JP6929360B2 - Content viewing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for promoting reuse of broadcast contents.

There is a technology for improving the convenience and operability of the electronic program guide (EPG), including information on broadcast contents broadcasted in the past. As a background technology in this technical field, there is a technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, "in a digital broadcast receiving device, when a program broadcasted in the past is selected in a program guide, the content information of the program can be acquired from a plurality of routes (for example, a broadcast signal or the Internet). A program search means for searching for a program is provided, and the search results by this program search means are displayed on an electronic program guide (summary excerpt). "Technology is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-199345

The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 handles, for example, a broadcast program guide that informs the user of broadcast content scheduled to be broadcast one week ahead, and a past broadcast program guide that is stored retroactively. .. However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the past content which is the broadcast content broadcasted in the past is selected, only the broadcast content is recorded after the selection, or the re-service such as VOD or rebroadcast is performed. Search for the content and present it to the user. Therefore, it takes time for the user to grasp whether the past contents can be reused. Also, you can only get information about the selected, specific past content.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a content viewing technology that is highly convenient for the user by immediately presenting to the user whether or not the past content has been re-serviced in a bird's-eye view and easy-to-see manner. The purpose is to do.

The present invention is a content viewing system that receives and reproduces re-serviced content, which is re-serviced broadcast content, and supports program information of past content, which is broadcast content that has been broadcast in the past, at a broadcast start time. A storage unit that is additionally stored and the presence or absence of re-service of the past content in which program information is stored in the storage unit are searched, and the obtained search result is associated with the program information of the past content to construct program data. The agent stored in the storage unit as information, the reconstruction unit that creates reconstructed program data using the program data construction information and presents it to the user, and the reservice content to be viewed via the reconstructed program data. to holding the selection receiving unit for receiving the selection, Rutotomoni and a reception player for receiving and reproducing the re service selected content, the presence or absence of a contract between the provider and the user of the re-service content A service list is further provided for each user, and the agent repeatedly searches for the presence or absence of the re-service, updates the program data construction information by reflecting the search result each time a search result is obtained, and reconstructs the program. The department creates the reconstructed program data for each user by using the updated program data construction information of the reservice content provided by the provider who has a contract in the service list. characterized in that it.

Further, the present invention is a content viewing method in a content viewing system that receives and plays back service content, which is broadcast content to be reserviced, and is reconstructed using program data construction information accumulated in advance. Refer to the reconstructed program data presentation step that generates program data and presents it to the user, the selection acceptance step that accepts the selection of the reservice content to be viewed via the presented reconstructed program data, and the program data construction information. The program data construction information is provided in the past, comprising a reception / playback step of requesting the selected reservice content from the provider and receiving and playing the reservice content provided in response to the request. The past content, which is the broadcast content, is searched for the presence or absence of re-service, and the search results are accumulated in association with the program information of the past content. The presence or absence of the re-service is repeatedly searched and the program is described. The data construction information is updated every time a search result is obtained, and the program information provides a content viewing method characterized in that the program information is accumulated in association with the broadcast start time of the past content.

Further, the present invention is a content viewing terminal that receives and plays back service content, which is broadcast content to be reserviced, and accepts selection of the reservice content to be viewed via the generated reconstructed program data. The reconstructed program data includes a selection receiving unit and a receiving / reproducing unit that receives and reproduces the selected re-service content, and the reconstructed program data is generated using the program data construction information accumulated in advance, and the program data is generated. The construction information is the result of searching for the presence / absence of re-service for the past content which is the broadcast content broadcasted in the past, and accumulating the search results in association with the program information of the past content. The content viewing terminal is provided, which is repeatedly searched, the program data construction information is updated every time a search result is obtained, and the program information is accumulated in association with the broadcast start time of the past content. ..

According to the present invention, it is possible to immediately present to the user whether or not the past content has been re-serviced in a bird's-eye view and in an easy-to-see manner, and it is possible to provide a content viewing technology that is highly convenient for the user. Issues, configurations and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

It is a system block diagram of the Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of the user information of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the reconstruction program table of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the process flow by the content processing part of embodiment of this invention. This is an example of a flowchart of the update process according to the embodiment of the present invention. (A) is an example of the flowchart of the reconstructed program guide presentation process of the embodiment of the present invention. (B) and (c) are explanatory views for explaining the flow of processing at the time of requesting VOD delivery according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating another example of the reconstruction program table of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating another example of the reconstruction program table of embodiment of this invention. (A) is a system configuration diagram of the first embodiment. (B) is a system configuration diagram of a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the agent service apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of the content viewing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation sequence of the content processing part of 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of the content viewing apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation sequence of the content processing part of the 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the reconstruction program table of the 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating another example of the reconstruction program table of the 2nd Embodiment. It is a hardware configuration diagram of the content viewing device of the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the service list of the 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the reconstruction program table of the 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, in the present specification, those having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals and the repeated description thereof will be omitted unless otherwise specified. In the embodiment of the present invention, the presence or absence of re-service of the broadcast content (past content) broadcasted in the past is constantly searched, the latest state is maintained, and the content is reflected in the program guide and displayed at the request of the user. ..

First, the configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention that realizes the above functions will be described.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the content viewing system 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, in the embodiment of the present invention, broadcast content and network content will be dealt with. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the two, they are called broadcast contents or contents.

As shown in this figure, the content viewing system 200 of the present embodiment includes a broadcasting service device 202, a VOD service device 203, a streaming service device 204, a search engine 205, and a content processing unit 206. Each of these parts is connected via the network 201.

The network 201 is, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) network. The present embodiment includes not only the Internet but also an intranet, a router device for connecting to the Internet, and the like.

The broadcasting service device 202 is arranged at a broadcasting station (broadcasting service provider) or the like. The broadcast service device 202 serves broadcast contents as a broadcast signal 217 by means such as radio waves. The broadcast service device 202 may stream the broadcast content via the network 201. The broadcast service provider supplies the broadcast content that has already been broadcast to the VOD content provider (VOD service provider) and the streaming service provider (streaming service provider).

The VOD service device 203 is owned by the VOD service provider. The VOD service device 203 provides the provided broadcast content as VOD content to the requester via the network 201.

The streaming service device 204 is owned by the streaming service provider. The streaming service device 204 streams the provided broadcast content via the network 201 in response to the instruction of the requester.

The contents provided by the VOD service device 203 and the streaming service device 204 include, for example, live performances such as movies and concerts, sports broadcasts, and broadcast contents broadcast in the past.

Due to the time constraints of the user, the broadcast content may not be viewed in real time. The broadcast service device 202 is provided to the VOD service device 203 and the streaming service device 204 so that the user 216 can view the broadcast content owned by the user 216 even after the broadcast. In particular, the VOD distribution service is highly convenient because the user 216 can view the broadcast content at a desired time zone.

As a result, broadcasters such as broadcasting stations will increase the business return obtained from broadcast content. The streaming service device 204 and the VOD service device 203 may be operated by the owner of the broadcast content, but may be different companies.

The search engine 205 searches for various information in the network 201 and presents it to the requester in accordance with the instructions of the content processing unit 206 and the like.

The content processing unit 206 provides the broadcast content selected by the user 216 to the user in a manner that can be viewed by the user. The broadcast content is provided by the broadcast service device 202, the VOD service device 203, and the streaming service device 204.

The number of the broadcasting service device 202, the VOD service device 203, the streaming service device 204, the search engine 205, and the content processing unit 206 does not matter.

Next, the configuration of the content processing unit 206 will be described. The content processing unit 206 of the present embodiment includes a program guide agent 211, a program guide reconstruction unit 212, a content reception / control unit 213, a user input unit 214, and an output unit 215.

Further, the content processing unit 206 of the present embodiment searches for a program information storage unit 221 and a user information storage unit 222 as storage units for holding data used for processing by each of the above units and holding processing results. A result holding unit 223 is provided.

The content reception / control unit 213 receives the broadcast content in real time, reproduces the content, and outputs the broadcast content via the output unit 215 in a manner that can be viewed by the user. Further, the content transmitted from the VOD service device 203 and the streaming service device 204 is received, played back, and output to the user via the output unit 215 in a manner that can be viewed by the user. That is, the content reception / control unit 213 and the output unit 215 function as a reception / playback unit.

Further, the content reception / control unit 213 acquires the program information of the broadcast content from the broadcast service device 202 in response to the request from the user. The acquired program information is accumulated in the program information storage unit 221 via the program guide agent 211. The program information is, for example, information used in the EPG function, and includes information for specifying a program title, a broadcast date and time (broadcast start time), a channel, a performer, a genre, a series, and the like.

The program guide agent 211 accesses the broadcasting service device 202 and the like at predetermined time intervals, acquires program information, and stores the program information in the program information storage unit 221. Further, the broadcast content stored in the program information storage unit 221 is searched for the presence or absence of re-service, and the search result is associated with the broadcast content and stored in the program information storage unit 221. The search results include re-service information including the presence or absence of re-service, information related to broadcast contents, and the like.

