and the search button is pressed, the http server 303 receives the search request and the input search condition (keyword), and receives a video from the video data search unit 312. Server 004
, And searches the program information table 207.

<Step e3> If the corresponding program (video data) is found, the process proceeds to the next step. Otherwise, go to step e5.

<Step e4> The search result of the corresponding program (video data) is transmitted from the http server 303 to the home terminal 00.
7 is returned and the step ends. Home terminal 0 here
FIG. 21 shows an example of display at 07. In FIG. 21, when a desired program is selected from the searched programs, the user can view the program.
The viewing step is the same as step d4 to step d6.

<Step e5> The message "No corresponding program found" is returned from the http server 303 to the home terminal 007, and the step is ended.

Next, the operation of recording reservation from the portable terminal 008 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Step f1> When the http server 303 receives the transmission request of the GUI data for recording the program (video data) from the home terminal 007, the program to be recorded is selected.
GUI data is generated by the GUI data generation unit 311. FIG. 23 shows an example of this program selection GUI data. In the example of FIG. 23, a broadcast date of a program to be recorded is input, a program table is called, and a program to be recorded is selected from the program table. Note that a program may be searched and recorded in the same manner as in steps e1 to e4.

<Step f2> When a program is selected in step f1, a program reservation confirmation screen shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. When a recording reservation button is pressed, the user and the ID of the reserved program are notified to the http server 303.

<Step f3> When the http server 303 receives the user and the reserved program ID, the user information management unit 306
Searches the user information storage unit 307 and finds the corresponding user
Update the contents of the ID storage reservation item.

<Step f4> Video data search unit 312
Accesses the video server 004, searches the storage management table 206 through the video data management unit 204,
Set the value of the item of the number of reservations of the corresponding program (video data) to 1
To increase.

In this embodiment, since all programs are temporarily stored in the video data storage unit 202, the reservation operation by the user is only reflected on the GUI configuration at the time of viewing by the user. If it is desired to use the capacity of the video data storage unit more efficiently, only the programs reserved by the user may be stored. However, in this case, the user can see the program that he missed.
This is limited to a case where a third party has made a recording reservation for the program.

Configuration of Home Terminal Lastly, the detailed configuration of the home terminal 007 will be described.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the home terminal 007.

In FIG. 25, reference numeral 401 denotes an input device represented by a keyboard and a mouse; and 402, a G for displaying a GUI on a screen.
A UI display unit, 403 is an http client that accesses the http server, and 404 communicates with the video stream control unit 203 of the video server 004 to control the video stream sent from the video server and decode the video stream to the GUI display unit. A video stream operating unit 405 for displaying receives an input from the input device 401, issues an instruction to the http client 403 and the video stream 404, and displays the updated screen on the GUI display unit 4.
02, a GUI operation unit displayed on a video server 00
A video data storage unit 407 for storing the video data downloaded from the video data storage unit 4;
408 is a high-speed communication interface for accessing the intranet 002. This configuration is
The portable terminal 008 can be dealt with by a similar configuration, such as limiting some functions. As the video data storage unit 406, in addition to digital media typified by a hard disk and a DVD-RAM, analog media that a user has, such as a VHS video deck, may be used. Home terminal 007
Since the GUI generated by the GUI data generation unit 311 of the control server 006 is acquired by the http client 403 and displayed on the GUI display unit 402, a customized GUI screen can be provided for each logged-in user even on the same terminal. . For example, for a user who likes a historical drama, the column of the historical drama in the program guide can be highlighted and displayed in an easily understood manner.

In this embodiment, the video server 004
Since the time limit for storing the recorded program (video data) is set, the program (video data) reserved for recording will be eventually deleted. For this reason, it is necessary to have a function that allows the user to download a favorite program and view it at any time on the terminal side. Here, the operation of downloading to the video data storage unit 406 of the terminal at the same time as viewing the program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Step g1> The http client 403 accesses the http server 303 of the control server 006, and displays the GUI shown in FIG.

<Step g2> When the program list of the GUI is selected by the input device 401, the GUI shown in FIG.

<Step g3> Here, when a program to be viewed is selected, a GUI shown in FIG.

<Step g4> It is detected whether the OK button has been pressed. If pressed, go to the next step.

<Step g5> It is checked whether the check box of “download at the same time as reproduction” is selected.

If the “download simultaneously with reproduction” check box is selected, the flow advances to the next step; otherwise, the flow advances to step g7.

<Step g6> The program information table 207 of the video server 004 is searched to obtain information of the table of the corresponding video data, and the video data storage unit 406 newly assigns an ID number that can be uniquely determined to the video list. It is added to the table 407, and the video stream operation unit download flag is turned ON.

<Step g7> Turn off download flag
To

<Step g8> Video stream operation unit 4
The control server 008 requests the control server 008 to send out the selected program (video data) to a predetermined port at a predetermined address 04.

<Step g9> Video stream operation unit 4
When the reception of the video stream starts in 04, the download flag is checked.

<Step g10> Download flag is ON
In the case of, the video data received by the video stream operation unit 404 is stored in the video data storage unit 406 in association with the ID given in step g5.

<Step g11> Video stream operation unit 4
The video data received at step 04 is decoded and displayed on the GUI display unit 402.

