JP7538031B2 - TV Gateways, TV Clouds, Video Platforms, and Distribution Systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a television gateway, a television cloud, a video platform, and a distribution system.

In recent years, advances in networks have led to the launch of a large number of video distribution services. Furthermore, these video distribution services go beyond simple video viewing; they also provide interactive services that link video and web information, such as directing users from video content to an EC (electronic commerce) site to purchase products and allowing them to check details of web information on the Internet (such as news or ticket information) through video.

Moreover, video distribution services are provided by various CSPs (Contents Service Providers). By entering into a contract with each CSP, users can watch videos provided by that CSP. When entering into a contract, each CSP issues an ID and password to identify the user.

When watching videos distributed by each CSP on a television receiver, users have traditionally input their ID and password using a remote control. Television receiver remote controls usually only have directional keys to move the focus up, down, left, and right, and numeric keys to input numbers, but are not capable of freely inputting characters like the keyboard on a PC (Personal Computer). For this reason, inputting IDs and passwords is a heavy burden for users, preventing casual viewing.

JP 2006-222674 A JP 2020-102720 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to make it possible to enter an ID and password related to a contract for viewing VOD content, etc., without operating the remote control of the television receiver.

In an embodiment, the television gateway is disposed between a video platform and a television receiver, and in the television gateway that makes a connection to provide video content from the video platform to the television receiver, the television gateway receives, from a user's mobile terminal, information that identifies the television cloud that mediates authentication of the television receiver to the television gateway, the television receiver, and the mobile terminal, receives from the video platform an MA-ID that simultaneously identifies the mobile terminal and the video platform of the user authenticated based on input via the mobile terminal, receives from the television cloud an HA-ID that simultaneously identifies the television receiver and the television cloud, and associates the MA-ID and the HA-ID related to the same user and stores them in a specified storage unit as ID combination information.

The configuration of the present invention makes it possible to enter IDs and passwords related to contracts for viewing VOD content, etc., without operating the remote control of the television receiver.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video distribution system. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a program guide displayed on a television. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video distribution system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the video distribution system. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of program guide configuration information, which is data that configures a program guide. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program guide configured using program guide configuration information. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a video playback sequence from a program guide. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a VOD viewing sequence from a program guide. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an advertisement presentation sequence. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating layout information of an advertisement. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of advertisement presentation in a current program using program guide configuration information. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of advertisement presentation in past programs using program guide configuration information. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating periodic updating of the program guide configuration information. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an update of an emergency message. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a television receiver. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a video platform. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the TV gateway. FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of a TV cloud. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation up to ID binding in a video distribution system. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a member and his/her right status, which is stored in the ID combination information DB. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a playback device stored in the ID combination information DB. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the flow of signals involved in providing an ID in the TV gateway.

The present invention uses a TV gateway to connect multiple video platforms and multiple TV receivers, making it easy to select video content and enabling the delivery of high-quality video content. This system not only enables users to watch videos, but also provides interactive services that link video and web information, such as directing users from video content to an EC (electronic commerce) site to purchase products and checking details from web information on the Internet (such as news or ticket information) through video.

In addition to the realization of such advanced services, in recent years, video content has been provided in a variety of different formats. For example, video distribution services that allow users to watch any video content they want at any time are called VOD (Video On Demand), and currently there are a variety of VOD methods.

Broadly speaking, there is the advertising video distribution service known as AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand), the flat-rate video distribution service known as SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), and the rental-type video distribution service known as TVOD (Transaction Video On Demand).

With AVOD, videos can be viewed for free, but advertisements are posted. Therefore, revenue comes from the companies that place the advertisements, not from the viewers who watch the videos. On the other hand, with SVOD, you can watch as many of the prepared video contents as you want by paying a monthly fee. Furthermore, with TVOD, you can view individual video contents with a limit, such as one week. Therefore, SVOD and TVOD earn revenue from the viewers who watch the videos.

As described above, there are a wide variety of video distribution services, and there is a demand for a video distribution system that can flexibly accommodate these methods when viewed on a television receiver, and that allows viewers to enjoy the service easily without becoming confused. Therefore, it is necessary for the above-mentioned television gateway to have the function of supporting such methods.

The present invention provides a new video distribution system that adds functionality to a television gateway that enables television receivers with different performance and functionality to receive video content sent from multiple video distribution platforms implemented over a network, and that makes it easier to select video content, by adding functionality to support various VOD formats such as AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD. In addition, in the case of AVOD, it provides a more effective method of presenting advertising videos.

The TV gateway can connect multiple video platforms and multiple TV receivers, enabling more advanced interactive services. In particular, by providing a standard video content selection method for TV receivers with different functions and capabilities, it makes it easier to select from a wider range of video content without compromising user convenience.

However, the selection of video content by TV gateways focuses on linear channels in broadcast format, that is, video distribution using a network, but a one-way continuous distribution method corresponding to time information, like broadcasting, and although it is possible to present some recommended programs, it is difficult to support various VOD methods. In this way, the provision of video content by linear channels is usually made up of free video content and advertisements, and is a type of AVOD. However, as different video distribution services such as not only AVOD but also SVOD and TVOD are becoming more and more popular, it is important to support these VOD methods.

AVOD allows users to watch free video content by displaying advertisements, while SVOD allows users to watch video content freely for a monthly fee, and TVOD allows users to watch moving content for a limited period of time by purchasing individual video content items. In order to accommodate these, it is necessary to check the viewer's contract status, which was difficult to achieve with conventional TV gateway systems.

Furthermore, since AVOD earns revenue from companies through advertising, an effective method of presenting advertisements is essential. Conventional TV gateways have an advertisement insertion function and a function for implementing targeted advertising for individual TV receivers, but no specific method for more effective presentation has been provided. In recent years, hybrid services have been provided that combine AVOD with SVOD services, or the sale of paid content provided by TVOD. To implement such hybrid services using conventional TV gateways, it is necessary to confirm the viewer's contract terms and to have a function for linking advertisements and VOD, so these functions must be equipped in a rational manner.

Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a video distribution system. In Figure 1, CSPs (content service providers) 1301 to 1308 provide video content. The video content is input to video platforms 1311 to 1313, respectively. The video platforms 1311 to 1313 input the video content to a TV gateway 1321, and send it to TV receivers 1341 to 1350 via TV clouds 1331 to 1334.