The program guide agent 211 uses the search engine 205 to search for the presence or absence of re-service of the broadcast content broadcasted in the past by using a search keyword or the like. The search for re-service may be performed periodically, for example, at predetermined time intervals. For example, as described above, when the program information is acquired at predetermined time intervals, the service may be searched for again every time the program information is acquired.

In addition, the search for re-service may be performed in response to a specific event. The specific event is, for example, the timing at which program information is newly received via the content reception / control unit 213. In this case, among the newly received program information, only the broadcast contents (past contents) broadcast in the past may be searched. For example, when the user 216 views the broadcast content, the program guide agent 211 receives the program information via the content reception / control unit 213. Then, a search for re-service is performed immediately after the end of this broadcast content.

The re-service includes all methods of re-providing the broadcast content broadcasted in the past, such as re-broadcasting and provision by VOD, and the form thereof is not limited. Further, the re-service information includes, for example, a form of re-service such as re-broadcasting and VOD, and in the case of re-broadcasting, its start time and the like.

Further, when the program guide agent 211 of the present embodiment receives an instruction from the user to select broadcast content to be viewed via the user input unit 214 and the reconstructed program guide described later, the program guide agent 211 receives the content so as to view the broadcast content. Give instructions to the department.

The program information storage unit 221 stores the program information acquired by the content reception / control unit 213 and the program information acquired by the program guide agent 211. The program information storage unit 221 keeps not only the program information from the present to the future provided in real time but also the program information acquired in the past for a predetermined period. The period of the program information to be accumulated is set in advance, for example, for the past month, the past year, and the like.

The user information holding unit 222 holds the personal information of the user 216. Details will be described later.

The search result holding unit 223 holds the search results searched by the program guide agent 211. Among the search results, information related to the broadcast content, for example, the presence / absence of re-service, the information of the re-service provider in the case of re-service, and the like are held in association with the program information accumulated by the program information storage unit 221. For example, it is retained for each broadcast content. The relevant information may include, for example, metadata that depends on the broadcast content.

The search result holding unit 223 holds, for example, graphic symbols and the like 224, billing information 225, advertisement information 226, evaluation information 227, and the like as other information. These details will also be described later.

The program guide reconstructing unit 212 reconstructs the program guide from the program information accumulated in the program information storage unit 221 and presents it to the user at the request of the user 216. The program information storage unit 221 also includes program information of contents broadcasted in the past. Therefore, the program guide reconstructed here includes not only the program information from the present to the future but also the program information of the contents broadcasted in the past.

The program guide reconstructed by the program guide reconstruction unit 212 does not necessarily have to be in a tabular format. The program information may be program data (reconstructed program data) associated with time information such as the start time and broadcast time of each broadcast content. Hereinafter, the reconstructed program guide including such program data will be referred to.

Further, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 uses the search result held in the search result holding unit 223 and the user information held in the user information holding unit 222 when reconstructing the program guide. Hereinafter, the program information, the search result, and the user information used by the program guide reconstruction unit 212 when reconstructing the program guide are collectively referred to as program data construction information.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the program guide agent 211 updates the program information and the search result at a predetermined timing. Therefore, when the program guide reconstruction unit 212 receives an instruction, the program guide can be reconstructed by using the information that is always updated to the latest state.

Hereinafter, in the embodiment, the process executed by the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstructing unit 212 will be referred to as an agent process. The agent process, for example, collects and updates program information, processes such as collecting and updating search results, creates a reconstructed program guide using the program information and search results in response to instructions from the user, and presents it to the user. Processing, processing for receiving instructions from the user, etc. via the reconstructed program guide.

The user input unit 214 is an interface that receives instructions from the user 216. In this embodiment, for example, a display instruction of a reconstructed program guide is accepted. The instruction is output to the program guide reconstruction unit 212. Further, for example, the designation of the broadcast content to be viewed is accepted. The designation is accepted, for example, via the reconstructed program guide. That is, the user input unit 214 functions as a selection reception unit together with the reconstructed program guide.

The content reception / control unit 213 identifies the distribution source of the broadcast content that has received the designation via the user input unit 214, and makes a transmission request to the distribution source.

As a result, the user 216 receives the content distribution service to be viewed from the network 201 and the broadcast signal 217.

Next, the user information held in the user information holding unit 222 and the information held in the search result holding unit 223 will be described.

As user information, for example, login information for the registered VOD service is registered for each one or more users or user groups. The program guide reconstructing unit 212 can create a different reconstructed program guide for each user or user group by referring to the user information. As a result, viewing of broadcast content can be effectively promoted.

A specific example of the user information 310 is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the user information 310 includes user authentication information 312 and a service list 313 for each user 311.

The user authentication information 312 stores information and the like used for the authentication process. For example, for each user 311 a user ID that identifies the user, a password for the user, and personal information of the user are stored. As personal information, for example, an IP address, device information, name, gender, date of birth, email address, etc. are registered.

As shown in this figure, a plurality of user IDs may be registered for one user in the user authentication information 312. This assumes, for example, a user group for each family.

In the service list 313, registration information of the VOD distribution service contracted or used by the user 311 is registered. In this example, four services of MNK on-demand, Re: TV, Net Prime, and You Cast are registered. For example, for each service, a service name, a user ID, a service URI, a link destination of logo data, data, and the like are registered.

The storage format of the user information 310 is not limited to the format shown in FIG. 2, and may be in accordance with the database software that is generally used. Further, the registered information is not limited to the above example.

The graphic symbols and the like 224 include, for example, the logo of the VOD service provider operating the VOD service device 203, thumbnails of broadcast contents, and the like. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 superimposes and displays these graphic symbols on the reconstruction program guide in order to give a visual effect.

The billing information 225 includes, for example, price information, payment information according to the registered payment method, and the like when the broadcast content distributed by the VOD service device 203 is paid content.

The advertisement information 226 includes PR (promotion) information and ordinary advertisement information to be displayed in multiple layers in the reconstructed program guide. PR information and advertisement information may be retained in association with broadcast contents. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 reconstructs the program guide so that the information is superimposed and displayed on the program guide. The PR information and the advertisement information differ depending on the user's profile, viewing history information, and the like. By superimposing these, in addition to charging for viewing broadcast contents, it leads to income such as advertising fees. It is possible to achieve diversification of profits of the broadcasting company that operates the broadcasting service device 202 or the VOD service company that operates the VOD service device 203.

The evaluation information 227 includes program evaluation information such as a review of broadcast contents. The evaluation information 227 is acquired at the same time when the program guide agent 211 acquires the related information and the re-service information, for example, as described above. An evaluation information collecting unit that manages the evaluation information 227 may be provided, and the evaluation information collecting unit may be configured to collect directly via the search engine 205. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 reconstructs the program guide so that the collected evaluation information is superimposed and displayed. As a result, information on the broadcast content can be provided to the user 216, prior knowledge about the broadcast content can be given, and viewing of the broadcast content is assisted.

[Reconstructed program guide]
Here, an example of a reconstructed program guide that is reconstructed using the above information and displayed on the display by the output unit 215 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the reconstructed program table 100 of the present embodiment.

The reconstructed program table 100 of the present embodiment presents program information to the user and receives an instruction from the user.

The reconstructed program guide 100 includes a current time display area 101, a date reverse feed button 102a, a date forward button 102b, a date display area 103, a media type display area 104, and a broadcaster (channel) display area 105. The time series display area 106, the broadcast information display area 107, the explanation display area 114 of the selected broadcast content, the advertisement display area 115, and the operation instruction reception unit 116 are provided.

The current time is displayed in the current time display area 101. In the date display area 103, the range in which the program information can be displayed is displayed in date units. The current time display area 101 includes a date reverse feed button 102a and a date forward feed button 102b. These receive an instruction to change the date range displayed in the date display area 103. When the displayable range does not fit in the date display area 103, the user 216 can change the range via the date reverse feed button 102a and the date forward feed button 102b.

For example, in the example of this figure, the current time displayed in the current time display area 101 is January 5 (Thursday) 18:25. In the date display area 103, dates before and after this current time are displayed. In this example, the dates from January 1st (Sun) to January 7th (Sat) are displayed. January 1st (Sun) to January 4th (Wednesday) are past dates, January 5th (Thursday) is the current date, January 6th (Friday) and January 7th (Saturday) are future dates. Is the date of.

The program guide reconstructing unit 212 creates a reconstructed program guide so that the program information on the date when the selection instruction is received from the user 216 via the date display area 103 is displayed in the broadcast information display area 107 in a tabular format. do. In the example of this figure, January 3 (Tuesday) is selected, and the broadcast information display area 107 displays the broadcast program information of January 3, which is earlier than the present (January 5).

In the broadcast information display area 107, program information is displayed in chronological order for each date and each broadcaster (channel). In the program column where each program information is displayed, for example, the title of the program and information indicating the presence or absence of re-service are displayed.

In the example of this figure, for example, the program information of the broadcast content whose title is "photograph" is displayed in the program column at the time of "02ETE" from 20:00 to 21:00.

