JP2007036789A - CONTENT REPRODUCTION DEVICE, CONTENT DISTRIBUTION DEVICE, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically add an appropriate content for trial viewing according to a user's preference tendency when reproducing content.
A user's preference tendency is estimated according to a content purchase operation, and trial viewing content is selected according to the estimated preference tendency. If the number of trial viewing distributions is “3”, one from the desired viewing genre and two from the preference trend genres are selected. Then, main content distribution content is generated and distributed in accordance with the trial viewing content distribution order. For example, if the trial viewing content distribution order is “after”, the main distribution content is generated and distributed as a series of contents in which the selected trial viewing content is added after the main content desired to be viewed.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reproduction device, a content distribution device, and a program.

Distribution services that distribute contents such as video data using the Internet or the like are known. Also, in this type of distribution service, there is known one that searches and presents content that matches user preferences (see Patent Document 1). According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is also possible to display a preview of sample content (hereinafter referred to as “trial viewing content”) for trial viewing of the searched and presented content according to a user operation.
JP 2001-209660 A

  However, in the technique of the above-described Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user to select a preview viewing content by himself / herself and display the preview display. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to automatically add and play back appropriate trial viewing content according to a user's preference tendency when playing back content.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
In a content distribution device that distributes content in response to a request from a content reproduction device,
A storage unit (for example, a content DB 150 shown in FIG. 18) that stores a plurality of main contents and contents for trial viewing of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents;
Content request receiving means (for example, the communication unit 130 and the CPU 100 shown in FIG. 18) for receiving a request for the main content desired to be viewed from the content reproduction device;
An estimation means (for example, the CPU 100 shown in FIG. 18) for estimating a preference tendency in the content reproduction apparatus by determining a classification of the content requested from the content reproduction apparatus and / or a previously requested content. ,
Trial viewing content selection means (for example, CPU 100 shown in FIG. 18) for selecting trial viewing content associated with the classification according to the preference tendency estimated by the estimation means;
Distribution means for distributing the main content desired to be viewed corresponding to the request received by the content request receiving means and the trial viewing content selected by the trial viewing content selection means to the content reproduction device as a series of contents ( For example, the CPU 100 and the communication unit 130) illustrated in FIG.
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 2 is the content distribution apparatus according to claim 1,
Further comprising order request receiving means (for example, communication unit 130, CPU 100 shown in FIG. 18) for receiving a request for the order of distribution of the main content and the trial viewing content desired to be viewed from the content reproduction device;
The distribution means distributes the main content desired for viewing and the content for trial viewing in the distribution order received by the order request receiving means (for example, the CPU 100 and the communication unit 130 shown in FIG. 18).

The invention according to claim 3 is the content distribution apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A distribution number request receiving unit (for example, the communication unit 130 and the CPU 100 shown in FIG. 18) that receives a request for the number of distributions of trial viewing content from the content reproduction device;
The trial viewing content selection unit selects the number of trial viewing contents received by the distribution number request receiving unit as the trial viewing content included in the series of contents distributed by the distribution unit (for example, FIG. CPU 100 shown in FIG.
The delivery means delivers a series of contents including the received number of trial viewing contents selected by the trial viewing content selection means (for example, the CPU 100 and the communication unit 130 shown in FIG. 18).
It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 4
A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents In a content playback device that communicates with and plays back the received content,
Content specifying means (for example, input unit 310, CPU 300 shown in FIG. 5; step e15 shown in FIG. 13) for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to the user operation;
This content specifying means determines the user's preference tendency by judging the classification of the content specified this time and / or the previously specified content (for example, CPU 300 shown in FIG. 5; step shown in FIG. 14) f30),
Request means (for example, requesting the content distribution apparatus to receive the main content specified by the content specifying means and the trial viewing content associated with the classification according to the estimated preference tendency) CPU 300 and communication unit 330 shown in FIG. 5; step e50) shown in FIG.
Content receiving / reproducing means (for example, CPU 300, display unit 320 shown in FIG. 5; FIG. Steps e60, e70) shown in FIG.
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 9 is
A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents To a computer that communicates with and plays the received content,
A content specifying function (for example, the input unit 310 and the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 5; step e15 shown in FIG. 13) for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to the user operation;
A guess function (e.g., CPU 300 shown in FIG. 5; step shown in FIG. 14) that estimates the user's preference tendency by determining the classification of the content designated this time and / or the content designated previously by the content designation function. f30),
A request function (for example, requesting the content distribution device to receive the main content specified by the content specifying function and the content for trial viewing associated with the classification according to the estimated preference tendency) CPU 300 and communication unit 330 shown in FIG. 5; step e50) shown in FIG.
A content reception / playback function (for example, the CPU 300 and the display unit 320 shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 13) that plays back a series of contents including the main content and the trial viewing content transmitted from the content distribution apparatus in response to the request for the request function. Steps e60, e70) shown in FIG.
It is a program for realizing.

The invention according to claim 5 is the content playback apparatus according to claim 4,
Order designating means (for example, the input unit 310, the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 5; step e30 shown in FIG. 13) for designating the delivery order of the main content desired to be viewed and the content for trial viewing according to the user operation;
Order requesting means (for example, CPU 300, communication unit 330 shown in FIG. 5; step e50 shown in FIG. 13) for requesting the content delivery apparatus to deliver a series of contents in the order designated by the order designation means;
Is further provided.

The invention according to claim 6 is the content playback apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
A delivery number designating unit (for example, the input unit 310 and the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 5; step e40 shown in FIG. 13) for designating the delivery number of the trial viewing content according to the user operation;
Distribution number requesting means (for example, CPU 300, communication unit 330 shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 13) that requests the content distribution apparatus to distribute a series of contents including the number of trial viewing contents specified by the distribution number specifying means. Step e50) shown in FIG.
Is further provided.