Since each video platform has a different distribution method, each video content is received only on a limited number of television receivers. There are two methods: the television gateway converts the format of the video content, and the video platform has a built-in converter. The video platforms 1311 to 1313 in FIG. 1 use the built-in converter method. In addition, each television cloud corresponds to television receivers with different performance and functions. Television receivers under the management of each television cloud are connected to almost the same performance and functions, and television receivers with different performance and functions are connected to different television clouds. By performing conversion for different television receivers, the television cloud can select and receive good video content even if the functions and capabilities are different. As described above, a video distribution system with a television gateway can distribute video content from multiple video platforms with different formats to television receivers with different performance and capabilities.

Once the video content is input to the television via the television gateway 1321 and a connection is established, the video stream itself can be input directly from the video platforms 1311-1313 to the television receivers 1341-1350. The television receivers 1341-1350 are connected to the mobile terminals 1301-1310, and combine the TV-ID (the ID assigned to each of the television receivers 1341-1350) with the SP-ID (the ID assigned to each of the viewers' mobile terminals 1301-1310). This combined information is stored in a TV-ID and SP-ID combination information storage unit 1352. Furthermore, the viewing data output from the television receivers 1341-1350 is stored in the viewing data storage unit 1351.

The content recommendation information storage unit 1353 recommends content based on the viewing data stored in the viewing data storage unit 1351 and the output of the TV-ID and SP-ID combination information storage unit 1352. For the advertising content output from the advertising server 1355, the recommended advertisement selection and insertion unit 1354 selects appropriate advertisements based on the output of the content recommendation information storage unit 1353, and the advertisements are inserted by the video platforms 1311 to 1313. The receiving side advertisement insertion unit 1356 inserts advertisements using the functions of the television receiver.

Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of a program guide displayed on a television. Video content provided by the video platform is delivered to televisions through linear distribution that continues to stream at a specified time, like broadcasting, so video content is selected based on a program guide that shows the same channels and times as broadcasting.

Furthermore, the gateway makes it possible to customize the program guide by linking the SP-ID 1421 held by the viewer with the TV-ID 1422 that identifies the television. Recommended contents 1401-1403 are overlaid on the program guide based on the viewing habits of the viewer of this television receiver. In this example, the ID (SP-ID) 1421 of the mobile belonging to the video platform 1411 is linked to the ID (TV-ID) 1422 of this television receiver, so video content provided by the video platform 1411 in particular is recommended.

This program guide is composed of common EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) data 1404 supplied from the TV gateway. The EPG common data 1404 is composed of at least a timetable showing time information, program metadata having information such as program descriptions, and banner data for displaying channels, etc.

With the above configuration, each video platform can present content to a larger number of television receivers by inputting data into the television gateway without having to worry about the different capabilities and functions of the television receivers (panel size, number of pixels, resolution, etc.). Furthermore, by linking television receivers with mobile terminals such as smartphones, it is possible to use mobile terminals instead of single-function remote controls with different operability, improving the operability of advanced services and enabling advanced smartphone-television linked operations that are not possible with existing remote controls.

A video distribution system using a TV gateway can present a program guide to televisions with different functions and capabilities, allowing viewers to select from video content distributed from a variety of video platforms without becoming confused. As such, while this is an extremely effective system for video content using the linear channel distribution method, it lacks functionality and is difficult to support other video content distribution methods.

Video gateways need to provide functionality related to hybrid services that support AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD.

The present invention adds new data corresponding to multiple VOD distribution methods to the data forming the program guide, realizing a function for easily selecting video content distributed by AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and also provides a function for more comfortably selecting video content distributed by linear channel by improving the structure of the program guide. At the same time, by applying the data forming the added program guide to advertisement display, more effective advertisement presentation to viewers is realized.

As described above, the data constituting the program guide according to the present invention will be referred to as "program guide configuration information" below. The program guide configuration information allows for the creation of a hybrid video selection system of AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and also enables the viewing of linear channel digests and preview video content. It also enables the presentation of advertisements using an overlay method, and clickable VOD that combines video advertising content with VOD.

The following provides explanations, with reference to drawings, of the structure and distribution method of the program guide configuration information, a new program guide configuration method that allows easy selection of future programs, current programs, and past programs, the structure and presentation method of the program guide that is compatible with all distribution methods, whether AVOD, TVOD, or SVOD, a more efficient method of presenting advertisements that combines VOD and advertisements, preview video content for future programs, digest viewing of past programs, and emergency messages that cause emergency changes to the program guide configuration information.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video distribution system in the first embodiment. CSPs (content service providers) 101 to 108 provide video content. The video content is input to video platforms 111 to 113, respectively. The video platforms 111 to 113 input the video content to a television gateway 121, and transmit it to television receivers 141 to 150 via television clouds 131 to 134.

As described above, the function of distributing video content to television receivers is the same as in Figure 1. The major difference from the video distribution system using the television gateway in Figure 1 is that subscriber databases 191-193 are connected to the video platforms 111-113. The subscriber databases 191-193 accumulate and store the contract conditions of viewers who watch video content distributed from the video platforms 111-113. Therefore, the video platforms 111-113 can check the viewer's contract conditions at any time by querying the subscriber databases 191-193.

Meanwhile, the TV-ID and SP-ID combined information storage unit 1352 in the video distribution system shown in FIG. 1 becomes the MA-ID and HA-ID combined information storage unit 152 in the video distribution system according to the present invention. Here, HA-ID and MA-ID are abbreviations for Home Agent ID and Mobile Agent ID, respectively, with HA-ID being an ID that identifies the TV cloud and the TV receiver, and MA-ID being an ID that identifies the video platform and the user of the mobile terminal, making them composite identifiers. The subscriber databases 111 to 113 can identify users by their MA-ID and check their viewing conditions.

The televisions 141-150 are connected to the mobile terminals 171-180, and perform binding of HA-IDs and MA-IDs. This bound information is stored in the MA-ID and HA-ID binding information storage unit 152. The video distribution system according to the present invention supports various VOD distribution methods by linking the MA-ID and HA-ID binding information storage unit 152 with the subscriber databases 191-193.

Otherwise, the viewing data storage unit 151, the content recommendation information storage unit 153, the advertisement server 155, and the receiver advertisement insertion unit 156 operate in the same manner as in the video distribution system shown in FIG. 1.

Figure 4 is a diagram explaining an example of the operation of a video distribution system. This diagram shows only the video platform 111, TV gateway 121, TV cloud 131, TV 141, and mobile terminal 109 from the entire video distribution system shown in Figure 3. Other video platforms, TV clouds, TV receivers, and mobile terminals also perform similar operations.