In the display of program information, the display mode may be changed depending on the presence or absence of re-service. For example, in the example of this figure, the background color is changed. A white background indicates that past broadcast content has been re-serviced. On the other hand, if the background color is another color, it indicates that there is no re-service. With such a display mode, the user 216 can confirm at a glance whether or not there is a re-service.

Further, as program information, an evaluation information display object 111a, a rebroadcast schedule display object 110, a paid content display object 112a, a VOD service provider logo 113a, and a thumbnail image 109a are displayed in each program column. May be good. By displaying this information, the user can easily understand what kind of form the distribution service of each broadcast content is performed.

Further, among the provided re-services, only the re-services provided by the service provider contracted by the user 216 to be provided in the reconstructed program guide 100 may be displayed. This is achieved with reference to service list 313. In addition, all the re-services provided may be displayed, and the service provider contracted by the user 216 may be created so as to be displayed in an identifiable manner.

Further, the operation instruction receiving unit 116 is an area for receiving an operation instruction from the user 216. As described above, the user 216 selects a desired date and time and a desired program via the date display area 103 and the broadcast information display area 107. The operation instruction receiving unit 116 receives instructions such as an intention to determine the selection and movement.

The operation instruction receiving unit 116 includes a decision button 116b for receiving a decision intention and a cross key button 116a for receiving a movement instruction. In addition, a move button 117a that receives various instructions when viewing broadcast contents, a setting button 117b that selects various setting screens, a volume button 117c that selects a volume adjustment screen, and a button 117d that returns to the home screen or the like. , Equipped with.

The date selected via the cursor and the instruction on the operation instruction receiving unit 116 is displayed in a display mode different from the others. In this example, the background color and text color are changed and displayed. Similarly, the selection candidate or the selected broadcast content (program) is displayed in a manner clearly indicating that it is a selection candidate. For example, in this example, it is surrounded by the selection display frame 108. The display mode may be changed depending on whether it is a candidate or selected.

The cross key button 116a, the enter button 116b, the move button 117a, the setting button 117b, the volume button 117c, and the return button 117d correspond to buttons of a remote controller (not shown), and move the cursor and perform various operations. It is a button for user operation such as transition to the screen. The user uses the cross key button 116a to instruct the scroll of the broadcast information display area 107.

When the content reception / control unit 213 receives an instruction to change the display mode of the reconstructed program guide 100 via the user input unit 214, the content reception / control unit 213 transmits the instruction to the program guide reconstruction unit 212. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 reconstructs the program guide that receives the instruction and displays according to the instruction, and causes the output unit 215 to output the program guide.

Further, when the content reception / control unit 213 receives the selection of the broadcast content to be viewed via the user input unit 214, the content reception / control unit 213 accesses the distribution source of the selected content via the network 201 and makes a distribution request.

In the explanation display area 114 of the selected broadcast content, incidental information of the broadcast content selected as a selection candidate is displayed. Ancillary information includes, for example, program description information, evaluation information, billing information, representative images, and the like. These are indicated by text, evaluation information display object 111b, billing information display object 112b, thumbnail image 109b of broadcast content, and the like, respectively. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 extracts related information from the program information storage unit 221 or the search result holding unit 223 for the program selected as a selection candidate in the broadcast information display area 107, and displays it in the explanation display area 114.

In the explanation display area 114, for example, a description of the selected broadcast content with the selection display frame 108 may be displayed. Here, the case where "Japan GPX" is selected will be illustrated. Further, the evaluation information display object 111b indicates, for example, the evaluation score of the evaluation information by a star.

Further, in the explanation display area 114, a "program description" button 114a for receiving an instruction for shifting to the detailed explanation screen of the broadcast content and a "view evaluation" button for receiving an instruction for shifting to the evaluation comment screen. It may be provided with 111c. Further, when the re-service of the selected broadcast content is VOD, the logo 113b of the VOD service provider may be displayed. As a result, the viewing of the user 216 is assisted.

In the advertisement display area 115, PR (promotion) information and advertisement information associated with the broadcast content of the selection candidate are displayed. Here, as an example, a case where a notice of broadcast content related to the selected or candidate broadcast content is displayed will be illustrated. As a notice, for example, the content of the next broadcast content, the scheduled broadcast time, and the like are displayed. It provides such a variety of information and encourages users to watch it.

In the present embodiment, when the program guide reconstruction unit 212 refers to the advertisement information 226 and the advertisement information is registered in association with the broadcast content selected as the selection candidate, the advertisement information is extracted and displayed in this column. do.

[Process executed by the content processing department]
In the content processing unit 206 of the present embodiment, the agent process by the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 and the content reception / output process by the content reception / control unit 213 are executed separately and independently. The flow of both processes will be described with reference to FIG.

When the content processing unit 206 receives the start instruction from the user 216, the content processing unit 206 causes the program guide agent 211 to execute the agent process (step S1001). Further, the content reception / control unit 213 is made to execute the content reception / output process (step S1002). The content processing unit 206 executes these processes until it receives an end instruction such as power-off by the user 216.

Interprocess communication (S1003) is executed between the agent process (S1001) and the content reception / output process (S1002) via the network 201. For example, when broadcast content is selected in the agent process, a broadcast content reception instruction is sent to the content reception / output process by interprocess communication.

In addition to instructing the start and end, the user 216 directly or indirectly performs an input operation for both processes.

Further, in the present embodiment, the program information and search result update process and the reconstructed program guide presentation process are performed separately and independently even within the agent process.

The flow of these processes will be described below. FIG. 5 is a processing flow of program information and search result update processing by the program guide agent 211 of the embodiment. Here, a periodic search performed at predetermined time intervals and an additional search performed triggered by a specific event are performed. The periodic search is performed on all the broadcast contents designated to perform the re-service search among the broadcast contents in which the program information is stored in the program information storage unit 221. On the other hand, the additional search searches for the past contents in the newly received program information.

The program guide agent 211 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S1101). If the predetermined time has elapsed, first, the timer is reset (step S1102). Then, the presence or absence of re-service is searched for all the target broadcast contents (step S1103). Then, by overwriting the obtained search result in the search result holding unit 223, the search result held in the search result holding unit 223 is updated (step S1104).

On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed, the program guide agent 211 determines whether or not the program information has been received (step S1106). Here, the content may be acquired by itself at predetermined time intervals via the network 201, or may be received from the content reception / control unit 213. If not received, the process returns to step S1101.

When received (S1106: Yes), the program guide agent 211 first stores the received program information in the program information storage unit 221 (step S1107).

Next, the program guide agent 211 determines whether or not there is past content in the received program information (step S1108). Here, the current time is compared with the end time information of each content in the program information, and the content whose end time information time is before the current time is determined to be the past content. If there is no past content, the process returns to step S1101.

When there is past content (step S1108; Yes), the program guide agent 211 searches the past content for the presence or absence of re-service (step S1101). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

The program guide agent 211 repeats the above processing until it receives an instruction to end the program. At this time, in the search and collection process, not only the presence or absence of re-service but also related information regarding the broadcast content to be re-serviced, for example, service provider information, broadcast content content explanation, billing information, broadcast content review and evaluation. Information is also searched and collected.

The program guide agent 211 of the present embodiment repeats the above processing regardless of whether or not the content processing unit 206 is running and the user 216 is viewing the broadcast content. As a result, the program data construction information is constantly updated (refresh).

In the above process, in step S1103, the presence / absence of re-service, related information, and the like are searched for all the programs, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the type of the program to be searched may be determined in advance. For example, only programs with a length of 5 minutes or more are excluded, news and weather forecasts are excluded, and so on.

Next, the flow of the reconstructed program guide creation process by the program guide agent 211 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A. Here, the flow of processing when accepting a selection instruction of a user authenticated by login processing will be described.

When the program guide agent 211 receives the input of the user ID and the password from the user 216 via the user input unit 214, the program guide agent 211 performs a login process (step S1201).

If the authentication is successful, the program guide agent 211 causes the program guide reconstruction unit 212 to create the reconstructed program guide (step S1202). At this time, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 includes program information stored in the program information storage unit 221, user information held in the user information holding unit 222, and search results held in the search result holding unit 223. Is used. The search results and program information used are the latest ones updated by the update process.

For example, the logged-in user 216 extracts only the information of the VOD service of the VOD service provider registered as the user information, and creates a reconstructed program guide.

The VOD distribution request via the created reconstructed program guide is transmitted directly to the VOD service device 203 by the user 216 as shown in FIG. 6 (b) and as shown in FIG. 6 (c). , It may be transmitted to the VOD service device 203 via the program guide agent 211.

In the method of FIG. 6B, the program guide agent 211 obtains program information from the VOD service device 203 (step S1301), creates a reconstructed program guide according to the procedure of FIG. 6 (a) (step S1302), and then creates a reconstructed program guide. Presented to user 216. Program information is associated with each broadcast content (VOD content) displayed in the reconstructed program guide. The program information includes, for example, access information of a distribution source.