The invention according to claim 7 is the content playback device according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
List display control means for controlling the display of the category items of the category and controlling the display of the list of main contents corresponding to the designated category item according to the designation of the category item according to the user operation (for example, in FIG. CPU 300; steps a10 to a90) shown in FIG.
The estimation unit is a designated classification criterion estimation unit (for example, the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 5; the content shown in FIG. 10) that estimates the user's preference tendency based on the classification item specified during the list display control by the list display control unit. With list processing)
It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 8 provides:
A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents In a content playback device that communicates with and plays back the received content,
Content specifying means (for example, CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to the user operation;
An estimation means (for example, the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) for estimating the user's preference tendency by determining the classification of the content specified this time and / or the content specified previously by the content specification means;
The content distribution device is requested to receive a list of content for trial viewing associated with the classification corresponding to the preference tendency estimated by the estimation means, and the list transmitted from the content distribution device in response to the request. Trial viewing content selection means (for example, CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) for selecting trial viewing content from
Requesting the content distribution device to receive the main content desired by the content designating unit and the trial viewing content selected by the content selection unit for trial viewing, and requesting the main content and the trial viewing content desired by the content distribution unit And a content reception / playback control means (for example, the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) that performs control for playing back and
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 10 is
A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents To a computer that communicates with and plays the received content,
A content specifying function (for example, the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to a user operation;
An estimation function (e.g., CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) that estimates the user's preference tendency by determining the classification of the content specified this time and / or the previously specified content by the content specification function;
The content distribution device is requested to receive a list of content for trial viewing associated with the classification according to the preference tendency estimated by the estimation function, and the list transmitted from the content distribution device in response to the request A trial viewing content selection function (for example, CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) for selecting trial viewing content from
The content distribution apparatus is requested to receive the main content desired to be viewed designated by the content designation function and the trial viewing content selected by the content selection function for trial viewing, and the main content desired to be viewed and the trial viewing content are requested. And a content reception / playback control function (for example, the CPU 300 shown in FIG. 21) for performing control for playing back and
It is a program for realizing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the preference tendency in the content reproduction device is estimated by judging the classification of the content currently requested from the content reproduction device and / or the previously requested content, and the estimated preference. The content for trial viewing associated with the classification corresponding to the tendency can be selected. When a request for the main content desired to be viewed is received from the content reproduction device, the content distribution device includes the main content desired for viewing corresponding to the request and the trial viewing content selected as described above as a series of contents. Can be delivered to. Accordingly, since it is possible to automatically select appropriate trial viewing content by estimating the user's preference tendency, the content reproduction device reproduces a series of content in which the trial viewing content is added to the main content. be able to.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a request for the distribution order of the main content desired to view and the content for trial viewing is received from the content reproduction device, the main content desired for viewing and the content for trial viewing are received in the received distribution order. Content can be distributed. As a result, the main content and the trial viewing content can be reproduced in a desired order by the content reproduction device.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the request for the number of distributions of the trial viewing content is received, the trial viewing content having the number of distributions received is selected as the trial viewing content included in the series of content to be distributed. can do. Then, it is possible to distribute a series of contents including the selected number of distribution contents for trial viewing. Accordingly, a series of contents in which a desired number of trial viewing contents are added to the main contents can be reproduced by the content reproducing apparatus.

  According to the invention described in claim 4 or 9, the user's preference tendency is estimated by judging the classification of the content specified this time and / or the content specified previously, and the viewing request specified according to the user operation It is possible to request the content distribution device to receive the main content and to receive the content for trial viewing associated with the classification according to the estimated preference tendency. In response to this request, a series of contents including the main contents and the trial viewing contents transmitted from the content distribution apparatus can be reproduced. Therefore, when reproducing the main content, it is possible to guess the user's preference tendency, automatically download appropriate trial viewing content, and add the trial viewing content to the main content for reproduction.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to request the content distribution apparatus to distribute a series of contents in the order specified according to the user operation. As a result, the main content desired to be viewed and the content for trial viewing constituting the series of content are reproduced in the designated order. Therefore, the main content and the trial viewing content can be reproduced in a desired order.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to request the content distribution apparatus to distribute a series of contents including the number of trial viewing contents specified in accordance with the user operation. As a result, as the series of contents, contents including a designated number of trial viewing contents are reproduced. Therefore, a desired number of trial viewing contents can be added to the main contents and reproduced.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, display control is performed on content classification items, and display control of a list of main content corresponding to the specified classification items is performed in accordance with the specification of the classification items according to the user operation. And a user's preference tendency can be estimated based on the classification item designated at the time of the display control of the list of main contents.

  According to the invention described in claim 8 or 10, the user's preference tendency is estimated by judging the classification of the content specified this time and / or the content specified previously, and the classification according to the estimated preference tendency A list of trial viewing contents associated with can be acquired from the content distribution apparatus, and the trial viewing contents corresponding to the preference tendency can be selected. Then, it is possible to perform control for requesting the content distribution apparatus to receive the main content desired to be viewed designated in accordance with the user operation and to receive the selected trial viewing content and to reproduce them as a series of content. Therefore, when reproducing the main content, it is possible to guess the user's preference tendency, automatically download appropriate trial viewing content, and add the trial viewing content to the main content for reproduction.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the content distribution server 10 is connected to a viewer terminal 30 (30-1, 2, 3,...) As a content reproduction device via the network N to configure the content distribution system 1. Yes. Here, the network N is, for example, the Internet, a line for connecting to the Internet, an ISP server, and the like, such as a telephone line network, ISDN line network, dedicated line, satellite communication line, CATV line, ADSL line, FTTH. It includes various communication lines such as lines and Internet providers that connect them.

  The content distribution server 10 is configured based on a known server computer system, and is installed on a content provider such as a broadcasting station that provides a digital broadcast service such as a VOD (Video On Demand) service. The entire content distribution system 1 is controlled in an integrated manner. The content distribution server 10 manages various video contents such as movies and TV programs as a content DB 150 and distributes and provides the same to the viewer terminal 30 that has accessed it.

  The viewer terminal 30 is installed on the viewer (user) side of the digital broadcast provided by the content distribution server 10, communicates with the content distribution server 10 via the network N, and reproduces the distributed content. The viewer terminal 30 is, for example, a set-top box for controlling a display device such as a television provided on the viewer (user) side, a personal computer, a home game machine, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable game machine, or the like. This is realized by various information terminal devices and electronic devices.

[Function configuration]
1. Content Distribution Server FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the content distribution server 10. The content distribution server 10 includes a CPU 100, an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

  The CPU 100 performs instructions and data transfer to each functional unit in the content distribution server 10 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 140, data transmitted from the viewer terminal 30, and the like, and the content distribution server Various processes such as control of the entire 10 and control of the entire content distribution system 1 are performed.

  The input unit 110 is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a dial, and various switches, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the CPU 100.

  The display unit 120 is realized by a display device such as an LCD or an ELD, and displays various screens based on display signals input from the CPU 100.

