JP5534579B2 - Content broadcasting system and content broadcasting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content broadcasting system and a content broadcasting method for broadcasting content data from a content server to a user terminal through a communication network constructed by mutually connecting communication lines such as the Internet.

  In recent years, services have been provided that distribute information related to programs broadcast by radio stations via radio waves via a communication network such as the Internet. As a technique for distributing such broadcast program information, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, television program guide data incorporating Internet URL information related to individual television programs is distributed to a television apparatus having a browser function for displaying information on the Internet. . In this television device, a window for displaying a browser screen is displayed as one of the divided screens of the television, and a home page related to the program currently being viewed is automatically displayed in this window. Yes. On this home page, for example, information on program sponsors and information on performers can be posted, and questionnaires on opinions and impressions on programs can be conducted.

JP 10-177532 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, a homepage is accessed by following a URL with a so-called link in a TV program guide, and real-time information precisely synchronized with the progress of the program is received by the user. There is a problem that it is not possible to collect selection operations that are presented to the user or display the intention of the user. For this reason, the viewer side and the content provider side cannot share the time axis of the program progress, and the problem is that the program content and the synchronization service linked to the program progress cannot be provided, and the immediate reflection thereof cannot be performed. was there.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by making the viewer recognize the progress time of the program and sharing the time axis with the content provider side, it is linked to the program content and the program progress. It is an object of the present invention to provide a content broadcasting system and a content broadcasting method that enable provision of the synchronized service and immediate reflection thereof.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is, through a communication network built by connecting a communication line with each other, from the content server a content broadcast system for broadcasting content data to the user terminal, a communication network The content server further includes a time server for measuring the absolute time, and the content server distributes the data transmission unit that distributes the content data, and the definition data that defines the event occurrence corresponding to the timeline that indicates the playback time of the content data A definition data distribution unit, a Web distribution unit that distributes display information including a reproduction screen on which the content data is reproduced, and the user terminal receives the content data, the definition data, and the display information, and the content data and a reproduction unit for reproducing, and the display information including the playback screen The browser unit to be displayed, the timeline monitoring unit that monitors the timeline in accordance with the playback of the content data by the playback unit, and the definition data is referenced based on the timeline detected by the timeline monitoring unit, and the timeline is supported A definition data distribution unit having a function of defining an event occurrence in the definition data based on an absolute time, a timeline monitoring unit monitoring a time server, and The event generation unit has a function to acquire the absolute time measured by the server, and the event generation unit refers to the definition data to determine whether the event is based on the timeline or the absolute time, and this determination result The event is generated at a timing based on the above .

Further, another aspect of the present invention, through a communication network built by connecting a communication line with each other, a content broadcast method for broadcasting content data from a content server to the user terminal, on the communication network, absolute time A time server that keeps track of
(1) Distribution of content data, definition data defining event occurrence corresponding to a timeline indicating the playback time of the content data, and display information including a playback screen on which the content data is played, from the content server Steps,
(2) a receiving step of receiving content data, definition data and display information at the user terminal;
(3) In the user terminal, a playback step of displaying the display information in the browser unit and playing back the content data in the playback unit;
(4) a timeline monitoring step of monitoring the timeline in accordance with the playback of the content data by the playback unit;
(5) refers to the definition data based on the time line detected in the monitoring step, possess an event generation step of generating an event corresponding to the time line,
In the distribution step, the event occurrence in the definition data is defined based on the absolute time,
In the timeline monitoring step, the time server is monitored, the absolute time measured by the time server is obtained,
In the event generation step, the definition data is referred to determine whether the event is based on the timeline or the absolute time, and the event is generated based on the timing based on the determination result .

  According to these inventions, a timeline is embedded as information serving as an index of elapsed playback time at regular intervals in content data such as so-called simulcast video such as television broadcast, and the user terminal (viewer) side It is possible to implement a function to monitor a timeline and generate an event with a specific time as a trigger among the progress times during the playback.

Further, according to the present invention, an event is generated according to the elapsed time (relative time) from the trial start time of the content data based on the timeline of the content data, or according to the absolute time measured by the time server. An event can be generated or two kinds of definitions can be described in the definition data. As a result, according to the present invention, an event can be generated at a timing suitable for the progress of the program content, or an event can be generated at a timing prioritizing the absolute time by ignoring the progress of the program content. Can be diversified.

  In the above invention, the content data is embedded with a time frame which is time axis data recorded on the content server side, and the timeline is time axis data virtually defined on the user terminal, and the content data This is information indicating the program time that proceeds in synchronization with the data reproduction process, and the timeline monitoring unit reads the time frame at predetermined intervals in accordance with the reproduction of the content data, and the timeline is described in the time frame. It is preferable to adjust and synchronize the timeline every predetermined time so that it becomes the same time.

  In the above invention, the timeline monitoring unit reads the time frame and synchronizes the time elapsed based on the clock frequency of the system time in the user terminal until the next time frame is read. It is preferable to perform synchronization processing periodically based on the time frame in the content data when the difference reaches a predetermined time.

In the above invention, the user terminal includes a GUI control unit that causes the browser unit to display a selection window that accepts a selection operation by the user as an event, a user operation acquisition unit that acquires the selection operation by the user through the selection window , and a user operation acquisition unit. Preferably, the content server further includes a transmission unit that transmits the acquired user operation to the content server, and the content server further includes a user data storage unit that receives and stores the user operation transmitted from the transmission unit.

In this case, in the invention of the above method, in the event generation step, the user terminal displays a selection window that accepts a selection operation by the user as an event on the browser unit, and acquires the selection operation by the user through the selection window . The user operation is transmitted to the content server, and the content server receives the user operation transmitted from the transmission unit and stores it in the user data storage unit.

According to these inventions, a selection window for a questionnaire or voting is displayed as a GUI at a preset timing, and the user's selection operation for the selection window is collected, so that an appropriate timing in accordance with the contents of the program is obtained. So you can collect real-time user feedback.

  In the above invention, the data processing unit may further include a total content generation unit that totals user operations stored in the user data storage unit and generates the total result as content data, and the data transmission unit may distribute the total content as content data. preferable.

  In this case, in the invention of the above method, the user operation accumulated in the user data storage unit is totaled in the content server prior to the distribution step, and the total result is generated as content data. In the distribution step, the content server Then, the aggregated content is distributed as content data.

  According to such an invention, it is possible to develop a new content that meets the user's hobbies and preferences by collecting a log of selection operations reflecting the user's intention and applying the collected result. .

  In the above invention, the user operation includes address information for specifying the position of the user terminal on the communication network, and the definition data distribution unit preferably distributes definition data corresponding to the address information.

  In this case, in the above method invention, the user operation includes address information for specifying the position of the user terminal on the communication network, and the address information is acquired prior to the distribution step. Distribute definition data corresponding to.

  According to such an invention, it is possible to collect the user's intention display for each region, and it is possible to develop a service reflecting regional characteristics.

  In the above invention, preferably, in the content server, the data transmission unit distributes event content displayed as an event, and the event generation unit displays the event content as an event on the browser unit.

  In this case, in the above method invention, the event content displayed as an event is distributed from the content server in the distribution step, and the event content is displayed on the browser unit as the event in the event generation step.

  According to these inventions, for example, a video such as a commercial can be displayed as event content in synchronization with a specific scene (time) in the program, and effective advertising utilizing a synergistic effect with the program content.・ Advertising services can be provided.

  The event content here is displayed on the screen, data such as Web banners and still images, data for outputting only sound such as voice / music distribution, etc., in addition to the above-described video such as commercials. The costumes of the performers and guidance to the item purchase page can be listed.