When the user 216 specifies a desired program via the reconstructed program guide, the user input unit 214 accepts the designation, and the content reception / control unit 213 transmits a distribution request to the VOD service device 203 (step S1303). At this time, the content reception / control unit 213 uses the access information of the distribution source included in the program guide. Upon receiving the distribution request, the VOD service device 203 distributes the VOD content (moving image) to the content reception / control unit 213 of the transmission source (step S1304). The content reception / control unit 213 outputs the distributed moving image to the output unit 215 and presents it to the user 216.

It should be noted that the communication between the user 216 and the VOD service device 203, that is, the communication between the content reception / control unit 213 and the VOD service device 203, may be configured to perform authentication processing such as login processing. good.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), when the program guide agent 211 is used, the program guide agent 211 obtains program information from the VOD service device 203 (step S1401) and is shown in FIG. 6 (a). A reconstructed program guide is created by the procedure (step S1402) and presented to the user 216.

When the user 216 specifies a desired program via the reconstructed program guide, the user input unit 214 accepts the designation, and the content reception / control unit 213 transmits a distribution request and member information to the program guide agent 211 (step). S1403). Then, the program guide agent 211 transmits the distribution request to the VOD service device 203, which is the distribution source of the VOD content (moving image) requested to be distributed (step S1404). At this time, the program guide agent 211 also transmits information (delivery destination information) for specifying the delivery destination of the VOD content (video) (step S1404). The delivery destination information is, for example, the IP address of the content reception / control unit 213.

The VOD service device 203 distributes the VOD content (moving image) to the content receiving / controlling unit 213 specified by the distribution destination information in response to the distribution request (step S1405). The content reception / control unit 213 outputs the distributed moving image to the output unit 215 and presents it to the user 216. When performing authentication processing such as login processing, the content reception / control unit 213 transmits the authentication information to the program guide agent 211, and the program guide agent 211 transmits the authentication information to the VOD service device 203. ..

The display mode of the reconstructed program table 100 is not limited to the above example. For example, in the past direction, for a period exceeding a predetermined period, only the broadcast contents of the series may be displayed for each broadcasting station.

A display example of the reconstructed program table 100a in this case is shown in FIG. For example, in the example of this figure, the current date and time is 18:25 on January 5, 2017. Then, the period that can be displayed as past content (past display period) is set to one month. That is, until December 5, each program information is displayed in the broadcast information display area 107 in the manner shown in the above-mentioned reconstructed program table 100.

On the other hand, for a period exceeding one month, which is the past display period, only the broadcast contents of the series are displayed for each broadcasting station. In this case, the broadcast program is not displayed in chronological order.

It is not necessary to display the broadcast contents of all series. For example, as a broadcast content list before the past display period, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 may display only the content that the user is interested in.

Further, the program guide agent 211 may further retain the viewing history of the user, for example. Then, the viewing history of this user is referred to, and the content viewed, the content related to the viewing history, or the series of contents displayed in the past or future broadcast program guide is limited and presented to the user. Whether or not there is a relationship is determined by using, for example, the program information of the content. For example, it is determined that the keywords registered in the program information match, the program names partially match, the performer names match, and the like are related.

With this configuration, in the present embodiment, it is easy to find the desired content from the huge amount of past content. In addition, the total data capacity of the search results of past contents can be appropriately limited.

At this time, when the broadcast content is a series, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 can grasp the past broadcast content, for example, with the newest series in the range before December 5 in the foreground. It may be displayed in aspect 118.

In this case, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 displays the series selection button 119 that accepts the series selection in the explanation display area 114 of each broadcast content, and accepts the series selection via this button. That is, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 displays the series selection button 119 together with the incidental information of the series of the broadcast contents selected by the user via the broadcast information display area 107. Then, the selection of the series to be displayed on the output unit 215 from one or more series of the broadcast contents is accepted via the series selection button 119.

Further, in the program guide display for the future, the presence / absence of programs provided as the same series in the past and / or the evaluation information thereof may be displayed.

FIG. 8 shows a display example of the reconstructed program table 100b in this case. In the reconstructed program table 100b shown in FIG. 8, the current time is January 5. Therefore, the program information for January 5th and after is for the future.

For example, when a future date and time and broadcast content at that date and time are selected, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 stores the program information stored in the program information storage unit 221 and the search result stored in the search result holding unit 223. , Evaluation information 227 is referred to, and the series information and the evaluation information held in association with the broadcast content are displayed.

In this case, for example, the program information includes series-specific information that identifies broadcast content of the same series. The program guide reconstructing unit 212 creates a reconstructed program guide so that the evaluation information of the past contents of the series is displayed together with the program information of the future contents by using the series specific information.

For example, in the example of this figure, "drama 01" is selected by the selection display frame 108 in the broadcast information display area 107. When the series specific information is registered in the program information storage unit 221 in association with the selected broadcast content, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 further displays the series as series information in the selection display frame 108, for example. Display object 120a. Further, when the evaluation information is registered in association with the program information having the same series specific information, the evaluation information display object 111b is displayed in the selection display frame 108.

The series display object 120b and the evaluation information display object 111b may also be displayed in the explanatory display area 114.

Further, the explanation display area 114 may further display a "view past broadcast program" button 120c that receives an instruction to transition to a screen for selecting past broadcast contents. When the program guide reconstructing unit 212 receives an instruction via this button 120c, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 creates a reconstructed program guide so that the past series information of the broadcast contents selected as selection candidates by the selection display frame 108 is displayed. do.

By adopting such a display mode, the existence of future and past broadcast contents can be shown in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition, user 216 can see past evaluations of the same series in the reconstructed program guide. That is, useful information can be newly provided to the user 216.

The VOD schedule object 121 may be further displayed in the program display of each broadcast content in the broadcast information display area 107. When the program guide reconstruction unit 212 holds information in the program information storage unit 221 or the search result holding unit 223 that there is a plan for a VOD distribution service in the future in association with the broadcast content, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 concerned Based on the information, this VOD schedule object 121 is displayed. The VOD service device 203 provides whether or not the VOD distribution service is scheduled. This allows the user to determine whether to watch live or watch on VOD.

In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the above-mentioned functions of the content processing unit 206 is variously distributed and implemented in the device on the user side and the device on the service side. This flexibly provides services-oriented systems to user-oriented systems. Hereinafter, embodiments for each specific mounting mode will be described.

<< First Embodiment >>
First, the first embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, among the content processing units 206, the functions surrounded by the broken line 231 in FIG. 1, that is, the content receiving / controlling unit 213, the user input unit 214, and the output unit 215 are devices on the user 216 side. The remaining program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstructing unit 212 are examples realized by other devices accessible via the network 201.

First, the system configuration of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 9A, the content viewing system 200 of the present embodiment includes a broadcasting service device 202, a VOD service device 203, a streaming service device 204, a search engine 205, an agent service device 400, and content. It includes a viewing device 500.

As described above, the agent service device 400 realizes the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 among the content processing units 206 of FIG. 1, and includes various data. Further, the content viewing device 500 realizes a content receiving / controlling unit 213, a user input unit 214, and an output unit 215. In this embodiment as well, the number of each device does not matter.

Next, the hardware configuration of the agent service device 400 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the agent service device 400 of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the agent service device 400 of the present embodiment includes a server device 410 and a storage device 430.

The server device 410 includes a CPU 411, a RAM 412, a storage IF unit 413, an IP network unit 414, and an internal storage 415.

The storage device 430 holds a program information database (DB) 431, a user information DB 432, and a search result DB 433. These are databases that store the data held by the program information storage unit 221, the user information holding unit 222, and the search result holding unit 223 of FIG. 1, respectively. In this database, the reconstructed program guide for each user created by the program guide reconstructing unit 212 is stored.

The internal storage 415 holds a program that realizes the program guide agent 211 of FIG. 1 and the program guide reconstructing unit 212. The CPU 411 expands these programs in the internal storage 415 into the RAM 412 and realizes their respective functions. At this time, the CPU 411 reads the data of the storage device 430 via the storage IF unit 413 as needed and uses it for processing. The obtained result is stored in the storage device 430. Further, the reconstructed program table 100 obtained as a processing result is provided to the content viewing device 500 via the IP network unit 414.

As described above, the agent service device 400 of the present embodiment provides the user 216 with the agent service realized by the program guide agent 211 and the program guide reconstructing unit 212.

Further, when the agent service device 400 of the present embodiment receives various instructions from the user 216 via the reconstructed program guide 100, the agent service device 400 performs processing according to the instructions. For example, upon receiving an instruction as a selection candidate, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 creates a reconstructed program guide so that the program information and the like of the broadcast content are displayed in the explanation display area 114, and the content viewing device 500 is provided with the reconstructed program guide. Send.

Further, when the user receives an instruction to view the broadcast content, the program guide agent 211 transmits the access information to the distribution source of the broadcast content to the content viewing device 500. For example, when an instruction to distribute the VOD content is received, the IP address of the VOD service device 203 that distributes the corresponding VOD content is transmitted to the content viewing device 500.

