JP2005176074A - Remote control device and control method thereof, content browser and control method thereof, and content browsing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate processing when predetermined content is browsed with a content browser, eliminate the necessity of server management of charging information of individuals on a content distribution center side, and reduce cost of the content distribution center. <P>SOLUTION: A remote controller 120 make communication with the content distribution center 110 to acquire a right of browsing a predetermined content. When this right of browsing is acquired, a browsing right settling section 122 performs charging processing using a prepaid card 129 as electronic money. A browsing right management section 123 stores and manages information such as content ID concerning an acquired right of browsing the predetermined content. When the predetermined content is browsed with a content browsing apparatus 130, a remote controller 120 transmits a remote control signal for instructing browsing to the apparatus 130. In this case, since a right of browsing the predetermined content is not required to be newly acquired, browsing processing is facilitated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device suitable for application to a content distribution system and its control method, a content browsing device and its control method, and a content browsing system.

  More specifically, the present invention can easily perform processing when browsing content on a content browsing device by managing browsing right information, and also provides a payment system using electronic money when acquiring browsing right. This eliminates the need for server management of personal billing information on the content distribution center side, reduces the cost on the content distribution center side, and protects the privacy of what content the user has purchased. Etc.

  In addition, the present invention enables connection of an operation button having browsing right information of predetermined content, and obtains and manages browsing right information from the operation button, thereby browsing the predetermined content with the content browsing device. Can be easily performed, and by connecting and using an operation button with browsing right information, server management of personal billing information on the content distribution center side is unnecessary, and the cost on the content distribution center side is reduced. Further, the present invention relates to a remote control device or the like that can protect the privacy of which content the user has purchased.

  Conventionally, all contents are stored in a package such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). However, in recent years, network contents and the like have increased, and downloading via a network is possible.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a content distribution system that downloads content data via a network. This content distribution system has the following configuration. A set-top box installed on the user side is operated using a remote control (remote control device), connected to a server that stores and distributes digital contents, desired contents are selected, and internal storage of the set-top box is performed. Download and store the content data of the content on the device. When browsing (playing back) content using the stored content data, the set-top box is operated using a remote controller, the ID of the content to be browsed and its amount are notified to the server, and billing processing on the server side After passing through, playback is started.

  For example, Patent Document 2 also describes a content distribution system (content provision system) that downloads content data via a network. This content distribution system has the following configuration. The client receives the encrypted content data from the content server. In the header of the content data, license specifying information for specifying a license required when using the content data is described, and the client requests a license from the license server based on the license specifying information. Upon receiving the license request, the license server performs the accounting process and then transmits the corresponding license to the client. The client decrypts and reproduces the content data on condition that the client holds a license.

JP 2002-238041 A JP 2002-359616 A

  In the above-mentioned patent document 1, the browsing right information is not managed on the user side. Therefore, when browsing (reproducing) content using the accumulated content data, the server notifies the server of the ID and amount of the content to be browsed. In addition, it is necessary to acquire browsing right information, and the processing becomes complicated. Further, in this Patent Document 1, the accounting process is performed on the server side, and server management of personal accounting information is required on the server side, which increases the cost on the server (content distribution center) side and The problem of protecting the privacy of buying content remains.

  Further, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, browsing right information is not managed on the user side, and therefore content data stored in the client on the user side is encrypted and copyright protected, and thus stored. When browsing (playing back) content using content data, it is necessary to obtain a license by requesting a license from the license server based on the license identification information related to the content data, and to decrypt the content data. The process becomes complicated. Further, in this patent document 2, accounting processing is performed on the server side, and server management of personal accounting information is required on the server side, which increases the cost on the server (content distribution center) side and The problem of protecting the privacy of buying content remains.

  Further, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, even when the content is already downloaded, when performing a viewing operation, authentication is performed such as inquiring the server whether or not the user really has the right to view. .

  In such a case, it is necessary to manage access from the user on the server side, and there is a disadvantage that personal browsing records remain on the server for each reproduction on the user side. Also, if the access is extremely concentrated on the server, or if it cannot handle too many accesses, it will be difficult to connect to the server. There is a problem that the content cannot be played back because it does not go smoothly. In addition, there is a problem that the server cannot be browsed because the user cannot access the server while the server is in an inoperable state due to failure or maintenance.

  Here, by enabling the remote control device to capture information for performing the “view” operation, that is, information indicating that the user has the “view” right, authentication for each reproduction can be omitted, and the reproduction operation directly leads to reproduction. Both the server side and the user side can browse the content without stress. That is, the server side does not manage the authentication of each user, and the user side can browse the content without shortening the time required to start browsing related to the authentication and without leaving the personal browsing record on the server.

  In addition, by enabling the remote control device to capture “view” operations, that is, to have the right to “view”, if the remote control device is compatible, even if it is at another person's home, even the remote control If there is, the content can be browsed after being downloaded to the browsing device of the other person's house. Even in such a case, if only the remote control that the other person does not have the right to view is possessed, then the downloaded content cannot be reproduced alone, and the copyright of the content is also protected.

  An object of the present invention is to facilitate processing when browsing a predetermined content with a content browsing device, eliminate the need for server management of personal billing information on the content distribution center side, and reduce the cost on the content distribution center side. There is.

  Further, the object of the present invention is to have a “view” right to perform a “view” operation. By eliminating authentication for each playback, processing on both the server side and the user side can be facilitated, and playback can be performed. The purpose is to reduce the delay until the start, and prevent personal information from remaining on the server and protect privacy.

  A remote control device according to the present invention is a remote control device for remotely operating a content browsing device, and a browsing right acquisition means for acquiring a browsing right for predetermined content by communicating with a content distribution center; The browsing right management means for managing the browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired by the browsing right acquisition means, and when the browsing right of the predetermined content is acquired by the browsing right acquisition means, Browsing right settlement means for performing settlement, and at least communication means for transmitting to the content browsing apparatus a remote control signal instructing browsing of content having the browsing right based on the browsing right information managed by the browsing right management means It is to be prepared.

  The remote control device control method according to the present invention is a remote control device control method for remotely operating a content browsing device, and communicates with a content distribution center to browse predetermined content. A browsing right acquisition step of acquiring the browsing right, a browsing right management step of managing browsing right information related to a browsing right of the predetermined content acquired in the browsing right acquisition step, and browsing of the predetermined content in the browsing right acquisition step When acquiring a right, a remote control signal for instructing browsing of content having a browsing right based on the browsing right settlement process in which payment is made with electronic money and at least the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management process. And a communication process to be transmitted to the content browsing device.

  A content browsing device according to the present invention is a content browsing device remotely operated by a remote control device, and communicates with a content distribution center and receives content data from the content distribution center; Content storage means for storing the content data received by the content receiving means, signal processing means for processing the content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data, and browsing of predetermined content from the remote control device When instructed, when content data of the predetermined content is stored in the content storage unit, the signal processing unit causes the content data to be processed and the browsing control unit to acquire output data so That. Further, when the content data of the predetermined content is not stored in the content storage unit, the browsing control unit causes the content reception unit to receive the content data of the predetermined content, and the content storage unit receives the received content data. The output data may be acquired by accumulating and processing the accumulated content data by the signal processing means.

  The content browsing device control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling a content browsing device that is remotely operated by a remote control device, and when the remote control device gives an instruction to browse a predetermined content, A determination step for determining whether or not content data of the content is stored, and when it is determined that the content data is stored in the determination step, the content data of the predetermined content stored in the content storage means is processed to at least an image A first processing step of acquiring data or audio data as output data; a reception step of receiving content data of a predetermined content from the content distribution center when it is determined that the data is not stored in the determination step; Content storage A storage step of storing the processes this stored content data in which and a second processing step of obtaining at least image data or audio data as output data.

  The content browsing device according to the present invention is a content browsing device that is remotely controlled by a remote control device, and communicates between content playback means for playing back content data from packaged content media and a content distribution center. Content receiving means for receiving content data from the content distribution center, content storage means for storing content data received by the content receiving means, and processing the content data to output at least image data or audio data When a high-quality browsing of the content related to the media is instructed from the signal processing means acquired as data and the remote control device, the content receiving means receives content data for improving the quality of the content. The received content data is stored in the content storage means, the content data is played back from the medium in the content playback means, and the stored content data and the played back content data are processed in the signal processing means to output data. And browsing control means for acquiring.