  In the above invention, the user data storage unit further includes a total content generation unit that totals user operations and generates the total result as content data, and the event generation unit displays the total content as an event on the browser unit. It is preferable to make it.

  In this case, in the invention of the above method, prior to the distribution step, the user operations accumulated in the user data storage unit are totaled in the content server, and the total result is generated as content data. Then, the total content is displayed on the browser unit.

  According to these inventions, by collecting the log of the selection operation reflecting the user's intention and applying the collected result, new content developed in accordance with the user's hobbies and preferences is further added to the event content. It is possible to provide a more fulfilling service by utilizing a synergistic effect with the program content.

  In the above invention, a radio broadcast unit that transmits broadcast data having the same content as the content data via radio waves is further provided, and the data transmission unit distributes the content data in synchronization with transmission of the broadcast data by the radio broadcast unit. Is preferred.

  In this case, in the above method invention, the content server is connected to a radio wave broadcasting unit that transmits broadcast data having the same contents as the content data via radio waves, and in the distribution step, the broadcast data is transmitted by the radio wave broadcasting unit. Synchronize with the content data.

  According to these inventions, by synchronizing content broadcast in one direction via radio waves with content distribution through a communication network such as the Internet that can enjoy the benefits of two-way communication, It is possible to develop services that combine the characteristics of two-way communication over a network.

  In the above invention, a plurality of display information is distributed in the Web distribution unit, and the plurality of display information has address information for specifying positions on different communication networks, and the different address information is acquired via radio broadcast. It is preferable that the address information including the acquired route information is presented in the broadcast data transmitted by the radio broadcast unit.

  In this case, in the invention of the above method, in the distribution step, a plurality of pieces of display information are distributed, and the plurality of pieces of display information have address information for specifying positions on different communication networks. The address information including the acquired route information is included in the broadcast data transmitted by the radio broadcast unit including the information to which the acquired route information indicating that the address information is acquired via broadcasting is added. .

  According to these inventions, the content server that presents the address information of the content data distribution source on the communication network to the radio broadcast and provides the user with the content data distribution service based on the presented address information Can attract side access. At this time, in order to be able to identify the access acquired via the radio broadcast, the Internet can be viewed by watching the TV broadcast by adding acquisition route information for distinguishing it from the normal address where the content data is streamed. It is possible to determine the user who has accessed the Web site, and to develop a service according to the difference in the access route for the service.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when content data is broadcast as a program from a content server to a user terminal through a communication network such as the Internet, the program progress time is recognized by the viewer, and the time By sharing the axis with the content provider side, a synchronization service linked to the program content and the program progress becomes possible.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a content broadcasting system according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the content broadcasting method which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the broadcast station, content server, and user terminal which comprise the content broadcast system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the content broadcasting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement at the time of the event generation | occurrence | production in the content broadcasting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of the timeline monitoring in the content broadcasting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the selection window which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the content broadcasting system which concerns on the example of a change of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the content broadcasting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the content broadcasting method which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the user terminal which comprises the content broadcasting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the content broadcasting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of absolute time acquisition in the content broadcasting system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the user terminal which comprises the content broadcasting system which concerns on the example of a change of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of the user terminal of the content broadcasting system which concerns on the example of a change of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement at the time of the timeline monitoring in the content broadcasting system which concerns on the example of a change of 2nd Embodiment, and absolute time acquisition.

[First Embodiment]
(Outline of content broadcasting system and content broadcasting method)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the content broadcasting system according to the present embodiment is a system that broadcasts or distributes content that is a broadcast program from a broadcast station 100 to users 1a to 1d that are viewers. Broadcast data is broadcast from the broadcasting station 100 via the communication satellite 4 and the parabolic antenna 3 to the receiver 2a through radio waves, and from the content server 110 to the Internet for the information terminals 2b to d of the users 1b to d. 5, the content data having the same content as the program broadcast on the broadcast station 100 is distributed in synchronization with the broadcast data transmission at the broadcast station 100.

  In the present embodiment, the Internet 5 is a form of a communication network. For example, various communication lines (telephone lines, ISDN lines, ADSL lines, public lines such as optical lines, private lines, etc.) using the communication protocol TCP / IP. , A wireless communication network), which is a distributed IP network constructed by connecting each other. The Internet 5 includes a LAN such as an intranet (company network) or a home network based on 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX.

  The television receiver 2a is a user terminal that receives analog broadcast and digital broadcast and outputs video and audio, and can receive and output data broadcast such as text broadcast in addition to video and audio.

  The information terminals 2b to 2d are user terminals equipped with a calculation processing function by a CPU and a communication processing function by a communication interface, and can be realized by a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer or a dedicated device with specialized functions. Mobile computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance), and mobile phones. The information terminals 2b to 2d also have a browser function for accessing the Internet 5 and transmitting / receiving data. This browser function is application software for browsing Web pages, downloads HTML (HyperText Markup Language) files, image files, music files, etc. from the Internet, analyzes the layout, and displays / reproduces them. It is also possible for a user to transmit data to a Web server using a form, or to operate application software written in JavaScript (Java is a registered trademark), Flash, Java, or the like.

The content server 110 is a server computer that transmits information such as an HTML file, an image file, or a music file in a document system such as WWW (World Wide Web) or software having the function thereof. Information such as images is stored, and the information is transmitted through an IP network such as the Internet 5 in response to a request from client software such as a Web browser. In the present embodiment, the content server 110 includes a plurality of server devices such as an API providing server 110a, a Web server 110b, and a broadcast server 110c, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to distribute each function. Yes.
Then, the content data broadcast from the content server 110 in this embodiment is provided to the users 1b to 1d according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  First, the content data D3 created or obtained by the content provider 100a is submitted to the broadcast server 110c operated by the line / facility provider 20. Here, the content provider 100a is, for example, the broadcast station 100, and the content data D3 has the same content as the broadcast data broadcast by the broadcast station 100. The content data D3 includes, for example, live broadcast content such as baseball broadcasts and news programs, as well as prerecorded broadcast content such as quiz programs and music programs.

  The content provider 100a submits the definition data D1 to the API providing server 110a. This definition data D1 is a script file in which a program for defining an event occurrence corresponding to a content timeline indicating the reproduction time of the content data is described. As basic information, a question sentence is written in the corresponding timeline and event. And answer sentences as options and these types are included, and metadata includes popup display time, display position, display color, transition, and the like displayed when an event occurs.

  Further, display information D2, which is a Web page to which a reproduction unit that reproduces the content data D3 is pasted, is submitted to the Web server 110b. This display information D2 is composed of HTML and can be browsed by browser software or the like.

  When the viewer 1 accesses the web page, the content data D3, definition data D1, and display information D2 distributed by the servers 110a to 110c are received by the user terminals 2b to d and displayed on the browser unit 18, Viewing is possible. At this time, in the browser unit 18, the display information D2 is displayed as a web page, and the media playback unit 18a is displayed so as to be embedded in the web page, and the content data D3 is received by streaming delivery in the media playback unit 18a. Played.

(Configuration of content broadcasting system)
Next, the internal structure of the content broadcasting system will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the broadcasting station 100, the content server 110, and the user terminal 2 that constitute the content broadcasting system. The “module” used in the description refers to a functional unit that is configured by hardware such as an apparatus or a device, software having the function, or a combination thereof, and achieves a predetermined operation. .

  The content server includes a data transmission unit 116, a data reception unit 115, and a synchronization processing unit 117 as communication modules, and a Web data storage unit 111 and a definition data storage unit 112 as modules for storing each data. And a content data storage unit 113 and a user data storage unit 114.

  The data transmission unit 116 is a module that transmits data through the Internet 5, and transmits each data in packets. The data transmission unit 116 includes a streaming distribution unit 116a, a definition data distribution unit 116b, and a Web data distribution unit 116c.

