JP2012080503A - Content browsing system using mobile set-top box and mobile set-top box - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile set top box is connected to an arbitrary output device so that a user can view desired content at an arbitrary location.
A content browsing system S includes a mobile set top box 30a whose BIOS starts an operating system, a service provision management server 10, and a content provision server 20. The mobile set top box 30a includes: An arbitrary terminal device 40a is connected via the LAN communication module 343, and connected to the content provision management server 10 via the high-speed mobile communication module 344. Based on the service selected by the terminal device 40a and the content browsing request, The content providing server 20 and the mobile set top box are connected, and the content providing server 20 browses the content selected by the terminal device 40a by displaying it on the display screen of the terminal device 40a.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a content providing system for providing content such as video and music to a user via a network such as the Internet, and in particular, a mobile body having a high-speed mobile communication module such as a data communication module for a mobile phone. Using a set-top box, the user can connect the mobile set-top box to an output device such as an arbitrary television receiver or PC by wireless communication so that desired contents can be viewed at an arbitrary location. The present invention relates to a content browsing system and a mobile set top box.

  In recent years, various contents such as video, music, and programs are recorded on storage media through data distribution, television broadcasting, and the like, and are reproduced and used in various devices such as information home appliances, in-vehicle devices, and mobile devices. . And since this type of content has a high data quality and high image quality, and the amount of data has become much larger, a large-capacity storage medium is required to record this data. In addition, in order to expand good content that is generally provided, a technology that effectively protects copyright must be provided, such as restricting illegal duplication of content.

  These content acquisition methods include not only a method of receiving through broadcasting but also a method of acquiring via the Internet, and further a method of subscribing to a service provided by a content provider such as CATV. In addition, in order to mutually use acquired content with different digital home appliances, a technology is also provided that enables them to be interconnected through a home network. For example, as a technology for providing an environment for interconnecting digital home appliances, there is a digital living network alliance (DLNA), and a content transmission / reception apparatus using DLNA has also been proposed.

  In order to protect the copyright of content, various standards for restricting storage and copying of received content have been proposed. For example, a recording apparatus using “DTCP over IP (Digital Transmission Content Protection over Internet Protocol)”, which has been proposed as a standard for streaming playback of content via a network, has been proposed. , Content copyright protection can be performed.

  As such a content providing system, for example, there is a system that provides video on demand disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-535931) described below. The system includes a recording medium for storing video information received by the receiver, a decoding engine adapted to decode the stored video information, and controlling the recording medium and the decoding engine. And a controller adapted to request decryption information about the engine. The system can send encoded video information to one or more recipients for viewing at a later time, and the recipient makes a request to view a received video file. This request is sent to the video transmitter which, as a result, delivers video decoding information that can immediately view the previously received video transmission.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-299153) described below, not only can a mobile information terminal device enjoy a wireless LAN such as the Internet, but also the mobile information terminal device receives broadcast content. An invention of an access point that can be enjoyed is disclosed. An access point according to the present invention includes a gateway capable of connecting to the Internet, a set-top box that selects and outputs a video signal and an audio signal from a tuner that respectively receives broadcasts according to a request signal, and a video signal and an audio signal. An AV communication module for wirelessly transmitting and receiving, a wireless LAN transmitting / receiving module for transmitting and receiving, and an AV / LAN wireless transmission module having a transmitting / receiving antenna, and performs local area wireless communication and distribution of a plurality of AV signals The communication is configured to perform communication in a frequency band that does not overlap each other.

  Furthermore, the following Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-28239) discloses an invention of a recording apparatus and system that enables copy control intended by a streaming content provider. This recording apparatus and system distributes content provided by a content provider from a streaming server by streaming distribution via satellite broadcast waves or the Internet, and by accessing the streaming server installed in a general home or the like. Are connected appropriately between a client terminal composed of a device (for example, a set-top box: STB) or a personal computer (PC) that can receive received content and the client terminal, and distributed from the streaming server to the client terminal A DRM (Digital Rights Management) authentication server that distributes key information and the like for enabling use of encrypted content, and content reproduced by a client terminal Display outputs video and audio, or those made up of a recording to TV / video recorder or the like.