The program guide agent 211 may be configured to transmit the access information of the content viewing device 500 of the distribution destination to the distribution source and request the distribution.

Next, the configuration of the content viewing device 500 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the content viewing device (content viewing terminal) 500 of the present embodiment.

The content viewing device 500 of the present embodiment includes a TV device 510, an information terminal device 530, and a content terminal device 550.

The information terminal device 530 can be realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), or the like. The content terminal device 550 can be realized by a stick-type PC or the like. By using these, the content viewing device 500 can be realized by simply implementing the software on the existing hardware without using dedicated hardware including the TV device 510.

The TV device 510 includes an IP network (NW) unit 511, a CPU 512, a RAM 513, an internal storage 514, a digital IF unit 515, a reception channel selection unit 516, a user input unit 517, a signal separation unit 518, and an image. It includes a processing unit 519, a graphics unit 521, a display output unit 522, an audio processing unit 520, an audio output unit 523, a display 524, and a speaker 525.

The TV device 510 realizes the output unit 215 of FIG. 1 and the broadcast content reception function which is a part of the function of the content reception / control unit 213.

The reception channel selection unit 516 receives the broadcast signal 217 and outputs it to the signal separation unit 518. The reception channel selection unit 516 includes an RF tuner and the like, and selects a channel from the broadcast signal 217 that the user designates with a remote controller or the like via the user input unit 517. Then, the selected broadcast signal 217 is demodulated and sent to the signal separation unit 518 as reception data of the broadcast program. The received data of a broadcast program is a plurality of video data, audio data, broadcast data, and the like.

The signal separation unit 518 separates the video data and the audio data from the received data and sends them to the video processing unit 519 and the audio processing unit 520, respectively. The video data and audio data are encoded to compress the amount of information in the original data. The video processing unit 519 and the audio processing unit 520 perform decompression / decoding processing on the video data audio data, respectively, obtain the video data and audio data of the TV broadcast program, and provide the graphics unit 521 and the audio output unit 523, respectively. send. The graphics unit 521 manages the video to be displayed in plane units, and for example, superimposes an OSD (On Screen Display) plane on the video data of a broadcast program and sends it to the display output unit 522.

The display 524 displays video data on which the OSD and the like are superimposed. The speaker 525 outputs the audio data of the TV broadcast program as sound. As a result, the TV device 510 provides the user with viewing of the broadcast content. The TV device 510 may be a device in which all or part of the display 524 and the speaker 525 are separated.

The digital IF unit 515 has, for example, HDMI (registered trademark) or USB digital IF function. The digital IF unit 515 accepts video and audio content data as external inputs and outputs them to the display 524 and the speaker 525 via the graphics unit 521, the display output unit 522, and the audio output unit 523.

The content terminal device 550 realizes a network content receiving function which is a part of the content receiving / controlling unit 213 of FIG. The network content includes, for example, VOD content, streaming content, and the like.

The content terminal device 550 includes a CPU 551, a RAM 552, an internal storage 553, a network (NW) communication unit 555, a voice processor 556, a graphic processor 557, and a digital IF unit 559. The program presentation application 554 is installed in the internal storage 553. The graphic processor 557 also includes a video processing unit 558.

The NW communication unit 555 has at least the function of the IP network and may include other communication functions.

The CPU 551 of the content terminal device 550 expands the program stored in the internal storage 553 into the RAM 552 and executes it.

The program stored in the internal storage 553 includes a WEB browser that processes data such as HTML and a program presentation application 554. Further, the video processing unit 558 in the graphic processor 557 is used as an auxiliary processor to decode the compressed video data, and the audio processor 556 is used as the auxiliary processor to compress and encode the audio data. Also includes a program that decrypts.

The digital IF unit 559 multiplexes the video data from the graphic processor 557 and the audio data from the audio processor 556 and sends them to the digital IF unit 515 of the TV device 510.

The program presentation application 554 processes the network content received via the NW communication unit 555 and transmits it to the TV device 510 via the digital IF unit 559. That is, the program presentation function is realized. The CPU 551 realizes the program presentation function by deploying the program presentation application 554 in the RAM 552 and executing it.

The function of the content terminal device 550 may be provided in the TV device 510. In this case, it connects to the network 201 via the IPNW unit 511 and receives the broadcast content from the VOD service. In addition, the internal storage 514 holds the program of the program presentation application 554. The CPU 512 expands the program presentation application 554 into the RAM 513 and executes it.

The information terminal device 530 realizes the function of the user input unit 214 of FIG. Although not shown, it includes a configuration similar to that of the content terminal device 550, that is, a NW communication unit, a CPU, a RAM, an internal storage, a voice processor, and a graphic processor. Further, the information terminal device 530 includes an input display unit as a user interface. The input display unit is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel with an input sensor. In addition, the program guide access application 531 is installed in the information terminal device 530.

The program guide access application 531 displays the reconstructed program guide received via the network 201 on the input display unit, and receives an instruction from the user 216. The CPU realizes the program guide access function by expanding and executing the program guide access application in the RAM.

The program presentation application 554 of the content terminal device 550 and the program guide access application 531 of the information terminal device 530 cooperate with each other to receive the provision of the agent service realized by the agent service device 400.

The operation sequence in this case will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where a reconstructed program guide is requested and a viewing of VOD contents is requested in the reconstructed program guide will be described as an example. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, a case where the user 216 directly transmits the VOD distribution request to the VOD service device 203 will be described as an example.

When the program guide access application 531 receives a start instruction from the user 216, the program guide access application 531 displays a login screen. Then, when the user 216 inputs the login information (S101), the user 216 accepts the login information (S17). The start instruction may be, for example, starting a program guide access application. Further, the login information may be, for example, a user ID and a password.

The program guide access application 531 transmits the received login information to the agent service device 400 as a reconstructed program guide request (S102). In the agent service device 400, as an agent process, login information is received and user 216 is authenticated (S18). Here, for example, the user information DB432 is used to authenticate the user 216. Then, when the authentication is successful, the reconstructed program guide is created (S18a) and transmitted to the requesting program guide access application 531 (S103).

The program guide access application 531 displays the received reconstructed program guide on the input display unit (S19). The reconstructed program guide is transmitted to the TV device 510 (S105) via the content terminal device 550 (S104) and displayed on the TV device 510 in order to make it easier for the user 216 to check on a larger screen. You may.

The user 216 selects the broadcast content to be viewed from the displayed reconstructed program guide (S106). When the program guide access application 531 accepts the selection by the user 216 (S20), the program guide access application 531 transmits the URI of the selected broadcast content (VOD) to the program presentation application 554 as the selection result (S107). At this time, it is also transmitted to the agent service device 400 (S108). This is to monitor the operating state of the entire system in the agent service device 400.

The program presentation application 554 transmits a distribution request to the VOD service device 203 specified by the URI of the broadcast content (S20a), and receives the broadcast content transmitted in response to the distribution request (S21). Then, the content terminal device 550 decodes the received broadcast content and transmits it to the TV device 510 (S109).

The TV device 510 displays the broadcast content (S22).

When the user 216 gives an instruction to end (log out) (S110), the program guide access application 531 receives this (S23) and transmits it to the agent service device 400 (S111).

The agent service device 400 terminates the agent process (S18).

As shown in FIG. 6C, when the VOD distribution request is transmitted via the program guide agent 211, the agent service device 400 is specified by the URI of the broadcast content instead of S20a. The delivery request is transmitted to (S18b).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the content viewing system 200 that receives and plays back the re-serviced content, which is the re-serviced broadcast content, is a program of the past content which is the broadcast content broadcasted in the past. A storage unit that stores information in association with the broadcast start time and the presence or absence of re-service of the past content in which program information is stored in the storage unit are searched, and the obtained search result is used as a program of the past content. Reconstructed program data is created using the program guide agent 211 stored in the program information storage unit 221 and the search result holding unit 223 as program data construction information corresponding to the information, and the program data construction information, and presented to the user 216. Program guide reconstruction unit 212 to be used, user input unit 214 and output unit 215 functioning as a selection reception unit that accepts selection of the reservice content to be viewed via the reconstructed program data, and the selected reservice content. The content reception / control unit 213 and the output unit 215 are provided. Then, the program guide agent 211 repeatedly searches for the presence or absence of the re-service, and each time a search result is obtained, the program data construction information is updated by reflecting the search result, and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 Provided is a content viewing system 200 that creates the reconstructed program data using the updated program data construction information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to always keep the program data construction information, which is information such as whether or not the past content is re-serviced, in the latest state. Then, at the request of the user, the program guide is reconstructed using the program data construction information and presented to the user.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when searching for the re-service of the past content on the network, the time for waiting for the search result of the user is eliminated, and the presence or absence of the re-service of the past content is presented immediately and in an easy-to-understand manner. It is possible to provide a system that can be used. That is, the user can know whether or not the plurality of past contents displayed in the program guide are re-serviced at once. In addition, the program guide is reconstructed using the program data construction information that is always kept up to date. Since the search is not performed after receiving the user's request, the waiting time of the user is also reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the content viewing device 500, which is a device on the user 216 side, can be realized by implementing software without using dedicated hardware. Therefore, a service-oriented system can be realized.