  The communication unit 130 includes a wireless communication module, a router, a modem, a TA, a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and performs data communication with the outside (the viewer terminal 30).

  The storage unit 140 is realized by various IC memories such as ROM and RAM such as flash memory that can be updated and stored, an information storage medium such as a built-in or data communication terminal, a hard disk connected by a data communication terminal, a CD-ROM, and a reading device thereof. The program and data for realizing various functions as a server computer system such as a system program, and the program and data necessary for causing the CPU 100 to control the entire content distribution system 1 are stored. In particular, in order to realize the present embodiment, a content DB 150, a first content distribution program 170, and a first menu distribution program 180 are stored.

  The content DB 150 stores and stores data related to content distributed and provided to the viewer terminal 30 by the content distribution server 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the content DB 150. As shown in FIG. 3, in the content DB 150, a title 163 in which the name of the content is set in association with a content number 161 for identifying the content, a content classification 165, a main content 167, a trial content, and the like. Content data 160 (160-1, 2, 3,...) In which viewing content 169 is set is accumulated.

  The content classification 165 is data for specifying the classification of the content classified in advance according to the content of the content, and includes a category 165a and a genre 165b. In the present embodiment, each content data 160 is classified hierarchically. Specifically, each content data 160 is classified into one of the categories according to the type, and further classified into any genre according to the content. Examples of the category include a movie (new work / foreign film / Japanese film), drama, animation, sports program, music program, and the like. On the other hand, genres include action, SF, romance, horror, fantasy, comedy, etc. for movies, dramas, and animation. Examples of sports programs include soccer, baseball, volleyball, and basketball. As for music programs, pop, rock, jazz, classical music, etc. are listed.

The main content 167 is main content data of the content, and is composed of data such as video, audio, music, and characters.
The trial viewing content 169 is data for trial viewing of the content, and specifically includes, for example, a trailer, a digest, and a highlight of the main part.

  The first content distribution program 170 distributes the main content distribution content, which will be described later, including the main content 167 designated when the content purchase request is notified from the viewer terminal 30 to the viewer terminal 30, and requests a content trial viewing request. Is sent to the viewer terminal 30, and the CPU 100 executes the first content distribution process according to the first content distribution program 170. Note that collection of a charge (purchase amount) related to the purchase of the main content 167 is realized by, for example, a known settlement system that performs credit settlement by a credit card method or the like.

  Further, the first content distribution program 170 includes a first trial viewing content selection program 171 that selects a trial viewing content to be added to the designated main content 167 (main viewing desired content). If notified, the first trial viewing content selection process is executed according to the first trial viewing content selection program 171. Specifically, the CPU 100 executes the following processing based on the preference tendency information, the number of trial viewing distributions, the content distribution order for trial viewing, and the DL status information notified together with the content purchase request.

  That is, first, the genre of the trial viewing content to be selected is determined based on the preference tendency information and the number of trial viewing distributions. Specifically, when the number of trial viewing distributions is “1”, trial viewing content is selected from a genre corresponding to the preference trend information (hereinafter referred to as “preference trend genre”). On the other hand, if the number of trial viewing distributions is “2” or more, the trial viewing content is selected from the preference trend genre and the genre of the main content desired to be viewed (hereinafter referred to as “viewing genre”). In this case, one is assigned to the desired viewing genre and the remaining is assigned to the preference trend genre. That is, if the number of distributions for trial viewing is “2”, the content for trial viewing is selected one by one from the preference trend genre and the desired viewing genre genre. If the number of trial viewing distributions is “3”, one trial viewing content is selected from the desired viewing genre, and two trial viewing contents are selected from the preference trend genre.

  At this time, the trial viewing content 169 of the content data 160 to which the content number set in the DL status information is assigned is excluded from selection targets, and the trial viewing content is selected. DL status information will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, but simply refers to information on main content and trial viewing content distributed in the past. That is, if either the main content distribution content or the trial viewing content 169 including the main content 167 has been downloaded in the past, the new trial viewing content is selected without selecting the trial viewing content 169. To do.

  If trial viewing content is selected from the trial viewing content 169 to be selected by the first trial viewing content selection process, the trial viewing content notified when a content purchase request from the viewer terminal 30 is made. The main content distribution content is generated according to the content distribution order. Here, with reference to FIG. 4, the method for generating the main content distribution will be described by taking as an example the case where the number of trial viewing content distributions notified together with the content purchase request is “3”.

  FIG. 4A shows the trial viewing content to be selected from the trial viewing content 169 classified into the preference trend genre determined as described above, and the trial viewing content classified into the desired viewing genre. 169 shows a list of trial viewing content to be selected, and an example of the main content delivery content generated when the trial viewing content delivery order is “after”.

  As described above, if the number of trial viewing distributions is “3”, two of the selection target trial viewing contents 169 categorized by the preference trend genre are randomly selected, and the selection categorized by the desired viewing genre is selected. One of the target trial viewing contents 169 is selected at random. For example, if “trial viewing content 1” and “trial viewing content m” are selected from the preference trend genre, and “trial viewing content m + 2” is selected from the desired viewing genre, the selected “trial viewing content 1” “ The main content distribution content is generated as a series of contents in which “trial viewing content m” and “trial viewing content m + 2” are added after the main content desired to be viewed.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the main content distribution content generated when the trial viewing content distribution order is “previous”. If the trial viewing content distribution order is “previous”, the selected “trial viewing content 1”, “trial viewing content m”, and “trial viewing content m + 2” are added as a series of contents added before the main content desired to be viewed. Content for main content distribution is generated.

  The first menu distribution program 180, when a menu distribution request is notified from the viewer terminal 30, a menu for selecting a main content or a trial viewing content that the user of the viewer terminal 30 desires to view. This is a program for distributing information, and the CPU 100 executes a first menu distribution process according to the first menu distribution program 180.

2. Viewer Terminal FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the viewer terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 5, the viewer terminal 30 includes a CPU 300, an input unit 310, a display unit 320, a communication unit 330, a RAM 340, and a storage unit 350.

  The CPU 300 instructs each function unit in the viewer terminal 30 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 350, operation signals input from the input unit 310, data transmitted from the content distribution server 10, and the like. Data transfer and the like are performed, and the viewer terminal 30 is comprehensively controlled.

  The input unit 310 is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a dial, various switches, and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the CPU 300.

