JP7630253B2 - Receiving device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a receiving device and a program.

In general, a receiving device that receives content operates in response to external control (operation) to receive and play the content. For example, a television (television receiver) that receives broadcast content may be controlled by a remote control device that uses infrared signals, or by a terminal device such as a smartphone that links with the television. One mechanism for controlling a television using a terminal device such as a smartphone is the terminal linking function of Hybridcast (Hybridcast Connect, also known as "Hybridcast Connect"). For example, in the above-mentioned Hybridcast Connect, within the client-server framework, the television functions as the server and other devices (such as smartphones) function as clients (companion devices).

Various use cases are being considered for the mechanism for linking televisions and companion devices. For example, a smartphone can be used as a remote control for a television to select television programs. Another use case is casting content being viewed on a smartphone to a television.

For example, a television and a smartphone that are linked to each other via Hybrid Connect operate as follows. That is, the smartphone function (app) discovers the television as a client via a device discovery API. The smartphone function also performs authentication procedures with the television via an authentication API. The smartphone function also grasps the status of the television via APIs related to information and status acquisition. The smartphone function also requests the television to select a specific service and launch an app (such as a broadcast managed app) via an API for channel selection and hybrid cast app launch request. The smartphone function and the television function (app) also perform bidirectional linked communication.

Non-Patent Document 1 describes a terminal linkage architecture (Hybridcast Connect) that extends Hybridcast and enables linkage between televisions and various devices.

Hisayuki Omata, Seiya Ikeo, Toru Takiguchi, Hiroshi Fujisawa, "Device Linkage Architecture for Enabling Smooth Linkage between Program Viewing and Daily Activities", NHK Science & Technology Research & Development, November 2019, Report 01, NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories, [online], [downloaded October 1, 2020], Internet <URL: https://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/publica/rd/178/4.html>

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technologies (such as HiConnect), the television always functions as the server and other devices (such as smartphones) function as clients. In conventional technologies, it is not possible for a device such as a smartphone to function as the server and the television to function as the client. In addition, it is not possible to cast content from a television to a device such as a smartphone. In addition, it is not possible to control the television from the television, such as by selecting channels or launching apps.

In other words, conventional technology did not allow for flexible switching between the roles of a television and other devices (such as a smartphone). This placed restrictions on how content could be presented to viewers.

The present invention was made in recognition of the above problems, and aims to provide a receiving device and program that removes the restrictions on roles based on device type and can present content more flexibly according to the situation.

[1] In order to solve the above problems, a receiving device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a content receiving unit that receives distributed content, a content presenting unit that presents the received content, a controlled unit that controls the presentation of the content by the content presenting unit according to control from another receiving device, and a control unit that controls the presentation of the content in the other receiving device.

[2] In one aspect of the present invention, the receiving device further includes a state management unit that acquires state information representing an external state, and the control unit controls the presentation of content on the other receiving device based on the state information acquired by the state management unit.

[3] In one aspect of the present invention, in the receiving device, the state information includes location information of a viewer who is viewing the content, and when the location information included in the acquired state information corresponds to the other receiving device, the state management unit causes the content presenting unit to stop presenting the content, and causes the control unit to control the other receiving device to present the content.

[4] In one aspect of the present invention, in the receiving device, the status information further includes vehicle status information representing a vehicle status, and the status management unit controls the control unit so that the other receiving device, which is determined based on the vehicle status information included in the acquired status information, presents the content.

[5] In one aspect of the present invention, in the receiving device described above, the control unit acquires a status indicating the content presentation capability of the other receiving device that is the object of control by the control unit, and controls the other receiving device to present content determined based on the acquired status.

[6] In one aspect of the present invention, the receiving device makes an inquiry to an external server device based on the acquired status, and the control unit determines the content to be presented by the other receiving device according to a response sent from the server device in response to the inquiry.

[7] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a receiving device according to any one of [1] to [6] above.

According to the present invention, a receiving device can flexibly control other receiving devices, such as by turning the power on/off or instructing the presentation of specific content, depending on the external conditions (e.g., the viewer's position, etc.). A receiving device can be either the device that performs the above control or the device that is controlled. In other words, multiple receiving devices can control each other.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a receiving device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content presentation system including a receiving device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content presentation system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a method (API) for a receiving device (TV-A, TV-B, etc.) according to the second embodiment to grasp the status of the receiving device itself and other receiving devices. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a method used by a receiving device according to the second embodiment to control another receiving device. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a method used by a receiving device according to the second embodiment when controlling the receiving device itself or another receiving device (such as turning off the power). FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation in which a server device according to a second embodiment passes information on a state determination result to a receiving device; FIG. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing a detailed processing sequence of each device in an operation example according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing a detailed processing sequence of each device in an operation example according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 3) showing a detailed processing sequence of each device in an operation example according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content presentation system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a receiving device according to a third embodiment, a method that can be called to obtain the status of the receiving device itself or another receiving device; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a method used when a receiving device according to the third embodiment inquires of a content management unit of a server device about optimal content to be presented on another receiving device. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a response to a content inquiry (FIG. 14) in the third embodiment. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a request (content presentation request) that a receiving device according to the third embodiment executes to another receiving device that is a takeover destination. FIG. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 3) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 4) showing the sequence of processing of each device in the operation example according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content presentation system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 1) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 2) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 3) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 4) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (part 5) showing the sequence of processing of each device in an operation example according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of each device in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments.

Next, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In conventional technology, there was a fixed relationship in which the television functioned as a server and other devices (such as a smartphone) functioned as clients, but the embodiments described below allow this relationship to be changed more flexibly. In these embodiments, multiple receiving devices cooperate with each other depending on the state (for example, the state resulting from the actions of the viewer of the content, or the state of the device such as an automobile). In other words, one receiving device acts as a client and controls the operation of another receiving device (server). For example, even without the viewer operating a remote control or the like, content that one receiving device was receiving (or related content) can be received and presented by another receiving device. As a more specific example, it is also possible for another receiving device to take over and present content that one receiving device was presenting based on the results of the viewer's actions, such as movement.

In addition, in some of the embodiments described below, in conjunction with the control between the receiving devices, content can be presented in a unique manner according to the functions and capabilities of a particular receiving device. Here, "functions and capabilities" refers to, for example, whether the media that the receiving device can receive is broadcast, communication, or both. Also, "functions and capabilities" refers to, for example, whether the receiving device can present only video, only audio, only text, or a combination of these.

For example, a television can present video, audio, and text. On the other hand, a smart mirror can only present text. In this case, when the smart mirror takes over the content that the television was presenting, it will be able to present the related text content.

For example, a television can receive broadcast content but cannot receive content via communication. On the other hand, some types of smartphones cannot receive broadcast content but can receive content via communication. In this case, when the smartphone takes over the content that the television was presenting, the smartphone will be able to receive and present communication content related to the broadcast content that the television was receiving.

The definitions related to the "receiving device" described in the following embodiments are as follows:

A receiving device is a device that receives content and plays and presents it.

Playback and presentation refers to restoring presentable information such as video, audio, and text based on the transmitted content signal, and displaying video or text on a display device, or outputting audio from a speaker, etc.

A television is a type of receiving device that receives content including at least video and audio transmitted by broadcast signals and plays and presents the content. A television may also receive content transmitted by communication.

A smartphone is a type of receiving device that receives content including at least video and audio transmitted via communication and plays and presents the content. A smartphone may also have the function of receiving content transmitted via a broadcast signal.

A radio is a type of receiving device that receives, plays, and presents audio content transmitted by broadcast signals.

A smart speaker is a type of receiving device that receives audio content transmitted via communication and plays and presents it.

A smart mirror is a type of receiving device that receives text content transmitted via communication and plays and displays it. A smart mirror has a mirror surface, and a portion of the mirror surface is used to display text.

In each embodiment described below, mutual control between various receiving devices is described. The performance of the receiving device is various. An example of "performance" here is the capability regarding the type of content that can be received. The receiving device has the capability to receive content distributed by at least one of broadcasting and communication. The receiving device may be capable of receiving content only by broadcasting. The receiving device may be capable of receiving content only by communication (communication by the Internet or a short-range wireless communication method). The receiving device may be capable of receiving both broadcast and communication content. The capabilities that the receiving device can present are also various. The receiving device may have the capability to present content by video. The receiving device may have the capability to present content by still images. The receiving device may have the capability to present content by audio. The receiving device may have the capability to present content by text. The receiving device may have the capability to present other types of content. The receiving device may have the capability to present multiple types of content listed here.