SVOD is a service that allows viewers who pay a monthly fee to watch unlimited amounts of video content, while TVOD is a service that allows viewers to watch paid video content by purchasing individual pieces of video content within a limited period of time. On the other hand, AVOD, which is distributed via linear channels, allows viewers to watch videos freely, but they will have to watch advertisements. As described above, viewers' viewing conditions differ depending on the VOD method, so the video distribution system must confirm these conditions before presenting video content to the viewer.

In FIG. 4, the ID that identifies the video platform 111 is PF-ID, the ID that identifies the TV gateway 121 is TG-ID, the ID that identifies the TV cloud is TC-ID, the ID that simultaneously identifies the TV and the TV cloud is HA-ID, and the ID that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile terminal 109 and the video platform 111 is MA-ID. Also, the ID that identifies the video content to be viewed is CT-ID. The following describes the videos when viewing VOD.

A request for VOD viewing is made in the television receiver 141. The television receiver 141 simultaneously sends (1) a VOD token request, VOD content identified by the CT-ID, a PF-ID identifying the video platform 111 providing the video content, and an HA-ID identifying the television receiver itself to the television cloud 131 by signal 201. The VOD token request is a command to confirm that the user has the right to view VOD. The television cloud 131 sends a signal 202 to the television gateway 121 by the obtained signal 201. The signal 202 includes (2) a VOD token request, a PF-ID, a CT-ID, and an HA-ID. The television gateway 121 acquires the MA-ID associated with the HA-ID from its MA-ID and HA-ID association information database, and identifies the viewer requesting viewing. The television gateway 121 sends a signal 203 to the video platform 111. The signal 203 (3) consists of a VOD token request, CT-ID, and MA-ID.

Next, the video platform 111 receives a VOD token request (3) by signal 203, queries the subscriber database 191 for the MA-ID and CT-ID (4) by signal 204, checks the registration conditions of the viewer who has the MA-ID, and responds to the video platform 111 with the result (5) by signal 205. If the conditions for VOD viewing are met, the video platform 111 issues a VOD token (6) by signal 206, and sends the CT-ID and MA-ID together with the VOD token to the TV gateway 121. The TV gateway 121 acquires the signal 206. The TV gateway 121 sends a signal 207 to the TV cloud 131. The signal 207 includes at least a VOD token (7). The TV cloud 131 sends the VOD token received from the TV gateway 121 to the TV receiver 141 (8) by signal 208.

The television receiver 141 transmits a signal 209 to the video platform. The signal 209 is composed of the (9) VOD token obtained in signal 208 and a CT-ID that identifies the video content. The video platform 111 identifies the URL indicating the location of the video from the obtained CT-ID and confirms the validity of the VOD token. After confirming that the VOD token is valid, the video stream is delivered from the (10) video platform 111 to the television receiver 141 by signal 210.

The above videos control whether or not VOD content that meets the VOD viewing conditions can be viewed.

Next, the data constituting the program guide in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of program guide configuration information, which is data constituting the program guide. In this embodiment, the program guide configuration information 301 is transmitted from the video platform 111, and sent to the television receiver 141 via the television gateway 121 and the television cloud 131.

Here, the program guide configuration information 301 is composed of operator information 302 identified by a PF-ID, channel information 303 identified by a Service_id, program information 304 identified by an Event_id, CM information 305 identified by a CM_id, and VOD information 306 identified by a Vod_id. It also includes a timetable 311 indicating the position of the program on the time axis, and layout information 321 indicating the display position of advertisements.

The business information 302 includes the business ID (PF-ID), business name, business thumbnail image, and logo.

Channel information 303 includes the service ID (Service_id), service name, service description, genre, parental, service thumbnail image, logo, paid/free information, and video URL (all programs included in the channel are distributed in the same way).

Program information 304 includes the program ID (Event_id), program name, program description, start date, start time, program length, genre, parental, program thumbnail image, video URL, program type, sub-video URL, paid/free information, and series identification information.

The commercial information 305 includes an advertisement ID (CM_id), a commercial title, an advertisement identifier (AD-ID), a start date, a start time, the length of the commercial, a genre, a replaceable flag, and a commercial video.

VOD information 306 includes the VOD ID (Vod_id), content name, content identifier (CT-ID), content description, content length, genre, parental, program thumbnail image, video URL, paid/free information, and series identification information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program guide configured using program guide configuration information.
The video platform 111 provides the program guide configuration information to the television gateway 121. The television gateway 121 distributes the program guide configuration information acquired from the video platform 111 to the television cloud 131.

The TV cloud 131 provides program guide configuration information that includes past program guide configuration information already distributed from the TV gateway 121 and program guide configuration information that is scheduled to be distributed in the future, and improves the convenience of viewers' program selection by allowing them to view programs they have missed at a later time. The TV cloud 131 transmits the past and future program guides to the TV 141.

When constructing a past program guide on the television 141, the operator information 402 in the program guide configuration information is used to identify which video platform the channel is configured on. For example, channel information 403 is used to display the channels in the program guide, and program information 404 to 406 is used to configure the order and explanation of each program. Timetable information 407 presents the timeline of the program guide. These are programs that have already been distributed in the past, and can be freely selected.

Furthermore, this program guide presents a list of VOD contents. This is done by selecting and presenting VOD information contained in the program guide configuration information. Each piece of VOD information has a CT-ID that indicates the content, and after it is temporarily stored in the VOD information database 432, the recommendation selection unit 431 selects the VOD content and presents it on the program guide. Just like with programs that have been broadcast in the past, VOD content can be freely selected, providing viewers with a comfortable program selection function. In other words, although the past program guide does not contain the latest content, it provides the viewer with the convenience of being able to select freely without time constraints. In this implementation, the VOD content display is only placed on the past program guide, but it can be placed on the current and future program guides using similar data and movements.

In the past, present, and future program guides in Figure 6, programs provided by video platforms are displayed as channels. In this diagram, channels A1 and A2 are channels provided by video platform A, and channel B1 is a channel provided by video platform B. VOD contents 1 to 4 displayed in each program guide can be displayed by selecting VOD information provided by the video platform that distributes the program content focused on by the viewer using a remote control or the like. In other words, when the viewer focuses on content A11 using a remote control or the like, the VOD provided by the video platform is displayed on the program guide screen.

On the other hand, in the television 141, the current program guide configuration information creates a program guide 411 based on programs currently being distributed. In addition, the future program guide presents programs to be distributed based on the operator information 422, channel information 423, program information 425-426, and timetable 427 contained in the future program guide configuration information.