  The content browsing device control method according to the present invention is a content browsing device control method that is remotely controlled by a remote control device, and instructs the high-quality browsing of content related to packaged content media from the remote control device. A receiving step for receiving content data for improving the quality of the content from the content distribution center, and a reproducing step for reproducing the content data from the media when a high-quality browsing is instructed from the remote control device; A processing step of processing the received content data and the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data.

  The program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the above-described remote control device control method and content browsing device control method. A computer-readable medium according to the present invention records the above-described program. The content browsing system according to the present invention includes the above-described remote control device and the above-described content browsing device.

  In the remote control device according to the present invention, communication with the content distribution center is performed to obtain the right to browse predetermined content. In this way, when acquiring the right to browse predetermined content, settlement with electronic money is performed. In this case, for example, at least the balance information of electronic money and the content information specifying the predetermined content are transmitted to the content distribution center, and it is authenticated that charging corresponding to the predetermined content is possible. By subtracting, the right to browse predetermined content is acquired. The browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired in this way is stored and managed in the storage element.

  Then, when browsing the content having the browsing right, a remote control signal instructing browsing of the content having the browsing right is transmitted to the content browsing device based on the managed browsing right information. In this case, a list that can be browsed by the content browsing device is created based on the managed browsing right information, and the content to be browsed may be selected from the display of this list.

  As described above, the remote control device of the present invention manages the browsing right information, and when browsing the content on the content browsing device, the processing for acquiring the browsing right is not required, and the content Processing is facilitated, and a payment system using electronic money for acquiring browsing right information is provided, which eliminates the need for server management of personal billing information on the content distribution center side. Side cost can be reduced.

  In the content browsing apparatus according to the present invention, when browsing of the predetermined content is instructed from the remote control device, it is determined whether content data of the predetermined content is stored in the content storage means. When it is determined that the content is stored, the content data of the predetermined content stored in the content storage means is processed, and at least image data or audio data is acquired as output data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the content is not stored, the content data of the predetermined content is received from the content distribution center, the received content data is stored in the content storage means, and the stored content data is processed. At least image data or audio data is acquired as output data. As a result, it is possible to browse predetermined contents instructed from the remote control device. In this case, since the remote control device does not perform processing for acquiring the right to browse the predetermined content in the content distribution center, the browsing processing is simplified.

  Further, in the content browsing apparatus according to the present invention, when a high-quality browsing of content related to the packaged content media is instructed from the remote control device, content data for improving the quality of the content is transmitted from the content distribution center. And the content data is reproduced from the media. For example, content data is encoded data obtained by orthogonally transforming image data, content data reproduced from the media is low frequency region data, and content data received from a content distribution center is high frequency region data. Data. These content data are processed, and at least image data or audio data is acquired as output data. This enables high-quality browsing of content related to packaged media instructed from the remote control device. In this case, since the remote control device does not perform processing for acquiring the right to browse the predetermined content in the content distribution center, the browsing processing is simplified.

  A remote control device according to the present invention is a remote control device for remotely operating a content browsing device, and is connected to a button connecting means for connecting an operation button having browsing right information of a predetermined content, and to the button connecting means Browsing right management means for managing the browsing right information acquired from the operated operation button, and at least content having browsing rights based on the browsing right information managed by the browsing right management means when the operation button is operated Communication means for transmitting a remote control signal for instructing browsing to the content browsing apparatus.

  Further, the remote control device control method according to the present invention is a remote control device control method for remotely operating a content browsing device, and has an operation having browsing right information of a predetermined content connected to a button connecting means. Browsing right management process for acquiring and managing the browsing right information from the button, and browsing of content having the browsing right based on the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management process at least when the operation button is operated And a communication step of transmitting a remote control signal for instructing to the content browsing device.

  The content browsing apparatus according to the present invention is a content browsing apparatus that is remotely operated by a remote control device, and a content playback means for playing back content data from a packaged content medium, and at least by processing the content data. When a signal processing unit that acquires image data or audio data as output data and a remote control device instruct to reproduce content data from a specific medium and browse content related to the content data, the content reproduction unit When the content data can be reproduced from a specific medium, the content reproduction unit reproduces the content data from the specific medium, and the signal processing unit processes the reproduced content data to obtain output data. Those comprising a list control means.

  The content browsing apparatus according to the present invention communicates with the content distribution center, stores content data received from the content distribution center, and stores the content data received by the content receiving unit. Content browsing means, and when the content reproduction means cannot reproduce the content data from the specific medium, the browsing control means is the same content data as the content data recorded on the specific medium in the content receiving means. May be received, the received content data may be stored in the content storage means, and the stored content data may be processed in the signal processing means to obtain output data.

  The content browsing device control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling a content browsing device remotely operated by a remote control device, wherein content data is reproduced from a specific medium by the remote control device. When it is instructed to browse the content related to the content, a determination step for determining whether or not the content data can be reproduced from the specific medium, and a content data from the specific medium when it is determined that the determination step is possible A content distribution center, a first processing step for processing the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data, and a content distribution center Recorded on specific media from A reception step for receiving the same content data as the data, a storage step for storing the received content data in the content storage means, and processing the stored content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data And a second processing step.

  The program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to execute the above-described remote control device control method and content browsing device control method. A computer-readable medium according to the present invention records the above-described program. The content browsing system according to the present invention includes the above-described remote control device and the above-described content browsing device.

  In the remote control device according to the present invention, an operation button having browsing right information for a predetermined content is connected. The browsing right information acquired from this operation button is stored and managed in, for example, a storage element. This operation button is purchased from, for example, a content distribution center, and the settlement for acquiring the browsing right information is finished. For example, an operation button is sold together with a packaged content medium, and this operation button is an operation button for operating browsing of content related to the medium. Then, when browsing the content having the browsing right, the operation button is operated, and a remote control signal is transmitted to the content browsing device based on the managed browsing right information.

  As described above, the remote control device of the present invention manages the browsing right information, and when browsing the content on the content browsing device, the processing for acquiring the browsing right is not required, It is easy to process and uses operation buttons with viewing rights information, which eliminates the need for server management of personal billing information on the content distribution center side, reduces the cost on the content distribution center side, and allows users to select which content You can protect the privacy that you bought.

  Further, in the content browsing device according to the present invention, when the remote control device is instructed to reproduce the content data from the specific medium and browse the content related to the content data, the content data from the specific medium is transmitted. It is determined whether playback is possible. When it is determined that it is possible, the content data is reproduced from the specific medium, and the reproduced content data is processed to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not possible, the same content data as the content data recorded on the specific medium is received from the content distribution center, and the received content data is stored in the content storage means. The content data is processed, and at least image data or audio data is acquired as output data. As a result, it is possible to browse the content by the content data recorded on the specific medium instructed from the remote control device. In this case, since the remote control device does not perform processing for acquiring the right to browse the predetermined content in the content distribution center, the browsing processing is simplified.

  According to the present invention, the browsing right information is managed by the remote control device, the processing when browsing the content by the content browsing device can be easily performed, and the browsing right information is acquired by the remote control device. It has a payment system using electronic money when doing so, server management of personal billing information on the content distribution center side is unnecessary, the cost on the content distribution center side can be reduced, and what content the user bought Privacy can be protected.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to connect an operation button having browsing right information of predetermined content to the remote control device, and the remote control device acquires and manages browsing right information from the operation button, It is possible to easily perform processing when browsing predetermined content on the content browsing device, and to use an operation button having browsing right information connected to the remote control device. Server management of billing information can be eliminated, the cost on the content distribution center side can be reduced, and the privacy of what content the user has purchased can be protected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a content distribution system 100 as an embodiment. The content distribution system 100 includes a content distribution center 110 located on the service providing side, a remote control device 120 located on the user side, and a content browsing device 130 located on the user side. The contents are image (moving image, still image, text image) content, audio (music and other) content, image and audio content.