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2002-535931 JP 2003-299153 A JP 2010-28239 A

  In a content providing service such as CATV, a user can view or record a desired content in accordance with the provision time of each content set by the service provider (corresponding to a broadcast time in television broadcasting). is necessary. Also, in order to receive a content providing service such as CATV, it is necessary to contract with a service providing provider and acquire a user ID for authentication (ID corresponding to a broadcast receiver), an authentication code, etc., and receive the service. A user terminal (such as a terminal connected to a broadcast receiver or a set-top box provided by a service provider) is fixed, and there is a problem that the user can receive a service only with a registered terminal device.

  The video-on-demand providing system disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is a system that transmits encoded video information to one or more recipients for viewing at a later time regardless of the content provision time. The user may make a request for viewing desired content in advance. However, in this system, the content is encrypted and distributed to the user terminal, and as in the invention of the recording apparatus and system disclosed in Patent Document 3 above, a standard related to copyright protection of the content is applied, Since copying of content acquired by the user can be restricted, certain considerations have been given to content security and copyright protection, but these restrictions depend on the performance of the encryption system and copyright protection standards. There is a problem that it cannot be perfect.

  In addition, according to the invention of the access point disclosed in Patent Document 2, the user uses a mobile terminal such as a portable information terminal device instead of a fixed terminal device, and in an area where the user can communicate with the access point, The desired content can be viewed. However, even with the present invention, there remains a problem that content can be viewed only in an area where communication with an access point is possible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a user can use a mobile set-top box having a high-speed mobile communication module such as a data communication module for a mobile phone to perform any television set. To provide a content browsing system and a mobile set-top box in which a mobile set-top box is wirelessly connected to an output device such as a receiver or a PC so that desired content can be viewed at an arbitrary location. Is the first purpose. In addition, the present invention provides a content browsing system capable of protecting the copyright of content as a service that is only viewed by a browser provided by a server provided by a content provider without acquiring content desired by a user in a terminal, and movement A second object is to provide a body set-top box.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application is
The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. A content browsing system comprising a mobile set top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile set top box includes An arbitrary terminal device is connected via a LAN communication module, and is connected to the content provision management server via the high-speed mobile communication module. The content provision management server connects the service and content selected by the terminal device. Based on the request, the content providing server is connected to the mobile set top box, and the content providing server displays the content selected by the terminal device via the mobile set top box. The browser is displayed on the screen for browsing.

The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is
A mobile set top box having a power switch and a BIOS, and when the power is supplied by the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system and a high-speed mobile communication module A content browsing system comprising: a service providing management server for providing content browsing services; and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile set top box has an HDMI terminal or a DVI terminal An arbitrary terminal device is connected via the HDMI terminal or the DVI terminal, and connected to the content provision management server via the high-speed mobile communication module, and the content provision management server is selected in the terminal device Service And the content providing server is connected to the mobile set top box based on the content browsing request, and the content providing server sends the content selected by the terminal device to the terminal via the mobile set top box. A browser is displayed on the display screen of the apparatus for browsing.

The invention according to claim 3 of the present application is
The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. A content browsing system comprising a mobile set top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile set top box includes An arbitrary terminal device and the content provision management server are connected via a LAN communication module, and the content provision management server is configured to connect the content provision server based on a service selected by the terminal device and a content browsing request. The content providing server is connected to the mobile set top box, and the content providing server causes the content selected by the terminal device to be browsed on the display screen of the terminal device via the mobile set top box for browsing. Features.

  The invention according to claim 4 of the present application is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the operating system is a thin client OS.

  The invention according to claim 5 of the present application is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 4, the storage device is a portable semiconductor storage device connectable to the mobile body set-top box.

  The invention according to claim 6 of the present application is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mobile set top box performs user authentication using an external insertion card for authentication. .

The invention according to claim 7 of the present application is
The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. The mobile set-top box in a content browsing system comprising a mobile set-top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile The body set-top box connects an arbitrary terminal device via the LAN communication module, and connects to the content provision management server via the high-speed mobile communication module. The content provision management server is connected to the terminal device. Based on the selected service and content browsing request, the content providing server and the mobile set top box are connected, and the content providing server sends the content selected by the terminal device to the mobile set top box. Via a browser display on the display screen of the terminal device.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present application is
The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. The mobile set-top box in a content browsing system comprising a mobile set-top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile The body set-top box connects an arbitrary terminal device via the LAN communication module, and connects to the content provision management server via the high-speed mobile communication module. The content provision management server is connected to the terminal device. Based on the selected service and content browsing request, the content providing server and the mobile set top box are connected, and the content providing server sends the content selected by the terminal device to the mobile set top box. Via a browser display on the display screen of the terminal device.