Figure 7 shows an example of a video playback sequence from a program guide. When the program guide button on the remote control of the television 141 is pressed, the current program guide 511 is displayed first. By selecting a program from the current program guide 511, video content 512 is played. Programs can be switched using the up/down keys on the remote control or by inputting the channel number, and another program 513 can also be selected directly. It is also possible to return to the original current program guide 514 by pressing the program guide button even while watching.

On the other hand, pressing the scroll down button on the current program guide 511 displays the future program guide 521. When a program is selected from the future program guide 521, a program description screen 522 is displayed since the program has not yet been distributed. If a preview video can be played, a preview button is displayed, and pressing the preview video 523 plays. When the preview video ends, the screen returns to the future program guide 524.

By scrolling up from the current program table 511, the past program table 501 is presented. Programs and VOD content that have been distributed in the past are presented in the past program table 501. If VOD content is selected, the process proceeds to a VOD selection sequence 505. The VOD selection sequence is described in FIG. 8.

When a program is selected from past program list 501, program explanation screen 502 is first presented. If a digest of the past program is available for viewing, a digest button is presented, and when viewed, digest 506 is played. When the view button is pressed on explanation screen 502, the video content of the past program is played, and when it ends, the screen returns to past program list 504. Playing a digest video makes content selection more convenient.

As described above, the future program guide allows users to watch preview videos of upcoming programs, while the past program guide allows users to watch digests, improving the convenience of program viewing. In addition, the past program guide displays selectable VOD content, allowing users to watch desired VOD content.

Figure 8 shows an example of a VOD viewing sequence from a program guide. When the program guide button on the remote control of the television 141 is pressed, a current program guide 611 is displayed. When a program is selected from the current program guide 611, program 612 is played. An advertisement video 613 is inserted in the middle or at the end of the main video of program 612, and a VOD button is displayed together with the advertisement video 613. When the VOD button is pressed, a VOD explanation screen 614 is displayed. At this time, if the VOD is an SVOD service, explanation screen 614 is displayed, and if the VOD is a TVOD service, explanation screen 621 is displayed. A watch button is displayed on explanation screen 614, and a purchase button and price are displayed on explanation screen 621.

When the VOD viewing button is pressed here, three branches result. The first branch is for cases where the viewer is not registered as a monthly billing member, and proceeds to member registration screen 615, where member registration app 625 runs on the smartphone and registers the member. The viewer then proceeds to ID binding screen 616, where a QR code (registered trademark) is presented on the television screen, and ID binding app 626 running on the smartphone binds the television receiver's HA-ID to the member ID, MA-ID.

The second branch is when the user has already registered as a member on the explanation screen 614, and proceeds to the ID binding screen 616. Once ID binding is complete, the user proceeds again to the SVOD explanation screen 617, and by pressing the watch button, the VOD video 618 is played. In the case of TVOD, the TVOD explanation screen 627 is presented, and the user pays the specified purchase amount and proceeds to video viewing 618. When the VOD video playback ends, the user returns to the main video 619.

The third branch is that if ID binding has already been completed, pressing the watch button on the SVOD description screen 614 will take you directly to VOD video playback 618.

On the other hand, if VOD content from the past program listing 601 is selected, the screen proceeds to the SVOD explanation screen 614 or the TVOD explanation screen 621. Thereafter, the video 618 is played in the same sequence, and when the video ends, the screen returns to the past program listing 629.

The above sequence allows VOD to be viewed easily. Note that the operation of acquiring a VOD token described in FIG. 4 is performed to realize this viewing sequence. When viewing is selected from the explanation screen 614, a sequence for acquiring a VOD token is executed. If acquisition of a VOD token fails, the user proceeds to the member registration screen 615 or ID binding screen 616. After ID binding is complete, the user can press the viewing button again from the SVOD explanation screen 617 to enter the operation of acquiring a VOD token again. After the VOD token is acquired, the main video 619 is played.

Figure 9 shows an example of an advertisement presentation sequence. There are three types of advertisement presentation patterns: in-stream insertion presentation 701, overlay display 711, and clickable VOD 721.

In the first pattern, in-stream insertion, after pre-main content 702 is played, advertisement 703 is presented, and then post-main content 704 is presented. On the screen, main content video screen 705 is presented, and after advertisement video screen 706 is presented, main content video screen 707 is played. This pattern is an example of inserting advertisement video content into so-called video content.

The second pattern, overlay display, presents advertisements by superimposing them on the main video. Whereas in-stream insertion extends the time because advertisements are inserted temporally, overlay display has the advantage that it is not affected by the length of the video content because advertisements are superimposed directly on the main video. When main video 712 is being played, advertisements are superimposed on video screen surface 715, becoming video screen 716 and then video screen 717. Here, the superimposed advertisements are automatically erased and the display transitions to video screen 717 due to information in the advertising information that automatically presents the program. With this presentation method, as mentioned above, temporal insertion does not occur, but part of the screen is hidden.

The third pattern is clickable VOD 721, which is a combination of in-stream insertion 701 and overlay table 711. As with in-stream, advertisement 723 is played from main video 722, and main video 724 is played. At that time, the state of video screen 725 transitions to advertisement video screen 723 and video screen 726. Here, a button is presented in the advertisement video content, and when pressed, explanation screen 728 is displayed, and when the watch button is pressed, VOD content 729 is played. If the button is not pressed on advertisement screen 726, main video 724 will be played as soon as advertisement 723 ends. When VOD content 729 ends, video content 730 on the same channel is played.

In each case, the state of the program guide configuration information is shown in 741, 742, and 743. When in-stream insertion is performed, the program guide configuration information 741 is composed of operator information, channel information, program information, and advertisement information. The same applies to the case of overlay display. In the case of clickable VOD, VOD information is further included in the advertisement information. In the case of overlay display and clickable VOD, the screen is composed of the layout information shown in FIG. 10.

Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the layout information of advertisements. When presenting an overlay display screen 802 from a main video 801, the screen is configured using layout information 805 in the program guide configuration information. Layout information 805 includes information on the image coordinates, image size, and still image coordinates and size, making it possible to configure an L-shaped display 802 or a display 803 in which rectangular areas are overlapped. Note that when an overlay display is performed automatically, the overlay display is automatically performed according to the automatic start flag and start time in the CM information in the program guide configuration information.