  The content distribution center 110 includes a control unit 111, a content storage unit 112, a browsing right issue count storage unit 113, a browsing right distribution unit 114, a content distribution unit 115, and a transmission / reception antenna 116. The content storage unit 112, the browsing right issue number storage unit 113, the browsing right distribution unit 114, and the content distribution unit 115 are connected to the control unit 111. The transmission / reception antenna 116 is connected to the browsing right distribution unit 114 and the content distribution unit 115.

  The control unit 111 is composed of a computer, for example, and controls the entire operation. The content storage unit 112 is configured with, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), and stores content data of a plurality of distributable contents. The browsing right issuance count storage unit 113 stores the number of times of browsing right issuance for each of a plurality of contents that can be distributed to the content storage unit 112. It is necessary for the content distribution center 110 to store the number of times of browsing right is issued when the card company handling a prepaid card as electronic money, which will be described later, charges the fee for issuing the browsing right. Because it becomes.

  In response to a request for downloading content data of a predetermined content from the user side (remote control device 120, content browsing device 130), the content distribution unit 114 stores the content of the predetermined content stored in the content storage unit 112. Data is transmitted via the antenna 116. In response to a request from the user side (remote control device 120) to acquire the right to browse predetermined content, the browsing right distribution unit 115 exchanges signals with the user side via the antenna 116, and the right to browse to the user side. Is granted.

  A remote control device (hereinafter referred to as “remote control device”) 120 includes a control unit 121, a browsing right settlement unit 122, a browsing right management unit 123, an operation unit 124, a display unit 125, and a communication interface (communication IF). 126, a transmission / reception unit 127, and a transmission / reception antenna 128. The browsing right settlement unit 122, the browsing right management unit 123, the operation unit 124, the display unit 125, and the communication interface (communication IF) 126 are each connected to the control unit 121. The transmission / reception antenna 128 is connected to the transmission / reception unit 127.

  The control unit 121 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and controls the overall operation. A remote control ID for identifying the remote control device 120 is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) built in the control unit 121. As will be described later, this remote control ID is used, for example, to distinguish from other remote control devices when communicating with the content distribution center 110 in order to acquire the right to browse predetermined content. .

  The browsing right settlement unit 122 performs settlement with a prepaid card 129 as electronic money when communicating with the content distribution center 110 to acquire a browsing right for predetermined content. In this case, the viewing-right settlement unit 122 performs billing processing for subtracting the billing corresponding to the predetermined content for which the viewing right is to be acquired from the balance of the prepaid card 129. The remote control device 120 can acquire the browsing right of the predetermined content by allowing the browsing right settlement unit 122 to correctly perform the above-described charging process. Note that the user deposits the prepayment card 129 using the deposit system 140 of the card company that handles the prepayment card 129.

  When the browsing right management unit 123 communicates with the content distribution center 110 to acquire the browsing right of a predetermined content, the browsing right management unit 123 stores and manages the browsing right information related to the browsing right. This browsing right information includes a content ID for identifying the predetermined content, data range information indicating whether the downloadable range of the content data of the predetermined content is the whole or only a portion for improving image quality, etc. is there. This data range can be selected by a user operation. For example, when a user owns a DVD in which content data of a predetermined content (no portion for improving image quality) is recorded, the user downloads only the portion for improving the image quality of the content data of the content. It's enough. This download data range affects the amount of billing.

  The operation unit 124 constitutes a user interface and includes various operation buttons. The user can use the operation unit 124 to perform an operation for acquiring a viewing right, an operation of the content browsing apparatus 130, and the like. Display unit 125 displays an operation state or the like by remote control device 120. The display unit 125 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The communication interface 126 constitutes a communication means for performing communication with the content browsing device 130. This communication is performed using, for example, an infrared signal. Transmission of a remote control signal from the remote control device 120 to the content browsing device 130 is also performed by this communication. The transmission / reception unit 127 communicates with the content distribution center 110 via the transmission / reception antenna 128 in order to acquire the right to browse predetermined content.

  FIG. 2 shows the external appearance of the remote control device 120. On the surface of the casing of the remote control device 120, the “power ON / OFF button”, “menu button”, “decision button”, “cancel button”, “up / down / left / right cursor movement” that constitute the operation unit 124 described above. Buttons, “volume up / down buttons”, “channel up / down buttons”, “select buttons“ 1 ”to“ 12 ””, and the like are arranged.

  Further, the display unit 125 described above is disposed on the surface of the casing of the remote control device 120. The display state shown is an example of the display state when “watch movie” is selected from the menu, and indicates that movies from “title 1” to “title 8” can be selected. The cursor is present in the hatched “title 1” portion.

  FIG. 3 shows a menu example of the remote control device 120. That is, when the “menu button” is pressed, the items “movie”, “television”, and “DVD” are displayed on the display unit 125, and the selected state is set. When “movie” is selected from the selected state, items “view movie” and “buy movie” are displayed on the display unit 125, and the selected state is obtained. When “watch movie” is selected from this selection state, “title 1” to “title n” that can be browsed are displayed on the display unit 125, and the selected state is established. Here, “title 1” to “title n” indicate movie titles for which viewing rights have already been acquired by the remote control device 120. The browsing right here does not include a browsing right in which the data range that can be downloaded is only a portion for improving image quality.

  On the other hand, when “Buy Movie” is selected, “Title of the Month”, “Title of Line A”,..., “Title of Line A” are displayed on the display unit 125, and the selected state is set. “Title of this month” is an item for requesting a list of movie titles newly distributed this month from the content distribution center 110. “A-line title”,..., “Wa-line title” are items for requesting a list of movie titles that can be distributed starting from the corresponding line. If any item is selected (not shown), a list of the corresponding movie titles is transmitted from the content distribution center 110 and displayed on the display unit 125, and the movie titles in the list are selected.

  In addition, when “TV” is selected in the selection state of “movie”, “TV”, and “DVD”, the items “Watch TV” and “Record TV” are displayed on the display unit 125, and the selection is made. When “DVD” is selected, the item “Watch DVD” is displayed on the display unit 125, and the selected state is set.

  If the “menu button” is pressed again without going to the final selection, the menu display on the display unit 125 is deleted. Therefore, when the menu is selected again, the “menu button” is pressed to turn off the menu display on the display unit 125, and then the “menu button” is pressed again to select the state of “movie”, “TV”, “DVD”. Return to.

  Returning to FIG. 2, a contact portion 122 a of the prepaid card 129 as a part of the browsing right settlement unit 122 is provided on the surface of the casing of the remote control device 120. When the remote control device 120 performs billing processing, the billing amount is deducted from the balance of the prepayment card 129 by bringing the prepayment card 129 into contact with or close to the contact portion 122a.

  An optical signal transmission / reception unit 126 a constituting the communication interface 126 is provided at the upper end of the casing of the remote control device 120. Further, a transmission / reception antenna 128 is provided at the upper end of the casing of the remote control device 120.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the content browsing apparatus 130 will be described next. The content browsing apparatus 130 includes a control unit 131, a content reproduction unit 132, a content storage unit 133, a signal processing unit 134, an image / audio output unit 135, a communication interface (communication IF) 136, and a transmission / reception unit 137. And a transmission / reception antenna 138.

  The control unit 131 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and controls the entire operation. The content reproduction unit 132 is a part that reproduces content data. In the present embodiment, the content reproduction unit 132 includes a television tuner and a DVD player. The TV tuner processes broadcast signals and outputs content data. The DVD player reproduces content data from a DVD 139, which is a packaged content medium. The content storage unit 133 stores content data output from the TV tuner of the content reproduction unit 132. In addition, the content storage unit 133 stores content data downloaded from the content distribution center 110.

  The signal processing unit 134 processes the content data obtained by the content reproduction unit 132 or the content data stored in the content storage unit 133, and acquires image data and audio data as output data. For example, the content data is MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) data that has been compressed, and the signal processor 134 decodes the MPEG data. The image / sound output unit 135 includes a display that displays an image and a speaker that outputs sound. An image based on the image data acquired by the signal processing unit 134 is displayed on the display. From the speaker, sound based on the sound data acquired by the signal processing unit 134 is output.

  The communication interface 136 constitutes a communication means for performing communication with the remote control device 120. This communication is performed using, for example, an infrared signal. The transmission / reception unit 137 communicates with the content distribution center 110 via the transmission / reception antenna 138 when content data of a predetermined content is downloaded from the content distribution center 110.