  The display unit 320 is realized by a display device such as an LCD, ELD, CRT, TV, plasma display, or projector, and displays various screens based on display signals input from the CPU 300.

  The communication unit 330 includes a wireless communication module, a router, a modem, a TA, a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and performs data communication with the outside (the content distribution server 10).

  The RAM 340 is a semiconductor memory used as a working memory for the CPU 300, and a memory area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the CPU 300, data related to the execution of these programs, and work for reproducing contents. It has a business area. In particular, in order to realize the present embodiment, the main content distribution content distributed from the content distribution server 10 by purchasing the main content or the data of the trial viewing content distributed in response to a request operation for only the trial viewing is stored. A content reproduction buffer 341 temporarily stored, a preference trend information storage area 343 for storing preference trend information, and a trial viewing distribution number storage area 345 for storing the number of trial viewing distributions designated in accordance with a predetermined setting operation. And a trial viewing content distribution order storage area 347 that holds the trial viewing content distribution order designated in accordance with a predetermined setting operation.

  The storage unit 350 is realized by various IC memories such as flash memories that can be updated and stored, information storage media such as hard disks and CD-ROMs that are built-in or connected by data communication terminals, and reading devices thereof. A program and data for realizing various functions as a server computer system such as a system program, and a program and data necessary for causing the CPU 300 to control the entire content distribution system 1 are stored. In particular, in order to implement this embodiment, a first content viewing program 351, a first menu display program 352, preference information 353, DL status information 354, and a preference point calculation coefficient table 355 are stored.

  The first content viewing program 351 notifies the content distribution server 10 of a content purchase request designating the main content desired to be viewed according to a predetermined purchase operation, and the main content distribution content distributed from the content distribution server 10 in response to this is sent. In addition to the reproduction, the content distribution server 10 is notified of a content trial viewing request designating the desired content for the trial viewing according to a predetermined trial viewing operation, and the content for trial viewing distributed from the content distribution server 10 is reproduced in response to the request. The CPU 300 executes a first content viewing process in accordance with the first content viewing program 351.

  Specifically, when notifying the content distribution server 10 of a content purchase request designating the main content desired to be viewed, the CPU 300, together with the content purchase request designating the main content desired to be viewed, preference tendency information, the number of trial viewing distributions, The content distribution order for trial viewing and the DL status information 354 are notified to the content distribution server 10.

  The first menu display program 352 notifies the content distribution server 10 of a menu distribution request according to a predetermined menu display operation, and the user of the viewer terminal 30 views according to the menu information distributed from the content distribution server 10 in response thereto. This is a program for displaying a menu screen for selecting desired main contents or trial viewing desired contents. The CPU 300 executes a first menu display process according to the first menu display program 352.

  The preference information 353 stores data related to estimation of the preference tendency of the user of the viewer terminal 30. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the preference information 353. As shown in FIG. 6, the preference information 353 is prepared for each category, and the number of purchases of content belonging to the genre, the number of trial viewings, and the number of menu displays are counted and managed as preference trend determination items. At the same time, preference points that are updated according to the values of these preference tendency determination items are set.

  If a purchase operation is performed in the first content viewing process, the CPU 300 estimates the user's preference tendency with reference to the preference information 353 of the desired content category classification. Specifically, the CPU 300 estimates the user's preference tendency by selecting the genre having the largest preference point value. For example, when the preference information 353 of the category “movie (foreign film)” shown in FIG. 6 is referred to, it is estimated that the user's preference tends to prefer “horror” having the highest preference point value.

  The DL status information 354 stores content download status. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the DL status information 354. As shown in FIG. 7, the DL status information 354 is a data table in which a title of the content, a viewing flag, and a trial viewing flag are set in association with the content number. Based on the DL status information 354, the main content and the trial viewing content downloaded in the past are specified.

When the main content distribution content distributed from the content distribution server 10 is reproduced in response to the content purchase request in the first content viewing process, the CPU 300 associates the content flag with the content number of the downloaded main content desired to be viewed. A record in which “ON” is set is generated and added to the DL status information 354.
On the other hand, when the CPU 300 plays the content for trial viewing distributed from the content distribution server 10 in response to the content trial viewing request, the CPU 300 refers to the DL status information 354 and checks the content number for downloading. The trial viewing flag of the record in which the content number of the content is set is updated to “ON”. If there is no corresponding record, the CPU 300 generates a record in which the trial viewing flag is set to “ON” in association with the content number of the downloaded trial viewing content, and adds it to the DL status information 354. .

  The preference point calculation coefficient table 355 stores coefficients used when calculating preference points. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the preference point calculation coefficient table 355. In the preference point calculation coefficient table 355, the coefficient values of the respective preference tendency determination items are set.

  When the CPU 300 updates the value of the corresponding preference tendency determination item in accordance with the purchase operation, the trial viewing operation, or the genre selection operation in the first content viewing process, the CPU 300 refers to the preference point calculation coefficient table 355 to change the preference. Update points. Specifically, the value of each preference tendency determination item is weighted by multiplying the corresponding coefficient, and the total value thereof is set as a preference point.

[Process flow]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15, the flow of processing in the content distribution server 10 and the viewer terminal 30 will be described.

(First menu display process)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the first menu display process. Note that the processing described here is realized by the CPU 300 reading and executing the first menu display program 352 in the viewer terminal 30.

  In the first menu display process, when a menu display operation is performed (step a10: YES), the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10 of a menu distribution request (step a20). In response to this, the content distribution server 10 starts the first menu distribution process and transmits the category list page to the viewer terminal 30. This category list page provides a list of content categories as options. CPU 300 causes display unit 320 to display the category list page transmitted from content distribution server 10 (step a30).

  Subsequently, the CPU 300 designates a category in accordance with the user operation (Step a40), and notifies the content distribution server 10 of information on the designated category (Step a50). In response to this, the content distribution server 10 transmits a genre list page to the viewer terminal 30. By this genre list page, a list of genres belonging to the category specified in step a40 is provided as an option. CPU 300 causes display unit 320 to display the genre list page transmitted from content distribution server 10 (step a60).

  Subsequently, the CPU 300 designates a genre according to a user operation (step a70), and notifies the content distribution server 10 of information on the designated genre (step a80). In response to this, the content distribution server 10 transmits a content list page to the viewer terminal 30. By this content list page, a list of contents belonging to the genre specified in step a70 is provided as an option, and a purchase operation and a trial viewing operation for each content are accepted. CPU 300 causes display unit 320 to display the content list page transmitted from content distribution server 10 (step a90).