  The streaming delivery unit 116 a is a module for streaming delivery of content data, reads out the content data stored in the content data storage unit 113 according to a predetermined broadcast schedule, and sends it to the Internet 5. Also, based on the control by the synchronization processing unit 117, the distribution of content data is executed in synchronization with the transmission of broadcast data at the broadcast station.

  The definition data distribution unit 116b is a module for distributing definition data, and distributes definition data associated with content data being streamed to the user terminal 2 prior to or simultaneously with the distribution of content data.

  The Web data distribution unit 116 c is a Web server that distributes display information (Web data) stored in the Web data storage unit 111. In the present embodiment, the user operation acquired from the user terminal 2 includes address information (IP address) for specifying the position of each user terminal on the Internet 5. The location of 2 can be specified to some extent.

  The definition data distribution unit 116b can select and extract definition data corresponding to the IP address from the definition data storage unit 112, and can distribute definition data programmed with an event corresponding to a region. It is like that. In this embodiment, since synchronization with satellite broadcasting is possible, countries and regions where satellite broadcasting does not reach are classified by IP address, and definition data and content data are selected according to whether or not satellite broadcasting can be received. And may be distributed.

  Further, the Web data distribution unit 116c distributes a plurality of Web pages having the same content, and each of the plurality of Web pages has a different URL as address information for specifying a position on the Internet 5. One of these different URLs includes the URL of the mirroring page, and acquisition path information indicating that the URL is acquired via radio broadcast is added to the URL of the mirroring page. For this reason, when accessing using a URL displayed on a screen viewed by radio broadcasting, the mirroring page is accessed, and normal access (for example, drill-down from the top page of the website) is performed. This is a different page from the Web page to be executed. Thus, by analyzing the URL of the accessed web page, it is possible to determine that the website has been accessed via radio broadcast. Note that this acquisition path information can be expressed by parameters added below the domain part of the URL, subfolder addresses, and the like.

  The data reception unit 115 is a module that receives a user operation transmitted from the data transmission unit 10 of the user terminal 2, and displays the received user operation as log data together with a terminal identifier that identifies the user terminal that is the transmission source. And stored in the user data storage unit 114.

  The synchronization processing unit 117 is a module that synchronizes the broadcast data transmission timing in the radio broadcast unit 102 on the broadcast station 100 side and the content distribution timing by the data transmission unit 116 on the content server 110 side. The synchronization processing unit 117 includes an additional information management unit 117a. The additional information management unit 117a includes a URL (acquisition route information) of a mirroring page of a Web page on which content currently being broadcast can be browsed. (Address information) is notified to the additional information broadcasting unit 102a. The URL of the mirroring page notified by this additional information management unit 117a is superimposed on the image of the broadcast data to be transmitted by the additional information broadcasting unit 102a on the broadcasting station 100 side, and is being viewed through radio waves. Then, it is displayed in the display screen on the user terminal 2a side.

  The Web data storage unit 111 is a storage device that stores Web data that is display information including a playback unit. The Web data storage unit 111 includes subfolders, and the URL on the Internet 5 is different for each folder. Thereby, a plurality of different URLs can be created. For example, the URL of the mirroring page that is the address information including the acquisition path information described above can be set by using the subfolder name.

  The definition data storage unit 112 is a storage device that stores the definition data. This definition data is associated with the content ID for identifying the content data and can be searched from the content ID, so that the related definition data can be searched and distributed in cooperation with the distribution of the content data. It has become. In addition, this definition data can associate a plurality of items with different contents depending on the region and the user layer with one content ID, and a suitable definition corresponding to the region and the user layer for the same content ID. Data can be selected and distributed.

  The content data storage unit 113 is a storage device that stores content data submitted by the content provider 100a. This content data has the same content as broadcast data broadcast on the broadcast station 100. Further, the content stored in the content data storage unit 113 includes event content displayed as an event on the user terminal side. The event content includes, for example, videos such as commercials, total content such as profiles obtained by totaling log data, and the like.

The user data accumulation unit 114 is a storage device that accumulates an operation history operated by the user as log data in association with a user ID that identifies the user. The log data stored in the user data storage unit 114 is extracted by the log totaling unit 119 and can be totaled.
Further, the content server includes a log totaling unit 119 and a content generation unit 118 as log management modules.

  The log totaling unit 119 is a module that totals user operations stored in the user data storage unit. The content generation unit 118 is a module that generates a result of aggregation by the log aggregation unit 119 as content data or event content. The event generation unit 12 can cause the browser unit 18 to display the total content as an event.

  On the other hand, the user terminal 2 includes a data reception unit 17 and a data transmission unit 10 as communication modules, and a browser unit 18, a media playback unit 18 a, and GUI control as modules for browsing the Web. A unit 18b and a user operation acquisition unit 11 are provided.

  The data receiving unit 17 is a communication interface that receives various data such as content data, definition data, and display information. The received display information and definition data are input to the browser unit 18, and the received content data is input to the media playback unit 18a. The data transmission unit 10 is a communication interface that transmits various data.

  The browser unit 18 is software that displays display information including the media playback unit 18a. The browser unit 18 can output video and audio through the output interface 16b, and can be output from an operation device such as a mouse or a keyboard through the input interface 16a. An operation signal is input as a user operation. The browser unit 18 displays a Web page and enables user operations such as clicking on the Web page and inputting characters. The media playback unit 18a is playback software for playing back content data, and can be displayed by embedding a playback screen in the browser unit 18.

  The GUI control unit 18b is a module that prompts a user operation in an interactive manner with the user, and accepts a screen display for the user, a click operation on the screen, a character input, and the like. In particular, the GUI control unit 18b has a function of causing the browser unit 18 to pop up a selection window 41 for accepting a selection operation by the user as an event. The user operation accepted by the GUI control unit 18b is sent to the user operation acquisition unit 11.

  The user operation acquisition unit 11 is a module that acquires a selection operation by the user through the selection unit, and the data transmission unit 10 transmits the user operation acquired by the user operation acquisition unit 11 to the content server 110. In the present embodiment, this user operation includes address information (IP address) for specifying the position of each user terminal on the Internet 5, and the definition data distribution unit 116b receives the definition data corresponding to the address information. It can be delivered.

  Further, the user terminal includes a timeline monitoring unit 15, a script extraction unit 14, a script command execution unit 13, and an event generation unit 12 as modules related to event processing.

  The timeline monitoring unit 15 is a module that detects a time frame in accordance with the reproduction of the content data by the media reproduction unit 18a and monitors the timeline. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the timeline monitoring unit 15 first starts viewing content data on the user terminals 2b to d (1. in the figure). By detecting the time frame embedded in the data and specifying the time (program time) of the content being reproduced (2. in the figure), a more detailed content timeline is created. The time frame embedded in the content data is time axis data recorded in the content on the server side when the content is transmitted.

  Here, the content timeline is time axis data virtually defined on the user terminal, and indicates a program time that proceeds in synchronization with the content data reproduction process. That is, this content timeline is the actual playback progress time that is advanced regardless of the setting of the system time in the client-side information terminal. In this embodiment, the time read from the content data as the content data is played back. The time is adjusted to synchronize with the time described in the frame.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the content timeline is also adjusted every minute so that the content timeline is the time described in the time frame read every minute by the reproduction of the content data. Synchronized with the program time of the program viewed by playback. Furthermore, when the content timeline is synchronized with the time frame every minute, the content timeline is refined by checking the definition data every second until the next time frame is read out. The time progress of the detailed content timeline is measured using a difference from the system time of the user terminal. In other words, after the time frame is read and synchronized, the time elapsed based on the clock frequency of the system time is added as a difference from the time frame until the next time frame is read, and the difference becomes 1 minute. At this point, the synchronization processing is periodically performed based on the time frame in the content data, thereby preventing a delay due to the data processing.