  Next, a processing procedure of each device when the remote control device 120 acquires the right to browse predetermined content will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that when acquiring the right to browse predetermined content, the user can select whether to download the content data of the predetermined content at the same time. The flowchart in FIG. 4 is an example in a case where downloading is selected.

  First, the remote control device 120 requests a download list from the content distribution center 110 in step R1. In this case, as described above, the item “Buy Movie” in the menu (see FIG. 3) is selected, and among the items “Title of this month”, “Title of A” to “Title of Wa” Choose one. In response to this request, the content distribution center 110 transmits a list of movie titles of the selected item to the remote control device 120 in step D1.

  In step R2, remote control device 120 displays a list of movie titles transmitted from content distribution center 110 on display unit 125. Then, in step R3, remote control device 120 selects a movie title for which a viewing right is to be acquired from the list based on the user's selection operation. At this time, whether or not the content data of the predetermined content is downloaded from the content distribution center 110 based on the user's selection operation, and whether the data range that can be downloaded is the whole or only the portion for improving the image quality is also determined. select.

  Then, in step R4, remote control device 120 checks the balance of prepaid card 129 as electronic money. In this case, the remote control device 120 displays on the display unit 125 that the prepay card 129 is brought into contact with the contact portion 122a (see FIG. 2) and that the state should be maintained, and the contact portion of the prepay card 129 is displayed to the user. Encourage contact with 122a. In step R4, remote control device 120 further transmits content information selected in step R3 and balance information of prepaid card 129 to content distribution center 110.

  In response to this, the content distribution center 110 authenticates the remote controller ID and billing in step D2. In the billing authentication, the content distribution center 110 determines whether or not the prepaid card 129 has a balance corresponding to the amount of billing that occurs when acquiring the right to browse predetermined content by the selection in step R3.

  The content distribution center 110 transmits “authentication OK” to the remote control device 120 in step D4 when “authentication OK” is determined in step D3, that is, when it is determined that there is a sufficient balance in the prepaid card 129. The remote control device 120 receives “authentication OK” in step R5, and transmits a download start command with content information to the content distribution center 110 in step R6.

  Then, the content distribution center 110 receives a download start command in step D5, and transmits content data of a predetermined content to the content browsing device 130 operated by the remote control device 120 in step D6. Then, the content browsing device 130 receives the content data of the predetermined content transmitted from the content distribution center 110 in step C1. The received content data is stored in the content storage unit 133. Note that a content ID for identifying the content is added to the content data.

  After receiving the content data of the predetermined content as described above in step C1, the content browsing device 130 transmits a reception confirmation to the content distribution center 110 in step C2. The content distribution center 110 receives the reception confirmation in step D7, and then transmits a content transmission end to the remote control device 120 in step D8. The remote control device 120 receives the end of content transmission at step R7, and starts charging processing at step R8.

  That is, the remote control device 120 starts a process of subtracting the charge amount from the balance of the prepaid card 129 placed in contact with the contact portion 122a from the balance check in step R4 described above. The remote control device 120 then subtracts the charge amount from the balance of the prepaid card 129 and then transmits charge information such as the charge amount to the content distribution center 110.

  In step D9, the content distribution center 110 receives the billing information. In step D10, the content distribution center 110 confirms the billing amount and performs billing registration. In this billing registration, the browsing right issue number storage unit 113 is updated. Content distribution center 110 further transmits billing information to remote control device 120 in step D10. Remote control device 120 receives the billing information in step R9 and confirms billing registration in content distribution center 110. In step R10, the accounting process is terminated and the information is transmitted to the content distribution center 110. The prepaid card 129 in contact with the contact portion 122a can be released from the contact state at the end of the billing process in step R10. This is displayed on the display unit 125. In step D11, the content distribution center 110 receives the end of the billing process, and ends a series of processes for causing the remote control device 120 to acquire the right to browse predetermined content.

  Remote control device 120 obtains the right to view predetermined content by terminating the charging process in step R10. Then, in step R11, remote control device 120 stores and manages browsing right information related to the acquired browsing right. This management is performed by the browsing right management unit 123 of the remote control device 120. The browsing management information includes a content ID for identifying the predetermined content, data range information indicating whether the entire downloadable range or only the portion for improving the image quality is included in the content data of the predetermined content. is there.

  In addition, after the processing in step R11, the remote control device 120 also takes into account the newly acquired right to browse the predetermined content based on the browsing right information managed by the browsing right management unit 123 in step R12. A list of movie titles to be displayed on the display unit 125 when “watch movie” is selected from the menu is created. It should be noted that movie titles related to viewing rights in which the data range that can be downloaded is only a portion for improving image quality are not included.

  If the downloadable data range has a right to browse predetermined content that is only a part for improving image quality, the DVD player of the content reproduction unit 132 of the content browsing device 130 has content data (higher image quality) of the predetermined content. When a DVD on which is recorded) is loaded and playback of the DVD is instructed, the portion for improving the image quality is used to improve the image quality, as will be described later.

  Remote control device 120 ends the series of processing for acquiring the right to browse predetermined content after the processing in step R12.

  If the content distribution center 110 is not “authentication OK” in step D 3, the content distribution center 110 ends the series of processes without transmitting “authentication OK” to the remote control device 120. For this reason, the remote control device 120 cannot perform processing such as billing, and therefore cannot acquire the browsing right.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5, each device when remote control device 120 selects “watch movie” from the menu and selects a predetermined content (movie title) from the content list (movie title list). The processing procedure of will be described.

  First, in step R21, remote control device 120 selects a predetermined content from the content list based on the user's selection operation. Then, remote control device 120 transmits information on the selected predetermined content to content browsing device 130 in step R22. The content browsing device 130 receives the content information in step C11, and determines in step C12 whether content data of a predetermined content indicated by the content ID in the content information is stored in the content storage unit 133.

  When determining that the content has been stored, the content browsing apparatus 130 performs reproduction processing of the predetermined content in step C13. In this case, content data of a predetermined content is read from the content storage unit 133 and supplied to the signal processing unit 134. Then, the signal processing unit 134 decodes the content data to obtain image data and audio data. The image data and audio data are supplied to the image / audio output unit 135, an image is displayed on the display, and audio is output from the speaker. In step C13, the content browsing device 130 further transmits a reproduction start to the remote control device 120, and the remote control device 120 confirms the reproduction start in step R23.

  In step C14, the content browsing device 130 transmits a reproduction end to the remote control device 120 when the reproduction of the predetermined content is completed. In step R24, remote control device 120 confirms the end of reproduction and ends a series of processing.

  When the content browsing apparatus 130 determines in step C12 that the content data of the predetermined content is not stored in the content storage unit 133, the process proceeds to step C15. In step C15, the content browsing apparatus 130 transmits a download start command accompanied by content information to the content distribution center 110.

  Then, the content distribution center 110 receives a download start command in step D11, and transmits content data of a predetermined content to the content browsing device 130 in step D12. In step C16, the content browsing device 130 receives content data of predetermined content transmitted from the content distribution center 110. The received content data is stored in the content storage unit 133. Note that a content ID for identifying the content is added to the content data.

  Then, the content browsing apparatus 130 receives the content data of the predetermined content as described above in step C16, and then transmits a reception confirmation to the content distribution center 110 in step C17. The content distribution center 110 receives the reception confirmation in step D13, and then transmits a content transmission end to the content browsing device 130 in step D14.

  In step C18, the content browsing apparatus 130 receives the content transmission end, and in step C13, performs reproduction processing of predetermined content. In this case, content data of a predetermined content transmitted from the content distribution center 110 and accumulated in the content accumulation unit 133 is read from the content accumulation unit 133 and supplied to the signal processing unit 134. Then, the signal processing unit 134 decodes the content data to obtain image data and audio data. The image data and audio data are supplied to the image / audio output unit 135, an image is displayed on the display, and audio is output from the speaker. In step C13, the content browsing device 130 further transmits a reproduction start to the remote control device 120, and the remote control device 120 confirms the reproduction start in step R23.