Further, the program data construction information is searched and collected by the agent service device 400 on the service side. Therefore, the search process is not duplicated even when it is used by a large number of users. Therefore, it is efficient.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, among the content processing units 206, the functions surrounded by the broken line 232 in FIG. 1, that is, the content reception / control unit 213, the user input unit 214, the output unit 215, and the program guide reconstruction unit 212. Is realized by the device on the user 216 side, and the remaining program guide agent 211 is an example of being arranged in another device accessible via the network 201.

In the present embodiment, since the program guide reconstructing unit 212 is realized by the device on the user 216 side, the information held by the device on the user 216 side can be reflected when creating the reconstructed program guide. For example, information related to the recorded content held by the device on the user 216 side can be reflected.

The system configuration of the content viewing system 200 of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9A. However, as described above, in the present embodiment, the content viewing device 500a includes the function surrounded by the broken line 232 in the content processing unit 206 of FIG. Then, the agent service device 400 includes other functions of the content processing unit 206.

Therefore, the agent service device 400 of the present embodiment has basically the same configuration as the agent service device 400 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the internal storage 415 does not include a program that realizes the program guide reconstruction unit 212.

The content viewing device 500a of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the content viewing device 500a includes a TV device 510a, a set-top box (also referred to as a content receiving device) 570, and a content storage 600.

The TV device 510a realizes the function of the output unit 215 of FIG. Further, the content receiving device 570 realizes the functions of the content receiving / controlling unit 213, the program guide reconstructing unit 212, and the user input unit 214 of FIG.

The TV device 510a has basically the same configuration as the TV device 510 described with reference to FIG. However, the IPNW unit 511 may not be provided.

The content receiving device 570 includes a user input unit 571, a network IF unit 577, a reception channel selection unit 576, a signal separation unit 578, a video processing unit 579, an audio processing unit 580, a graphics unit 581, and a digital IF. A unit 582, a CPU 572, a RAM 573, and an internal storage 574 are provided. These basically realize the same function as the function of the same name of the TV device 510.

The content receiving device 570 further includes a storage IF unit 575. The storage IF unit 575 is an interface with the content storage 600. The CPU 572 accesses the data stored in the content storage 600 via the storage IF unit 575.

The program guide application 601 and the recorded content 603 are stored in the content storage 600. Further, the reconstructed program table 602 is also held in the content storage 600.

The recorded content 603 is data obtained by recording the broadcast content by the content receiving device 570. The recorded content 603 stored in the content storage 600 makes the broadcast content re-viewable, and is a kind of re-service.

The recorded content 603 is stored in association with information that identifies the broadcast content.

The program guide application 601 receives the agent service provided by the agent service device 400. Further, in the present embodiment, the function of the program guide reconstruction unit 212 is also realized. In the content receiving device 570, the CPU 572 realizes these functions by expanding and executing the program guide application 601 in the RAM 573.

The reconstructed program guide 602 created by the program guide reconstructing unit 212 by the program guide application 601 is sent to the TV device 510a via the digital IF unit 582 and displayed on the display 524. In this way, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 presents the reconstructed program guide 602 to the user 216 and prompts the user to select the broadcast content.

When reconstructing the program guide, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 accesses the program information storage unit 221, the user information holding unit 222, and the search result holding unit 223 on the agent service device 400 side, and requires necessary data (program data construction). Information) is acquired. Further, in the present embodiment, when the recorded content 603 is accumulated in the content storage 600 in association with each acquired broadcast content, the information is also reflected in the reconstructed program table 602.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the program guide reconstruction unit 212 is realized on the content viewing device 500a side. Therefore, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 can reflect the presence or absence of the recorded content 603 accumulated in the content viewing device 500a in the reconstructed program guide 602.

Next, the operation sequence when the program guide application 601 of the present embodiment receives the provision of the agent service realized by the agent service device 400 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, as in the explanation using FIG. 12, a case where viewing of the VOD content is requested in the reconstructed program guide will be described as an example. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, a case where the user 216 directly transmits the VOD distribution request to the VOD service device 203 will be described as an example. The same processing as in FIG. 12 is designated by the same reference numerals.

When the program guide application 601 receives a start instruction from the user, the program guide application 601 displays a login screen. Then, when the user 216 inputs the login information (S101), the user 216 accepts the login information (S17).

The program guide application 601 transmits the received login information to the agent service device 400 as a reconstruction program guide request (S102). In the agent service device 400, as an agent process, login information is received and user 216 is authenticated (S18). Here, for example, the user information DB432 is used to authenticate the user 216. Then, when the authentication is successful, the program data construction information is transmitted to the requesting program guide application 601 (S18a, S121).

The program guide reconstruction unit 212 realized by the program guide application 601 creates a reconstructed program guide using the program data construction information (S24). At this time, the information regarding the recorded content held by the content storage 600 of the own content viewing device 500 is also reflected. Then, the created reconstructed program guide is transmitted to the TV device 510a (S105) and displayed (S19).

The user 216 selects the broadcast content to be viewed from the displayed reconstructed program guide (S106). When the program guide application 601 accepts the selection by the user 216 (S20), the program guide application 601 transmits the URI of the selected broadcast content (VOD) to the agent service device 400 as the selection result (S108).

Further, the program guide application 601 transmits a distribution request to the VOD service device 203 specified by the URI of the broadcast content (S20a), and receives the broadcast content transmitted in response to the distribution request (S21). Then, the received broadcast content is decoded and transmitted to the TV device 510 (S109).

The TV device 510 displays the broadcast content (S22).

When the user 216 gives an instruction to end (log out) (S110), the program guide application 601 receives this (S23) and transmits it to the agent service device 400 (S111).

The agent service device 400 terminates the agent process (S18).

As shown in FIG. 6C, when the VOD distribution request is transmitted via the program guide agent 211, the agent service device 400 is specified by the URI of the broadcast content instead of S20a. The delivery request is transmitted to (S18b).

Here, an example of the reconstructed program guide to be reconstructed by the program guide reconstructing unit 212 of the present embodiment and displayed on the display 524 of the TV device 510a will be described.

FIG. 15 is an example of the reconstructed program table 100c of the present embodiment. The reconstructed program guide 100c reflects the recorded content. The same numbers are assigned to the same parts as the reconstructed program tables 100, 100a, and 100b, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

The recorded content 603 is reflected in the reconstructed program table 100c. When the broadcast content broadcasted in the past is in the list of the recorded content 603, for example, the recorded content display object 131 is superimposed and displayed on the broadcast content in the broadcast information display area 107.

Further, also in the explanatory display area 114, the recorded content display object 131a indicating that the content is recorded is superimposed and displayed.

Next, FIG. 16 shows another example of the reconstructed program table displayed on the content viewing device 500 of the present embodiment.

In the reconstructed program table 100d, the recording reservation button 131b of the broadcast content is arranged. The recording reservation button 131b is displayed in the explanatory display area 114 as shown in this figure.

The program guide reconstruction unit 212 displays the recording reservation button 121b in the explanatory display area 114 of the reconstructed program guide 100d.

When the program guide application 601 detects that the recording reservation button 121b is pressed, it identifies the broadcast content corresponding to the program information displayed in the explanatory display area 114 at that time. The program guide application 601 instructs a recording / playback application (not shown) to record the specified broadcast content.

The recording / playback application records when the broadcast start time is reached due to the passage of time. The recorded content is stored in the content storage 600 as the recorded content 603 in association with the information that identifies the broadcast content of the recording source.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when searching for the re-service of the past content on the network, the time for waiting for the search result of the user is eliminated, and the past content is re-serviced. It is possible to provide a system that can immediately and clearly present the presence or absence of re-service, and further eliminate duplication of search processing among a large number of users. That is, the user can know whether or not the plurality of past contents displayed in the program guide are re-serviced at once. In addition, the reconstructed program guide can be obtained with a short waiting time.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the content viewing device 500 used by the user 216 realizes the function of the program guide reconstructing unit 212. Therefore, the reconstructed program guide can reflect information specific to its own device, for example, information such as the presence or absence of recording.

In addition to this, the content viewing device 500a can be configured using general-purpose products such as TV devices, smartphones, tablet PCs, and stick-type PCs, and by reflecting the existence of recorded content, the user's viewing cost can be reduced. It can be reduced, etc.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the content viewing device 500a has been described as being realized by the TV device 510a and the content receiving device 570. However, it is not limited to this form. As shown in FIG. 11, the content viewing device 500a may be realized by the TV device 510, the information terminal device 530, and the content terminal device 550.

In this case, the content terminal device 550 includes a program for realizing the program guide reconstructing unit 212 in the internal storage 553. Then, the CPU 551 expands to the RAM 552 and executes it to realize the program guide reconstructing unit 212.

Further, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 11, a content storage 600 may be provided. In this case, the content terminal device 550 has a storage IF function and is configured to be accessible to the content storage 600.