The invention according to claim 9 of the present application is
The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. The mobile set-top box in a content browsing system comprising a mobile set-top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile The body set-top box connects an arbitrary terminal device and the content provision management server via the LAN communication module, and the content provision management server connects the service selected in the terminal device and the content browsing requirement. The content providing server and the mobile set top box are connected to each other, and the content providing server displays the content selected by the terminal device via the mobile set top box. It is characterized by having the browser display and browse.

  The invention according to claim 10 of the present application is the invention according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the operating system is a thin client OS.

  The invention according to claim 11 of the present application is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 10, the storage device is a portable semiconductor storage device connectable to the mobile body set-top box.

  The invention according to claim 12 of the present application is the invention according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the mobile set top box performs user authentication using an external insertion card for authentication. .

  In the invention according to claim 1, the mobile set-top box includes a LAN communication module and a high-speed mobile communication module, and connects to an arbitrary terminal using the LAN communication module, and uses the high-speed mobile communication module to perform service. Since it is configured to communicate with the provision management server and the content provision server, the desired content can be browsed at an arbitrary place.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the mobile set-top box includes an HDMI terminal or a DVI terminal, connects an arbitrary terminal device via the HDMI terminal or the DVI terminal, and uses a high-speed mobile communication module to provide a service. Since it is configured to communicate with the provision management server and the content provision server, the desired content can be browsed at an arbitrary place.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the mobile set-top box connects an arbitrary terminal device and a content provision management server via the LAN communication module, and the content provision management server includes the service selected in the terminal device and Based on the content browsing request, the content providing server and the mobile set top box are connected, and the content providing server displays the content selected by the terminal device on the display screen of the terminal device via the mobile set top box. Thus, the desired content can be browsed at an arbitrary location, and if it is an environment where LAN connection is possible, the high-speed mobile communication module need not be used for connection with the service provision management server.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the mobile body set-top box includes a thin client OS. In the invention according to claim 5, the storage device can be connected to the mobile body set-top box. Since it is a portable semiconductor storage device, content is not downloaded to a mobile set-top box or terminal device, but only for user browsing on a browser provided by a content providing server, Copying can be surely prevented.

  In the invention according to claim 6, the mobile set top box performs user authentication using an external insertion card for authentication. Therefore, the mobile set-top box is not dedicated to a service provided by a specific service provider like the set-top box in the CATV service, but an authentication IC card (external insertion card) such as a USIM card is used. User authentication can be performed, and it can be general-purpose, so users can receive services provided by each provider simply by replacing the externally inserted card issued by a different service provider It becomes like this.

  In the invention concerning Claims 7-12, the mobile body set-top box which comprises the content browsing system using the mobile body set-top box concerning Claims 1-6 can be provided now.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a system block diagram which shows the structure of the content browsing system using the mobile body set top box concerning Example 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the concept of the content browsing service in the content browsing system concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile body set top box concerning Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the content browsing service of the content browsing service in the content browsing system concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile body set top box concerning Example 2 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. However, the embodiment shown below exemplifies a content browsing system using a mobile set top box for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is specified to this content browsing system. However, the present invention is equally applicable to the content browsing system of other embodiments included in the scope of claims.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a content browsing system using a mobile set-top box according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the content browsing system S using the mobile set top box according to the first embodiment includes a service providing management server 10, a content providing server 20, a mobile set top box 30a, and terminal devices 40a and 40b. , The communication carrier server 50, the network 60, and the like.

  The service provision management server 10 is a server installed by a provider that provides a content browsing service according to the present invention, and holds registration information (such as a user ID and authentication information issued to the user) of a registered user. The authentication processing at the time of using each user's service and the processing such as the totaling, monitoring, and accounting of the content providing usage time are performed on the authentication result.