  When the content list page is displayed, the CPU 300 executes content list display processing (step a100). FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the content list display process.

  In the content list display process, the CPU 300 refers to the preference information 353 of the category specified in step a40 in FIG. 9, and updates the menu display count of the genre specified in step a70 in FIG. 9 (step b10). Next, the CPU 300 refers to the preference point calculation coefficient table 355 and calculates and updates the preference points based on the value of each preference tendency determination item (step b20).

(First content distribution process)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the first content distribution process. Note that the processing described here is realized in the content distribution server 10 by the CPU 100 reading and executing the first content distribution program 170 including the first trial viewing content selection program 171.

  In the first content distribution process, when receiving a content purchase request (step c10: YES), the CPU 100 first executes the first trial viewing content selection process according to the first trial viewing content selection program 171 (step c20). ). FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the first trial viewing content selection process.

  In the first trial viewing content selection process, the CPU 100 first determines the number of trial viewing distributions notified together with the content purchase request (step d10). If the number of trial viewing distributions is “1”, the process proceeds to step d20, and the CPU 100 determines the preference trend genre according to the preference trend information notified together with the content purchase request. Then, the CPU 100 is the trial viewing content 169 of the content data 160 of the determined preference trend genre, and the content data 160 assigned the content number set in the DL status information notified together with the content purchase request. A trial viewing content other than the viewing content 169 is selected as a selection target (step d30), and one of the trial viewing contents as the selection target is selected (step d40).

  On the other hand, when the number of trial viewing distributions is “2” or more, the CPU 100 first sets the DL status information that is the trial viewing content 169 of the content data 160 of the desired viewing genre and notified together with the content purchase request. The content for trial viewing other than the content for trial viewing 169 of the content data 160 to which the assigned content number is assigned is selected (step d50), and one of the content for trial viewing as the selection target is selected. (Step d60).

  Next, the CPU 100 determines a preference trend genre according to the preference trend information notified together with the content purchase request (step d70). Then, the CPU 100 is the trial viewing content 169 of the content data 160 of the determined preference trend genre, and the content data 160 assigned the content number set in the DL status information notified together with the content purchase request. Trial viewing content other than the viewing content 169 is selected as a selection target (step d80), and the remaining contents are selected from the trial viewing content set as the selection target (step d90).

  Returning to FIG. 11, if the first trial viewing content selection process is executed, the CPU 100 subsequently generates the main distribution content in accordance with the trial viewing content distribution order notified together with the content purchase request (step c30). That is, the CPU 100 reads the designated main content for viewing, and if the trial viewing content distribution order is “previous”, the CPU 100 uses the selected trial viewing content as a series of contents added before the main viewing content for main distribution. Generate content. On the other hand, if the trial viewing content distribution order is “after”, the CPU 100 generates the main distribution content as a series of contents in which the selected trial viewing content is added after the main content desired to be viewed.

  Then, the CPU 100 distributes the generated main content distribution to the viewer terminal 30 that has notified the content purchase request (step c40), and returns to step c10.

  Further, in this first content distribution process, when receiving a content trial viewing request (step c50: YES), the CPU 100 reads out the designated trial viewing content 169 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 30 (step S50). c60).

(First content viewing process)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the first content viewing process. The process described here is realized by the CPU 300 reading and executing the first content viewing program 351 in the viewer terminal 30.

  In the first content viewing process, if a purchase operation has been performed (step e10: YES), the CPU 300 first designates the main content desired to be viewed according to the purchase operation (step e15), and then executes the purchase time process (step e15). Step e20). FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing at the time of purchase.

  In the process at the time of purchase, the CPU 300 first refers to the specified preference information 353 of the desired main viewing content category classification, and updates the number of purchases of the desired main viewing content category genre (step f10). Next, the CPU 300 refers to the preference point calculation coefficient table 355 and calculates and updates the preference points based on the value of each preference tendency determination item (step f20).

  Subsequently, the CPU 300 estimates the user's preference tendency (step f30). That is, with reference to the preference information 353 in the category classification of the main content desired to be viewed, the genre having the largest preference point value is selected to estimate the preference tendency. The estimated preference tendency is held in the preference tendency information storage area 343 of the RAM as preference tendency information.

  Subsequently, the CPU 300 updates the DL status information 354 by adding a record in which “ON” is set in the viewing flag in association with the content number of the designated main content desired to view (step f40).

  Returning to FIG. 13, when the purchase process is completed, the CPU 300 subsequently accepts a predetermined setting operation, specifies the number of trial viewing distributions (step e30), and specifies the trial viewing content distribution order (step e30). Step e40). The designated trial viewing distribution number is stored in the trial viewing distribution number storage area 345, and the trial viewing content distribution order is stored in the trial viewing content distribution order storage area 347.

  Subsequently, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10 of a content purchase request designating the main content desired to be viewed together with the preference tendency information, the number of trial viewing distributions, the trial viewing content distribution order, and the DL status information 354 (step e50). ). When CPU 300 receives the main content distribution content from content distribution server 10 (step e60: YES), CPU 300 temporarily stores the main content distribution content in content reproduction buffer 341, and reproduces it (step e). e70).

  In the first content viewing process, when a trial viewing operation is performed (step e80: YES), the CPU 300 first designates a content for trial viewing according to the purchase operation (step e85), and then at the time of trial viewing. Processing is executed (step e90). FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the trial viewing process.

  In the trial viewing process, first, the CPU 300 refers to the taste information 353 of the designated trial viewing content category classification and updates the trial viewing frequency of the category of the trial viewing content (step g10). Next, the CPU 300 refers to the preference point calculation coefficient table 355 and calculates and updates the preference points based on the value of each preference tendency determination item (step g20).

  Subsequently, the CPU 300 updates the DL status information 354 (step g30). That is, the trial viewing flag corresponding to the content number of the designated trial viewing content is updated to “ON”. Alternatively, the DL status information 354 is updated by adding a record in which “ON” is set in the trial viewing flag in association with the content number of the trial viewing content.

  Returning to FIG. 13, when the trial viewing process is executed, the CPU 300 subsequently notifies the content distribution server 10 of a content purchase request specifying the trial viewing content (step e100). When the trial viewing content is received from the content distribution server 10 (step e110: YES), the CPU 300 temporarily stores the trial viewing content in the content playback buffer 341 and plays back the content (step e110: YES). e120).