The content receiving device 570 does not have to realize all the functions of the program guide reconstructing unit 212 of FIG. The function of reflecting the recorded content 603 in the reconstructed program guide should be realized at a minimum. In this case, other functions are realized on the agent service device 400 side.

Further, the program guide application 601 of the present embodiment may realize a priority order determination function for determining the priority of selection by the user 216. For example, when a plurality of types of re-serviced broadcast contents are selected, the priority determination unit selects the contents to be played according to a predetermined priority.

The priority may be determined by the reservice type or by conditions.

For example, when the priority of giving the highest priority to the recorded content 603 is set, the recorded content 603 is automatically selected when the VOD content and the broadcast content that has been re-serviced by the recorded content 603 are selected. Will be done. Further, when the priority is determined by the condition such as the one with the lower price, the free VOD distribution is selected when there is the paid VOD content and the free VOD content. In addition, for example, it may be a condition such as selecting one that can further reduce the amount of communication.

By providing the priority determination unit in this way, the user 216 can receive the re-service of the desired content without hassle.

The priority determination unit is realized, for example, by deploying a program stored in the content storage 600 or the internal storage 574 in the RAM 573 and executing the program.

<< Third Embodiment >>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, all the functions of the content processing unit 206 are realized by the device on the user 216 side.

In the present embodiment, the function of the program guide agent 211 is also realized by the device on the user 216 side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, when the program guide agent 211 collects the program data construction information, the collection range can be limited by using the information unique to the user 216.

The configuration of the content viewing system of this embodiment is obtained by removing the agent service device 400 from the system configurations of the first embodiment and the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9A.

First, the content viewing device 500b of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of the content viewing device 500b of the present embodiment.

The content viewing device 500b of the present embodiment includes a display device 590, a content receiving device 570, and a content storage 600b.

The display device 590 includes at least a configuration capable of realizing the display functions of the TV devices 510 and 510a shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. For example, it includes a digital IF unit 515, a display output unit 522, an audio output unit 523, a display 524, and a speaker 525. The output of the content receiving device 570 is received by the digital IF unit 515 and output from the display 524 and the speaker 525. A TV device 510, 510a may be used instead of the display device 590.

The content storage 600b stores the agent application 611, which is a program that realizes the functions of the program guide agent 211 and the functions of the program guide reconstructing unit 212. Further, in the present embodiment, the service list 612, the program data construction information 613, the reconstructed program table 614, and the recorded content 615 are further stored.

The CPU 572 realizes the functions of the program guide agent 211 and the functions of the program guide reconstructing unit 212 by deploying the agent application 611 in the RAM 573 and executing it.

The program data construction information 613 is information collected by the program guide agent 211 and used by the program guide reconstruction unit 212 when creating the reconstructed program guide. For example, it is the information held in the program information storage unit 221, the user information holding unit 222, and the search result holding unit 223 in FIG. 1.

The service list 612 is a list in which the contract information of the user 216 with each VOD service provider is stored. In the present embodiment, the program guide agent 211 refers to the program guide agent 211 at the time of search, and the program guide reconstruction unit 212 refers to the program guide at the time of reconstruction.

Here, the information registered in the service list 612 will be described. FIG. 18 is an example of the service list 612.

As shown in this figure, the service list 612 includes login information (here, user ID 612b and password 612c) for using the service for each information (here, service name) 612a that identifies the VOD service. The URI612d of the VOD service and related information 612e such as a logo used for display are registered.

As shown in this figure, the service name of the uncontracted VOD service may also be registered. That is, regardless of whether or not there is a contract, the content viewing device 500b may register a list of VOD services that search for the presence or absence of re-service via the network 201. The list of uncontracted VOD services is listed by user 216 or the manufacturer of the content viewing device 500b.

In the service list 612, the user ID 612b and the password 612c are registered as login information for the VOD service for which the user 216 has a viewing contract. On the other hand, for uncontracted VOD services, login information is not registered. The service list 612 shown in FIG. 18 is an example in which the user 216 has a viewing contract only for the “MNK on-demand” service.

Note that the user 216 may be configured to edit the service list 612. For example, at the request of the user, the agent application 611 displays the edit button 612f together with the list. Then, when the press of the edit button 612f is accepted, the agent application 611 accepts the input by the user to the service list 612.

Although the edit button 612f is shown in FIG. 18 for convenience, it is not managed as user information and is a button for transitioning to the edit screen.

The content viewing device 500b is usually owned by an individual or a family member. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the service list 612 is put into a usable state when the content viewing device 500b is activated.

When the program guide agent 211 realized by the agent application 611 searches for a re-service, for example, regarding the presence or absence of VOD distribution, only the service of the VOD service provider who has a contract in the service list 612 is searched.

As in the other embodiments, the search may be performed for all the VOD services to be searched regardless of whether the service is contracted or not. In this case, the program guide reconstructing unit 212 refers to the service list 612 and creates a reconstructed program guide so that the presence or absence of contracts and non-contracts is displayed in an identifiable manner.

In the content viewing device 500b of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the agent application 611 confirms whether or not the broadcast content is re-serviced directly or indirectly to the VOD service device 203, the broadcast service device 202, and the streaming service device 204. , The confirmed result is retained as a search result. It also manages user information. As described above, the collection of such program data construction information is executed periodically or in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event.

Further, the agent application 611 of the present embodiment reconstructs the broadcast program guide at the request of the user 216.

Then, in the present embodiment, when receiving the provision of the re-service, the user 216 confirms the reconstructed program guide on the content viewing device 500b and selects the broadcast content to be viewed. The content viewing device 500b receives a re-service from the VOD service device 203, the broadcasting service device 202, or the streaming service device 204 according to the user's selection, and reproduces the content viewing device 500b.

Here, an example of the reconstructed program guide in the present embodiment is shown in FIG. The reconstructed program table 100e basically has the same configuration as any one of the reconstructed program tables 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d.

In the reconstructed program table 100e, a list of broadcast contents having re-services for the past contents is displayed in an identifiable manner. Here, for example, the logo 113a of the VOD service provider is displayed in each broadcast content column of the broadcast information display area 107. Further, the logo 113e may be similarly displayed in the explanatory display area 114 as well.

Further, the broadcast content re-serviced by the VOD service provider contracted by the user 216 and the broadcast content by the VOD service provider not contracted are displayed in an identifiable manner, for example, by changing the background color and the character color. Will be done.

For example, in the example of FIG. 19, the background color of the broadcast content with a contract is displayed in white, and the background color of the broadcast content without a contract is displayed in a color other than white.

By displaying in such an manner, the user 216 can know whether or not there is a viewing contract for the broadcast content that the user wants to view.

For example, even if the service is re-serviced by a VOD service provider who does not have a viewing contract, there is a re-service that can be temporarily viewed free of charge. The program guide reconstruction unit 212 may further display such a re-service in an identifiable manner.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the spot viewing viewable display object 123 is superimposed and displayed on the broadcast content display of the broadcast information display area 107. At this time, the display may be displayed in the same display mode as the contracted broadcast content. As a result, the user can easily grasp that the viewing is possible.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when searching for the re-service of the past content on the network, the time for waiting for the search result of the user is eliminated, and the past content is re-serviced. It is possible to provide a system that can immediately and clearly present the presence or absence of re-service.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the user 216 side device also includes the function of the program guide agent 211. That is, the user-side device searches and collects the program data construction information. Therefore, user-specific conditions such as whether or not there is a contract with a VOD service provider can be reflected at the time of search. That is, the search range can be limited by using the personal information of the user.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently collect the reconstructed program guide including information useful for the user. Then, since the reconstructed program guide is generated using such information, it is possible to provide a reconstructed program guide that is easier for the user to use with less waiting time.

In each of the above embodiments, the content viewer 700 may be provided. The system configuration in this case is shown in FIG. 9 (b). As shown in this figure, the content viewer 700 is connected to another device via the network 201. Further, it is directly connected to the content viewing device 500.

In such a configuration, the user 216 may view the broadcast content delivered by VOD on the content viewer 700. In this case, the content viewing device 500 functions as a server that provides the reconstructed program guide to the content viewer 700. On the other hand, the content viewer 700 functions as a client and receives the reconstructed program guide.

The user 216 confirms the reconstructed program guide displayed on the content viewer 700, and receives the distribution service from the VOD service device 203.

That is, the content viewer 700 identifies the broadcast content selected by the user via the reconstructed program guide, and notifies the content viewing device 500. Then, the content viewing device 500 notifies the content viewer 700 of the distribution source information (distribution source address) of the VOD distribution service associated with the broadcast content. The content viewer 700 receives the distribution request, transmits the distribution request to the distribution source, and receives the distribution.

The content viewer 700 is realized by, for example, a tablet PC or the like. The content viewer 700 and the content viewing device 500 are connected by a LAN such as a home network. As a result, the personal information of the user 216 and the like are protected. The network means is not limited to this as long as it is a means for protecting the personal information of the user 216.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19 are not limited to these, and for example, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with another embodiment. It is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. All of these belong to the category of the present invention.