  The content providing server 20 is a server installed by a provider who provides content, for example, a server installed by a distribution company or the like that has acquired distribution rights (copyright permission from creators) such as movies, videos, and music. These contents are stored, and the user authenticated by the service providing management server 10 is made to browse the contents desired by the user on the browser provided by the contents providing server.

  The mobile set top box (STB) 30a is an authentication / communication device that includes a wireless LAN communication module and / or a wired LAN communication module and a high-speed mobile communication module (high-speed data communication module) and operates by a thin client OS. , Provided to registered users from service providers. When a data communication module used for a cellular phone is used as a high-speed data communication module, data communication authentication is performed by the communication carrier server 50 and then registered user authentication is performed by the service provision management server 10. Further, when the mobile set top box 30a operates as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) client provided by a service provider (NSP: Network Service Provider), only authentication by the service provision management server 10 is required. become.

  When the user intends to use the content browsing service, the set-top box 30a is connected to an arbitrary terminal device 40a, 40b or the like wirelessly or through a wired LAN, and the service provision management server 10 is connected via a high-speed data communication module. Communicate with and get user authentication. In FIG. 1, description will be made assuming that the terminal device 40a is connected to the LAN. Since the mobile body set-top box 30a can be carried, it can also be LAN-connected to the terminal device 40b installed in another place. For example, a terminal device having a wired or wireless LAN communication module can be connected to a television receiver installed in a hotel or the like. In order to connect a television receiver as a terminal device, the mobile set-top box 30a includes a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal and a digital video interface (DVI) terminal like an ordinary video device, an HDMI cable, etc. It may be configured such that it can be connected to a television receiver via a cable.

  When the user authentication by the service providing management server 10 is successful, the service providing management server 10 notifies the content providing server 20 of the authentication result and also displays a list of contents provided by the content providing server 20 via the set top box 30a. When displayed on the device 40a and the user selects desired content, the information is notified to the content providing server 20. The content list may be presented by genre (for example, by movie, drama, music, etc.). The content providing server 20 displays the content selected by the user in the browser on the terminal device 40a via the high-speed data communication module of the mobile set top box 30a.

  In this way, the content itself is not distributed to the terminal device 40a, but is only browsed on the browser provided by the content providing server, and is operated by the thin client OS described later. Thus, the content is not stored or copied, and the copyright of the content is reliably protected.

  The content providing server 20 counts the browsing time until the end of content browsing by the user and provides it to the service providing management server 10, and the service providing management server 10 performs a charging process for the user based on the browsing time information. In addition, the content providing server 20 may be configured to resume the browsing of the content from the interrupted position when the user interrupts (temporarily stops) the browsing of the content and the browsing is resumed. In that case, what is necessary is just to exclude the time from temporary stop to resumption from the count of browsing time. In this case, the content providing server 20 may be configured to store the data position of interruption and resumption of the content being browsed for each user.

  The mobile set top box 30a is not a specific authentication device for a service provided by a specific service provider, but a general-purpose authentication device that can be used for authentication of other services as will be described later. Yes, it is not necessarily a device that the user must obtain from a specific service provider. If the environment where the user himself / herself can obtain in the market is prepared, the user himself / herself may purchase it.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the concept of the content browsing service by the content browsing system S according to the present invention as described above. The user connects the mobile set top box 30a to an arbitrary terminal device 40a (such as a television receiver or a PC having a display monitor), 40b, or the like via a wireless LAN connection or a wired LAN connection. Then, the user inserts an authentication external insertion card such as an authentication card 70a or a prepaid card 70b issued by the service provider into the mobile set top box 30a, and requests the service provision management server 10 for authentication.

  When the mobile set top box 30a uses a data communication module used for a mobile phone as a high-speed data communication module, the authentication card 70a conforms to the next-generation IMT2000 standard issued by a communication carrier to a user. An IC card called a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card that is detachable from a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone is used. When the mobile set top box 30a operates as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) client provided by a service provider (NSP: Network Service Provider), it is used for authentication issued by a service provider to registered users. An IC card is used.

  Upon receiving the request, the service provision management server 10 performs user authentication, displays a list of contents that can be provided on the terminal device 40a via the set top box 30a in a browser, and selects the content that the user desires to browse. The connection is permitted to the content providing server 20 that provides the content. The content providing server that holds the selected content displays the browser on the terminal device 40a via the set top box 30a.