In the embodiment described below, it may be possible to present content that matches the performance (capabilities) of a receiving device. For example, in response to an inquiry, a server device may respond with content that is optimal for presentation by a receiving device having a certain capability. This allows flexibility when a receiving device controls other receiving devices to present content.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a receiving device according to a first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the receiving device 1 includes a communication content receiving unit 11, a broadcast content receiving unit 12, a content display unit 14, a status management unit 15, a status acquisition unit 16, a server function unit 17, and a client function unit 18. At least some of the functions of these function units can be realized by, for example, a computer and a program. Each function unit has a storage unit as needed. The storage unit is, for example, a variable in a program or a memory allocated by the execution of a program. Also, non-volatile storage units such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a solid state drive (SSD) may be used as needed. Also, at least some of the functions of each function unit may be realized as a dedicated electronic circuit rather than a program.

The receiving device 1 can be implemented as various devices. Specifically, the receiving device 1 can be implemented as, for example, a television, a smartphone, a radio, a smart speaker, a smart mirror, an IoT device ("IoT" is an abbreviation for "Internet of Things"), or other devices.

The communication content receiving unit 11 receives content distributed by communication (e.g., communication by Internet Protocol). The communication content receiving unit 11 passes the received content to the content display unit 14. When the content display unit 14 is realized as a content presentation application program, the communication content receiving unit 11 works in conjunction with this application program. The communication content receiving unit 11 is typically the communication function part of a so-called "media player."

The broadcast content receiving unit 12 receives content distributed by broadcast (television, radio, data broadcast, etc.). The broadcast content receiving unit 12 passes the received content to the content display unit 14. When the content display unit 14 is realized as a content presentation application program, the broadcast content receiving unit 12 works in conjunction with this application program. The broadcast content receiving unit 12 typically has the function of a so-called "tuner."

The above communication content receiving unit 11 and broadcast content receiving unit 12 may be collectively referred to as the "content receiving unit." It is sufficient for the content receiving unit to have at least one of the functions of the communication content receiving unit 11 and the broadcast content receiving unit 12. In other words, the content receiving unit receives content that is distributed by at least either broadcast or communication.

The content display unit 14 presents the content received by the communication content receiving unit 11 and the broadcast content receiving unit 12 so that the viewer can view it. The content display unit 14 displays video content on a screen or the like. The content display unit 14 outputs audio content from a speaker or the like (including earphones or the like). The content display unit 14 displays text content on a screen or the like. The content display unit 14 presents other content using appropriate presentation means. The content display unit 14 is implemented, for example, as part of a function of a content presentation application running on the receiving device 1. The content display unit 14 may also be called the "content presentation unit".

The status management unit 15 manages the status within the receiving device 1. The status here includes the external status of the receiving device 1. The status includes, for example, the status related to the location (position) where the viewer is. The status may include, for example, the status of a vehicle such as an automobile (for example, whether the viewer is driving or taking a break). The status management unit 15 may manage other statuses. The status management unit 15 may instruct the status acquisition unit 16 to acquire the external status. Note that the status management unit 15 may be realized as a part of a function of a part of a receiving device control module that realizes the middleware function of the receiving device 1.

That is, the state management unit 15 acquires state information. The state information represents, for example, an external state. The state information may include the viewer's position information. The state information may also include vehicle state information representing the state of the vehicle. The state information may further include other state information. When the position information included in the acquired state information does not correspond to the own device (receiving device 1) but corresponds to another receiving device 1, the state management unit 15 causes the content display unit 14 to stop presenting the content, and causes the client function unit 18 to control the other receiving device 1 to present the content. The state management unit 15 can also cause the control unit to control the other receiving device 1, which is determined based on the vehicle state information included in the acquired state information, to present the content.

Furthermore, the state management unit 15 makes an inquiry to the external server device 2 based on the status (described later) of the other receiving device 1 acquired by the receiving device 1, and receives a response from the server device 2 in response to the inquiry. This response includes information that identifies the content that the client function unit 18 should present on the other receiving device 1. The state management unit 15 determines the content that should be presented on the other receiving device 1 based on this response.

The status acquisition unit 16 acquires status information from the outside. For example, the status acquisition unit 16 acquires status information from an external server device (described later). For example, the status acquisition unit 16 acquires status information based on an instruction from the above-mentioned status management unit 15. Note that the status acquisition unit 16 may be realized as part of a function of a receiving device control module that realizes the middleware function of the receiving device 1.

The server function unit 17 is also called the "controlled unit." The server function unit 17 controls the presentation of content by the content display unit 14 according to control from another receiving device 1. Specifically, the server function unit 17 controls the content display unit 14 to start and end the presentation of content according to external control. The server function unit 17 also controls the content display unit 14 to specify specific content to be presented. Furthermore, the server function unit 17 may also control the power supply of its own device (receiving device 1) to be turned off. The server function unit 17 may be realized as part of a function of a receiving device control module that realizes the middleware function of the receiving device 1.

The client function unit 18 is also called a "control unit." The client function unit 18 controls the presentation of content in the other receiving device 1. Specifically, the client function unit 18 performs control to request the other receiving device 1 to present specific content. The client function unit 18 may also perform control such as stopping the presentation of content by the other receiving device 1 or turning off the power of the other receiving device 1. The client function unit 18 may be realized as part of a function of a receiving device control module that realizes the middleware function of the receiving device 1.

Specifically, the client function unit 18 can control other receiving devices 1 to present content based on the status information acquired by the status management unit 15 (such as the viewer's position, the vehicle's status, and other status information).

The client function unit 18 acquires a status indicating the content presentation capability (type of content that can be received and type of content that can be presented) of the other receiving device 1 to be controlled. The client function unit 18 can control the other receiving device to present content determined based on the acquired status of the other receiving device 1. In this case, the receiving device 1 may inquire of the external server device 2 about information on specific content according to the status of the other receiving device 1.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of a content presentation system including the above-mentioned receiving device 1. As shown in the figure, the content presentation system 1000 includes the receiving device 1, a server device 2, a viewer device 3, and a communication network 9.

The receiving device 1 receives and presents content. A viewer can view the content presented by the receiving device 1. The content presentation system 1000 may include multiple receiving devices 1.

The server device 2 grasps and determines the status. In particular, the server device 2 determines the status outside the receiving device 1. In response to a request from the receiving device 1, the server device 2 transmits status information to the receiving device 1. The status information may include information on the viewer's position, information on the vehicle status, and other status information.

The server device 2 also manages content. In particular, the server device 2 has information on other content related to a certain content. In response to an inquiry from the receiving device 1, the server device 2 responds with information on related content that is related to a certain content and that is suitable for the capabilities of the specific receiving device 1 (the types of content that can be received and the types of content that can be presented). For example, one type of content related to television content of a baseball game broadcast is radio content of a baseball game broadcast of the same game. Also, one type of content related to a certain broadcast content is web content (text, etc.) that includes information on the broadcast content. Also, one type of content related to broadcast content of a live broadcast of an event is content of the same event being live streamed on the Internet.

The functions of the server device 2 may be provided in one of the receiving devices 1. Alternatively, the server device 2 may be a so-called cloud server.

The viewer device 3 is a device or circuit that sends a control signal to the receiving device 1 based on the viewer's operation, etc. The viewer device 3 may be, for example, a remote control device for a television. The remote control device transmits instructions to the receiving device 1 using, for example, infrared signals. The viewer device 3 may be, for example, a terminal device (smartphone, etc.) for operating a television. The terminal device can be linked to the television using, for example, a terminal linking function of hybrid cast. The viewer device 3 may be a button or touch panel for operating the receiving device 1 (smartphone, smart speaker, smart mirror, radio, or television).

The communication network 9 is a communication means that enables the receiving device 1 and the server device 2 to communicate with each other. The communication network 9 provides, for example, a communication service based on the Internet Protocol. A part of the communication network 9 may be a short-range wireless communication network.

As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving device 1 can operate in cooperation with other receiving devices 1. That is, the receiving device 1 cooperates with other receiving devices 1 while functioning as a client or as a server depending on the situation. In other words, a receiving device 1 functioning as a client in a certain situation controls another receiving device 1 functioning as a server. At this time, the receiving device 1 communicates with the other receiving devices 1 via the communication network 9. The receiving device 1 can also communicate with a server device 2 via the communication network 9.

When multiple receiving devices 1 control each other, each receiving device 1 operates by distinguishing whether it is in a situation where it functions as a server or a situation where it functions as a client. The receiving device 1 can use, for example, one of the following three methods.