  In the present embodiment, the timeline monitoring unit 15 has a function of detecting the frame rate of content playback in the media playback unit 18a, and after reading one time frame, the next time frame is read. In the event that a delay in content playback processing occurs, the progress of the content timeline is delayed in accordance with the frame rate detected by the timeline monitoring unit 15, and the content timeline progresses at the playback speed of the content data. Adjust to match.

  Then, the content timeline is monitored, and the definition data D1 is checked to see if a script command associated with the time having the content timeline as a time axis is defined (3 in the figure). If the corresponding script command is defined, an event according to the command is generated (4 in the figure).

  The script extraction unit 14 is a module that extracts and analyzes the script included in the Web data displayed by the browser unit 18 and the definition data associated with the Web data. The described script is extracted and sent to the script command execution unit 13 as a script command together with the time definition on the timeline.

  The script command execution unit 13 is a module that acquires the script command extracted by the script extraction unit 14 and causes the event generation unit 12 to execute the script command at a predetermined time. The event generation unit 12 enters an event generation standby state by executing this script command.

  The event generation unit 12 is a module that refers to the definition data based on the content timeline monitored by the timeline monitoring unit 15 and generates an event corresponding to the content timeline. Specifically, the timeline monitoring unit 15 reads the content timeline at a predetermined cycle and sends it to the event generation unit 12. The event generation unit 12 is in a standby state for the script command extracted from the definition data by the script extraction unit 14, and generates an event that has been waiting due to the execution of the script command when a predetermined time arrives.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, as an event, a selection window 41 for accepting a selection operation by the user is displayed in the browser unit 18 by the GUI control unit 18b. In this selection window 41, for example, a question sentence such as a questionnaire or a quiz and an answer sentence for the question are displayed so as to be selectable, and the user can answer the question by selecting the answer sentence. A selection operation by the user is input to the user operation acquisition unit 11 through the selection window 41, and the user operation acquired by the user operation acquisition unit is transmitted to the content server 110 through the data transmission unit 10.

  On the other hand, the broadcasting station 100 is a facility that performs various types of radio wave broadcasting such as terrestrial analog broadcasting, terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, or CS digital broadcasting. In this embodiment, a plurality of channels and broadcasting methods are used at the same time. It supports simulcasting that broadcasts the same program, has channels on a plurality of satellite platforms, and can share programs of the same content on a plurality of channels depending on the time of day. In the present embodiment, the broadcast data storage unit 101 may be divided for each broadcasting station so that two broadcasting stations can use a common infrastructure, and different address spaces may be used.

  Broadcast data broadcast by the broadcasting station 100 is stored in the broadcast data storage unit 101 and transmitted by the radio wave broadcasting unit 102 through radio waves. The radio broadcast unit 102 can be connected to the synchronization processing unit 117, and the data transmission unit 116 of the content server 110 distributes the content data in synchronization with the transmission of the broadcast data by the radio broadcast unit 102. Can be done.

  The radio wave broadcasting unit 102 also includes an additional information broadcasting unit 102a. The additional information broadcasting unit 102a superimposes address information including acquisition route information on the video of broadcast data to be transmitted, and Acquisition route information can be presented in the display screen on the terminal 2a side.

(Content broadcasting method)
By operating the content broadcasting system having the above configuration, the content broadcasting method of the present invention can be implemented. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content broadcasting system according to this embodiment.

  First, the broadcast station 100 starts radio broadcast of broadcast data (S101). The synchronization processing with the radio broadcast is executed in the synchronization processing unit 117 of the content server 110 (S210). Next, it is assumed that the user terminal 2b accesses the Web site of the broadcast program (S301). For this access, user authentication may be performed by accepting input of a user ID or password. In this access, the IP address of the user terminal may be acquired, or it may be determined whether the access to the content is a drill-down from the top page or via a URL broadcast on a television broadcast. .

  In response to this access, the content server 110 transmits display information D2 and definition data D1 to the user terminal 2b (S202). On the user terminal 2b side, the received Web data / definition data is displayed on the browser unit 18 (S302), and reception and playback of streaming distribution of the content data D3 is started (S203 and S303). That is, the content data D3, the definition data D1, and the display information D2 are received by the user terminals 2b to d, and the display information D2 is displayed as a web page in the browser unit 18 and embedded in the web page. The media playback unit 18a is displayed, and the content data D3 is displayed on the media playback unit 18a.

  While the content data is being reproduced, the timeline monitoring unit 15 monitors the timeline in accordance with the reproduction of the content data by the media reproduction unit 18a (S304). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the monitoring of the timeline is performed when the user terminal 2b to d first starts viewing content data (1. in FIG. 6). Then, a time frame embedded in the content data is detected, the time (program time) of the content being played back is specified, and further updated every 1 second to create a detailed content timeline (see FIG. 2. of 6). Then, the created content timeline is monitored.

  Next, in the detailed content timeline, the definition data D1 is collated every second for whether or not the script command associated with the time frame is defined (S305: 3. in FIG. 6). If the corresponding script command is not defined (“N” in S305), monitoring of the content timeline is continued by loop processing. If the corresponding script command is defined (“Y” in S305), it is defined. Event is generated (S306: 4. in FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the event in the present embodiment performs a questionnaire survey by popping up a selection window 41. Specifically, when an event occurs, the script command is analyzed (S501), the “question sentence” and the “answer sentence” included in the definition data are read, and set by the definition data as shown in FIG. The position / color selection window 41 is popped up (S502). Examples of the setting based on the definition data include a specific position of the video, a display in a specific style, a size and a color that do not hinder viewing of the program.

  Then, the user answers the question by selecting an answer sentence in the selection window 41 (S503). The selection operation by the user is transmitted to the content server 110 through the selection window 41 (S504 and S401). The received user operation is stored in the user data storage unit 114 as log data together with a terminal identifier for identifying the user terminal that is the transmission source and position information (IP address) (S402 and S403).

User operations accumulated in the user data accumulation unit are aggregated by the log aggregation unit 119 (S404). The total result can be generated as content data or event content by the content generation unit 118, and the total content can be displayed on the browser unit 18 as an event at the event generation unit 12.
After such an event ends, the timeline monitoring (S304) is continued ("N" in S307) until the reproduction of the content data ends.

(Action / Effect)
According to the present embodiment described above, the time frame serving as an index of elapsed playback time is embedded in the broadcast data distributed from the content server 110 at regular intervals, and the content data is displayed on the viewer (user terminal 2b-d) side. It is possible to implement a function of detecting a time frame embedded in the content, monitoring a content timeline, and generating an event by using a specific time of the progress time at the time of reproduction as a trigger.

  In each user terminal 2b to 2d, content data is reproduced at a specific time (time axis) that is independent from the time (time axis) on the content server 110 side, not the absolute time, and the specific scene (time) For example, a streaming delivery time on the content server 110 side and a user terminal 2b-d side due to a communication delay between the content server 110 and the user terminals 2b-d. Even when there is a time difference between the playback time and the event time, an event can be generated at a timing appropriately corresponding to the contents of the content data.

  In the present embodiment, as an event, a selection window 41 for questionnaires and voting is popped up at a preset timing, and user selection operations on the selection window 41 are collected, so that the appropriateness in accordance with the contents of the program is obtained. It is possible to collect real-time user's voices at appropriate timing. In addition, by applying this log data collection result, it becomes possible to develop new content that meets the user's hobbies and preferences.