  That is, since the user only browses the desired content on the browser of the content providing server 20 and does not download the content itself to the user terminal device 40a or the like, illegal acts such as illegal copying are not performed. In addition, the user can interrupt and end the browsing of the content in the middle, and when the browsing is interrupted, the browsing can be resumed from the point at which it was interrupted at a desired time. The content providing server 20 provides content viewing time to the user to the service providing management server 10, and the content management server 20 charges the user according to the viewing time.

  Next, the structure of the mobile body set top box 30a will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the mobile set top box 30a. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile set top box 30 a includes a power switch 31, a BIOS (basic input / output system) 32, a storage device 34, and a hardware unit 36. The hardware unit 36 includes a CPU 37 such as a microprocessor, a memory 38 such as a RAM, an input / output device 39 that performs input / output to a printer, a display device, or a network. As described above, the input / output device 39 can be provided with a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal and a digital video interface (DVI) terminal as in a normal video apparatus.

  The storage device 34 is composed of a RAM disk device, a thin client OS 341, an application 342, a LAN communication module 343 for connecting and communicating with any terminal device 40a, 40b, etc. wirelessly and / or wiredly, and a high-speed mobile communication module 344. Is incorporated.

  The thin client OS 341 is an OS for operating the mobile set top box 30a as a thin client terminal device, and various application programs such as a communication processing program operating under the thin client OS 341 are installed in the application 342. Is done. The storage device 34 is installed with the thin client OS 341, and can be configured to operate the OS stored in the semiconductor memory when the OS is activated.

  The power switch 31 is a power switch for the mobile set top box 30a. When the power switch 31 is turned on, power is supplied to each part. When the power switch 31 is turned on, a BIOS (Basic Input Output System: basic input / output system) 32 is activated.

  The BIOS 32 activates the thin client OS 341, reads a master boot record (MBR) from the head area, and displays a desktop screen on the terminal device 40a connected via LAN. Accordingly, the mobile set top box 30a operates as a thin client terminal device.

  Here, the operation of the mobile set-top box 30a by the thin client OS 341 is the same as the operation of the GUI (graphic user interface) displayed on the terminal device 40a connected to the mobile set-top box 30a via the LAN. The application is executed based on this operation, and the execution result is transmitted to the mobile set top box 30a and displayed on the terminal device 40a via the mobile set top box 30a. This is reflected in the GUI.

  The thin client terminal device provided with such a thin client OS includes the invention of a removable memory unit (Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-055564, hereinafter referred to as the prior application 1) already filed by the applicant of the present application, and the invention of a stick server (Japanese Patent Application No. No. 2009-93369 (hereinafter referred to as prior application 2), invention of information processing apparatus (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-92240), and the like.

  The processing procedure of the content browsing service of the content browsing service in the content browsing system according to the present invention described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a procedure of processing between the mobile set top box 30a and the service provision management server 10, and the user performs use registration with the service provider, and the mobile set top box 30a (see FIG. 2). ) And an authentication card 70a (see FIG. 2) such as a USIM card for user authentication.

  When a user inserts an authentication external insertion card 70 such as an authentication card 70a or a prepaid card 70b issued by a service provider into the mobile set top box 30a and turns on the mobile set top box 30a, An authentication process is performed to authenticate whether or not the user is a valid user who can activate the thin client OS 341 installed in the mobile set top box 30a. If the valid external insertion card 70 is inserted, the thin client OS 341 is activated and a desktop screen is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device connected by the LAN communication module 343 (here, the mobile set top box 30a). Will be described as being connected to the terminal device 40a) (step S101).

  When the thin client OS 341 is activated, the communication connection setting of the mobile set top box 30a is checked. The communication connection setting is a setting related to communication performed by the LAN communication module 343 and the high-speed mobile communication module 344. The former is a connection setting with the terminal device 40a to which the mobile set top box 30a is connected, and the latter is It is a connection setting with the service provision management server 10. In the process of step S102, it is determined whether or not the above communication settings have been set. If the connection setting has not been completed, a communication connection setting screen (communication condition, communication destination setting screen, etc.) is displayed to allow the user to perform a connection setting process (step S103), and the process proceeds to step S104.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S102 that the connection setting has already been completed, the process proceeds to step S104. Here, a description will be given assuming that the service provision management server 10 registered by the user as the communication destination of the mobile set top box 30a has been set. When the service provision management server 10 is set as a communication destination, the mobile set top box 30a is automatically connected to the service provision management server 10 via the high-speed mobile communication module 344, and the service provision management server 10 Performs authentication processing as to whether or not the user is registered based on the information of the authentication card 70 inserted into the mobile set top box 30a. Here, the following description is continued assuming that it is authenticated that there is a legitimate user (step S104).