Method 1: As a first method, the receiving device 1 notifies the other receiving devices 1 that it is functioning as a server via the communication network 9. Specifically, the receiving device 1 functioning as a server notifies the other receiving devices 1 that it is playing the role of a server. Existing technology may be used as a method of notifying the other receiving devices 1. The other receiving devices 1 that receive this notification can function as clients.

Method 2: As a second method, the receiving device 1 notifies the other receiving devices 1 that it is functioning as a client via the communication network 9. Specifically, the receiving device 1 functioning as a client notifies the other receiving devices 1 that it is acting as a client. Existing technology may be used as a method of notifying the other receiving devices 1. The other receiving devices 1 that receive this notification can then function as servers.

Method 3: As a third method, the server device 2 provides information for each receiving device 1 indicating whether it should function as a server or as a client. The server device can determine whether a particular receiving device 1 should function as a server or as a client based on various circumstances. For example, the server device 2 notifies the receiving device 1 of information based on the location of the user (viewer) of the receiving device 1 and the status of the device (such as an automobile, for example). For example, in response to an inquiry from the receiving device 1, the server device 2 may return information for determining whether the receiving device 1 should function as a server or as a client.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of a server device according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the server device 2 includes a status determination unit 21 and a content management unit 22. The status determination unit 21 is configured to include a position determination unit 211 and a vehicle status determination unit 212. The server device 2 is also realized using a general-purpose computer that runs a program, a dedicated electronic circuit, or the like. The functions of each unit are as follows.

The state determination unit 21 determines the state based on the collected information. The state determination unit 21 can return current state information based on a request from the receiving device 1. Specific functions of the state determination unit 21 are realized by the position determination unit 211 and the vehicle state determination unit 212.

The position determination unit 211 determines the position of the viewer (person) and outputs status information (position information) based on the determination result. The position information may, for example, indicate that the viewer is at or near a specific position. The position information may also indicate that the viewer is in a specific building (such as a house). The position information may also indicate that the viewer is in a vehicle such as a car. The position determination unit 211 detects the viewer, for example, based on a video or still image captured by a camera. The position determination unit 211 also recognizes (identifies) the detected person. The camera may, for example, be installed in a house, a facility, on the street, in a car, a train, or the like. Alternatively, the position determination unit 211 may determine the viewer's position information based on a GPS terminal carried by the viewer. Alternatively, the position determination unit 211 may determine the viewer's position information using a human sensor.

The vehicle state determination unit 212 determines the state of a vehicle such as an automobile, and outputs state information (vehicle state information) based on the determination result. For this purpose, the vehicle state determination unit 212 receives a signal, for example, from a vehicle such as an automobile, by communication. The vehicle state determination unit 212 receives, for example, a signal indicating whether the main switch of the automobile is ON or OFF (however, the signal indicating OFF may be omitted). The vehicle state determination unit 212 also receives, for example, a signal indicating whether the position of the shift lever for driving the automobile is "P" (parking). Furthermore, as an option, the vehicle state determination unit 212 may receive a signal indicating the current position of the automobile. The current position of the automobile can be obtained, for example, from a navigation (car navigation) device installed in the automobile. Furthermore, as an option, the vehicle state determination unit 212 may receive a signal indicating the current speed of the automobile. The current speed of the automobile can be obtained, for example, from a speedometer installed in the automobile. Alternatively, the current speed of the automobile can be obtained by differentiating the current position of the automobile with respect to time. Based on these signals, the vehicle state determination unit 212 outputs vehicle state information.

The vehicle state information indicates, for example, a state such as "driving" or "taking a break". An example of a method of determination by the vehicle state determination unit 212 is as follows. When the vehicle's main switch is ON and the driver's shift lever is in a position other than "P" (parking), the vehicle state determination unit 212 determines the state as "driving". When the vehicle's main switch is OFF, or when the vehicle's main switch is ON and the driver's shift lever is in a position of "P", the vehicle state determination unit 212 determines the state as "taking a break". An additional condition for outputting a determination result of "taking a break" may be that the vehicle's position on the map is in a parking lot (including a parking area or a service area on a motorway). Alternatively, an additional condition for outputting a determination result of "taking a break" may be that the vehicle's movement speed is 0.

The content management unit 22 holds and manages information on related content related to a certain piece of content. In response to an inquiry, the content management unit 22 replies with information on content related to a specific piece of content. Specific examples of related content are as described above. The content management unit 22 transmits information on appropriate related content to the receiving device 1 according to the capabilities of the specific receiving device 1.

In the first embodiment described above, the server function unit 17 of the receiving device 1 functions as a server. Also, the client function unit 18 of the receiving device 1 functions as a client. As a client, the receiving device 1 can control the other receiving devices 1 (servers). Here, control means controlling the other receiving devices 1 to present specific content, controlling the other receiving devices 1 to stop presenting content, and controlling the power ON/OFF of the other receiving devices 1.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the receiving device 1 can acquire status information that indicates an external state, and control another receiving device 1 depending on the status information. Also, the receiving device 1 can control its own device (the receiving device 1) (for example, by turning the power OFF) depending on the status information.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the receiving device 1 can control the other receiving device 1 to present appropriate content depending on the capabilities (status) of the other receiving device 1.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the description of the matters already described in the previous embodiment may be omitted. Here, the description will be centered on matters unique to this embodiment.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content presentation system according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the content presentation system of this embodiment includes televisions 61 and 62, a server device 2, and a communication network 9.

Each of the televisions 61 and 62 is a type of receiving device 1 already described. Each of the televisions 61 and 62 has a broadcast content receiving unit 12 (FIG. 1) and has a function of receiving broadcast signals and displaying the content. Either one or both of the televisions 61 and 62 may have a function of receiving and displaying content via communication. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the televisions 61 and 62 are installed in different locations. In this embodiment, the televisions 61 and 62 can control the other television (turning the power on/off, selecting channels, etc.) based on the location information received from the server device 2.

The server device 2 is a device having a configuration similar to that of the server device 2 described in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the server device 2 particularly grasps and manages the positions of viewers watching the televisions 61 and 62. In response to an inquiry from the television 61 or 62, the server device 2 returns position information indicating the viewer's position to the television 61 or 62.

The communication network 9 is a network that enables mutual communication between the devices that make up this content presentation system. The communication network 9 is realized, for example, using the Internet. That is, the server device 2, the television 61, and the television 62 may communicate with each other via the Internet. However, for example, the communication between the television 61 and the television 62 may use short-range wireless communication, which is an existing technology.

The use case assumed in this embodiment is as follows. The television 61 and the television 62 are installed in one house. The television 61 and the television 62 can communicate with each other, for example, by short-range wireless communication, and are in a relationship in which they can control each other. The television 61 is installed at position A in the house, and the television 62 is installed at position B in the house. Position A is, for example, room A, and position B is, for example, room B different from room A. Based on images captured by a camera installed in the house and reports from a GPS terminal (GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System) carried by the viewer (user), the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 obtains information on the viewer's position. In response to inquiries from the televisions 61 and 62, the server device 2 can return information on the viewer's position to the televisions 61 and 62. This information on the viewer's position is the basis for determining whether the televisions 61 and 62 should function as a server or a client. Specifically, when the viewer is in or near position A (room A), the television 61 installed at position A can function as a server, and the television 62 installed at position B can function as a client. When the viewer is in or near position B (room B), the television 61 installed at position A can function as a client, and the television 62 installed at position B can function as a server.

In the sequence described later with reference to Figures 9 to 11, the viewer's actions and the associated operations of televisions 61 and 62 are as follows. That is, the viewer first watches a television program broadcast by broadcast station G on television 61 (hereinafter also referred to as "TV-A") installed at position A. That is, television 61 receives and presents the television program (content) of broadcast station G. The viewer then moves from position A to position B in the house without operating the television remote control or the like. In accordance with this movement of the viewer, television 61 stops presenting the television program. Meanwhile, in accordance with the above movement of the viewer, television 62 (hereinafter also referred to as "TV-B") automatically starts receiving and presenting the television program broadcast by broadcast station G. The viewer can continue to watch the television program broadcast by broadcast station G at the destination position B.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a method (API) for a receiving device 1 (TV-A or TV-B) to grasp the status of its own receiving device and other receiving devices 1 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the method is "HTTP GET". When this method is called, a BODY is returned. This BODY contains information for identifying the service being received by the receiving device 1. In the example shown in the figure, the service_id is 1024, the original_network_id is 32736, and the transport_stream_id is 32736.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a method used when a receiving device 1 (e.g., TV-A) controls another receiving device 1 (e.g., TV-B) in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the method is "HTTP POST". By calling this method, the controlled receiving device 1 (server side) is controlled to select a specific service. Information identifying a specific service is specified as an argument of the method. In the example shown in the figure, service_id is 1024, original_network_id is 32736, and transport_stream_id is 32736. For example, TV-A uses this method as a client to control TV-B (server) to select a specific service. In this case, if the channel selection is successful, TV-B returns "200" as a response to TV-A.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a method used when a receiving device 1 (e.g., TV-B) controls another receiving device 1 (e.g., TV-A) in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the method is "HTTP POST." By calling this method, the receiving device 1 on the controlled side (server side) is controlled to turn off its power. When calling this method, the following values are specified as arguments. That is, service_id is 0, original_network_id is 0, and transport_stream_id is 0.