  In the present embodiment, the content (broadcast program) broadcast from the broadcast station 100 in one direction via radio waves is synchronized with the content distribution through the Internet 5 that can enjoy the benefits of bidirectional communication. It is possible to develop a service that combines the characteristics of broadcasting and the characteristics of bidirectional communication through a communication network.

  In addition, as an event, for example, if a video such as a commercial is displayed as event content in synchronization with a specific scene (time) in the program, an effective advertising / advertisement service that uses a synergistic effect with the program content Can be provided.

  Furthermore, by displaying a mirroring URL in the video of a TV program that flows through radio broadcast, viewers who are only through radio waves can be invited to access through the Internet 5. At this time, television broadcasts can be viewed by adding acquisition path information for distinguishing from the normal address to the URL of the mirroring page so that access to the mirroring page acquired via radio broadcast can be specified. Thus, the user who has accessed the Web site on the Internet can be discriminated, and the service corresponding to the difference in the access route for the service can be developed.

(Example of change)
In the present embodiment, the information terminals 2b to 2d used by the user have been described as general-purpose computers such as personal computers. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, as shown in FIG. The information terminal 2 may be a mobile terminal such as a mobile computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), or a mobile phone. Furthermore, a so-called OLM (peer-to-peer) network system form may be added to the network system to receive content data from the content server 110 or the other information terminals 2e to 2g. Below, the structure which added the mobile terminal to the information terminal 2, and the structure which added the OLM system network system to the network system are demonstrated.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the Internet 5A is constructed as the first IP network, and the Internet 5B, which is the second IP network, is connected to the Internet 5A. The Internet 5A and the Internet 5B are distributed by connecting various communication lines (public lines such as telephone lines, ISDN lines, and ADSL lines, dedicated lines, and wireless communication networks) using the communication protocol TCP / IP. This type of IP network includes a LAN such as an intranet (company network) or a home network based on 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX.

  In this modified example, a wireless base station 6 is connected to the Internet 5A, and the content server 110 is a program broadcasted by the broadcasting station 100 to the mobile terminals 2h and 2i via the wireless base station 6. The content data having the same content as is distributed in synchronism with the broadcast data transmission in the broadcast station 100.

  In this modified example, the mobile terminals 2h and 2i are portable mobile terminals using wireless communication, and are connected to the Internet 5A via the wireless base station 6 to provide communication services such as calls and data communication. Can be received while moving. Examples of the communication system of the cellular phone include an FDMA system, a TDMA system, a CDMA system, a W-CDMA, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) system, and the like.

  Specifically, the mobile terminals 2h and 2i include a wireless interface (not shown) and a connection processing unit (not shown) as wireless communication modules. The wireless interface may have a function of executing wireless communication using a mobile communication protocol for making a call and wireless communication using a data communication protocol such as a wireless LAN. In this case, the wireless interface for data communication can be, for example, a transmission / reception device compliant with IEEE 802.11b for wireless LAN connection. This wireless interface can be realized by a wireless LAN adapter or the like in a mobile computer or PDA.

  The connection processing unit of the mobile terminals 2h and 2i is a module for establishing a communication connection with the wireless base station 6 through wireless communication, and an identifier (telephone number or IP address) for specifying its own device. , User ID) is transmitted to the wireless base station 6 to be connected, and authentication is performed. The connection processing unit monitors the wireless signal and identifies the wireless base station 6 in order to establish a link for transmitting and receiving data when performing wireless LAN connection with the wireless base station 6. The ESSID may be detected.

  On the other hand, the information terminals 2e to 2g in the present modification example, when viewing the streaming by the content server 110, in a so-called OLM (peer-to-peer) network system form, part of the content data distributed by the content server 110 or All are received from the content server 110 or other information terminals 2e-2g.

  Here, the information terminals 2e to 2g are user terminals having an arithmetic processing function by a CPU and a communication processing function by a communication interface, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, or a dedicated device specialized in function, Each device has the same functions as the information terminals 2b to 2d for viewing the content data acquired by the OLM method.

  On the other hand, the radio base station 6 is connected to the Internet 5A through a gateway device (not shown), establishes a radio communication connection between the mobile terminals 2h and 2i and the radio base station 6, and is transmitted by the mobile terminals 2h and 2i. It is a device that provides telephone calls and data communications. The radio base station 6 can be a radio base station compatible with a so-called femto system. In this case, the radio base station 6 forms a small radio communication area called a femto cell, and the area A communication network that enables data communication and the like with a call using the same protocol as a call with a terminal located in the area is constructed.

(Action / Effect)
According to such a modified example, even when content data is viewed by the mobile terminals 2h and 2i, it is not an absolute time, but a specific time (time axis) independent of the time (time axis) on the content server 110 side. Since the content data can be played back and an event can be generated as a service synchronized with the specific scene (time), for example, communication delay between the content server 110 and the mobile terminals 2h and 2i causes Even if there is a time difference between the streaming delivery time and the playback time on the mobile terminals 2h, 2i, an event can be generated at a timing appropriately corresponding to the contents of the content data.

  Further, according to such a modified example, the content data downloaded by one of the information terminals 2e is shared with the other information terminals 2f and 2g by a so-called OLM (OverLay Multicast) peer-to-peer network system. In addition, by distributing content data between distributed user terminals, the burden on the content server can be reduced and the concentration of communication can be avoided, reducing the communication load. be able to.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the information terminal 2b to 2i monitors the timeline in the content, and the example has been described in which an event is generated in response to a specific time of the program time that is a relative time from the viewing start time of the content data. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the information terminals 2b to 2i monitor an absolute time measured by an external time server and generate an event based on the absolute time. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a content broadcasting system according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a content broadcasting method according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the functions and the like are the same unless otherwise specified, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the time server 120 is a module that is arranged on the Internet, measures the absolute time that is the current accurate time, and distributes the absolute time as data. Then, by accessing the time server 120, the user terminal 2 synchronizes with the time server 120, acquires absolute time data, and uses this absolute time data to set time information inside the user terminal 2 to the absolute time. Can be synchronized.

  In the content broadcasting system according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, definition data D1, display information D2, and content data D3 are submitted by the servers 110a to 110c, and content viewing is started. The time server 120 transmits the absolute time data D4 to the user terminal 2. Thereby, it is possible to provide event generation according to the relative time, which is the content progress time for the users 1b to 1i in the present embodiment, and event generation according to the absolute time by the time server 120.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the definition data D1 is a script file in which a program that defines an event occurrence corresponding to an absolute time is described. Specifically, the definition data D1 according to the present embodiment includes a program ID as program information, and event information includes a delay buffer, absolute time information for generating an event, content time, player event information, and the like. Content information includes content URL and content data, and metadata includes pop-up display time, display position, display color, transparency information, style type, transition, etc. displayed when an event occurs Yes.

(Configuration of content broadcasting system)
Next, the internal structure of the content broadcasting system will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a user terminal constituting the content broadcasting system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the user terminal 2 includes a system timekeeping unit 21 and a timeline monitoring unit 15 as timekeeping modules.

  The timeline monitoring unit 15 in the present embodiment is a module that monitors a time timeline when content data is played back by the media playback unit 18a. Here, the time timeline is time axis data virtually defined on the user terminal, and is time axis data that proceeds in synchronization with the absolute time provided by the time server 120. That is, this time timeline is advanced regardless of the setting of the system time in the information terminal on the client side. In this embodiment, the time server 120 provides the time frame at the timing of reading out the time frame as the content data is played back. The time is adjusted to synchronize with the absolute time.