  In step C14, the content browsing device 130 transmits a reproduction end to the remote control device 120 when the reproduction of the predetermined content is completed. In step R24, remote control device 120 confirms the end of reproduction and ends a series of processing.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the processing procedure of each device when the remote control device 120 selects “Watch DVD” from the menu will be described.
First, in step R31, remote control device 120 selects “Watch DVD” based on the user's selection operation. Then, in step R31, remote control device 120 requests content browsing device 130 for the content ID related to the content data recorded on the DVD attached to the DVD player of content playback unit 132. The content browsing device 130 acquires a content ID from the DVD in step C31, and transmits the content ID to the remote control device 120 in step C32.

  In step R32, the remote control device 120 has a predetermined content (in the browsing right indicated by the browsing management information managed by the browsing right management unit 123, the data range that can be downloaded is only a portion for improving the image quality ( When there is a right to browse (high-quality content), the content ID of the high-quality content and the content ID transmitted from the content browsing device 130 are collated.

  Then, in step R33, remote control device 120 determines whether the content of the DVD and the high-quality content are the same. In this case, if there is no right to browse the high-quality content, and there is a high-quality content but the content IDs do not match, it is determined that they are not the same content, while there is a high-quality content and the content ID is If they match, it is determined that the contents are the same.

  When the remote control device 120 determines that the content is the same content, in step R34, the remote control device 120 transmits an image quality improvement playback command to the content browsing device 130, and further in step R35, issues a download start command for the image quality improvement data of the content. And transmitted to the content distribution center 110.

  In step C33, the content browsing apparatus 130 receives the high quality playback command. In step D31, the content distribution center 110 receives a download start command, and in step D32, transmits the image quality enhancement data as download data to the content browsing device 130. In step C34, the content browsing apparatus 130 receives the download data. The received download data is stored in the content storage unit 133. Note that a content ID for identifying the content is added to the download data.

  In step C <b> 35, the content browsing device 130 starts high-quality playback of the content related to the DVD attached to the DVD player of the content playback unit 132. In this case, the content data is reproduced from the DVD by the DVD player, and the high quality image data is read from the content storage unit 133, and the data is supplied to the signal processing unit 134. Here, it is assumed that the content data is MPEG data and the DCT block is composed of 12 pixels × 12 pixels. In this case, for example, the content data reproduced from the DVD is DCT coefficient data in the low frequency region as shown in FIG. 7A, while the high-quality data as download data is high frequency as shown in FIG. 7B. This is DCT coefficient data of a region.

  In the signal processing unit 134, the content data reproduced from the DVD and the high-quality data as download data are synthesized (see FIG. 7B), and then subjected to decoding processing to obtain image data and audio data. The image data and audio data are supplied to the image / audio output unit 135, an image is displayed on the display, and audio is output from the speaker. In this case, the image processing unit 134 decodes the image quality-enhanced data and obtains the image data, so that the image quality is reproduced.

  In step C36, the content browsing device 130 transmits the reproduction end to the remote control device 120 when the reproduction of the content related to the DVD is completed. In step R36, remote control device 120 confirms the end of reproduction and ends a series of processing.

  When it is determined that the content is the same content, the remote control device 120 transmits a playback command to the content browsing device 130 in step R37. In step C37, the content browsing device 130 receives the reproduction command. In step C38, the content browsing apparatus 130 starts normal playback of the content related to the DVD attached to the DVD player of the content playback unit 132.

  In this case, content data is reproduced from the DVD by a DVD player, and only the content data is supplied to the signal processing unit 134. The content data reproduced from this DVD is, for example, DCT coefficient data in the low frequency region (see FIG. 7A). In the signal processing unit 134, content data reproduced from the DVD is subjected to decoding processing to obtain image data and audio data. The image data and audio data are supplied to the image / audio output unit 135, an image is displayed on the display, and audio is output from the speaker.

  In step C36, the content browsing device 130 transmits the reproduction end to the remote control device 120 when the reproduction of the content related to the DVD is completed. In step R36, remote control device 120 confirms the end of reproduction and ends a series of processing.

  In the process of the flowchart of FIG. 6, when high-quality reproduction is performed, high-quality data is always downloaded from the content distribution center 110 to the content browsing device 130. However, in this case, when the high quality data is already downloaded to the content storage unit 133 of the content browsing apparatus 130, the high quality data may be used. As a result, it is possible to save time for downloading high-quality data and to significantly reduce the time to start playback.

  In the first embodiment described above, the remote control device 120 communicates with the content distribution center 110 to acquire the right to browse predetermined content, and the browsing right management unit 123 manages the browsing right information. When the predetermined content is browsed by the content browsing device 130, it is not necessary to acquire the browsing right again, and the predetermined content browsing process can be easily performed. This is because the process of browsing the content itself has the right to browse.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the content list (movie title list) displayed on the display unit 125 when “view movie” is selected from the menu is the content for which browsing rights have been acquired. Therefore, the user can select and browse only the content for which the viewing right has been acquired, and can easily protect the copyright without performing processing such as encrypting the content data.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the browsing right management unit 123 of the remote control device 120 manages content browsing right information, and therefore, a user can use his / her remote control device 120 to control the content of others. Using the browsing device 130, it is possible to browse content that has the right to browse.

  In the first embodiment described above, when the remote control device 120 obtains the right to browse predetermined content, the viewing right settlement unit 122 performs settlement using the prepaid card 129 as electronic money. In addition, server management of personal billing information such as a credit card number is not required on the content distribution center 110 side, so the cost on the content distribution center 110 side can be reduced, and the personal content browsing right information is made anonymous. That is, the privacy of what content the user bought.

  Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a content distribution system 100A as the second embodiment. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The content distribution system 100A includes a content distribution center 110A located on the service providing side, a remote control device 120A located on the user side, and a content browsing device 130A located on the user side.

  The content distribution center 110 </ b> A includes a control unit 111, a content storage unit 112, a browsing right issue frequency storage unit 113, a content distribution unit 115, a transmission / reception antenna 116, and a content sales unit 117. The control unit 111, the content storage unit 112, the browsing right issue frequency storage unit 113, the content distribution unit 115, and the transmission / reception antenna 116 are respectively the control unit 111 and the content storage unit 112 of the content distribution center 110 in the content distribution system 100 of FIG. It corresponds to the browsing right issue frequency storage unit 113, the content distribution unit 115, and the transmission / reception antenna 116.

  The content sales unit 117 sells the packaged content 150 to the user. The packaged content includes a DVD 151 that is a medium of packaged content (for example, a movie) and a content operation button 152 for operating playback of the content. By selling the packaged content 150 by the content sales unit 117, the user is given the right to view the content recorded on the DVD 151. With the sale of the packaged content 150 in the content sales unit 117, the browsing right issue number storage unit 113 is updated. The information in the browsing right issuance number storage unit 113 is used, for example, for tabulation of browsing right issuance.

  The content operation button 152 has a built-in ROM (not shown) in which browsing right information is stored. The browsing right information includes a content ID for identifying content having the browsing right, reproduction image quality information of the content, and the like. The reproduction image quality information includes normal reproduction and high image quality reproduction. This reproduction image quality information affects the selling price of the packaged content 150.

  The remote control device 120A includes a control unit 121, a browsing right management unit 123, an operation unit 124, a display unit 125, a communication interface (communication IF) 126, and a button slot 129A. The control unit 121, the browsing right management unit 123, the operation unit 124, the display unit 125, and the communication interface (communication IF) 126 are respectively the control unit 121 and the browsing right management unit 123 of the remote control device 120 in the content distribution system 100 of FIG. , The operation unit 124, the display unit 125, and the communication interface (communication IF) 126.

  The button slot 129A constitutes a connection unit for the content operation button 152 described above. FIG. 9 shows an example of the appearance of the remote control device 120A. For example, three button slots 129A are prepared. In the example of FIG. 9, the content operation buttons 152 for operating the browsing of the content of “title 1” are inserted into one button slot 129A, and the remaining two button slots 129A are in an empty state. The browsing right management unit 123 stores and manages the browsing right information read by the control unit 121 from the ROM of the content operation button 152 inserted in the button slot 129A.

  The remote controller 120A is used by inserting a content operation button 152 having content browsing right information into the button slot 129A. For this reason, the remote control device 120A does not have a transmission / reception unit, a transmission / reception antenna, a browsing right settlement unit, or the like for performing communication with the content distribution center 110 for acquiring the right to browse predetermined content. It is good also as a structure to have. In that case, although not described above, the content distribution center 110A includes the browsing right distribution unit 115 (see the content distribution center 110 in FIG. 1).