The methods shown in Figures 6 and 7 each request that the receiving device 1 tune in. The method shown in Figure 7 controls the receiving device 1 to turn off the power, but turning off the power can also be considered as tuning in to a channel where service_id is 0, original_network_id is 0, and transport_stream_id is 0.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation in this embodiment in which the server device 2 passes information on the determination result to the receiving device 1 (televisions 61 and 62). (A) to (D) in the figure show the transition over time.

First, in FIG. 8(A), the viewer is at position A, where TV-A is set. The position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 grasps and manages the viewer's position. TV-A receives and presents content broadcast by Station G (broadcast station). The viewer is watching the content at position A. TV-A requests viewer's position information from the server device 2 at a predetermined time interval. In other words, TV-A polls the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2. In the current state, when TV-A performs a "get" to the server device 2 to obtain position information, the server device 2 returns position.json (data in JSON format) including the position information as a response. In the current state, the position information is {"position": A}. This position information indicates that the viewer is at position A. In this state, TV-B is in a power-off state.

Next, in FIG. 8(B), the viewer has already moved from position A to position B. Server device 2 knows that the viewer has moved to position B. In this state, when TV-A performs a "get" on server device 2 to obtain position information, the position information returned by server device 2 is {"position": B}. From this, TV-A knows that the viewer is no longer at position A. In this state, TV-B is in a power-off state.

Next, in FIG. 8(C), TV-A "tunes" TV-B in response to the viewer's movement to position B. Note that TV-A already knows that positions B and TV-B are associated. Here, TV-A functions as a client, and TV-B functions as a server. TV-A executes the method shown in FIG. 6 as a client. As a result, TV-B receives the content broadcast by station G and starts presenting it. Here, TV-B starts polling server device 2. That is, TV-B starts performing "get" at a predetermined time interval to obtain the viewer's position information. In this situation, when TV-B performs "get" on server device 2, the position information returned by server device 2 is {"position": B}. As a result, TV-B knows that the viewer is at position B, and continues presenting the content.

Next, in FIG. 8 (D), TV-B performs processing to power off TV-A. Specifically, TV-B "tunes" (controls power OFF) TV-A. Specifically, TV-B, as a client, executes the method shown in FIG. 7. In response, TV-A powers off its own device. The viewer continues watching the content from station G presented by TV-B at position B.

Figures 9, 10, and 11 are sequence diagrams showing more detailed processing sequences of each device corresponding to an example of the operation of this embodiment. Below, an example of the processing sequence will be explained with reference to these figures.

First, in step S101 of FIG. 9, the viewer device 3 transmits an instruction to the server function unit 17 of TV-A to start viewing the content broadcast by Station G (broadcast station). This instruction specifically includes an instruction to select Station G. If the power of TV-A is OFF, the instruction may also include an instruction to turn the power ON. The viewer device 3 transmits the above instruction using, for example, an infrared signal.

Next, in step S102, the server function unit 17 of TV-A instructs the content display unit 14 to turn on the content display. At this time, "Station G" is specified. As a result, TV-A receives the broadcast signal of the specified Station G, and starts demodulating and decoding the signal. The content display unit 14 starts displaying the content on the screen.

Next, in step S103, the content display unit 14 of TV-A returns a response (OK) to the server function unit 17. This lets the server function unit 17 know that the content has been successfully displayed.

Next, in step S104, the server function unit 17 of TV-A reports the display status to the status management unit 15. In other words, since the server function unit 17 received a response (OK) in step S103, it reports to the status management unit 15 that the content display has been successful.

Next, in step S105, the status management unit 15 requests the status acquisition unit 16 to start acquiring the status. This is a request to the status acquisition unit 16 to acquire the status from the server device 2.

Next, in step S106, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A requests location information from the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2. This request corresponds to the "get" process described in FIG. 8(A).

Next, in step S107, the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2 responds to the request in step S106 by sending location information to the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A. Here, the location information is information that indicates the viewer's location. In this step, the location information indicates "Location A."

S108 is the same procedure as step S106. That is, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A requests information on the viewer's position. Also, step S109 is the same procedure as step S107. That is, the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 passes information on the viewer's position to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A. In this step as well, the position information indicates "position A."

After this, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A will repeatedly request location information from the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2 at predetermined time intervals. It will also pass this information to the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2. As long as the location information passed from the server device 2 is "Location A", TV-A will continue playing and presenting the content from station G. When the location information passed from the server device 2 is no longer "Location A", TV-A will start controlling its own device and other receiving devices 1 to stop presenting the content.

Next, in step S110, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A requests location information from the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S111, the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 responds to the request in step S110 by sending position information to the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A. Here, the position information has changed. In this step, the position information passed to the TV-A has changed to "position B." Upon receiving this response from the server device 2, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A recognizes that the position has changed from A to B. This change is the result of the viewer moving from position A to position B.

Next, in step S112, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A notifies the status management unit 15 of the detection of a location change (location B). As a result, the status management unit 15 becomes aware of the change in location information. The status management unit 15 becomes aware that the new location information is "location B."

Moving on to FIG. 10, in step S121, the status management unit 15 of TV-A sends a control request for another receiver to the client function unit 18. TV-A knows in advance from setting information, etc. that the receiving device 1 corresponding to position B, the viewer's destination, is TV-B (television 62). Therefore, the control request in this step is a control request for TV-B.

Next, in step S122, the client function unit 18 of TV-A sends a content display request to the server function unit 17 of TV-B. The content requested at this time is the content of station G that was being displayed on TV-A. The content display request from TV-A to TV-B in this step can be made using the method described in FIG. 6. The content display request in this step is a "tune" (channel selection) request described in FIG. 8 (C).

Next, in step S123, the server function unit 17 of TV-B instructs the content display unit 14 of TV-B to turn on the content display. At this time, it is specified that the content of station G should be displayed. As a result, TV-B starts receiving and presenting the content of station G.

Next, in step S124, the content display unit 14 of TV-B returns a response (OK) to the server function unit 17. The server function unit 17 thereby knows that content display has started correctly.

Next, in step S125, the server function unit 17 of TV-B sends a response (OK) to the client function unit 18 of TV-A. This response is a response to the content display request made in step S122.

Next, in step S126, the client function unit 18 of TV-A sends a display status report to the status management unit 15. As a result, the status management unit 15 of TV-A learns that the display of content from station G has started on TV-B.

Next, in step S127, the status management unit 15 of TV-A sends a request to control its own TV to the server function unit 17 of TV-A.

Next, in step S128, the server function unit 17 of TV-A sends a content display OFF instruction to the content display unit 14. This causes the content display unit 14 to stop displaying the content.

Next, in step S129, the content display unit 14 of TV-A sends a response (OK) to the server function unit 17. This notifies the server function unit 17 that content display on TV-A has ended.

Next, in step S120, the server function unit 17 of TV-A sends a display status report to the status management unit 15. As a result, the status management unit 15 knows that content display on TV-A has ended.

As described above, when the viewer moves from position A to position B, TV-A stops displaying the content on its own device, even without any operation by the viewer. TV-A also controls TV-B to subsequently start displaying the content (the content that was being displayed on TV-A).

Moving on to FIG. 11, the processing on the TV-B side continues as follows. After the server function unit 17 of TV-B sends a response (OK) to TV-A in step S125, it sends a display status report to the status management unit 15 in step S151. This report indicates that content display has started on the content display unit 14 of TV-B. The status management unit 15 thereby knows that content display has started on TV-B.

Next, in step S152, the status management unit 15 of TV-B sends a request to start status acquisition to the status acquisition unit 16. This causes the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-B to start acquiring location information from the server device 2.

Next, in step S153, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-B sends a location information request to the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S154, the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2 responds to the request from TV-B in step S153 by sending location information to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-B. This location information indicates "location B." In other words, this indicates that the viewer is at location B.