  Specifically, the timeline monitoring unit 15 in this embodiment includes an absolute time acquisition unit 19 as a module that monitors the time server 120 and acquires the absolute time measured by the time server 120. The absolute time acquisition unit 19 is a module that accesses the time server 120 to request the absolute time data D4 and acquires the absolute time data D4 provided by the time server 120 in response thereto. For example, an NTP (Network Time Protocol, and a function for acquiring absolute time by a time synchronization protocol such as SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) simplified. Then, the timeline monitoring unit 15 repeats the synchronization process at a predetermined cycle during the period when the content data is being viewed, and transmits the acquired absolute time data D4 to the script extraction unit 14.

  In the present embodiment, the absolute time acquisition unit 19 acquires the absolute time from the time server 120 at the same time as the time frame reading timing in the timeline monitoring unit 15, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it access the time server 120 according to the period based on system time irrespective of a process and speed.

  The script extraction unit 14 is a module that extracts and analyzes the script included in the Web data displayed by the browser unit 18 and the definition data associated with the Web data. Along with the definition of the time of the described absolute time data, it is sent to the script command execution unit 13 as a script command.

  The script command execution unit 13 is a module that acquires the script command extracted by the script extraction unit 14 and causes the event generation unit 12 to execute the script command at a predetermined absolute time. The event generating unit 12 is in a standby state for generating an event until the script command is executed.

  The event generation unit 12 is a module that refers to the definition data based on the absolute time acquired by the timeline monitoring unit 15 and generates an event corresponding to the absolute time. Specifically, the absolute time acquisition unit 19 acquires absolute time data D4 acquired at a predetermined cycle and sends it to the event generation unit 12. The event generation unit 12 sets the script command extracted from the definition data by the script extraction unit 14 in a standby state, and generates an event that has been waiting due to the execution of the script command when a predetermined absolute time is input.

  On the content server 110 side, the definition data distribution unit 116b is a module that distributes definition data that defines the occurrence of an event corresponding to the absolute time counted by the time server 120. This definition data is the data transmission unit 116. Is transmitted to the user terminal 2.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, as the event, time information that is an accurate time and an information window 42 related to the absolute time are displayed in the browser unit 18 by the GUI control unit 18b. Here, in the information window 42 related to the absolute time, for example, characters such as New Year and Christmas, and graphics, or information combining these are displayed.

  The system timekeeping unit 21 is a module that measures the time information inside the user terminal 2 and corrects the time information inside the terminal based on the absolute time data D4 received from the absolute time acquisition unit 19.

  The cache unit 22 is a buffer device that temporarily stores the content data D3 received from the content server 110 or the other user terminals 2e to 2g and played back by the media playback unit 18a. Prior to this, the content is downloaded and stored in the cache unit 22 in advance. The data stored in the cache unit 22 can be shared with other user terminals 2e to 2g by an OLM (Over Lay Multicast) peer-to-peer network system. When there is a distribution request from 2g, it is transmitted to the other user terminals 2e to 2g.

(Content broadcasting method)
Next, a content broadcasting method according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the content broadcasting system according to the second embodiment.

  First, the broadcast station 100 starts radio broadcast of broadcast data (S601). The synchronization processing with the radio broadcast is executed in the synchronization processing unit 117 of the content server 110 (S602). Next, it is assumed that the user terminal 2b accesses the Web site of the broadcast program (S603).

  In response to this access, the content server 110 transmits the display information D2 and the definition data D1 to the user terminal 2b (S604). On the user terminal 2b side, the received Web data / definition data is displayed on the browser unit 18 (S605), and reception and playback of streaming distribution of the content data D3 is started (S606 and S607). That is, the content data D3, the definition data D1, and the display information D2 are received by the user terminals 2b to 2i, and the display information D2 is displayed as a web page in the browser unit 18 and embedded in the web page. The media playback unit 18a is displayed, and the content data D3 is displayed on the media playback unit 18a.

  While the content data is being reproduced, the absolute time acquisition unit 19 accesses the time server 120 to monitor the time server 120 when the media reproduction unit 18a reproduces the content data (S608), and accepts the access. The time server 120 transmits absolute time data D4 that is the correct current time (S609 and S610). Then, the absolute time acquisition unit 19 acquires the absolute time measured by the time server 120 (S611), and transmits this absolute time data D4 to the system timing unit 21 and also to the script extraction unit 14.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the acquisition of the absolute time is as follows. First, when viewing of the content data is started on the user terminals 2 b to 2 i side (1 in FIG. 13), the timing of reading the time frame Thus, the user terminals 2b to 2i access the time server, start the synchronization process (2. in FIG. 13), and continue the synchronization process at regular intervals.

  Next, every time the absolute time is acquired, the definition data is referred to based on the time timeline, and the definition data D1 is checked to see if the script command associated with the absolute time is defined (S612: 3 in FIG. 6). .). If the corresponding script command is not defined (“N” in S612), the time timeline monitoring is continued by loop processing. If the corresponding script command is defined (“Y” in S612), the absolute time (S613: 4. in FIG. 6) is generated.

In the event of this embodiment, event information is displayed by popping up characters, figures, etc. on the media playback unit 18a. Specifically, when an event occurs, a script command is analyzed, “time display” and “event name” included in the definition data are read, and event information of the position and color set by the definition data is displayed. This definition data is, for example, time information indicating midnight or additional information such as event display such as New Year and Christmas. Examples of the setting based on the definition data include a specific position of the video, a display in a specific style, a size and a color that do not hinder viewing of the program.
After such an event ends, the time timeline monitoring (S614) is continued ("N" in S614) until the reproduction of the content data ends.

(Action / Effect)
According to the present embodiment described above, when viewing content data such as a moving image distributed via a communication network such as the Internet 5, the absolute time provided from the time server 120 is acquired, and the content data is reproduced. Regardless of the progress, an event can be generated with an absolute time as a trigger. Thereby, in each information terminal 2b-2i, even if it is a case where content data reproduced at a specific time (time axis) is viewed, the media reproduction unit 18a displays the absolute time, so It is possible to notify the user of information along the actual passage of time.

(Example of change)
In the present embodiment, the example in which the user terminal 2 acquires the absolute time from the external time server 120 and generates an event based on the absolute time has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, the user terminal 2 may acquire the absolute time, monitor the relative passage of the program time, and generate an event using the specific time of the absolute time and the specific time of the program time as a trigger. Good. Below, the structure which generate | occur | produces an event in the user terminal 2 based on absolute time and program time is demonstrated. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a user terminal constituting the content broadcasting system according to this modification.

  The timeline monitoring unit 15 according to the present modification example acquires the absolute time, monitors the absolute time, detects the time frame in the content data, and determines the elapsed time of the program viewed by playing the content data. It also has a monitoring function. Specifically, the timeline monitoring unit 15 according to the present modification detects a time frame in accordance with the reproduction of the content data by the media reproduction unit 18a, monitors the content timeline, and provides the absolute time provided by the time server 120. This module monitors a time timeline synchronized with the time.

Here, the content timeline is time axis data virtually defined on the user terminal, and indicates a program time that proceeds in synchronization with the content data reproduction process. That is, this content timeline is the actual playback progress time that is advanced regardless of the setting of the system time in the client-side information terminal. In this embodiment, the time read from the content data as the content data is played back. The time is adjusted to synchronize with the time described in the frame.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the content timeline is also adjusted every minute so that the content timeline is the time described in the time frame read every minute by the reproduction of the content data. Synchronized with the program time of the program viewed by playback.

  Furthermore, when the content timeline is synchronized with the time frame every minute, the content timeline is refined by checking the definition data every second until the next time frame is read out. The time progress of the detailed content timeline is measured using a difference from the system time of the user terminal. In other words, after the time frame is read and synchronized, the time elapsed based on the clock frequency of the system time is added as a difference from the time frame until the next time frame is read, and the difference becomes 1 minute. At this point, the synchronization processing is periodically performed based on the time frame in the content data, thereby preventing a delay due to the data processing.