In this example, two patterns of clickable presentation are illustrated. The first pattern is a clickable advertisement, in which after pressing a button, other EC sites or information can be presented. The second pattern is a clickable VOD, which can be presented using the sequence shown in FIG. 9.

In the case of clickable VOD, advertising video 842 is played from the main video screen 801, and by pressing a button 842 presented on advertising video 842, the screen transitions to a VOD explanation screen 823. Pressing the watch button here causes the VOD video 824 to be played. The presentation position of button 842 on advertising video 822 is determined by layout information 825. The view button on VOD explanation screen 823 is similarly positioned according to the layout information.

In the case of a clickable advertisement, a button 841 is presented on the advertisement video 812 based on layout information 815. When the button 841 is pressed, a product screen 813 on the EC site is presented. Here, for example, a detailed information screen can also be presented.

As described above, the layout information contained in the program guide configuration information allows for flexible screen configuration.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of advertisement presentation in a current program using program guide configuration information. Current program guide 901 displays the content currently being distributed. Program guide configuration information 900 contains business operator information 902 and channel information 903. Channel information 903 contains program information 904, 906, and 908, and program information 904 contains advertisement information 905, program information 906 contains advertisement information 907, and program information 908 contains advertisement information 909, and advertisement information 909 further contains VOD information 910.

Each program information includes the program start time and program end time, and the advertising information also includes the advertisement start and end times.

The program guide is constructed using the above information contained in the program guide configuration information, and the main video and advertisements 921 to 927 are played. Note that the screens that are presented at the same time are shown in 931 to 937.

The program information 904 indicates a program start time of 8:00 and an end time of 9:00. Furthermore, the advertisement information indicates a start time of 8:30 and an end time of 8:35. The main video starts at 8:00, and the advertisement is played from 8:30. Furthermore, the main video returns to playback at 8:35 and continues.

The next program 924 starts at 9:00. Showing the next program. Program information 906 indicates a start time of 9:00 and an end time of 11:00. Advertisement information 907 indicates a start time of 10:00 and an end time of 10:05, and indicates that it will be displayed by overlay. With this information, playback of the main video 924 starts at 9:00. A still image advertisement is automatically displayed in the middle of playback of the main video, starting at 10:00. The presented screen is shown in 934. The advertisement is displayed as a still image superimposed on the main video. The superimposed advertisement still image disappears at 10:05.

Furthermore, the next program information has a start time of 11:00 and an end time of 12:00, while the advertisement information has a start time of 11:30 and an end time of 11:40. This advertisement has an instruction to jump to another screen by displaying a button. This information causes the next program 925 to start at 11:00. Advertisement 926 starts at 11:30, but as shown in advertisement screen 936, a button is presented for this advertisement. When the viewer presses the button, a VOD sequence is entered and a VOD selection screen 938 is presented. Thereafter, operation follows the VOD sequence shown in FIG. 8. If the button is not pressed, playback of the main video 927 continues, and the advertisement disappears, as shown in video screen 937.

In this way, the program is configured by the program guide configuration information, but the operation stream is played back by the metadata (manifest file) included in the video stream. As an example, FIG. 11 shows a case where a video stream is played back by MPEG DASH, which is an international standard. In MPEG DASH, MPD (Media Presentation Description) is used to play back a video stream. In MPD, a video stream is specified by a Period. For example, a program 921 based on this embodiment is configured by MPD#1:951, and video 921 is played back. Advertisement 922 is played back by Period#2:942, and video 923 is played back by Period#3:943. Similarly, video 924 of the next program is played back by Period#1:944 of MPD#2:952. Furthermore, video 925 of the next program is played back by Period#1:945 of MPD#3:953. Advertisement 926 is played in Period #2:946, and video 927 is played in Period #3:947. In this example, one MPD corresponds to one program, but different correspondence is possible depending on the operation. For example, one MPD can correspond to two or more programs and be specified by multiple periods.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of presenting advertisements in past programs using program guide configuration information. Program guide configuration information is composed of business operator information 1002, channel information 1003, program information 1004, advertisement information 1005, and VOD information 1006. A past program guide 1001 is displayed based on this information. Video 1021, advertisement 1022, and video 1023 are played based on program information 1004 contained in channel information 1003. Here, it is written that the program start time is 8:00 and the end time is 9:00, but since this indicates the time when it was distributed in the past, the program can be selected freely.

When video 1021 is selected, explanation screen 1041 is first displayed, and when the watch button is pressed, main video 1021 is played. Next, advertising video 1032 is played, and then, when the advertising video ends, the main video screen 1033 appears.

In the past program guide in FIG. 12, programs provided by video platforms are displayed as channels. In this diagram, channels A1 and A2 are channels provided by video platform A, and channel B1 is a channel provided by video platform B. VOD contents 1 to 4 displayed in each program guide can be displayed by selecting VOD information provided by the video platform that distributes the program content focused on by the viewer using a remote control or the like. In other words, when a viewer focuses on content A11 using a remote control or the like, the VOD provided by the video platform is displayed on the program guide screen. In this embodiment, VOD content display is only placed in the past program guide, but it can be placed in the current and future program guides using similar data and movement.

On the other hand, when VOD is selected, the VOD video 1024 is played. Before playback, a VOD explanation screen 1042 is presented, and when the watch button is pressed, the VOD video 1024 is played. At that time, the video screen becomes the VOD video screen 1034. When the VOD video ends, the screen returns to the past program guide screen 1035.

As with the current program guide, the past program guide will also be described in relation to the playback of motion streams by MPEG DASH. The present video 1021 is played by Period #1:1051 of MPD #1:1050. The advertisement 1022 is played by Period #2:1052, and the main video 1023 is played by Period #3:1053. As for VOD, the VOD video 1024 is played by Period #1:1054 of MPD #2:1060. As with the operation of the current program guide, operation based on the relationship between one MPD and multiple programs is also possible.

Figure 13 is a diagram explaining the periodic update of the program guide configuration information. The program guide configuration information 1111 is updated periodically, for example, on a daily basis. The program guide configuration information includes operator information, channel information, program information, advertisement information, and VOD information.