  The content browsing device 130A includes a control unit 131, a content reproduction unit 132, a content storage unit 133, a signal processing unit 134, an image / audio output unit 135, a communication interface (communication IF) 136, and a transmission / reception unit 137. And a transmission / reception antenna 138. These control unit 131, content reproduction unit 132, content storage unit 133, signal processing unit 134, image / sound output unit 135, communication interface (communication IF) 136, transmission / reception unit 137, and transmission / reception antenna 138 are the contents of FIG. Control unit 131, content reproduction unit 132, content storage unit 133, signal processing unit 134, image / audio output unit 135, communication interface (communication IF) 136, transmission / reception unit 137, and transmission / reception antenna 138 of content browsing device 130 in distribution system 100. It corresponds to.

  The control unit 131 of the content browsing device 130A records on the DVD whether or not the DVD attached to the DVD player of the content reproduction unit 132 is sold as the packaged content 150 as described above. Judged from the content information. When the DVD mounted on the DVD player is the DVD 151 sold as the packaged content 150, the control unit 131 displays the corresponding content operation button 152 inserted into the button slot 129A of the remote control device 120A. The DVD player or the like is controlled so that it is played back only when the user presses it. This is because the DVD 151 sold as the packaged content 150 does not have a viewing right.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the content operation buttons sold in pairs with the DVD 151 in the button slot 129A of the remote control device 120A are mounted on the DVD player of the content playback unit 132 of the content browsing device 130A. A processing procedure of each apparatus when the user wears the content operation button 152 and presses the content operation button 152 will be described.

  First, in remote control device 120A, the user presses content operation button 152 in step R38. In step R39, the remote control device 120A refers to the browsing right information related to the content operation button 152 managed by the browsing right management unit 123, and determines whether or not high-quality playback is performed.

  When the remote control device 120A determines that the playback is of high image quality, in step R34, the remote control device 120A transmits a high quality playback command to the content browsing device 130A, and in step R35, the remote control device 120A A download start command is transmitted to the content distribution center 110. In this case, remote control device 120A is not provided with a communication means with content distribution center 110A. Therefore, actually, this download start command is sent from remote control device 120A to content distribution center 110A via content browsing device 130A. Sent.

  In step C33, the content browsing apparatus 130A receives the high-quality image reproduction command. In step D31, the content distribution center 110A receives a download start command, and in step D32, transmits the high quality image data as download data to the content browsing device 130A. In step C34, the content browsing apparatus 130A receives the download data. The received download data is stored in the content storage unit 133. Note that a content ID for identifying the content is added to the download data.

  In step C35, the content browsing apparatus 130A starts high-quality playback of content related to the DVD 151 attached to the DVD player of the content playback unit 132. In this case, the content data is reproduced from the DVD 151 by the DVD player, the image quality improvement data is read from the content storage unit 133, and the data is supplied to the signal processing unit 134. Here, it is assumed that the content data is MPEG data and the DCT block is composed of 12 pixels × 12 pixels. In this case, for example, the content data reproduced from the DVD 151 is DCT coefficient data in the low frequency region as shown in FIG. 7A, while the high image quality data as download data is high frequency as shown in FIG. 7B. This is DCT coefficient data of a region.

  In the signal processing unit 134, the content data reproduced from the DVD and the high-quality data as download data are synthesized (see FIG. 7B), and then subjected to decoding processing to obtain image data and audio data. The image data and audio data are supplied to the image / audio output unit 135, an image is displayed on the display, and audio is output from the speaker. In this case, the image processing unit 134 decodes the image quality-enhanced data and obtains the image data, so that the image quality is reproduced.

  In step C36, the content browsing device 130A transmits the reproduction end to the remote control device 120A when the reproduction of the content related to the DVD is completed. In step R36, remote control device 120A confirms the end of reproduction and ends a series of processing.

  When the remote control device 120A determines that normal playback is performed in step R39, the remote control device 120A transmits a playback command to the content browsing device 130A in step R37. In step C37, the content browsing apparatus 130A receives the reproduction command. In step C38, the content browsing apparatus 130A starts normal playback of the content related to the DVD 151 mounted on the DVD player of the content playback unit 132.

  In this case, content data is reproduced from the DVD 151 by the DVD player, and only the content data is supplied to the signal processing unit 134. The content data reproduced from the DVD 151 is, for example, DCT coefficient data in the low frequency region as described above (see FIG. 7A). In the signal processing unit 134, content data reproduced from the DVD 151 is subjected to decoding processing, and image data and audio data are obtained. The image data and audio data are supplied to the image / audio output unit 135, an image is displayed on the display, and audio is output from the speaker.

  In step C36, the content browsing device 130A transmits the reproduction end to the remote control device 120A when the reproduction of the content related to the DVD 151 is completed. In step R36, remote control device 120A confirms the end of reproduction and ends a series of processing.

  In the process of the flowchart of FIG. 10, the high-quality image data is always downloaded from the content distribution center 110 </ b> A to the content browsing device 130 when performing high-quality image reproduction. However, in this case, for example, when the high quality image data is reproduced after the second time and the high quality image data has already been downloaded to the content storage unit 133 of the content browsing device 130A, the high quality image data is stored. It may be used. As a result, it is possible to save time for downloading high-quality data and to significantly reduce the time to start playback.

  In the process of the flowchart of FIG. 10, when the user presses the content operation button 152 inserted in the button slot 129A of the remote control device 120A, the content browsing device 130A is attached to the DVD player of the content playback unit 132. If the DVD 151 is not loaded in the DVD player of the content playback unit 132, the same content data as the content data recorded on the DVD 151 is sent to the content distribution center. It may be made available for download from 110A.

  In the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 10, when high-quality reproduction is performed, the signal processing unit 134 performs signal processing using content data reproduced from the DVD 151 and high-quality data as download data. In the case of high-quality reproduction, the high-quality reproduction may be performed using only the content data reproduced from the DVD 151 as in the normal reproduction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the signal processing unit 134 decodes input content data, for example, MPEG data, and obtains image data, and for example, emphasizes high frequency components for the image data. And an image quality improving circuit 134b for removing encoding distortion such as block distortion, and changeover switches 134c and 134d.

  At the time of reproduction with high image quality, the content data reproduced from the DVD 151 is decoded by the decode circuit 134e with respect to the decode circuit 134a to obtain image data, and then the image data is transferred to the high level via the b side of the changeover switch 134c. The image quality improvement circuit 134b is supplied to perform image quality improvement processing, and the processed image data is output via the b side of the changeover switch 134d. On the other hand, at the time of normal reproduction, the content data reproduced from the DVD 151 is decoded by the decoding circuit 134e by the decoding circuit 134e to obtain image data, and then the image data is passed through the a side of the changeover switches 134c and 134d. Is output.

  In the second embodiment described above, the content operation button 152 having the right to view predetermined content is inserted into the button slot 129A of the remote control device 120A, and the content operation button 152 is pressed to operate the predetermined operation. The content browsing is performed, and when browsing the predetermined content by the content browsing device 130A, it is not necessary to acquire the browsing right again, and the content browsing process can be easily performed. This is because the process of browsing the content itself has the right to browse.

  In the above-described embodiment, the content distribution centers 110 and 110A on the service providing side, the remote control device 120 on the user side, and the content browsing devices 130 and 130A communicate directly via an antenna. The present invention may be configured to perform communication via a network such as the Internet. In the content distribution system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 120 includes a transmission / reception unit 127 and a transmission / reception antenna 128 and directly communicates with the content distribution center 110. However, the remote control device 120 is a content browsing device. It may be configured to communicate with the content distribution center 110 through 130. In that case, the transmission / reception unit 127 and the transmission / reception antenna 128 in the remote control device 120 are unnecessary.

  In the above-described embodiment, movie content has been described as an example, and image data and audio data can be obtained from the signal processing unit 134 of the content browsing devices 130 and 130A. There are also image-only content and audio-only content. In that case, only image data or audio data is obtained from the signal processing unit 134.