  In the present embodiment, the timeline monitoring unit 15 has a function of detecting the frame rate of content playback in the media playback unit 18a, and after reading one time frame, the next time frame is read. In the event that a delay in content playback processing occurs, the progress of the content timeline is delayed in accordance with the frame rate detected by the timeline monitoring unit 15, and the content timeline progresses at the playback speed of the content data. Adjust to match.

  On the other hand, the time timeline is time axis data virtually defined on the user terminal, and is time axis data that proceeds in synchronization with the absolute time provided by the time server 120. That is, this time timeline is advanced regardless of the setting of the system time in the information terminal on the client side. In this embodiment, the time server 120 provides the time frame at the timing of reading out the time frame as the content data is played back. The time is adjusted to synchronize with the absolute time.

  Specifically, the timeline monitoring unit 15 in this embodiment includes an absolute time acquisition unit 19 as a module that monitors the time server 120 and acquires the absolute time measured by the time server 120. In the present embodiment, the absolute time acquisition unit 19 acquires the absolute time from the time server 120 at the same time as the time frame reading timing in the timeline monitoring unit 15, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it access the time server 120 according to the period based on system time irrespective of a process and speed.

  Then, the timeline monitoring unit 115 detects the time frame embedded in the content data while repeating the synchronization process during the period in which the content data is being viewed, identifies the program time of the content being played, and more Create a detailed content timeline and monitor the created content timeline. In addition to the monitoring of the content timeline, the timeline monitoring unit 15 acquires the absolute time measured by the time server 120 by the absolute time acquisition unit 19, creates a time timeline, and creates the created time timeline. To monitor.

  Then, the timeline monitoring unit 15 repeats the synchronization process at regular intervals during the period when the content data is being viewed, and the monitoring result of the content timeline and the time timeline (time measured based on each timeline) Is transmitted to the script extraction unit 14. In response to this, the script extraction unit 14 extracts and analyzes the script included in the Web data displayed on the browser unit 18 and the definition data associated with the Web data. The script extracted by the script extraction unit 14 is sent to the script command execution unit 13 as a script command. Here, the script included in the definition data includes either a script based on the program time or a script based on the absolute time, and the script extraction unit 14 determines which type of script the extracted script is. Is analyzed.

  The event generation unit 12 refers to the definition data based on the time frame detected by the timeline monitoring unit 15 or the absolute time detected by the absolute time acquisition unit 19, and is an event based on the content timeline or based on the absolute time It is a module that determines whether it is an event and generates an event based on the timing based on the determination result. Specifically, the timeline monitoring unit 15 reads out the timeline at a predetermined cycle and sends it to the event generation unit 12. On the other hand, the absolute time acquisition unit 19 also acquires the absolute time at a predetermined cycle and sends it to the event generation unit 12. The event generation unit 12 sets the script command extracted from the definition data by the script extraction unit 14 in a standby state, and generates an event that is on standby by execution of the script command when a predetermined time arrives.

  In the content server 110, the definition data distribution unit 116 b is a module that distributes definition data, defines an event occurrence in the definition data based on absolute time, and distributes the definition data to the user terminal 2.

(Content broadcasting method)
Next, a content broadcasting method according to the modified example will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user terminal of the content broadcast system according to the modified example, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when monitoring the timeline and obtaining the absolute time of the content broadcast system according to the modified example. It is.

  Here, in this modified example, the synchronization processing with the radio broadcast from the broadcasting station 100 is already executed in the content server, and the content data D3, the display information D2 and the definition data are accessed by accessing the website from the user terminal 2b. It is assumed that D1 is received from the content server 110 and content data is being played back on the media playback unit 18a.

  First, when the content data is reproduced (S701), the timeline monitoring unit 15 detects the time frame in accordance with the reproduction of the content data by the media reproducing unit 18a and is synchronized with the program time described in the time frame. The content timeline is monitored (S702). The absolute time acquisition unit 19 accesses the time server 120 (S703), and the time server 120 that has received the access transmits absolute time data D4 that is the correct current time (S704 and S705). Then, the absolute time acquisition unit 19 acquires the absolute time data D4 (S706), transmits this absolute time data D4 to the system timekeeping unit 21, and monitors the absolute time.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the timeline monitoring unit 15 first starts viewing content data on the user terminals 2 b to 2 i (1 in FIG. 6). The script extracting unit 14 refers to the definition data, determines whether the event is based on the timeline or the event based on the absolute time, and generates the event based on the timing based on the determination result.

  More specifically, the timeline monitoring unit 15 detects the time frame embedded in the content data, and specifies the time of the content being played back (2-2. In FIG. 6), which is further detailed. Create a content timeline and monitor this content timeline. On the other hand, regarding the acquisition of the absolute time, as shown in FIG. 16, when viewing of content data is started on the user terminals 2b to 2i side (1. in FIG. 13), the absolute time acquisition unit 19 120, start synchronization processing with the time server 120 (2-1 in FIG. 13), continue synchronization processing at regular intervals, create a time timeline, and create the time timeline To monitor.

  Next, based on the content timeline or the time timeline, the script extraction unit 14 checks the definition data D1 for a script command associated with the content timeline or the time timeline (S707: 3. in FIG. 16). ). If the corresponding script command is not defined (“N” in S707), monitoring of the content timeline and the time timeline is continued by loop processing.

  On the other hand, if the corresponding script command is defined (“Y” in S707), the script command execution unit 13 determines whether the definition data D1 is definition data based on program time or definition data based on absolute time. (S708: 4. in FIG. 16).

  If the script command is a command based on program time (“program time” in S708), an event based on the program time (content timeline) is generated (S709: 5-1 in FIG. 16), and the script command is absolute time. If it is a command based on (“Absolute time” in S708), an event based on the absolute time (time timeline) is generated (S710: 5-2 in FIG. 16).

  After such an event is finished, the monitoring of each timeline (S702) and the acquisition of absolute time (S703 to S706) are continued ("N" in S711) until the reproduction of the content data is finished. On the other hand, after the reproduction of the content data is finished, these operations are finished (“Y” in S711).

(Action / Effect)
According to the embodiment described above, an event is generated according to the elapsed time (relative time) from the viewing start time of the content data based on the timeline of the content data, or an absolute time measured by the time server An event can be generated according to the time, or two types of definitions can be described in the definition data. Thereby, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate an event at a timing suitable for the progress of the program content, or to ignore the progress of the program content and to prioritize the absolute time, Services can be diversified.