  As a result of authentication by the service provision management server, if it can be confirmed that the connection request is for a regular user, the service provision management server 10 will connect the terminal device 40a connected via the LAN communication module 343 of the mobile set top box 30a. The service / content menu is displayed on the display screen (step S105). The service menu and the content menu to be displayed may be in any hierarchical display mode, and may be configured to sequentially change the screen based on a user selection process.

  When the user selects a content browsing service, selects content desired to be browsed, and makes a request to start the content browsing service (step S106), the service provision management server 10 provides the selected content. 20, the user authentication result and information such as the content selected by the user are notified, the connection destination of the mobile set top box 30a is the content providing server 20, and the content providing server 20 sets the selected content as the mobile set. A browser is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 40a connected via the high-speed mobile communication module 344 of the top box 30a to allow browsing.

  In order to start browsing of content in the mobile set top box 30a (terminal device 40a), the content providing server 20 may perform processing for acquiring information on the authentication card 70 and confirming user authentication, and browsing content. The initial screen may be displayed on the terminal device 40a, and operations such as browsing start, interruption, and browsing termination by the user may be accepted. Furthermore, when charging processing for the user is performed on the content providing server 20 side, the net content browsing time by the user (when the browsing pause function is provided, a time count such as excluding the pause time is performed). ) To calculate the charge and charge.

  In addition, for browsing resumption processing, a function may be provided such as storing a browsing interruption location of content for each user. In that case, the content providing server 20 once terminates the connection of the mobile unit set-top box 30a, performs the billing process up to that point, and when the mobile unit set-top box 30a again requests browsing of the interrupted content, You may make it restart browsing of a content from the location interrupted last time. In this way, the user can log off the mobile body set-top box 30a during a long interruption.

  In this processing procedure, a case where the charge processing for content browsing is performed on behalf of the service providing management server 10 will be described as an example. For this reason, the content providing server 20 provides information related to the user's content browsing time to the service providing management 10 when the browsing of the content is completed.

  In the process of step S107, the service provision management server 10 determines whether browsing of content in the mobile body set-top box 30a is finished. If the content browsing is not completed, this determination process is repeated. When the browsing process is completed, the service provision management server 10 obtains information on the content browsing time by the mobile body set-top box 30a from the content provision server 20. Obtaining (step S108), calculating the fee, and displaying the browsing fee on the display screen of the terminal device 40a (step S109).

  Thereafter, the service provision management server 10 determines whether or not logoff is selected in the mobile set top box 30a (step S110). For the selection of logoff, for example, a logoff button (service end selection button) may be provided on the charge display screen displayed in step S109 so that the user can select logoff of the service provision management server 10. That's fine.

  If not logged off, the process returns to step S105, the service / content menu is displayed, service selection and content selection are performed, and the processes after step S106 are repeated. If logged off, the mobile body set-top box 30a disconnects communication with the service provision management server 10 (step S111), and shuts down the mobile body set-top box 30a (step S112).

  As described above in detail, according to the content browsing system using the mobile set-top box according to the present invention, the mobile set-top box 30a includes the LAN communication module and the high-speed mobile communication module, and the LAN communication module. It is configured to communicate with a service provision management server and a content provision server using a high-speed mobile communication module while connecting to an arbitrary terminal using, so that desired content can be viewed at an arbitrary place. Will be able to.

  Further, since the mobile body set-top box 30a has a configuration including the thin client OS 341, it communicates operations on a GUI (graphic user interface) displayed on the terminal device 40a connected to the mobile body set-top box 30a via a LAN. It transmits to the application executed on the previous server, the application is executed based on this operation, the execution result is transmitted to the mobile set top box 30a, and on the terminal device 40a via the mobile set top box 30a The content is reflected on the GUI displayed on the mobile device, and is not downloaded to the mobile set top box 30a, the terminal device 40a, or the like, but is only used for browsing by the user on the browser provided by the content providing server 20. And unauthorized content It is possible to prevent copy or the like reliably.