  Further, in order to realize the above-described embodiment, although appropriate hardware is required, many of them can be realized by software. That is, in the above-described embodiment, a program for realizing the above-described embodiment is supplied to a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or each apparatus, and the computer of the system or each apparatus operates various devices according to this program. Thus, the embodiment described above can be realized. As a storage medium for storing the program, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or the like can be used.

  The present invention facilitates processing when browsing rights information is managed by a remote control device and browsing content by a content browsing device, and has a settlement system using electronic money when browsing rights information is acquired by a remote control device. Alternatively, an operation button having predetermined content browsing right information is connected to a remote control device and used, and server management of personal billing information on the content distribution center side is unnecessary, and the cost on the content distribution center side is reduced. In addition to being able to reduce the privacy, it is possible to protect the privacy of which content the user has purchased, and it can be applied to content distribution systems such as movies and music.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the content delivery system as 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a remote control device. It is a figure which shows the example of a menu of a remote control device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the acquisition process of a browsing right. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence of each apparatus in browsing of a content (watching a movie). It is a figure for demonstrating the process sequence of each apparatus in browsing of a content (watching DVD). It is a figure for demonstrating the signal processing example in normal reproduction | regeneration and high quality image reproduction | regeneration. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the content delivery system as 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a remote control device. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence of each apparatus in the browsing of content (at the time of operation of a content operation button). It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a signal processing part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,100A ... Content delivery system, 110 ... Content delivery center, 111 ... Control part, 112 ... Content storage part, 113 ... Browsing right issue frequency storage part, 114 ... Browsing right Distribution unit, 115 ... Content distribution unit, 116 ... Transmission / reception antenna, 117 ... Content sales unit, 120 ... Remote control device (remote control device), 121 ... Control unit, 122 ... Viewing Rights settlement unit, 123... Browsing right management unit, 124 ... operation unit, 125 ... display unit, 126 ... communication interface, 127 ... transmission / reception unit, 128 ... transmission / reception antenna, 129 ..Prepaid card, 129A ... button slot, 130 ... content browsing device, 131 ... control unit, 132 ... content Live unit, 133 ... Content storage unit, 134 ... Signal processing unit, 135 ... Image / audio output unit, 136 ... Communication interface, 137 ... Transmission / reception unit, 138 ... Transmission / reception antenna, 139 ... DVD, 140 ... pay-in system, 150 ... packaged content, 151 ... DVD, 152 ... content operation buttons

Claims (32)