D1 ... Definition data D2 ... Display information D3 ... Content data D4 ... Absolute time data 1a ... User (viewer of radio broadcast only)
1b-1i ... User (Internet broadcast viewer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... User terminal 2a ... Television receiver 2b-g ... Information terminal 2h, 2i ... Mobile terminal 3 ... Parabolic antenna 4 ... Communication satellite 5 ... Internet 5A ... Internet 5B ... Internet 6 ... Wireless base station 10 ... Data transmission part 11 ... User operation acquisition unit 12 ... event generation unit 13 ... script command execution unit 14 ... script extraction unit 15 ... timeline monitoring unit 16a ... input interface 16b ... output interface 17 ... data reception unit 18 ... browser unit 18a ... media playback unit 18b ... GUI control unit 19 ... Absolute time acquisition unit 20 ... Provider 21 ... Timekeeping unit 22 ... Cache unit 41 ... Selection window 42 ... Information window 100 ... Broadcasting station 100a ... Content provider 101 ... Broadcast data storage unit 102 ... Radio wave broadcasting unit 102a ... addition Information broadcasting unit 110 ... Content server 110 a ... API providing server 110 b ... Web server 110 c ... Broadcast server 111 ... Web data storage unit 112 ... Definition data storage unit 113 ... Content data storage unit 114 ... User data storage unit 115 ... Data reception unit 116 Data transmission unit 116a Streaming distribution unit 116b Definition data distribution unit 116c Web data distribution unit 117 Synchronization processing unit 117a Additional information management unit 118 Content generation unit 119 Log aggregation unit 120 Time server

Claims (20)

A content broadcasting system for broadcasting content data from a content server to a user terminal through a communication network constructed by connecting communication lines to each other,
The communication network further includes a time server for measuring absolute time,
The content server
A data transmission unit for distributing the content data;
A definition data distribution unit that distributes definition data that defines an event occurrence corresponding to a timeline indicating a reproduction time of the content data;
A Web distribution unit that distributes display information including a reproduction screen on which the content data is reproduced, and the user terminal includes:
A receiving unit for receiving the content data, definition data, and display information;
A playback unit for playing back the content data;
A browser unit for displaying the display information including the reproduction screen ;
A timeline monitoring unit that monitors the timeline in accordance with reproduction of content data by the reproduction unit;
An event generator for referring to the definition data based on the timeline detected by the timeline monitoring unit and generating an event corresponding to the timeline ;
The definition data distribution unit has a function of defining the event occurrence in the definition data based on an absolute time,
The timeline monitoring unit has a function of monitoring the time server and acquiring the absolute time measured by the time server,
The event generation unit refers to the definition data, determines whether the event is based on the timeline or the absolute time, and generates the event at a timing based on the determination result. A content broadcasting system characterized by the above. In the content data, a time frame that is time axis data recorded on the content server side is embedded,
The timeline is time axis data virtually defined on the user terminal, and is information indicating a program time that proceeds in synchronization with a reproduction process of the content data,
The timeline monitoring unit reads the time frame at predetermined time intervals in accordance with the reproduction of the content data, and sets the timeline at predetermined time intervals so that the timeline becomes a time described in the time frame. The content broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the content broadcasting system is adjusted and synchronized . The timeline monitoring unit reads a time frame as a difference from the time frame after the time frame is read and synchronized until a next time frame is read out based on a clock frequency of the system time in the user terminal. The content broadcasting system according to claim 2, wherein addition is performed, and synchronization processing is periodically performed based on a time frame in the content data when the difference reaches the predetermined time. . The user terminal is
A GUI control unit that causes the browser unit to display a selection window that accepts a selection operation by the user as the event;
A user operation acquisition unit for acquiring a selection operation by the user through the selection window ;
A transmission unit that transmits the user operation acquired by the user operation acquisition unit to the content server;
4. The content broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the content server further includes a user data storage unit that receives and stores user operations transmitted from the transmission unit. A total content generation unit that totals user operations stored in the user data storage unit and generates the total result as content data;
The content broadcasting system according to claim 4, wherein the data transmission unit distributes the aggregated content as the content data. The user operation includes address information that specifies the position of the user terminal on the communication network,
The content broadcast system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the definition data distribution unit distributes the definition data corresponding to the address information. In the content server, the data transmission unit distributes event content displayed as the event,
The content broadcasting system according to claim 4 , wherein the event generation unit causes the browser unit to display the event content as the event. A total content generation unit that totals user operations stored in the user data storage unit and generates the total result as content data;
The content broadcasting system according to claim 7, wherein the event generation unit displays the aggregated content on the browser unit as the event. Further comprising a radio broadcast unit that transmits broadcast data having the same content as the content data via radio waves,
9. The content broadcasting system according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission unit distributes the content data in synchronization with transmission of broadcast data by the radio wave broadcasting unit. A plurality of the display information is distributed in the Web distribution unit, and the plurality of display information includes address information for specifying positions on the different communication networks,
These different address information includes information to which acquisition route information indicating that it is address information acquired via radio broadcast is added,
The content broadcasting system according to claim 9, wherein address information including the acquired route information is presented in the broadcast data transmitted by the radio wave broadcasting unit. A content broadcasting method for broadcasting content data from a content server to a user terminal through a communication network constructed by connecting communication lines to each other,
A time server for measuring the absolute time is further arranged on the communication network,
A distribution step of distributing display information including the content data, definition data defining event occurrence corresponding to a timeline indicating a reproduction time of the content data, and a reproduction screen on which the content data is reproduced, from the content server When,
In the user terminal, a receiving step of receiving the content data, definition data, and display information;
In the user terminal, a playback step of displaying the display information in a browser unit and playing back the content data in a playback unit;
A timeline monitoring step of monitoring the timeline in accordance with the reproduction of the content data by the reproduction unit;
The reference to the definition data based on the detected timeline monitoring step, possess an event generation step of generating an event corresponding to the time line,
In the distribution step, the event occurrence in the definition data is defined based on an absolute time,
In the timeline monitoring step, the time server is monitored, and the absolute time measured by the time server is acquired.
In the event generation step, the definition data is referenced to determine whether the event is based on the timeline or the absolute time, and the event is generated based on the timing based on the determination result. A content broadcasting method characterized by the above. In the content data, a time frame that is time axis data recorded on the content server side is embedded,
The timeline is time axis data that is virtually defined on the user terminal, and is information indicating a program time that proceeds in synchronization with the reproduction processing of the content data. In the timeline monitoring step, The time frame is read every predetermined time in accordance with the reproduction of the content data, and the time line is adjusted and synchronized every predetermined time so that the time line becomes the time described in the time frame < The content broadcasting method according to claim 11, wherein the content broadcasting method is characterized in that: In the timeline monitoring step, a time lapse based on a clock frequency of a system time in the user terminal is determined as a difference from the time frame until the next time frame is read after the time frame is read and synchronized. Add, and when the difference reaches the predetermined time, periodically perform synchronization processing based on the time frame in the content data
The content broadcasting method according to claim 12, wherein: In the user terminal, a selection window that accepts a selection operation by the user as the event is displayed on the browser unit, the selection operation by the user is acquired through the selection window , and the acquired user operation is transmitted to the content server. ,
The content broadcasting method according to claim 11, wherein the content server receives a user operation transmitted from the transmission unit and stores the user operation in a user data storage unit. Prior to the distribution step, in the content server, the user operations accumulated in the user data accumulation unit are aggregated, and the aggregation result is generated as content data,
15. The content broadcasting method according to claim 14, wherein in the distribution step, the total content is distributed as the content data from the content server. The user operation includes address information for specifying the position of the user terminal on the communication network, and the address information is acquired prior to the distribution step,
The content broadcasting method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, in the distribution step, the definition data corresponding to the address information is distributed. In the distribution step, event content displayed as the event is distributed from a content server,
The content broadcasting method according to claim 14 , wherein, in the event generation step, the event content is displayed on the browser unit as the event. Prior to the distribution step, in the content server, the user operations accumulated in the user data accumulation unit are aggregated, and the aggregation result is generated as content data,
18. The content broadcasting method according to claim 17, wherein in the event generation step, the aggregated content is displayed on the browser unit as the event. The content server is connected to a radio broadcast unit that transmits broadcast data having the same content as the content data via radio waves,
19. The content broadcasting method according to claim 11, wherein in the distribution step, the content data is distributed in synchronization with transmission of broadcast data by the radio wave broadcasting unit. In the distribution step, a plurality of the display information are distributed, and the plurality of display information includes address information for specifying positions on the different communication networks,
These different address information includes information to which acquisition route information indicating that it is address information acquired via radio broadcast is added,
20. The content broadcasting method according to claim 19, wherein address information including the acquired route information is presented in the broadcast data transmitted by the radio wave broadcasting unit.