[Operation example]
Next, an operation performed by the user at the viewer terminal 30 will be described with reference to a screen displayed on the display unit 320 of the viewer terminal 30.

(Operation example 1)
FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an example of a category list page displayed on the display unit 320 in response to a menu display operation. In this category list page, a content category list L11 is displayed, and the top category “movie (new work)” is set to the selected state and displayed as the category selection marker MK11.

  In this case, the CPU 300 executes the following internal processing. That is, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10 of the menu distribution request, and displays the category list page transmitted from the content distribution server 10 in response to this on the display unit 320 (steps a10 (YES) to a30 in FIG. 9). ).

  In the category list page shown in FIG. 16A, for example, when the category “movie (foreign film)” is selected by the category selection marker MK11 and a confirmation operation is input, the genre list page shown in FIG. 16B is displayed. On this genre list page, the genre list L13 belonging to the category “movie (foreign film)” selected on the category list page (FIG. 16A) is displayed, and the top genre “action” is set to the selected state. It is displayed as a genre selection marker MK13.

  In this case, the CPU 300 executes the following internal processing. That is, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10 of the information on the category specified in accordance with the user operation, and displays the genre list page transmitted from the content distribution server 10 in response to this on the display unit 320 (step a40 in FIG. 9). ~ A60).

  In the genre list page shown in FIG. 16B, for example, when the genre “horror” is selected by the genre selection marker MK13 and a confirmation operation is input, the content list page shown in FIG. 16C is displayed. In this content list page, the title list L15 of the content belonging to the genre “horror” selected on the genre list page (FIG. 16B) is displayed, and the title “XXXX” in the top row is set to the selected state and the content is displayed. It is displayed as a selection marker MK15.

  In this case, the CPU 300 executes the following internal processing. That is, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10 of the information of the genre designated according to the user operation, and displays the content list page transmitted from the content distribution server 10 in response to this on the display unit 320 of the viewer terminal 30 ( Steps a70 to a90 in FIG. 9).

If the purchase button is selected on this content list page, the main content of the corresponding title can be viewed (purchased). On the other hand, if the trial viewing button is selected, it is possible to view the trial viewing content of the corresponding title. For example, if the purchase button BTN11 is selected, the main content distribution content including the main content of the corresponding title “ghost story” is downloaded from the content distribution server 10 and reproduced.
Specifically, at this time, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10 of a content purchase request specifying the main content of “ghost story” as the main content desired to be viewed, and downloaded from the content distribution server 10 in response thereto. The main content distribution content including the main content of the “ghost story” is reproduced (steps e10 (YES) to e70 in FIG. 13).

On the other hand, if the trial viewing button BTN13 is selected, the content for trial viewing of the corresponding title “ghost story” is downloaded from the content distribution server 10 and reproduced.
Specifically, at this time, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10 of a content purchase request designating the content for trial viewing of the “ghost story”, and for trial viewing downloaded from the content distribution server 10 in response thereto. The content is reproduced (steps e80 (YES) to e120 in FIG. 13).

(Operation example 2)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 320 in accordance with a purchase operation. In this setting screen, the user selects the number of trial viewing distributions and the content distribution order for trial viewing.

  That is, first, the number of trial viewing distributions is selected. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 17A, the trial viewing distribution number “3” is set to the selected state and is displayed as the distribution number selection marker MK21, and the trial number to be downloaded together with the main content by this distribution number selection marker MK21. The number of viewing contents (“3” in FIG. 17) is set. In accordance with this setting operation, CPU 300 designates the number of trial viewing distributions (step e30 in FIG. 13).

  Subsequently, the content distribution order for trial viewing is selected. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 17B, the trial viewing content distribution order “after” is set to the selected state and displayed as the distribution order selection marker MK23, and is downloaded together with the main content by the distribution order selection marker MK23. Set the distribution order of trial viewing content. In accordance with this setting operation, CPU 300 designates the trial viewing content distribution order (step e40 in FIG. 13).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the viewer terminal 30 counts the number of content purchases, the number of trial viewings, and the number of menu display times for each content classification, and the preference according to each of these values. Points can be updated and managed. When the main content purchase operation is performed, the user's preference tendency can be estimated by the preference point, and the estimated preference tendency information can be notified to the content distribution server 10 together with the content purchase request. In response to this, the content distribution server 10 can select the content for trial viewing of the content of the category classification and category according to the preference tendency information, and can distribute the content for main content distribution added to the main content desired to be viewed. . The viewer terminal 30 can reproduce the content desired to be viewed and the content for trial viewing as a series of content. Therefore, it is possible to guess the user's preference tendency, automatically download appropriate trial viewing content, add the trial viewing content to the main content desired to be viewed, and reproduce the content.

  Further, the viewer terminal 30 can notify the content distribution server 10 of the number of trial viewing distributions and the content distribution order for trial viewing specified according to the user operation together with the content purchase request. In response to this, the content distribution server 10 selects the trial viewing content of the designated number of trial viewing distributions, and the desired main viewing content in the order according to the trial viewing content distribution order. It is possible to distribute the main content distribution content added to the viewer terminal 30.

  In addition, the viewer terminal 30 can notify the content distribution server 10 of DL status information for designating main content and trial viewing content downloaded in the past, together with a content purchase request. In response to this, the content distribution server 10 can exclude the content including the downloaded main content or trial viewing content from the selection targets of the trial viewing content according to the DL status information.

[Modification]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the preference information 353 and the DL status information 354 are managed in the viewer terminal 30, and when a purchase operation is performed, the user preference estimated based on the preference information 353 together with the content purchase request Although the trend information and the DL status information 354 are notified to the content distribution server 10, the following may be performed. That is, in the content distribution server, preference information and DL status information for each user are managed, and when a content purchase request is notified from the viewer terminal, the preference tendency is estimated with reference to the corresponding user preference information. Also good.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the content distribution server (content distribution apparatus) 10a according to the present modification, and FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the viewer terminal 30a according to the present modification. It is. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The content distribution server 10a includes a CPU 100, an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 190.

  In the present modification, the storage unit 190 includes a content DB 150, a second content distribution program 200 for executing the second content distribution process, and a second menu distribution program 210 for executing the second menu distribution process. , User-specific preference information 220 storing preference information 221 of each user of the viewer terminal 30a who has accessed the content distribution server 10a, and user-specific DL status information storing DL status information 231 of each user of the viewer terminal 30a 230 and a preference point calculation coefficient table 240 are stored.