After this, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-B repeatedly transmits a location information request to the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2 at a predetermined time interval. In response to this request, the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2 replies with location information. As long as the viewer is in location B, the location determination unit 211 does not change the location information. In other words, the location determination unit 211 continues to reply to TV-B with location information indicating "location B." This repeated processing corresponds to the processing of steps S155, S156, ..., S157, and S158.

On the other hand, in step S159, the viewer device 3 transmits an instruction to end viewing (OFF) to the server function unit 17 of TV-B based on the viewer's operation, etc. This instruction is, for example, an instruction based on a power OFF operation on the television remote control device. The server function unit 17 receives this instruction.

Next, in step S160, the server function unit 17 of TV-B instructs the content display unit 14 to turn off the content display. The content display unit 14 stops receiving the broadcast signal that it was receiving, and stops displaying the content.

Next, in step S161, the content display unit 14 of TV-B returns a response (OK) to the server function unit 17. This notifies the server function unit 17 that the content display has ended.

Next, in step S162, the server function unit 17 of TV-B sends a display status report to the status management unit 15. This notifies the status management unit 15 that the content display has ended.

Next, in step S163, the status management unit 15 transmits a status acquisition end request to the status acquisition unit 16 based on the report received in step S162. As a result, the status acquisition unit 16 will no longer request location information from the server device 2.

This completes the sequence of the operational example of this embodiment. As described above, according to this embodiment, when a viewer moves, the receiving device 1 at the source stops presenting content, and the receiving device 1 at the destination starts presenting the same content, without the viewer needing to perform any special operation. In other words, the receiving device 1 can control the other receiving devices 1 (turning the power on/off, tuning to a specific broadcast service, etc.).

[Modification 1 of the second embodiment]
The following modified examples of the second embodiment may be implemented. In the process examples shown in the sequence diagrams of FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, TV-A and TV-B receive and display broadcast content. TV-A and TV-B (receiving device 1) may display communication content, not limited to broadcast content. In that case, for example, depending on a change in the situation, the state in which TV-A receives and displays content may be changed to the state in which TV-B receives and displays content. In the case of content by live streaming of communication, the TV (e.g., TV-B) that has taken over may start playing the content from the point in time when it takes over the playback of the content. In the case of content by on-demand distribution of communication, when a control request is made from the TV (e.g., TV-A) that has taken over the content to the TV (e.g., TV-B), information on the playback position (e.g., relative time in the content) may be handed over together.

[Modification 2 of the second embodiment]
In the sequence of the processing example of the second embodiment, the processing from step S126 to step S130 in Fig. 10 is a procedure for ending the display of the content on the TV-A. In this part of the processing, for example, the client function unit 18 of the TV-A may issue a method (see Fig. 7) for turning off the power of the television on the server side to the server function unit 17 of the TV-A itself. This makes it possible to end the display of the content on the TV-A.

[Modification 3 of the second embodiment]
In the sequence of the processing example of the second embodiment, the processing from step S125 to step S130 in Fig. 10 is a procedure for ending the display of the content on the TV-A. Instead of this procedure, for example, the client function unit 18 of the TV-B may issue a method (see Fig. 7) for turning off the power of the server-side television to the server function unit 17 on the TV-A side. In this case, instead of step S125 in Fig. 10, the client function unit 18 of the TV-B may send a power-off request to the server function unit 17 on the TV-A side. Alternatively, in addition to the procedure of step S125 (response OK) in Fig. 10, the client function unit 18 of the TV-B may send a power-off request to the server function unit 17 on the TV-A side. It is possible to end the display of the content on the TV-A by any of these methods.

[Variation 4 of the Second Embodiment]
As the position information, not only "position A" and "position B" but also a state during movement from TV-A to TV-B may be managed. That is, the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 determines an intermediate state in which the viewer is not at position A or position B as "position I". An example of an operation procedure at this time is as follows. First, the viewer is in front of TV-A and watching the content presented by TV-A. When the viewer starts moving, the position information becomes "position I". At the point of time when it becomes "position I", TV-A stops presenting the content on its own device. However, TV-A continues polling the position information to the server device 2. When the position information changes to "position B", TV-A requests TV-B to present the content. Also, TV-A requests TV-B to select a specific content. The content specified at this time is the content that TV-A presented before it stopped presenting. When TV-B starts presenting the content and transmits a "response OK" to TV-A, TV-A stops polling the location information. Instead, TV-B, which has started presenting the content, starts polling the location information.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the description of the matters already described in the previous embodiments may be omitted below. Here, the description will focus on matters unique to this embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content presentation system according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the content presentation system of this embodiment includes a television 63, a smart mirror 64, a server device 2, and a communication network 9.

The television 63 is a device having the same functions as the televisions 61 and 62 described in the second embodiment. The television 63 is a type of the receiving device 1 described in the first embodiment.

The smart mirror 64 is a type of receiving device 1 and has the function of receiving and displaying content via broadcast or communication. The smart mirror 64 is equipped with a mirror for projecting a life-size image of a person, for example. A display device using, for example, liquid crystal is built into the mirror surface. The mirror surface may also be equipped with a touch panel for operation by the viewer (user of the smart mirror 64). In the smart mirror 64, an operating system (OS) runs, and applications run under the management of the OS. In the smart mirror 64, at least a part of the functions of the receiving device 1 may be implemented as the above-mentioned applications. The smart mirror 64 is equipped with a communication content receiving unit 11 and a broadcast content receiving unit 12. The smart mirror 64 can display web text content received by the communication content receiving unit 11. The smart mirror 64 can also display text such as subtitle text and event message information received by the broadcast content receiving unit 12.

The television 63 can act as a client and control the smart mirror 64, which is a server. Conversely, the smart mirror 64 can act as a client and control the television 63, which is a server.

The server device 2 and the communication network 9 have the same functions as those described in the second embodiment and the like. The server device 2, the television 63, and the smart mirror 64 may communicate with each other via the Internet. However, for example, the communication between the television 63 and the smart mirror 64 may use short-range wireless communication, which is an existing technology.

The use case assumed in this embodiment is as follows. The television 63 and the smart mirror 64 are installed in one house. The television 63 and the smart mirror 64 can communicate with each other, for example, by short-range wireless communication, and are in a relationship in which they can control each other. The television 63 is installed at position A in the house, and the smart mirror 64 is installed at position B in the house. Position A is, for example, room A, and position B is a different location from room A (for example, a washroom, etc.). As in the case of the second embodiment, the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 obtains information on the viewer's position. In response to inquiries from the television 63 and the smart mirror 64, the server device 2 can return information on the viewer's position to the television 63 and the smart mirror 64. This information on the viewer's position is information that is the basis for each of the television 63 and the smart mirror 64 to determine whether they should function as a server or a client. Specifically, when the viewer is near position A, the television 63 installed at position A can function as a server, and the smart mirror 64 installed at position B can function as a client. When the viewer is near location B, the TV 63 located at location A can function as a client, and the smart mirror 64 located at location B can function as a server.

In the sequence described later with reference to Figures 17 to 20, the viewer's actions and the associated operations of the television 63 and smart mirror 64 are as follows. That is, the viewer first watches a television program broadcast by broadcast station G on the television 63 (hereinafter also referred to as "TV-A") installed at position A. That is, the television 63 receives and presents the television program (content) of broadcast station G. The viewer then moves from position A to position B without operating the television remote control or the like. In accordance with this movement of the viewer, the television 63 stops presenting the television program. Meanwhile, in accordance with the movement of the viewer, the smart mirror 64 (hereinafter also referred to simply as the "smart mirror") automatically begins receiving and presenting text content related to the television program broadcast by broadcast station G. At the destination position B, the viewer can continue to access information related to the program broadcast by broadcast station G. Here, "text content related to a television program" refers to, for example, the subtitle text of the program, the text of the EPG (electronic program guide) of the broadcasting service, or other text related to the program or broadcasting service.

In this embodiment, the smart mirror 64 has the function of displaying text, but does not have the function of receiving broadcast signals or displaying broadcast content. In other words, the television 63 and the smart mirror 64 are both receiving devices 1, but have different functions. In other words, the types of content that can be presented are different between the television 63 and the smart mirror 64.