A remote control device for remotely operating a content browsing device,
Browsing right acquisition means for communicating with a content distribution center to acquire a browsing right of predetermined content;
Browsing right management means for managing browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired by the browsing right acquisition means;
When acquiring the browsing right of the predetermined content by the browsing right acquisition unit, the browsing right settlement unit that performs payment by electronic money;
Communication means for transmitting to the content browsing device a remote control signal for instructing browsing of content having browsing rights based on browsing right information managed by at least the browsing right management means. Control device. The browsing rights acquisition means
At least the balance information of the electronic money and the content information for specifying the predetermined content are transmitted to the content distribution center, and it is authenticated that charging corresponding to the predetermined content is possible. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the right to browse the predetermined content is acquired by subtracting the charge from the electronic money. The remote control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a content list creation unit that creates a list that can be browsed by the content browsing device based on the browsing right information managed by the browsing right management unit. . Display means;
Display control means for displaying the list created by the content list creating means on the means;
The remote control device according to claim 3, further comprising content selection means for selecting content to be browsed by the content browsing device from the list displayed on the display means. A remote control device control method for remotely operating a content browsing device,
A browsing right acquisition step of communicating with a content distribution center to acquire a browsing right of predetermined content;
A browsing right management step for managing browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired in the browsing right acquisition step;
When acquiring the browsing right of the predetermined content in the browsing right acquisition step, a browsing right settlement step of performing payment by electronic money;
And a communication step of transmitting a remote control signal instructing browsing of the content having the browsing right to the content browsing device based on the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management step. Control method of the control device. A browsing right acquisition step of communicating with a content distribution center to acquire a browsing right of predetermined content;
A browsing right management step for managing browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired in the browsing right acquisition step;
When acquiring the browsing right of the predetermined content in the browsing right acquisition step, a browsing right settlement step of performing payment by electronic money;
A control method for a remote control device comprising: a communication step for transmitting to the content browsing device at least a remote control signal instructing browsing of content having the browsing right based on the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management step A computer-readable medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute is recorded. A browsing right acquisition step of communicating with a content distribution center to acquire a browsing right of predetermined content;
A browsing right management step for managing browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired in the browsing right acquisition step;
When acquiring the browsing right of the predetermined content in the browsing right acquisition step, a browsing right settlement step of performing payment by electronic money;
A control method for a remote control device comprising: a communication step for transmitting to the content browsing device at least a remote control signal instructing browsing of content having the browsing right based on the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management step A program that causes a computer to execute. A content browsing device remotely operated by a remote control device,
Content receiving means for communicating with a content distribution center and receiving content data from the content distribution center;
Content storage means for storing content data received by the content receiving means;
Signal processing means for processing the content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data;
When browsing of the predetermined content is instructed from the remote control device, when the content data of the predetermined content is stored in the content storage unit, the stored content data is processed by the signal processing unit. And a browsing control means for acquiring output data. The browsing control means is
When content data of the predetermined content is not stored in the content storage unit, the content reception unit receives the content data of the predetermined content, and the content storage unit stores the received content data, The content browsing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the signal processing means processes the stored content data to acquire output data. A method for controlling a content browsing device remotely operated by a remote control device,
A determination step of determining whether content data of the predetermined content is stored in the content storage means when browsing of the predetermined content is instructed from the remote control device;
A first process for processing at least image data or audio data as output data by processing the content data of the predetermined content stored in the content storage means when it is determined in the determination step Process,
A reception step of receiving content data of the predetermined content from a content distribution center when it is determined that the content is not stored in the determination step;
A storage step of storing the received content data in the content storage means;
And a second processing step of processing the stored content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data. A determination step of determining whether content data of the predetermined content is stored in the content storage means when browsing of the predetermined content is instructed from the remote control device;
A first process for processing at least image data or audio data as output data by processing the content data of the predetermined content stored in the content storage means when it is determined in the determination step Process,
A reception step of receiving content data of the predetermined content from a content distribution center when it is determined that the content is not stored in the determination step;
A storage step of storing the received content data in the content storage means;
A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a content browsing apparatus, comprising: a second processing step of processing the stored content data and acquiring at least image data or audio data as output data Medium. A determination step of determining whether content data of the predetermined content is stored in the content storage means when browsing of the predetermined content is instructed from the remote control device;
A first process for processing at least image data or audio data as output data by processing the content data of the predetermined content stored in the content storage means when it is determined in the determination step Process,
A reception step of receiving content data of the predetermined content from a content distribution center when it is determined that the content is not stored in the determination step;
A storage step of storing the received content data in the content storage means;
A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a content browsing apparatus, comprising: a second processing step of processing the accumulated content data and acquiring at least image data or audio data as output data. A content browsing device remotely controlled by a remote control device,
Content playback means for playing back content data from packaged content media;
Content receiving means for communicating with a content distribution center and receiving content data from the content distribution center;
Content storage means for storing content data received by the content receiving means;
Signal processing means for processing the content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data;
When high-quality browsing of content related to the media is instructed from the remote control device, the content receiving unit receives content data for improving the quality of the content, and the content storage unit receives the received content Browsing control means for accumulating data, causing the content reproduction means to reproduce content data from the medium, and causing the signal processing means to process the accumulated content data and the reproduced content data to obtain output data; A content browsing apparatus comprising: The content data is encoded data obtained by orthogonally transforming image data, and the content data reproduced from the medium by the content reproduction means is data in a low frequency region, and the content received by the content reception means The content browsing device according to claim 13, wherein the data is data in a high frequency region. A method for controlling a content browsing device remotely controlled by a remote control device,
A receiving step of receiving content data for improving the quality of the content from a content distribution center when instructed to perform high-quality browsing of content related to the packaged content media from the remote control device;
A reproduction step of reproducing content data from the media when the high-quality browsing is instructed from the remote control device;
And a processing step of processing the received content data and the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data. A reception step of receiving content data for improving the quality of the content from the content distribution center when a high-quality browsing of the content related to the packaged content media is instructed from the remote control device;
A reproduction step of reproducing content data from the media when the high-quality browsing is instructed from the remote control device;
A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a content browsing apparatus, comprising: processing the received content data and the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data; Computer readable media. A reception step of receiving content data for improving the quality of the content from the content distribution center when a high-quality browsing of the content related to the packaged content media is instructed from the remote control device;
A reproduction step of reproducing content data from the media when the high-quality browsing is instructed from the remote control device;
A program for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling a content browsing device, comprising: processing the received content data and the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data. A content browsing system comprising a remote control device and a content browsing device remotely operated by the remote control device,
The remote control device is
Browsing right acquisition means for communicating with a content distribution center to acquire a browsing right of predetermined content;
Browsing right management means for managing browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired by the browsing right acquisition means;
When acquiring the browsing right of the predetermined content by the browsing right acquisition unit, the browsing right settlement unit that performs payment by electronic money;
Communication means for transmitting, to the content browsing device, a remote control signal for instructing browsing of content having browsing rights based on browsing right information managed by the browsing right management means,
The content browsing device
A content receiving means for communicating with the content distribution center and receiving content data from the content distribution center;
Content storage means for storing content data received by the content receiving means;
Signal processing means for processing the content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data;
When browsing of the predetermined content is instructed from the remote control device, when the content data of the predetermined content is stored in the content storage unit, the stored content data is processed by the signal processing unit. And a browsing control means for acquiring output data. The browsing control means is
When content data of the predetermined content is not stored in the content storage unit, the content reception unit receives the content data of the predetermined content, and the content storage unit stores the received content data, 19. The content browsing system according to claim 18, wherein the signal processing means processes the stored content data to acquire output data. A content browsing system comprising a remote control device and a content browsing device remotely operated by the remote control device,
The remote control device is
Browsing right acquisition means for communicating with a content distribution center to acquire a browsing right of predetermined content;
Browsing right management means for managing browsing right information related to the browsing right of the predetermined content acquired by the browsing right acquisition means;
When acquiring the browsing right of the predetermined content by the browsing right acquisition unit, the browsing right settlement unit that performs payment by electronic money;
Communication means for transmitting, to the content browsing device, a remote control signal for instructing browsing of content having browsing rights based on browsing right information managed by the browsing right management means,
The content browsing device
Content playback means for playing back content data from packaged content media;
Content receiving means for communicating with a content distribution center and receiving content data from the content distribution center;
Content storage means for storing content data received by the content receiving means;
Signal processing means for processing the content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data;
When high-quality browsing of content related to the media is instructed from the remote control device, the content receiving unit receives content data for improving the quality of the content, and the content storage unit receives the received content Browsing control means for accumulating data, causing the content reproduction means to reproduce content data from the medium, and causing the signal processing means to process the accumulated content data and the reproduced content data to obtain output data; A content browsing system comprising: A remote control device for remotely operating a content browsing device,
Button connection means for connecting an operation button having browsing right information of a predetermined content;
Browsing right management means for managing the browsing right information acquired from the operation button connected to the button connection means;
Communication means for transmitting, to the content browsing device, a remote control signal for instructing browsing of content having browsing rights based on browsing rights information managed by the browsing right management means when at least the operation button is operated And a remote control device. The remote control device according to claim 21, wherein the operation button is sold together with packaged content media, and the operation button is an operation button for operating browsing of content related to the media. . A remote control device control method for remotely operating a content browsing device,
A browsing right management step of acquiring and managing the browsing right information from the operation button having the browsing right information of the predetermined content connected to the button connection means;
At least when the operation button is operated, based on the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management step, a communication step of transmitting a remote control signal instructing browsing of content having the browsing right to the content browsing device A control method for a remote control device, comprising: A browsing right management step of acquiring and managing the browsing right information from the operation button having the browsing right information of the predetermined content connected to the button connection means;
At least when the operation button is operated, based on the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management step, a communication step of transmitting a remote control signal instructing browsing of content having the browsing right to the content browsing device A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a remote control device. A browsing right management step of acquiring and managing the browsing right information from the operation button having the browsing right information of the predetermined content connected to the button connection means;
At least when the operation button is operated, based on the browsing right information managed in the browsing right management step, a communication step of transmitting a remote control signal instructing browsing of content having the browsing right to the content browsing device A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a remote control device. A content browsing device remotely operated by a remote control device,
Content playback means for playing back content data from packaged content media;
Signal processing means for processing the content data and obtaining at least image data or audio data as output data;
When it is instructed by the remote control device to reproduce content data from a specific medium and browse the content related to the content data, the content reproduction means can reproduce the content data from the specific medium A browsing control means for causing the content playback means to play back the content data from the specific medium, and causing the signal processing means to process the played back content data to obtain output data. apparatus. Content receiving means for communicating with a content distribution center and receiving content data from the content distribution center;
Content storage means for storing content data received by the content receiving means,
The browsing control means causes the content receiving means to receive the same content data as the content data recorded on the specific medium when the content reproducing means cannot reproduce the content data from the specific medium, 27. The content browsing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the received content data is stored in the content storage unit, and the stored content data is processed in the signal processing unit to obtain output data. A method for controlling a content browsing device remotely operated by a remote control device,
A determination step of determining whether or not the content data can be reproduced from the specific medium when the remote control device is instructed to reproduce the content data from the specific medium and browse the content related to the content data;
When it is determined that the determination step is possible, a reproduction step of reproducing content data from the specific medium;
A first processing step of processing the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data;
A reception step of receiving the same content data as the content data recorded on the specific medium from the content distribution center when it is determined that the determination step is not possible;
A storage step of storing the received content data in the content storage means;
And a second processing step of processing the stored content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data. A determination step of determining whether or not the content data can be reproduced from the specific medium when the remote control device is instructed to reproduce the content data from the specific medium and browse the content related to the content data;
When it is determined that the determination step is possible, a reproduction step of reproducing content data from the specific medium;
A first processing step of processing the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data;
A reception step of receiving the same content data as the content data recorded on the specific medium from the content distribution center when it is determined that the determination step is not possible;
A storage step of storing the received content data in the content storage means;
A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a content browsing apparatus, comprising: a second processing step of processing the stored content data and acquiring at least image data or audio data as output data Medium. A determination step of determining whether or not the content data can be reproduced from the specific medium when the remote control device is instructed to reproduce the content data from the specific medium and browse the content related to the content data;
When it is determined that the determination step is possible, a reproduction step of reproducing content data from the specific medium;
A first processing step of processing the reproduced content data to obtain at least image data or audio data as output data;
A reception step of receiving the same content data as the content data recorded on the specific medium from the content distribution center when it is determined that the determination step is not possible;
A storage step of storing the received content data in the content storage means;
A program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a content browsing apparatus, comprising: a second processing step of processing the accumulated content data and acquiring at least image data or audio data as output data. A content browsing system comprising a remote control device and a content browsing device remotely operated by the remote control device,
The remote control device is
Button connection means for connecting an operation button having browsing right information of a predetermined content;
Browsing right management means for managing the browsing right information acquired from the operation button connected to the button connection means;
Communication means for transmitting, to the content browsing device, a remote control signal for instructing browsing of content having browsing rights based on browsing rights information managed by the browsing right management means when at least the operation button is operated And
The content browsing device
Content playback means for playing back content data from packaged content media;
Signal processing means for processing the content data and obtaining at least image data or audio data as output data;
When the remote control device is instructed to reproduce content data from a specific medium and browse the content related to the content data, when the content data can be reproduced from the specific medium by the content reproduction means, A content browsing system comprising: content control means for reproducing the content data from the specific medium and causing the signal processing means to process the reproduced content data to obtain output data. . The content browsing device communicates with a content distribution center, and includes content receiving means for receiving content data from the content distribution center, and content storage means for storing content data received by the content receiving means. In addition,
The browsing control means causes the content receiving means to receive the same content data as the content data recorded on the specific medium when the content reproducing means cannot reproduce the content data from the specific medium, 32. The content browsing system according to claim 31, wherein the received content data is stored in the content storage unit, and the stored content data is processed in the signal processing unit to obtain output data.

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