  Further, the mobile set-top box 30a is not dedicated to a service provided by a specific service provider like a set-top box in a CATV service, but an authentication IC card (external insertion card) such as a USIM card. Since user authentication is performed using this, it can be used for general purposes, and users can receive services provided by each service provider simply by replacing the externally inserted card issued by a different service provider. become able to.

  The mobile set-top box 30a shown in FIG. 3 is connected to a storage device 34 composed of a RAM disk device with a thin client OS 341, an application 342, and any terminal devices 40a, 40b, etc. wirelessly and / or wiredly. Although the LAN communication module 343 and the high-speed mobile communication module 344 for communication are incorporated, the mobile set-top box 30a itself does not have a storage device, and is a portable semiconductor storage device (for example, a USB memory unit). It is also possible to configure such that a thin client OS or the like is built in and the thin client OS is activated by connecting it to the mobile set top box 30a.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a mobile set top box 30a configured to be used by connecting a thin client OS or the like to a portable semiconductor storage device (for example, a USB memory unit) and connecting to a mobile set top box. FIG. In FIG. 5, elements having the same functions as those constituting the mobile set top box 30a shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3, and detailed description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication of explanation. To do.

  The mobile body set-top box 30a shown in the second embodiment is configured by installing the portion indicated by a dotted line, that is, the storage device 34 shown in FIG. 3 in the portable semiconductor storage device 34a (see FIG. 5). . That is, the portable semiconductor storage device 34a includes a thin client OS 341, an application 342, a LAN communication module 343 for connecting and communicating with any terminal device 40a, 40b, etc. wirelessly and / or wiredly, a high-speed mobile communication module 344 is incorporated.

  When the portable semiconductor storage device 34a is mounted on the mobile set top box 30a and the power switch 31 of the mobile set top box 30a is operated to turn on the power, the BIOS (Basic Input Output System: basic input / output system) ) 32 is activated, and the BIOS 32 activates the thin client OS 341, reads the master boot record (MBR) from the head area, and displays the desktop screen on the terminal device 40 a connected via LAN. Accordingly, the mobile set top box 30a operates as a thin client terminal device.

  A thin client terminal device in which a thin client OS is stored in a semiconductor portable semiconductor storage device such as a USB memory as shown in FIG. 5, and a terminal device to which the USB memory is attached can operate as a thin client terminal. Are disclosed in the aforementioned prior application 1 and prior application 2.

  It goes without saying that the same operation and effect as when the mobile body set-top box 30a according to the second embodiment described above is used can be obtained even when the mobile body set-top box 30a according to the first embodiment is used. Nor.

  In the content browsing system according to the present invention described above, the mobile set-top box includes a LAN communication module and a high-speed mobile communication module, and the connection and communication with the service providing management server and the content providing server are related to the high-speed mobile communication. Although it has been described as being performed via a module, if the user's usage environment is an environment where LAN connection is possible, the high-speed mobile communication module may not be used for connection with the service provision management server. In that case, the connection between the mobile set-top box and the service provision management server or content provision server can also be performed via the LAN communication module. In this case, it is preferable that the user can select whether to use the connection by the high-speed mobile communication module. If high-speed mobile communication is not used, the charge can be reduced accordingly.

  Usually, a business providing a content viewing service copies a large amount of movie or music content to a CD and displays it at each store, and lends a CD on which the content that the user wants to view is copied. I am doing business in a manner. According to the content browsing system of the present invention, the content only needs to be prepared in the content providing server, and the content provider does not need to create duplicate content and does not need to set up a store in each region. In addition, the user can receive the service by connecting the mobile set top box to an arbitrary terminal device, and the viewing location of the content is not fixed. Furthermore, since the content provider can prevent unauthorized copying of the content by the user, the copyright provider can be surely protected, so that the present invention can be preferably applied.