The data stored in the video data storage unit 406 is obtained by searching the video list table 407.
By specifying the ID, the video data specified by the video stream operation unit 404 can be decoded and displayed on the GUI display unit 402 at any time. If you receive a notification that the storage expiration of the video data reserved for recording expires,
You may make it download automatically to the video data storage part 406 of the home terminal 007. In addition, there is a possibility that video data whose storage period has expired in the video server 004 can be viewed if a certain user has downloaded it. Therefore, the video data downloaded by each user is managed by the video data management unit of the video server 004, thereby introducing the user recording the video data that the user wants to view, and sharing the video data via the intranet 002. May be performed.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In a program viewing system that collectively records programs on the center side and provides the programs recorded to the user via a high-speed network, by managing the time limit for storing the recorded programs on the center side, It is possible to allow a user to view a program with a high degree of freedom without performing additional installation. This program viewing system not only gives the user the opportunity to watch the missed program, but also eliminates the need for recording media such as video tapes and DVDs as consumables, thus saving resources and reducing waste. It also has a considerable effect on protecting the global environment.

Further, since it is not necessary for each home to have a recording device, standby power for recording standby can be saved, so that it can be said that the system is more environmentally friendly.

Further, a GUI displayed on the terminal on the center side
Having data makes it easy to configure individual GUI screens that take into account user preferences and provides an easy-to-use operating environment. Can also be suppressed.

Further, by connecting the center side to the Internet, a reservation operation can be performed from a portable terminal that can be connected to the Internet. This is different from a video deck in which a recording reservation is made on the go from a conventional push telephone, and has an advantage that it can cope with a sudden recording reservation and does not require special installation work such as routing of a telephone line.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing a system configuration of a video server according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of transmitting a video stream in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing an example of a program information table in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view showing an example of a storage management table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an operation of managing video data in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a control server according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of accessing a control server in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating an example of a password input screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an authentication database in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary view showing an example of a format of an advertisement data storage unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a menu screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a user registration screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of viewing a stored program in the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a stored program viewing GUI in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary view showing an example of a terminal screen at the time of program reproduction in the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of user information in the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation of searching for a stored program in the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary view showing an example of a GUI for moving video data to a rental HDD in the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary view showing an example of a stored program search GUI in the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary view showing an example of a search result display GUI in the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary flowchart showing the operation of recording reservation in the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an exemplary view showing an example of a program selection GUI in the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an exemplary view showing an example of a program reservation confirmation screen in the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an exemplary view showing a system configuration of a home terminal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a download operation to a home terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 27 is an exemplary view illustrating an example of a download option selection screen in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 001 CATV coaxial cable 002 Intranet 003 CATV tuner 004 Video server 005 Cable modem 006 Control server 007 Home terminal 008 Mobile terminal 009 Program transmission unit 010 Internet 011 Cable modem 012 Gateway 013 Program table server 014 Mobile terminal gateway 015 Base station 201 Video Encoder 202 Video data storage unit 203 Video stream control unit 204 Video data management unit 205 Date and time management unit 206 Storage management table 207 Program information table 208 High-speed communication interface 301 Communication interface 302 High-speed communication interface 303 http server 304 User authentication unit 305 Authentication database 306 User information management unit 307 User information storage unit 308 User preference Determination unit 309 GUI data storage unit 310 Advertising data storage unit 311 GUI data generation unit 312 Video data search unit 401 Input device 402 GUI display unit 403 http client 404 Video stream operation unit 405 GUI operation unit 406 Video data storage unit 407 Video list table

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Jun Ozawa 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5C052 AB04 CC03 DD04 DD06 DD10 EE02 EE03 5C064 BA07 BB10 BC07 BC16 BC25 BD02 BD08 5E501 AA20 AB11 AC06 BA20 EA33 EB05 EB15 FA41

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A program storage means for storing a broadcasted program, a recording reservation means for deciding a program to be stored by the storage means and controlling the storage in the storage means, and a program storage means for storing the program in the storage means. Program sending means for sending a program to be transmitted to a plurality of users, and a program recording reservation device for receiving from each user a program to be sent by the program sending means, wherein the recording reservation means comprises: A program recording reservation device, which receives a recording reservation from a program. 2. A program management means for assigning a storage time limit to a program stored in the program storage means and deleting a program whose storage time limit has been exceeded from the program storage means. Program recording reservation device. 3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a deadline notifying unit for notifying that the deadline for deleting the program is imminent before the deadline for the program management unit to delete the program from the program storage unit. Item 3. A program recording reservation device according to Item 2. 4. A program history storage means for storing at least one of a program ID specified by the program specification means, a genre, a performer, and a keyword of a program in correspondence with time, and an operation screen of the terminal. An advertisement is stored from the advertisement database using at least one of an advertisement database for storing advertisements to be displayed and a viewing ratio of each genre, an appearance frequency of each performer, and an appearance frequency of each keyword in the program history storage means. 2. The program recording reservation device according to claim 1, further comprising: an advertisement selecting unit for selecting, and an advertisement inserting unit for inserting the selected advertisement into an operation screen of a terminal for performing reproduction and recording reservation of the program. 5. The program recording reservation according to claim 1, wherein the designation of the stored program is performed using at least one of information of a broadcast date and time, a title, a cast, a genre, and a keyword of the program. apparatus. 6. A program reproducing apparatus for reproducing a program transmitted by a program recording reservation apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising program storage means for automatically downloading and storing the program whose storage period has expired. A program reproducing apparatus characterized by the following. 7. A program information acquiring means for acquiring program information including at least one of a broadcast date and time, a title, a cast, a genre, and a program description, and associating all broadcasted programs with the program information. A program storage means for storing the program stored in the storage means for a predetermined period; a program transmission means for transmitting the program stored in the storage means to a plurality of users; A program recording apparatus, comprising: a program search means for determining a program to be issued by each user.