The TV gateway 121 periodically requests program guide configuration information from the video platform 111 by (1) signal 1101. The video platform 111 then (2) sends the program guide configuration information to the TV gateway 121 by signal 1102. The TV gateway 121 turns the update flag 1121, which is normally OFF, ON as soon as it acquires the updated program guide configuration information. The TV cloud 131 periodically checks the update flag 1121 of the TV gateway 121 by (3) signal 1103, and if the update flag 1121 is ON, (4) acquires the program guide configuration information by signal 1104, and (5) distributes it to the TV receiver 141 by signal 1105. The update flag 1121 turns OFF immediately after the TV cloud 131 acquires the program guide configuration information. However, if there are multiple TV clouds, the flag turns OFF after it is confirmed that all TV clouds have acquired the program guide configuration information. In addition, to ensure greater safety when obtaining program guide configuration information from the TV gateway 121, security can be maintained by encrypting the information using a key that has been distributed to the TV cloud 131 in advance.

Figure 14 is a diagram explaining the update of emergency messages. As shown in Figure 5, program guide configuration information contains a large amount of information and includes thumbnail images, etc., and is therefore updated at long intervals, such as on a daily basis. Therefore, since it is difficult to respond to emergency situations, such as when a live broadcast program is extended and the program guide needs to be changed, a separate emergency message function is required to perform change processing with the minimum necessary size. The format of an emergency message is shown in 1210.

<Emergency message ID><Channel ID><Target program ID><Target item><Process><Processing content>
Here, the <emergency message ID> is issued uniquely within a carrier, so it is composed of <carrier ID + unique ID> and is indicated by Emsg_id.
<Channel ID> is a Service_id that identifies each channel, <Target Program ID> is an Event_id that identifies the program, and <Target Item> is each item in the program information.
<Processing> can be deletion, overwriting (changing), or addition, and the specific content is specified as <processing content>.
For example, when changing the end time of a program that starts at 8:00 and ends at 9:00 to 9:30, <processing> change and <processing content> 9:30 are sent to the target program.

The video platform 111 sends an emergency message to the television gateway 121 by (1) signal 1201. The television gateway 121 turns on the emergency flag 1221, which is normally OFF. The television cloud 131 checks the emergency flag 1221 by (2) signal 1202. At this time, the television cloud 131 checks the emergency flag 1221 in a shorter period than the check of the update flag 1121 described above. For example, the check is performed in a period of 10 to 30 minutes. The television cloud 131 acquires the emergency message by (3) signal 1203. The television cloud 131 distributes the acquired emergency message to the television receiver 141 by (4) signal 1204. Here, the emergency message is distributed in a shorter time than the distribution of the program guide configuration information, so that the distribution is not concentrated, each television receiver controls the reception timing and distributes access according to a preset offset time.

Figure 15 is a block diagram of a television receiver 141. Broadcasts are received by an antenna 1501, and the broadcast content converted into a digital stream by a tuner 1502 is converted into an audio signal and a video signal by a signal processing unit 1503. The audio signal is processed by an audio processing unit 1504, and audio is played by a speaker 1506. The video signal is processed by a video processing unit 1505, and video is played by a video display unit 1507. A CPU 1509 is connected to a memory 1508 and a non-volatile memory 1510, and executes a control program to control the tuner 1502 and the signal processing unit 1503. User operations are input from a remote control 1513 to a receiving unit 1512, and then input to the control program. A communication interface 1511 receives video content and a content selection screen distributed from a network, and processes them using the control program of the CPU 1509.

The configuration in FIG. 6 and the playback sequence in FIG. 7 store the program guide configuration information in FIG. 5 obtained via the communication interface 1511 in the memory 1508, and the CPU 1509 uses software executed internally to separate the program information based on the current time and generate a current program guide, a past program guide, and a future program guide.

Figure 16 is a block diagram of the video platform 111. The CPU 1602 is connected to the memory 1601 and storage device 1603, and executes a control program. The operator controls the operation through the operation unit 1605. The communication interface 1604 is connected to the network, and performs input and output of video content, output of past program guide configuration information, output of future program guide configuration information, output of current program guide configuration information, video distribution, and input and output of content selection information. The video processing unit 1606 encodes the input video content, does not encrypt it, and generates a stream for video distribution. As shown in this figure, the video platform 111 can be said to be a server.

Figure 17 is a configuration diagram of the TV gateway 121. The CPU 1702 is connected to the memory 1701 and storage device 1703, and a specified processing program runs on it. The communication interface 1704 performs input/output from the video platform and input/output to the TV cloud. It inputs past program guide configuration information, future program guide configuration information, and current program guide configuration information from the video platform, and outputs past program guide configuration information, future program guide configuration information, and current program guide configuration information to the TV cloud. The operator controls the operation of the video platform using the operation unit 1705. As shown in this diagram, the TV gateway 121 can be said to be a server.

Figure 18 is a configuration diagram of the TV cloud 131. Program guide configuration information output from the TV gateway is received via the communication interface 2004. The program guide configuration information is converted by software operated by the CPU 2002 and memory 2001 into a specified format that can be displayed by the TV receiver, and is saved in the storage 2003. An operator controls the software via the operation unit 2005. The data saved in the storage 2003 is received by the TV receiver shown in Figure 15. As shown in this figure, the TV cloud 131 can be said to be a server.

The following describes the configuration of the program guide shown in FIG. 6 using the television receiver 141 in FIG. 15, the video platform 111 in FIG. 16, the television gateway 121 in FIG. 17, and the television cloud 131 in FIG. 18.

The program guide configuration information stored in storage 1603 of video platform 111 in FIG. 16 is output by communication interface 1604, received by communication interface 1704 of TV gateway 121 in FIG. 17, and temporarily stored by storage 1703. The stored program guide configuration information is output by communication interface 1704 and received by TV cloud 131 in FIG. 18. TV cloud 131 in FIG. 18 converts the received program guide configuration information into a format that can be displayed on TV receiver 141. Here, the converted data format is, for example, HTML5 that can be displayed on a browser running on TV receiver 141.

The converted data is output to the television receiver 141 in FIG. 15 by the communication interface 2004. The television receiver 141 in FIG. 15 receives not only the video content but also a content selection screen from the communication interface 1511. The content selection screen here corresponds to the past program guide, current program guide, and future program guide shown in FIG. 6.

The sequence of the program guide in FIG. 6 and the program guide in FIG. 7 will be described below using the television receiver 141 in FIG. 15. The program guide configuration information converted into a displayable data format by the television cloud 131 in FIG. 18 is received by the communication interface 1511. Here, the program guide configuration information sent is information for the past week and the future week, and the current program, past program guide, and future program guide shown in FIG. 6 are displayed according to the current time. Here, the sent program guide configuration information is compared with the current time, and the part determined to be past information is divided and displayed as a past program guide, and the part determined to be future information is divided and displayed as a future program guide, and if it is determined that it is currently being distributed, it is displayed as a current program guide. These display operations are performed by software running on the CPU 1509 shown in FIG. 15.