S ... Content browsing system 10 ... Service provision management server 20 ... Content provision server 30a ... Mobile unit set top box 40a ... Terminal device 40b ...・ Terminal device 50... Carrier server 60... Network 31... Power switch 32... BIOS (basic input / output system)
34... Storage device 36... Hardware part 37.
38... Memory 39... I / O device 341... Thin client OS
342 ... Application 343 ... LAN communication module 344 ... High-speed mobile communication module

Claims (12)

  The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. A content browsing system comprising a mobile set top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile set top box includes An arbitrary terminal device is connected via a LAN communication module, and is connected to the content provision management server via the high-speed mobile communication module. The content provision management server connects the service and content selected by the terminal device. Based on the request, the content providing server is connected to the mobile set top box, and the content providing server displays the content selected by the terminal device via the mobile set top box. A content browsing system using a mobile set-top box, wherein a browser is displayed on a screen for browsing.   A mobile set top box having a power switch and a BIOS, and when the power is supplied by the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system and a high-speed mobile communication module A content browsing system comprising: a service providing management server for providing content browsing services; and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile set top box has an HDMI terminal or a DVI terminal An arbitrary terminal device is connected via the HDMI terminal or the DVI terminal, and connected to the content provision management server via the high-speed mobile communication module, and the content provision management server is selected in the terminal device Service And the content providing server is connected to the mobile set top box based on the content browsing request, and the content providing server sends the content selected by the terminal device to the terminal via the mobile set top box. A content browsing system using a mobile set-top box, wherein a browser is displayed on a display screen of a device for browsing.   The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. A content browsing system comprising a mobile set top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile set top box includes An arbitrary terminal device and a content provision management server are connected via a LAN communication module, and the content provision management server and the content provision server are connected to the content provision server based on a service selected by the terminal device and a content browsing request. A mobile set-top box is connected, and the content providing server causes the content selected by the terminal device to be browsed on the display screen of the terminal device via the mobile set-top box for browsing. A content browsing system using a mobile set top box.   The content browsing system using a mobile set top box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operating system is a thin client OS.   5. The content browsing system using a mobile set top box according to claim 4, wherein the storage device is a portable semiconductor storage device connectable to the mobile set top box.   The content browsing system using the mobile set top box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mobile set top box performs user authentication using an external insertion card for authentication.   The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. The mobile set-top box in a content browsing system comprising a mobile set-top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile The body set-top box connects an arbitrary terminal device via the LAN communication module, and connects to the content provision management server via the high-speed mobile communication module. The content provision management server is connected to the terminal device. Based on the selected service and content browsing request, the content providing server and the mobile set top box are connected, and the content providing server sends the content selected by the terminal device to the mobile set top box. A mobile set-top box, wherein a browser is displayed on the display screen of the terminal device for browsing.   A mobile set top box having a power switch and a BIOS, and when the power is supplied by the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system and a high-speed mobile communication module And a mobile set top box in a content browsing system comprising a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile set top box is An HDMI terminal or a DVI terminal, an arbitrary terminal device is connected via the HDMI terminal or the DVI terminal, and the content provision management server is connected via the high-speed mobile communication module. The content providing server and the mobile set top box are connected based on the service selected by the terminal device and the content browsing request, and the content providing server sends the content selected by the terminal device to the mobile A mobile set-top box, wherein a browser is displayed on a display screen of the terminal device for browsing through the set-top box.   The BIOS has a power switch and a BIOS. When power is supplied from the power switch, the BIOS starts the operating system using a storage device including an operating system, a LAN communication module, and a high-speed mobile communication module. The mobile set-top box in a content browsing system comprising a mobile set-top box, a service providing management server for providing a content browsing service, and a content providing server for providing content, wherein the mobile The body set-top box connects an arbitrary terminal device and the content provision management server via the LAN communication module, and the content provision management server connects the service selected in the terminal device and the content browsing requirement. The content providing server and the mobile set top box are connected to each other, and the content providing server displays the content selected by the terminal device via the mobile set top box. A mobile set-top box characterized by having a browser display for browsing.   The mobile set-top box according to claim 7, wherein the operating system is a thin client OS.   The mobile storage set top box according to claim 10, wherein the storage device is a portable semiconductor storage device connectable to the mobile mobile set top box.   The mobile set top box according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the mobile set top box performs user authentication using an external insertion card for authentication.

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