Furthermore, the numerical values and messages appearing in sentences and figures are merely examples, and even if different ones are used, the effect of the present invention is not impaired.

Further, the functions and the like of the invention may be implemented by hardware, for example, by designing a part or all of them with an integrated circuit. Further, the microprocessor unit, the CPU, or the like may be implemented by software by interpreting and executing an operation program that realizes each function or the like. Further, the implementation range of the software is not limited, and the hardware and the software may be used together.

100: Reconstructed program guide, 100a: Reconstructed program guide, 100b: Reconstructed program guide, 100c: Reconstructed program guide, 100d: Reconstructed program guide, 100e: Reconstructed program guide, 101: Current time display area, 102a : Date reverse feed button, 102b: Date forward button, 103: Date display area, 104: Media type display area, 105: Display area, 106: Time series display area, 107: Broadcast information display area, 108: Selective display frame, 109a: thumbnail image, 109b: thumbnail image, 110: rebroadcast schedule display object, 111a: evaluation information display object, 111b: evaluation information display object, 111c: evaluation button, 112a: paid content display object, 112b: billing information Display object, 113a: Logo, 113b: Logo, 113e: Logo, 114: Explanation display area, 114a: Program explanation button, 115: Advertisement display area, 116: Operation instruction reception unit, 116a: Cross key button, 116b: Confirm Button, 117a: Move button, 117b: Setting button, 117c: Volume button, 117d: Return button to home screen, etc. 119: Series selection button, 120a: Series display object, 120b: Series display object, 120c: Past broadcast program Button to view, 121: VOD schedule object, 121b: Recording reservation button, 123: Spot viewing viewable display object, 131: Recorded content display object, 131a: Recorded content display object, 131b: Recording reservation button,
200: Content viewing system, 201: Network, 202: Broadcast service device, 203: VOD service device, 204: Streaming service device, 205: Search engine, 206: Content processing unit, 211: Program guide agent, 212: Program guide re- Construction unit, 213: Content reception / control unit, 214: User input unit, 215: Output unit, 216: User, 217: Broadcast signal, 221: Program information storage unit, 222: User information retention unit, 223: Search result retention Department, 224: Graphic symbols, etc. 225: Billing information, 226: Advertising information, 227: Evaluation information, 231: Broken line, 232: Broken line, 233: Broken line,
310: User information, 311: User, 312: User authentication information, 313: Service list,
400: Agent service device, 410: Server device, 411: CPU, 412: RAM, 413: Storage IF unit, 414: IP network unit, 415: Internal storage, 430: Storage device, 431: Program information DB, 432: User Information DB, 433: Search result DB,
500: Content viewing device, 500a: Content viewing device, 500b: Content viewing device, 510: TV device, 510: TV device, 510a: TV device, 511: IPNW unit, 512: CPU, 513: RAM, 514: Internal storage , 515: Digital IF unit, 516: Reception channel selection unit, 517: User input unit, 518: Signal separation unit, 319: Video processing unit, 520: Audio processing unit, 521: Graphics unit, 522: Display output unit, 523 : Audio output unit, 524: Display, 525: Speaker, 530: Information terminal device, 531: Program guide access application, 550: Content terminal device, 551: CPU, 552: RAM, 535: Internal storage, 554: Program presentation application , 555: NW communication unit, 556: audio processor, 557: graphic processor, 558: video processing unit, 559: digital IF unit, 570: content receiving device, 571: user input unit, 572: CPU, 573: RAM, 574. : Internal storage, 575: Storage IF unit, 576: Reception channel selection unit, 577: Network IF unit, 578: Signal separation unit, 579: Video processing unit, 580: Audio processing unit, 581: Graphics unit, 582: Digital IF Department, 590: Display device,
600: Content storage, 600b: Content storage, 601: Program guide application, 602: Reconstructed program guide, 603: Recorded content, 611: Agent application, 612: Service list, 612b: User ID, 612c: Password, 612d: URI , 612e: Related information, 612f: Edit button, 613: Program data construction information, 614: Reconstructed program guide, 615: Recorded content, 700: Content viewer

Claims (7)

A content viewing system that receives and plays back serviced content, which is broadcast content that is reserviced.
A storage unit that stores program information of past content, which is broadcast content that was broadcast in the past, in association with the broadcast start time.
Program information is stored in the storage unit. The presence or absence of re-service of the past content is searched, and the obtained search result is stored in the storage unit as program data construction information in association with the program information of the past content. With the agent
A reconstruction unit that creates reconstructed program data using the program data construction information and presents it to the user.
A selection reception unit that accepts selection of the re-service content to be viewed via the reconstructed program data, and
Rutotomoni comprising a receiving player for receiving and reproducing said selected re service content and,
A service list that holds the existence or nonexistence of a contract between the provider of the re-service content and the user is further provided for each user.
The agent repeatedly searches for the presence or absence of the re-service, and updates the program data construction information by reflecting the search result each time the search result is obtained.
The reconstructing unit uses the updated program data construction information of the reservice content provided by the provider contracted in the service list for each user to perform the reconstructed program. A content viewing system characterized by creating data. A content viewing system that receives and plays back serviced content, which is broadcast content that is reserviced.
A storage unit that stores program information of past content, which is broadcast content that was broadcast in the past, in association with the broadcast start time,
Program information is stored in the storage unit. The presence or absence of re-service of the past content is searched, and the obtained search result is stored in the storage unit as program data construction information in association with the program information of the past content. With the agent
A reconstruction unit that creates reconstructed program data using the program data construction information and presents it to the user.
A selection reception unit that accepts selection of the re-service content to be viewed via the reconstructed program data, and
Rutotomoni comprising a receiving player for receiving and reproducing said selected re service content and,
A service list that holds the existence or nonexistence of a contract between the provider of the re-service content and the user is further provided for each user.
The agent repeatedly searches for the presence or absence of the re-service, and updates the program data construction information by reflecting the search result each time the search result is obtained.
The content reconstructing unit creates the reconstructed program data so that each user can identify whether or not there is a contract with the provider by using the updated program data construction information. Viewing system. A content viewing system that receives and plays back serviced content, which is broadcast content that is reserviced.
A storage unit that stores program information of past content, which is broadcast content that was broadcast in the past, in association with the broadcast start time.
Program information is stored in the storage unit. The presence or absence of re-service of the past content is searched, and the obtained search result is stored in the storage unit as program data construction information in association with the program information of the past content. With the agent
A reconstruction unit that creates reconstructed program data using the program data construction information and presents it to the user.
A selection reception unit that accepts selection of the re-service content to be viewed via the reconstructed program data, and
Rutotomoni comprising a receiving player for receiving and reproducing said selected re service content and,
A service list that holds the existence or nonexistence of a contract between the provider of the re-service content and the user is further provided for each user.
The agent accesses the provider contracted in the service list for each user , repeatedly searches for the presence or absence of the re-service, and reflects the search result each time the search result is obtained to reflect the program. Update the data construction information,
The reconstruction unit is a content viewing system characterized in that the reconstructed program data is created by using the updated program data construction information. A content viewing system that receives and plays back serviced content, which is broadcast content that is reserviced.
A storage unit that stores program information of past content, which is broadcast content that was broadcast in the past, in association with the broadcast start time.
Program information is stored in the storage unit. The presence or absence of re-service of the past content is searched, and the obtained search result is stored in the storage unit as program data construction information in association with the program information of the past content. With the agent
A reconstruction unit that creates reconstructed program data using the program data construction information and presents it to the user.
A selection reception unit that accepts selection of the re-service content to be viewed via the reconstructed program data, and
A reception / playback unit that receives and reproduces the selected re-service content is provided.
The agent repeatedly searches for the presence or absence of the re-service, and updates the program data construction information by reflecting the search result each time the search result is obtained.
The reconstruction unit creates the reconstructed program data using the updated program data construction information, and creates the reconstructed program data .
The storage unit further accumulates program information of future contents, which are broadcast contents scheduled to be broadcast.
The agent also searches for evaluation information of the past content as the program data construction information, further searches for the presence or absence of plans for re-service of the future content, and stores the obtained search results in the storage unit.
The program information includes series-specific information that identifies programs of the same series.
The reconstructing unit creates the reconstructed program data by adding the evaluation information of the past content identified as a program of the same series by the series specific information to the program information of the future content. A featured content viewing system. The content viewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The reconstruction unit is a content viewing system characterized in that the reconstruction program data is created in a tabular format. The content viewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The agent is a content viewing system characterized in that, immediately after the end of broadcasting of the broadcast content, the presence or absence of the re-service of the broadcast content is searched, and the obtained search result is reflected in the program data construction information. The content viewing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A viewing device including the reconstruction unit, the selection reception unit, and the reception / playback unit is provided.
The viewing device includes a recording information holding unit that holds recorded information that can access the recorded data of the past content that can be viewed by the viewing device in association with information that identifies the past content.
The reconstructing unit is a content viewing system characterized in that the recorded information is reflected when the reconstructed program data is created.

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