In this embodiment, the following method is used so that a receiving device 1 can know the functions of another receiving device 1. That is, when the receiving device 1 functions as a server, it provides the other receiving device 1 with information about its own status. This allows the receiving device 1 (client side) to know the functions (presentation capabilities) of the other receiving device 1 (server side) and perform appropriate control.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing a method (status acquisition request) that a receiving device 1 (e.g., TV-A) can call to obtain the status of another receiving device 1 (e.g., a smart mirror). As shown in the figure, the method is "HTTP GET". By calling this method, a BODY is returned. This BODY contains information indicating the status of the receiving device 1 on the called side (server side). In the example shown in the figure, this method allows the receiving device 1 to obtain three items: "status", "performance", and "media". Of these, "status", as explained with reference to Figure 5, contains information specifying the service being received by the receiving device 1. In addition, "performance" indicates whether the receiving device 1 has the ability to present each type of content (video, audio, text, etc.). In the example shown, "video" is "disavailable" (cannot be presented; "unavailable" can be used instead of "disavailable"; the same applies below), "audio" is "disavailable," and "text" is "available" (can be presented). Additionally, "media" indicates whether the receiving device 1 has the ability to receive each type of media (broadcast, communication, etc.). In the example shown, "broadcast" is "disavailable" (cannot be received), and "broadband" (broadband communication) is "available" (can be received).

Note that by calling the above method, the receiving device 1 can obtain not only the status of other receiving devices 1 but also the status of its own device.

In other words, in the illustrated example, this receiving device 1 (e.g., a smart mirror) does not have the ability to play video or audio, but has the ability to display text. Also, this receiving device 1 cannot receive broadcasts, but can receive content via broadband communication.

In this embodiment, when TV-A, as a client, controls the smart mirror, which is the server, to present content, the following procedure can be used. That is, TV-A first makes a request to the smart mirror to obtain the status of the smart mirror as a receiving device 1. That is, the client function unit 18 of TV-A issues the method described with reference to FIG. 13 to the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror. In response to the inquiry from TV-A, the smart mirror replies with the status of its own device. As a result, TV-A knows that the smart mirror cannot play video and audio, but can display text. Also, TV-A knows that the smart mirror cannot receive broadcast signals, but can receive data via communication. Based on this understanding, TV-A inquires of the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 about the type of content that is optimal for the device performance of the smart mirror. Based on the response from the content management unit 22, TV-A can control the smart mirror to present content suitable for the smart mirror.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the method used when TV-A makes the above-mentioned inquiry to the content management unit 22 of the server device 2. As shown in the figure, the method is "HTTP POST". When this method is executed, the arguments passed from TV-A to the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 are as follows. That is, "body" includes "my_status" and "to_status". Of these, "my_status" is the status of TV-A making the inquiry. Also, "to_status" is the status of the receiving device 1 (i.e., the smart mirror) that will take over content viewing. Note that TV-A can obtain the status of both its own device and the status of the smart mirror using the above-mentioned method.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, in "my_status", "media" is "broadcast", which means that TV-A is receiving a broadcast. In "my_status", "source" represents information that identifies the broadcast service that TV-A is receiving. Specifically, the broadcast service is identified by service_id (1024), original_network_id (32736), and transport_stream_id (32736). In "to_status", "media" is "broadband", which specifies that the receiving device 1 (smart mirror) of the takeover destination will receive the communication. In "to_status", "performance" represents the type of content that the receiving device 1 (smart mirror) of the takeover destination can present. Specifically, the receiving device 1 of the takeover destination is "disavailable" for "video" and "audio", and is "available" for "text".

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a response from the content management unit 22 to TV-A in response to the inquiry from TV-A shown in Figure 14 to the content management unit 22. That is, data shown as an example in BODY in Figure 15 is returned from the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 to TV-A. In the example shown, the optimal content returned by the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 is the content indicated by the URL "http://sample.html" as "text" (text content). Since "video" (video) and "audio" (audio) were each "disabled" (not presentable) in the inquiry shown in Figure 14, the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 does not return URLs or the like relating to the respective video and audio contents (null strings).

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a request (content display request) that TV-A, which has received the response shown in Figure 15 from the content management unit 22, executes to the receiving device 1 (smart mirror) that will take over. As shown in the figure, this request includes "resource" and "source" as arguments. "Resource" includes information specifying the broadcast service that TV-A received and displayed. Furthermore, "source" includes information specifying the content to be presented by the receiving device 1 (smart mirror), which is the request destination. In this request in this example, the content to be presented by the receiving device 1 (smart mirror) is the "text" content (URL is "http://sample.html") presented by the content management unit 22 in Figure 15. Since the content presentation capability of the smart mirror is already known, this request does not include information on the video content or audio content.

In the method shown in FIG. 16, not only is information about the content to be displayed by the receiving device 1 (smart mirror) that is the handover destination (specified by the "source" element), but also information about the content that was displayed by the original receiving device 1 (TV-A) (specified by the "resource" element) is passed as an argument. By passing on this "resource" element information, when handing over to yet another receiving device 1 (such as a smartphone), it is possible to determine the optimal content for the receiving device 1 that is the handover destination based on the original content.

Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20 are sequence diagrams showing more detailed processing sequences of each device corresponding to an example of the operation of this embodiment. Below, an example of the processing sequence will be explained with reference to these figures.

First, in step S201 in FIG. 17, the viewer device 3 transmits an instruction to the server function unit 17 of TV-A to start viewing the content broadcast by Station G (broadcast station). The viewer device 3 is, for example, a remote control device for a television, and transmits the above instruction using an infrared signal.

Next, in step S202, the server function unit 17 of TV-A instructs the content display unit 14 to turn on the content display. At this time, "Station G" is specified. As a result, TV-A starts receiving the broadcast signal of the specified Station G. The content display unit 14 starts displaying the content on the screen.

Next, in step S203, the content display unit 14 of TV-A sends a response (OK) to the server function unit 17. The server function unit 17 determines that the content has been successfully displayed.

Next, in step S204, the server function unit 17 of TV-A reports the display status to the status management unit 15. In other words, the server function unit 17 reports to the status management unit 15 that the content has been successfully displayed.

Next, in step S205, the status management unit 15 requests the status acquisition unit 16 to start acquiring the status. As a result, the status acquisition unit 16 starts acquiring the status from the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S206, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A requests location information from the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S207, the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2 responds to the request in step S206 by returning location information to the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A. The location information is information that indicates the viewer's location. The location information returned in this step indicates "Location A."

In S208, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A requests the position information from the position determination unit 211, as in step S206. Also, in step S209, the position determination unit 211 returns the position information to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A, as in S207. In this step as well, the position information indicates "position A."

After this, TV-A's status acquisition unit 16 will repeatedly request location information from the server device 2's location determination unit 211 at a predetermined time interval. The server device 2's location determination unit 211 will repeatedly return location information in response to requests from TV-A's status acquisition unit 16. As long as the viewer's location is near "Location A," the location information returned by the location determination unit 211 will indicate "Location A."

Next, in step S210, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A requests location information from the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S211, the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2 responds to the request in step S210 by sending location information to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A. Here, the location information has changed. That is, as the viewer moves, the location information passed to TV-A has changed to "location B." Having received this response from the server device 2, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A recognizes that the location has changed from A to B.

Next, in step S212, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A notifies the status management unit 15 of the detection of a position change (position B). As a result, the status management unit 15 becomes aware of the change in the position information. In other words, the status management unit 15 becomes aware that the most recent position information is "position B."

Moving on to FIG. 18, in step S221, the status management unit 15 of the TV-A requests the client function unit 18 to control the smart mirror, which is the receiving device 1 corresponding to the above-mentioned "position B."

Next, in step S222, the client function unit 18 of TV-A requests the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror to obtain the status. This request is made by calling the method described with reference to FIG. 13.

Next, in step S223, the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror returns status information of its own device to the client function unit 18 of TV-A in response to the request in step S222. The data returned here includes information on the smart mirror's capabilities for receiving and presenting content. Specifically, information indicating that the smart mirror has the capabilities to receive content via communication (broadband) and present content via text is returned to TV-A. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the smart mirror does not have the capabilities to receive broadcasts or present video or audio.

Next, in step S224, the client function unit 18 of TV-A reports the status information acquired from the smart mirror to the state management unit 15. This report includes the response information acquired by TV-A in step S223.

Next, in step S225, the status management unit 15 of TV-A makes an inquiry to the content management unit 22 of the server device 2. Specifically, the status management unit 15 transmits information identifying the capabilities of the smart mirror that will take over the presentation of content and the content (service) that TV-A itself has been receiving, and inquires about content suitable for the capabilities of the smart mirror. This inquiry is made by calling the method described with reference to FIG. 14.