  The second content distribution program 200 includes a first trial viewing content selection program 201. In the second content distribution process, when receiving a content purchase request, the CPU 100 refers to the user's preference information 221 and DL status information 231 and executes a process corresponding to the process at the time of purchase (see FIG. 14). At the same time, the process corresponding to the trial viewing process (see FIG. 15) is executed with reference to the corresponding user preference information 221 and DL status information 231 when the content trial viewing request is received.

  In the second menu distribution process, the CPU 100 executes a process corresponding to the content list display process (see FIG. 10) when the content list page is transmitted to the viewer terminal 30a.

  The viewer terminal 30a includes a CPU 300, an input unit 310, a display unit 320, a communication unit 330, a RAM 360, and a storage unit 370.

  In this modification, the RAM 360 includes a content playback buffer 361, a trial viewing distribution number storage area 363 that holds the number of trial viewing distributions specified by a predetermined setting operation, and a trial specified by a predetermined setting operation. And a trial viewing content distribution order storage area 365 that holds the viewing content distribution order.

  In this modification, the storage unit 370 stores a second content viewing program 371 for executing the second content viewing process and a second menu display program 373 for executing the second menu display process. The

  In the second content viewing process, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10a of a content purchase request specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to a predetermined purchase operation together with the number of trial viewing distributions and the content distribution order for trial viewing. In response, the main content distribution content distributed from the content distribution server 10a is reproduced, and a content trial viewing request designating the content desired to be viewed according to a predetermined trial viewing operation is notified to the content distribution server 10a. The content for trial viewing distributed from the content distribution server 10a is reproduced. Specifically, the CPU 300 executes processing excluding step e20 and step e90 of the first content viewing process described with reference to FIG.

  In the second menu display process, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10a of a menu distribution request according to a predetermined menu display operation, and in response to this, the user of the viewer terminal 30a according to the menu information distributed from the content distribution server 10a. Displays a menu screen for selecting the main content desired to view or the content desired for trial viewing. Specifically, the CPU 300 executes a process excluding step a100 of the first menu display process described with reference to FIG.

  According to this, in the content distribution server 10a, the preference information 221 and DL status information 231 of each user of the viewer terminal 30a can be managed. When the content purchase request is notified from the viewer terminal 30a, the user's preference tendency is estimated with reference to the corresponding user preference information 221, and the user's DL status information 231 is referred to. New trial viewing content can be selected. Therefore, it is possible to guess the user's preference tendency, automatically select appropriate trial viewing content, and distribute a series of content obtained by adding the trial viewing content to the main content desired to be viewed to the viewer terminal 30a. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content for trial viewing is selected in the content distribution server 10 and distributed to the viewer terminal 30 has been described, but the following may be performed. In other words, trial viewing content may be selected at the viewer terminal.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the content distribution server 10b according to the present modification, and FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the viewer terminal 30b according to the present modification. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The content distribution server 10b includes a CPU 100, an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 250.

  In the present modification, the storage unit 250 includes a content DB 150, a third content distribution program 251 for executing the third content distribution process, and a first menu distribution program 180 for executing the first menu distribution process. Is stored.

  In the third content distribution process, the CPU 100 performs a process of distributing the specified content to the viewer terminal 30b when a content distribution request described later is received from the viewer terminal 30b. Specifically, if the designated content is the main content, the CPU 100 reads out the corresponding main content from the content DB 150 and distributes it to the viewer terminal 30b. If the designated content is a trial viewing content, the CPU 100 reads the corresponding main content from the content DB 150. The content is read and distributed to the viewer terminal 30b. Further, when receiving a content list distribution request (to be described later) from the viewer terminal 30b, the CPU 100 transmits a list of contents belonging to the specified genre to the viewer terminal 30b.

  The viewer terminal 30b includes a CPU 300, an input unit 310, a display unit 320, a communication unit 330, a RAM 380, and a storage unit 390.

  In this modification, the RAM 380 includes a content playback buffer 381, a preference tendency information storage area 382, a trial viewing distribution number storage area 383, a trial viewing content distribution order storage area 384, and main content playback control data. Storage area 385.

  Further, in the present modification, the storage unit 390 stores the third content viewing program 391 for executing the third content viewing process, the first menu display program 352, the preference information 353, the DL status information 354, and the preference. A point calculation coefficient table 355 is stored.

  The third content viewing program 391 includes a third trial viewing content selection program 391a. In the third content viewing process, the CPU 300 performs the same process as the first content viewing process described with reference to FIG. After step e40, a third trial viewing content selection process is executed.

  In the third trial viewing content selection process, the CPU 300 performs the same process as the first trial viewing content selection process described with reference to FIG. 12, and executes the following process after step d20. That is, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10b of a content list distribution request specifying the preference trend genre determined in step d20, and performs processing for acquiring a list of contents belonging to the preference trend genre. Further, before step d50, the CPU 300 notifies the content distribution server 10b of a content list distribution request specifying the desired viewing genre, and performs processing for acquiring a list of contents belonging to the desired viewing genre. Then, the CPU 300 determines the playback order of the main content to be viewed and the trial viewing content based on the trial viewing content selected in step d40 and step d90 and the trial viewing content distribution order designated in accordance with the user operation. The main content reproduction control data is generated and stored in the main content reproduction control data storage area 385.

  Then, the CPU 300 executes the following process instead of the process of steps e50 to e70 in FIG. That is, the CPU 300 first notifies the content distribution server 10b of a content distribution request specifying the first content in the order according to the main content reproduction control data generated as described above, and in response to this, the content distribution The content transmitted from the server 10b is reproduced. When the reproduction is finished, the content distribution server 10b is notified of a content distribution request specifying the next sequential content, and the content transmitted from the content distribution server 10b is reproduced in response thereto. This is repeated, and the main content desired to be viewed and the content for trial viewing are reproduced according to the determined reproduction order.

  In the above-described embodiment, the coefficient value used when calculating the preference point is described as being fixed. However, the coefficient value of each preference tendency determination item may be changed according to a user operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the content distribution server 10 distributes various video contents such as movies and television programs, but the present invention is not limited to this. Examples of content managed by the content distribution server 10 and distributed to the viewer terminal 30 include music software, game software, a homepage, various types of advertisement information, etc., in addition to movies and television programs.