Figure 7 shows the sequence of the program guide. The past program guide 501, current program guide 511, and future program guide 521 shown in Figure 7 correspond to the past program guide 401, current program guide 411, and future program guide 421 shown in Figure 6. The operation in Figure 7 is performed by software running on the CPU 1509 of the television receiver 141 shown in Figure 15.

[Additional Notes]
・Configuration of program guide configuration information In a video distribution system configured by a TV gateway,
The "program guide configuration information" is made up of business operator information, channel information, program information, timetables, as well as advertising information, VOD information, and layout information indicating the display position of advertisements, and is compatible with not only AVOD realized by linear distribution, but also SVOD and TVOD.
- A VOD selection screen is superimposed on the linear distribution program guide, and AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD content can be selected and viewed through a television gateway sequence that confirms the viewer's contract terms.
- Seamlessly display current and past programs based on program guide configuration information distributed in the past and program guide configuration information scheduled for future distribution. For past programs, a digest is played, and for future programs, a preview video is played.
- Advertisement presentation method Based on the advertisement information and layout information contained in the "program listing configuration information" above,
To present advertisements that are inserted temporally into a main video, advertisements that are spatially superimposed on the main video, and advertisements that are realized by combining these.
A service is realized in which, by pressing a button from a time-inserted advertisement, information on a separate service site is displayed or VOD video content can be viewed.
- Method of obtaining and modifying program guide configuration information "Program guide configuration information" is updated by periodically checking the update flag of the TV gateway.
The "program guide configuration information" is modified by a separately transmitted emergency message, and the emergency message checks the emergency flag in a relatively short period of time.
a television gateway arranged between a video platform and a television for providing video content from the video platform to the television;
The television gateway comprises:
Receive a video-on-demand token request including an ID for identifying the video platform 111 from the television, an ID for identifying the video content to be viewed, and an ID for simultaneously identifying the television cloud, the video-on-demand token request being sent from the television by a television cloud disposed between the television and the television gateway;
Transmitting to the video platform an ID (hereinafter referred to as CT-ID) that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile terminal and the video platform, and an ID (hereinafter referred to as MA-ID) that identifies the video content to be viewed;
The video platform receives a video-on-demand token including the CT-ID and the MA-ID as a condition for enabling VOD viewing based on the CT-ID and the MA-ID,
A television gateway, which transmits the video-on-demand token to the television cloud based on a result of receiving the video-on-demand token from the video platform.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modified example of the other embodiments described above, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as the other embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Figure 19 is a diagram explaining an example of the operation up to ID binding in a video distribution system. Like Figure 4, this diagram shows an excerpt of the video platform 111, TV gateway 121, TV cloud 131, TV receiver 141, and mobile terminal 109 from the entire video distribution system shown in Figure 3. Other video platforms, TV clouds, TV receivers, and mobile terminals perform similar operations.

In the first embodiment, an example of the operation of a video distribution system was described using FIG. 4. In this embodiment, however, the first stage of the operation shown in FIG. 4, which is the flow up to storing information in the ID combination information DB (database) 120, will be mainly described.

The ID combination information DB120 is stored in a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) provided in the TV gateway 121 (or accessible by the CPU 1702 of the TV gateway 121). The ID combination information DB120 stores information exemplified in the form of tables in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the ID binding information DB 120 for identifying members and their rights status. More specifically, the table shown in Figure 20 stores an MA-ID in association with an HA-ID, access token, refresh token, expiration date, user profile, etc. An access token is a token that indicates that access to the TV cloud 131 is permitted. An expiration date is the expiration date of the access token, and the access token will expire if the expiration date is exceeded. A refresh token is a token used to obtain a new access token and expiration date.

The MA-ID is an ID that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile terminal 109 and the video platform 111. The mobile terminal 109 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the user. The HA-ID is an ID that simultaneously identifies the television receiver 141 and the television cloud 131. Therefore, if a user owns multiple playback devices (for example, the television receiver 141), multiple HA-IDs may be associated with one MA-ID. In addition, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, etc. are stored for each HA-ID associated with an MA-ID.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the ID binding information DB 120 for identifying a playback device (e.g., a television receiver 141). More specifically, the table shown in Figure 21 stores an MA-ID, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, etc. in association with an HA-ID. An access token is a token that indicates that access to the video platform 111 is permitted. An expiration date is the expiration date of the access token, and the access token will expire if the expiration date is exceeded. A refresh token is a token used when acquiring a new access token and expiration date.

Here, a user may use VOD services provided by multiple video platforms 111 using a single playback device (e.g., a television receiver 141). In this case, multiple MA-IDs may be associated with one HA-ID. In addition, an access token, refresh token, expiration date, etc. are stored for each MA-ID associated with an HA-ID.

Returning to FIG. 19, the signal transmission and reception up to ID binding will be described in chronological order. First, when the television receiver 141 receives an operation to request VOD viewing, such as via a remote control operation, it sends a signal 1901 to the television cloud 131 requesting (1) a QR code (registered trademark). Signal 1901 includes at least the HA-ID.

The television cloud 131, which has received the QR code request (1), transmits information for displaying the QR code (2) to the television receiver 141 by signal 1902. Here, the QR code of signal 1902 contains at least information capable of identifying the PF-ID, which identifies the video platform 111 providing the VOD content, and the HA-ID, which identifies the television receiver itself. The television receiver 141, which has received signal 1902, displays the QR code on the screen.

Next, the mobile terminal 109 captures the QR code displayed on the screen of the television receiver 141, and based on the information obtained by decoding the image, performs (3) web access via signal 1903. The access destination in this case is the television gateway 121. The television gateway 212, which receives signal 1903, makes (4) an authentication request via signal 1904 to the video platform 111 indicated by the PF-ID included in the QR code.

Upon receiving signal 1904, video platform 111 performs (5) ID registration confirmation using signals 1905-1906. In this ID registration confirmation, video platform 111 requests the user to perform a login operation via mobile terminal 109.