Next, in step S226, the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 returns a response corresponding to the inquiry in step S225 to the status management unit 15 of the TV-A. This response corresponds to the response illustrated in FIG. 15. As a result, the status management unit 15 of the TV-A identifies content that is suitable for the capabilities of the smart mirror installed at the viewer's destination. For example, the status management unit 15 obtains the URL of the content included in the response. The status management unit 15 notifies the client function unit 18 of the URL.

Next, moving to FIG. 19, in step S231, the client function unit 18 of TV-A makes a content display request to the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror. At this time, the client function unit 18 specifies the URL of the content passed from the content management unit 22 in step S226. This content is related content to the broadcast content of station G that was being displayed by TV-A. The display request in this step corresponds to the request exemplified in FIG. 16.

Next, in step S232, the server function unit 17 on the smart mirror side instructs the content display unit 14 of the smart mirror to display the content specified in step S231. As a result, the content display unit 14 of the smart mirror displays the text content received using the specified URL on the screen.

Next, in step S233, the smart mirror's content display unit 14 returns a response (OK) to the smart mirror's server function unit 17. The server function unit 17 thereby knows that the text content has been successfully displayed.

Next, in step S234, the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror returns a response (OK) to the client function unit 18 of TV-A. TV-A thereby knows that the content has been successfully displayed on the receiving device 1 (smart mirror), which is the takeover destination.

Next, in step S235, the client function unit 18 of TV-A sends a display status report to the status management unit 15. This informs the status management unit 15 that the content has been successfully displayed in the smart mirror. In response, the status management unit 15 then turns off the display of its own device (TV-A).

Next, in step S236, the status management unit 15 of the TV-A sends a request to control its own TV to the server function unit 17. The content of the control in this step is to turn off the power of the TV-A itself. This request corresponds to the method shown in FIG. 7 (second embodiment).

Next, in step S237, the server function unit 17 of TV-A instructs the content display unit 14 to turn off the content display based on the request received in step S236. As a result, TV-A stops receiving and presenting the content.

Next, in step S238, the content display unit 14 of TV-A returns a response (OK) to the server function unit 17. This lets the server function unit 17 know that the content display OFF control has been successful.

Next, in step S239, the server function unit 17 of TV-A reports the display status to the status management unit 15. This lets the status management unit 15 know that the content display has ended. In response, the status management unit 15 can control TV-A to turn off its own power.

Now, moving to FIG. 20, we will continue to explain the operation on the smart mirror side. After sending a response to the TV-A side in step S234 (FIG. 19), the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror sends a display status report to the status management unit 15 of the smart mirror in step S251.

Next, in step S252, the smart mirror's status management unit 15 requests the status acquisition unit 16 to start status acquisition.

Next, in step S253, the smart mirror status acquisition unit 16 sends a location information request to the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S254, the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 responds to the request from the smart mirror in step S253 by sending position information to the smart mirror's status acquisition unit 16. This position information indicates "position B." In other words, this indicates that the viewer is at position B.

After this, the smart mirror's status acquisition unit 16 repeatedly sends a location information request to the server device 2's location determination unit 211 at a predetermined time interval. In response to this request, the server device 2's location determination unit 211 replies with location information. As long as the viewer does not move, the location information sent by the location determination unit 211 remains "Location B". This repeated process (the process of acquiring location information by the smart mirror) corresponds to the processes of steps S255, S256, ..., S257, and S258.

On the other hand, in step S259, the viewer device 3 (for example, the operation panel of the smart mirror) transmits an instruction to end viewing (OFF) to the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror based on the viewer's operation, etc. The server function unit 17 receives this instruction.

Next, in step S260, the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror instructs the content display unit 14 to turn off the content display. The content display unit 14 stops receiving the content that was being received, and stops displaying the content.

Next, in step S261, the content display unit 14 of the smart mirror returns a response (OK) to the server function unit 17. This notifies the server function unit 17 that the content display has ended.

Next, in step S262, the server function unit 17 of the smart mirror sends a display status report to the status management unit 15. This allows the status management unit 15 to know that the display of the content on the smart mirror has ended.

Next, in step S263, the status management unit 15 transmits a status acquisition end request to the status acquisition unit 16. As a result, the status acquisition unit 16 will no longer request location information from the location determination unit 211 of the server device 2.

This completes the sequence of the operational example of this embodiment. As described above, according to this embodiment, the destination receiving device 1 can receive and present content that corresponds to the capabilities of the destination receiving device 1, without the viewer having to perform any particular operation. The system of this embodiment can identify the optimal content for the destination receiving device 1, depending on the content reception capabilities and content presentation capabilities of the destination receiving device 1.

[Modification of the third embodiment]
From position B of the smart mirror, the viewer may move to another room (position C) and receive related content using, for example, a smartphone. The smartphone has a web browser function. In other words, the smartphone can present content distributed via the Internet. At this time, the identification information of the service of station G that was originally received may be passed to the smartphone at position C via the smart mirror.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the description of the matters already described in the previous embodiments may be omitted below. Here, the description will focus on matters unique to this embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a content presentation system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the content presentation system of this embodiment includes televisions 65, 67, and 68, a radio 66, a server device 2, and a communication network 9.

Televisions 65 and 68 are devices with the same functions as televisions 61 and 62 described in the second embodiment. Televisions 65 and 68 are a type of receiving device 1 described in the first embodiment. Television 65 is installed at position A in house A. Television 68 is installed at position B in house B.

The television 67 is a so-called one-segment (1-segment) television. The television 67 is a type of the receiving device 1 described in the first embodiment. The broadcast content receiving unit 12 (FIG. 1) of the television 67 has the function of a tuner for television broadcasts using the one-segment system. The television 67 is installed inside the automobile.

The radio 66 is a device that has a function of receiving and presenting broadcast content by audio only. The radio 66 is also a type of the receiving device 1 described in the first embodiment. The broadcast content receiving unit 12 (FIG. 1) of the radio 66 has a function of a radio broadcast tuner. The radio 66 has a function of presenting content by audio. The radio 66 does not have a function of displaying video. The radio 66 is installed inside an automobile.

The televisions 65, 67, 68, and radio 66 can connect to the server device 2 via the communication network 9. The televisions 65, 67, 68, and radio 66 can also communicate with each other via the communication network 9. This allows the televisions 65, 67, 68, and radio 66 to function as clients or servers and control each other. In other words, a certain receiving device 1 (here, the televisions 65, 67, 68, and radio 66) can turn the power of another receiving device 1 on and off, and control it to receive and display specific content. The communication network 9 is configured using the Internet, short-distance wireless communication, etc.

In this embodiment, the state determination unit 21 of the server device 2 may determine the state based on a condition that combines multiple situations. In other words, the receiving device 1 to which the content display is to be handed over may be determined based on a combination of multiple situations. A specific example is as follows. If the viewer is in house A, the state determination unit 21 determines that the state is "in house A". In this case, the receiving device 1 that the viewer can watch is the television 65 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "TV-A"). If the viewer is in house B, the state determination unit 21 determines that the state is "in house B". In this case, the receiving device 1 that the viewer can watch is the television 68 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "TV-B"). If the viewer is in a car and the state of the car is "driving", the state determination unit 21 determines that the state is "in car, driving". In this case, the receiving device 1 that the viewer can listen to is the radio 66 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "radio"). If the viewer is in a car and the state of the car is "taking a break," the state determination unit 21 determines that the state is "in car, taking a break." In this case, the receiving device 1 that the viewer can watch is a television 67 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "TV-O").

The state determination unit 21 in the server device 2 uses the results of the determinations made by the position determination unit 211 and the vehicle state determination unit 212 to perform the state determination described above. The methods used by the position determination unit 211 and the vehicle state determination unit 212 to perform the determinations have already been described.

The use cases assumed in this embodiment are as follows. As in the second embodiment, the position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 obtains information on the viewer's position. In addition, the vehicle state determination unit 212 of the server device 2 can determine at least whether the state of the car is "driving" or "taking a break". The state determination unit 21 of the server device 2 can determine the overall state based on the information from the position determination unit 211 and the information from the vehicle state determination unit 212, and transmit it to the receiving device 1. TV-A, TV-B, TV-O, and the radio can each inquire about their state from the state determination unit 21 of the server device 2. Each of TV-A, TV-B, TV-O, and the radio can determine whether it should function as a server or a client based on the state obtained from the server device 2.

For example, if the status obtained from the server device 2 is "in house A", TV-A functions as a server and the other receiving device 1 functions as a client. If the status obtained from the server device 2 is "in house B", TV-B functions as a server and the other receiving device 1 functions as a client. If the status obtained from the server device 2 is "in a car, driving", the radio functions as a server and the other receiving device 1 functions as a client. If the status obtained from the server device 2 is "in a car, taking a break", TV-O functions as a server and the other receiving device 1 functions as a client.