The figure which shows an example of the whole structure of a content delivery system. The block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a content delivery server. The figure for demonstrating the data structural example of content DB. The figure for demonstrating the production | generation method of the content for main-part delivery. The block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a viewer terminal. The figure which shows the data structural example of preference information. The figure which shows the data structural example of DL status information. The figure which shows the data structural example of a preference point calculation coefficient table. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a 1st menu display process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a content list display time process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a 1st content delivery process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the content selection process for 1st trial viewing. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a 1st content viewing-and-listening process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process at the time of purchase. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process at the time of trial viewing. The figure for demonstrating the operation example of a viewer terminal. The figure for demonstrating the operation example of a viewer terminal. The block diagram which shows the modification of the function structure of a content delivery server. The block diagram which shows the modification of the function structure of a trial viewing terminal. The block diagram which shows the modification of the function structure of a content delivery server. The block diagram which shows the modification of the function structure of a trial viewing terminal.

Explanation of symbols

1 content distribution system 10 content distribution server 100 CPU
110 Input unit 120 Display unit 130 Communication unit 140 Storage unit 150 Content DB
170 First content distribution program
171 First trial viewing content selection program 180 First menu distribution program 30 Viewer terminal 300 CPU
310 Input unit 320 Display unit 330 Communication unit 340 RAM
341 Content playback buffer 343 Preference trend information storage area 345 Trial viewing distribution number storage area 347 Trial viewing content distribution order storage area 350 Storage unit 351 First content viewing program 352 First menu display program 353 Preference information 354 DL status information 355 Preference point calculation coefficient table N Network

Claims (10)

In a content distribution device that distributes content in response to a request from a content reproduction device,
Storage means for storing a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents;
Content request receiving means for receiving a request for main content desired to be viewed from the content reproduction device;
Guessing means for estimating a preference tendency in the content reproduction device by determining a classification of the content requested this time from the content reproduction device and / or a previously requested content;
Trial viewing content selection means for selecting trial viewing content associated with the classification according to the preference tendency estimated by the estimation means;
Distribution means for distributing the main content desired to be viewed corresponding to the request received by the content request receiving means and the trial viewing content selected by the trial viewing content selection means to the content reproduction device as a series of contents; ,
A content distribution apparatus comprising: Order request receiving means for receiving a request for the order of distribution of the main content desired to view and the content for trial viewing from the content reproduction device;
2. The content distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distribution unit distributes the main content desired to be viewed and the content for trial viewing in the distribution order received by the order request reception unit. A distribution number request receiving means for receiving a request for the number of distributions of trial viewing content from the content reproduction device;
The trial viewing content selection means selects the trial viewing content of the number of distributions received by the distribution number request receiving means as the trial viewing content included in the series of contents distributed by the distribution means,
The distribution means distributes a series of contents including the received number of trial viewing contents selected by the trial viewing content selection means;
The content distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content distribution apparatus is a content distribution apparatus. A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents In a content playback device that communicates with and plays back the received content,
Content specifying means for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to user operation;
Guessing means for guessing the user's preference tendency by judging the classification of the content designated this time and / or the content designated previously by the content designation means;
Request means for requesting the content distribution apparatus to receive the main content desired to be viewed designated by the content designation means and to receive the content for trial viewing associated with a classification according to the estimated preference tendency;
Content reception / playback means for playing back a series of contents composed of main content and trial viewing content transmitted from the content distribution device in response to a request from the request means;
A content playback apparatus comprising: An order designating means for designating a distribution order of the main content desired to be viewed and the content for trial viewing according to a user operation;
Order request means for requesting the content delivery apparatus to deliver a series of contents in the order designated by the order designation means;
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: A delivery number designating means for designating the delivery number of trial viewing content according to a user operation;
Distribution number requesting means for requesting the content distribution device to distribute a series of contents including the number of trial viewing contents specified by the distribution number specifying means;
The content reproduction apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: Further comprising a list display control means for controlling display of the classification items of the classification, and controlling display of a list of the main content corresponding to the designated classification item according to designation of the classification item according to a user operation,
The inference means includes a designated classification criterion inference means for inferring a user's preference tendency based on a classification item designated at the time of list display control by the list display control means.
The content reproduction apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents In a content playback device that communicates with and plays back the received content,
Content specifying means for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to user operation;
Guessing means for guessing the user's preference tendency by judging the classification of the content designated this time and / or the content designated previously by the content designation means;
The content distribution device is requested to receive a list of content for trial viewing associated with the classification corresponding to the preference tendency estimated by the estimation means, and the list transmitted from the content distribution device in response to the request. Trial viewing content selection means for selecting trial viewing content from among,
Requesting the content distribution device to receive the main content desired by the content designating unit and the trial viewing content selected by the content selection unit for trial viewing, and requesting the main content and the trial viewing content desired by the content distribution unit And a content reception / playback control means for performing control for playing back the video as a series of content,
A content distribution apparatus comprising: A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents To a computer that communicates with and plays the received content,
A content specification function for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to user operations;
An estimation function for estimating the user's preference tendency by determining the classification of the content specified this time by this content specification function and / or the content specified previously;
A request function for requesting the content distribution device to receive the main content desired to be viewed designated by the content designation function and to receive the content for trial viewing associated with a classification according to the estimated preference tendency;
A content reception / playback function for playing back a series of content composed of main content and trial viewing content transmitted from the content distribution device in response to a request for the request function;
A program to realize A content distribution device that stores a plurality of main contents and trial viewing contents of the main contents in association with classifications classified in advance according to the contents, and distributes the main contents and the trial viewing contents as a series of contents To a computer that communicates with and plays the received content,
A content specification function for specifying the main content desired to be viewed according to user operations;
An estimation function for estimating the user's preference tendency by determining the classification of the content specified this time by this content specification function and / or the content specified previously;
The content distribution device is requested to receive a list of content for trial viewing associated with the classification according to the preference tendency estimated by the estimation function, and the list transmitted from the content distribution device in response to the request A trial viewing content selection function for selecting trial viewing content from
The content distribution apparatus is requested to receive the main content desired to be viewed designated by the content designation function and the trial viewing content selected by the content selection function for trial viewing, and the main content desired to be viewed and the trial viewing content are requested. And a content reception / playback control function for performing control for playing back and
A program to realize

Images