Here, we will provide additional information on the display state and operation reception on the mobile terminal 109 side. When the user requests VOD viewing from the television receiver 141 using the remote control, a QR code is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 141, which is then imaged by the mobile terminal 109, and the web page to which the QR code leads is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 109. The web page at this time is provided by, for example, the television gateway 121. The web page at this time also includes, for example, an operation button for confirming whether to allow the user to log in on the next screen. When the user operates this operation button, a screen for the user to enter the ID and password specified in the VOD viewing contract is displayed on the mobile terminal 109. The screen for entering the ID and password at this time is provided by the video platform 111. Through this screen, the video platform 111 accepts the user's input of the ID and password, and completes (5) ID registration confirmation by signals 1905 to 1906.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 19, the video platform 111 transmits the user's ID and password to the subscriber database 191 by signal 1905. If the user's ID and password are valid under the VOD viewing contract, the subscriber database 191 transmits the MA-ID to the video platform 111 by signal 1906.

After completing the ID registration confirmation in (5) and obtaining the MA-ID, the video platform 111 transmits a response (6) to the television gateway 121 by signal 1907. At this point, the television gateway 121 recognizes that the user has signed a contract with the video platform 111 for VOD viewing.

The TV gateway 121, which has received the response (6), then transmits a token request (7) to the video platform 111 by signal 1908. The video platform 111, which has received the token request (7), transmits a VPF token response (8) to the TV gateway 121 by signal 1909.

The TV gateway 121, which has received the VPF token response (8), then transmits a token request (9) to the TV cloud 131 by signal 1910. The TV cloud 131, which has received the token request (9), transmits a TVC token response (10) to the TV gateway 121 by signal 1911.

The television gateway 121, which has received the TVC token response (10), then transmits a profile request (11) to the video platform 111 by signal 1912. The video platform 111, which has received this, transmits a profile and MA-ID (12) to the television gateway 121 by signal 1913.

The TV gateway 121, which has received the profile (12) and MA-ID, then transmits a profile request (13) to the TV cloud 131 by signal 1914. The TV cloud 131, which has received this, transmits the profile (14) and HA-ID by signal 1915.

By following the steps up to this point, the TV gateway 121 obtains the MA-ID and HA-ID associated with the user's profile. Next, the TV gateway 121 (15) performs ID binding and stores the MA-ID and HA-ID binding information (for example, the information shown in table format in Figures 20 and 21) in the ID binding information DB 120.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when viewing VOD for the first time on a certain playback device (television receiver 141), it is possible to perform input operations on the mobile terminal 109. The mobile terminal 109 is, for example, a smartphone, which is a terminal that allows easy character input. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the input of an ID and password, which previously required the use of a remote control, can now be performed on the mobile terminal 109, making it possible to significantly reduce the complexity of input operations.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as long as the token is valid, it is possible to connect the television receiver 141 to the video platform 111 without the television receiver 141 or the television cloud 131 managing IDs and passwords that enable users to log in to the video platform 111. In other words, the IDs and passwords, which are information that should be kept secret, are managed only by the video platform 111, and it is possible to eliminate the risk of them being leaked from other devices (the television gateway 121, the television cloud 131, and the television receiver 141).

Figure 22 is a diagram explaining the signal flow involved in providing an ID in the TV gateway 121. This diagram shows the signal flow when a user with a certain VOD viewing contract views a VOD for the second or subsequent time using a certain playback device.

The TV gateway 121 includes a combination information reference unit 1706, which is a functional unit that is realized by the CPU 1702 executing a predetermined program. When the communication I/F (Interface) 1704 receives an MA-ID from the video platform 111, the combination information reference unit 1706 refers to the ID combination information DB 120 to obtain an HA-ID corresponding to the MA-ID, and transmits this to the TV cloud 131. Also, when the communication I/F (Interface) 1704 receives an HA-ID from the TV cloud 131, the combination information reference unit 1706 refers to the ID combination information DB 120 to obtain an MA-ID corresponding to the HA-ID, and transmits this to the video platform 111. More details are as described in the first embodiment using FIG. 4.

In linear distribution of video content, adding VOD information to program guide configuration information makes it possible for VOD to be displayed on the EPG when a user watches linearly distributed video content. This allows viewers to have a wider range of program choices.

101 to 108: CSP (Content Service Provider)
109 ... Mobile terminal 111 ... Video platform 120 ... ID combination information DB
121 ... TV gateway 131 ... TV cloud 141 ... TV receiver 191 ... subscriber database 301 ... program guide viewing information 1706 ... combination information reference unit

Claims (4)

A television gateway is disposed between a video platform and a television receiver, and provides a connection for providing video content from the video platform to the television receiver,
receiving information from a user's mobile terminal that identifies a TV cloud that mediates authentication of the TV receiver to the TV gateway, the TV receiver, and the mobile terminal;
receiving from the video platform an MA-ID that simultaneously identifies the mobile terminal and the video platform of an authenticated user based on input via the mobile terminal;
receiving from the TV cloud an HA-ID that simultaneously identifies the TV receiver and the TV cloud;
The MA-ID and the HA-ID related to the same user are associated with each other and stored as ID combination information in a predetermined storage unit.
TV Gateway. A television cloud is disposed between a video platform and a television receiver, is connected to a television gateway that performs a connection for providing video content from the video platform to the television receiver, and is capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the television gateway, and mediates authentication of the television receiver with respect to the television gateway.
Transmitting information to the television receiver for displaying a code image including information for identifying the television receiver and the television cloud,
sending, to the TV gateway, an HA-ID that simultaneously identifies the TV receiver and the TV cloud;
TV Cloud. A video platform that provides video content to a television receiver associated with a user based on a viewing contract with the user,
Authenticate the user based on information entered on the user's mobile device;
sending an MA-ID simultaneously identifying the mobile terminal and the video platform to a television gateway that mediates authentication of the television receiver to the video platform;
Video platform. A video platform that provides video content to a television receiver associated with a user based on a viewing contract with the user;
a television gateway that mediates authentication of the television receiver to the video platform;
A TV cloud that is connected to the TV receiver so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving signals and mediates authentication of the TV receiver with respect to the TV gateway;
Equipped with
The television gateway accepts access from a mobile terminal carried by a user based on information included in a code image displayed on the television receiver by the television cloud, and acquires information that associates at least the television receiver with the mobile terminal through the access;
The video platform authenticates the user based on the information input from the mobile terminal at the later stage of the access, and further transmits to the television gateway an MA-ID that simultaneously identifies the mobile terminal and the video platform;
The TV cloud transmits to the TV gateway an HA-ID that simultaneously identifies the TV receiver and the TV cloud;
Furthermore, the television gateway associates the MA-ID and the HA-ID related to the same user with each other and stores the association information as ID combination information in a predetermined storage unit.
Delivery system.

Images