In the sequence described later with reference to FIG. 22 to FIG. 26, the viewer's actions and the associated operations of TV-A, TV-B, TV-O, and the radio are as follows. That is, the viewer first turns on the power of TV-A installed in house A and watches a television program broadcast by broadcast station G. That is, TV-A receives and presents the television program (content, for example, a baseball broadcast) of broadcast station G. The viewer then moves from house A to the car without operating the remote control or the like for the television, and starts driving the car. In accordance with the viewer's movement, TV-A stops presenting the television program. Meanwhile, in accordance with the viewer's movement, the radio in the car automatically starts receiving and presenting radio content related to the television content presented by TV-A (for example, a radio baseball broadcast that reports on the same game as the baseball broadcast). The viewer can switch to the radio and listen to the baseball commentary. Next, the car driven by the viewer is parked in a parking area or the like and goes into a "resting" state. In response to this change in state, the radio stops presenting the radio program. Meanwhile, because the car is now "resting," TV-O inside the car receives the One Seg signal of the television content that TV-A had been presenting, and starts presenting that content. The viewer can switch from radio to One Seg television and watch the live baseball game without any operation. The viewer then resumes driving the car (the state changes to "in car, driving," and the radio presentation is switched back to the radio presentation) and heads to house B. Then, when the viewer is inside house B, the radio stops presenting the radio program. Meanwhile, TV-B inside house B receives the signal of the television content (full segment) that TV-A had been presenting, and starts presenting that content.

In the above use cases, the only operations the viewer performs to watch content are the initial operation to start viewing on TV-A, and the final operation to end viewing (turn the power off) on TV-B. The end of content presentation on TV-A, the start and end of content presentation on the radio, the start and end of content presentation on TV-O, and the start of content presentation on TV-B are performed automatically. In other words, no operation is required from the viewer.

Figures 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are sequence diagrams showing the processing sequences of each device corresponding to the operation example of this embodiment. Below, an example of the processing sequence will be explained with reference to these figures.

First, in step S301 in FIG. 22, the viewer device 3 transmits an instruction to the server function unit 17 of TV-A to start viewing the content broadcast by Station G (broadcast station). The viewer device 3 is, for example, a remote control device for a television.

Next, in step S302, TV-A starts receiving and presenting the content specified in step S301. In addition, TV-A starts acquiring the status from the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S303, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-A sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S304, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds to the request from TV-A in step S303 by sending the status information currently known to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A. Note that the status at this time is "inside home A." In other words, the status determination unit 21 has determined that the viewer is in home A.

After this, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A continues to request status information from the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 at predetermined time intervals. The status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds with status information in response to the request. As long as it is detected that the viewer is in home A, the status information is "in home A." The status information request from TV-A to the server device 2 in step S305 and the status information response from the server device 2 to TV-A in step S306 are both examples of this.

Next, in step S307, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2. At this time, the viewer has left house A, is in the car, and is driving the car. The position determination unit 211 of the server device 2 knows that the status is "in the car, driving" based on, for example, the status of the video from a camera installed in the car and signals sent from the car.

Next, in step S308, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds to the request from TV-A in step S307 by sending the status information currently known to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A. That is, the status determination unit 21 sends the status information "in car, driving" to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-A. As a result, TV-A is aware of the change in status information. Furthermore, because the acquired status is "in car, driving", TV-A is aware that the next receiving device 1 to take over is the radio.

Next, in step S309, the client function unit 18 of TV-A sends a status acquisition request to the server function unit 17 of the radio.

Next, in step S310, the radio returns a status response to TV-A in response to the request received in step S309. This response from the radio includes information about the status of the radio. That is, this response includes information that the radio is capable of selecting and receiving radio broadcasts. The radio broadcast may be via AM (amplitude modulation) or FM (frequency modulation) radio waves, or may be distributed via the Internet (Internet Protocol). This response also includes information that the radio is capable of presenting audio content (but is unable to present video content).

Next, in step S311, TV-A uses the radio status information received in step S310 and information identifying the broadcast content that TV-A itself has been receiving to make a content inquiry to the content management unit 22 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S312, the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 sends information on optimal content based on the broadcast content presented by TV-A (e.g., a baseball broadcast on television) and the status (capabilities) of the radio to TV-A as a response to the inquiry in step S311. Here, the content returned to TV-A is, for example, the baseball broadcast being played by TV-A and the baseball broadcast on radio that broadcasts the same game (related content to the television content of station G).

Moving next to FIG. 23, in step S321, TV-A sends a content presentation request to the radio. The content requested here is related content to the content being played by TV-A. This related content is, for example, radio content broadcast by station "Radio 1."

Next, in step S322, the radio begins receiving and presenting the specified content based on the request received in step S321.

Next, in step S323, the radio sends a response (OK) to TV-A. This lets TV-A know that the content has been presented successfully on the radio.

Next, in step S324, TV-A ends its own content display based on the response received in step S323. In other words, TV-A controls its own power supply to be turned off.

On the other hand, in step S325, the radio's status acquisition unit 16 sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S326, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds to the request from the radio in step S325 by sending status information to the radio's status acquisition unit 16. Note that the status at this time is "in car, driving." In this status, the radio continues to receive and present the current content.

After this, the radio's status acquisition unit 16 continues to request status information from the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 at predetermined time intervals. The status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds with status information in response to the request. The status information request from the radio to the server device 2 in step S327 and the status information response from the server device 2 to the radio in step S328 are examples of this.

Next, in step S329, the radio status acquisition unit 16 sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2. At this time, the status has changed to "in car, taking a break."

Next, in step S330, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds to the request from the radio in step S329 by sending status information to the radio's status acquisition unit 16. That is, the status determination unit 21 responds to the radio's status acquisition unit 16 with status information of "in car, taking a break." This allows the radio to understand the change in status information. Furthermore, because the acquired status is "in car, taking a break," the radio understands that the next receiving device 1 to take over from is TV-O.

Next, in step S331, the radio's client function unit 18 sends a status acquisition request to the TV-O's server function unit 17.

Next, in step S332, the TV-O returns a status response to the radio in response to the request received in step S331. This allows the radio to know that the TV-O is capable of receiving One Seg broadcasts and can present video and audio of a quality compatible with One Seg. Here, the radio may inquire of the content management unit 22 of the server device 2 about the most suitable content for the TV-O. The radio may also determine the One Seg content that corresponds to the broadcast content of station G that was originally being played on the TV-A, based on preset information, etc. Using either method, the radio obtains information for identifying related content via One Seg.

Next, moving to FIG. 24, in step S341, the radio transmits a content presentation request to the TV-O. The content requested here is the related content for the one-segment broadcast (e.g., a baseball broadcast) described in step S332.

Next, in step S342, the TV-O starts receiving and presenting the specified content based on the request received in step S341.

Next, in step S343, the TV-O sends a response (OK) to the radio. This lets the radio know that the content has been presented successfully on the TV-O.

Next, in step S344, the radio ends the presentation of content by the radio based on the response received in step S343. In other words, the radio controls the power OFF of its own device.

On the other hand, in step S345, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-O sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S346, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds to the request from the TV-O in step S345 by sending status information to the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-O. The status at this time is "in car, taking a break." If it is in this status, the TV-O continues to receive and present the current content.

After that, at predetermined time intervals, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-O sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2. Each time, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds with status information to the TV-O. The requests and responses in steps S347 and S348 are similar.

Next, in step S349, the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-O sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2. At this time, the status has changed again to "in car, driving."

Next, in step S350, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 replies with status information in response to the request from the TV-O in step S349. That is, the status determination unit 21 replies with status information "in car, driving" to the status acquisition unit 16 of the TV-O. This allows the TV-O to understand the change in status information. The TV-O also understands that the next receiving device 1 to take over from is again a radio.

Next, in step S351, the client function unit 18 of the TV-O sends a status acquisition request to the server function unit 17 of the radio.

Next, in step S352, the radio returns a status response to TV-O. The content of the status response from the radio here is the same as that received by TV-A in step S310. Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, TV-O obtains information on the optimal content to play on the radio, for example, by using a method such as querying the content management unit 22 of the server device 2.

Next, moving to FIG. 25, in step S361, the TV-O transmits a content presentation request to the radio. The related content specified here is, for example, radio content broadcast by station "Radio 1."

Next, in step S362, the radio begins receiving and presenting the specified content based on the request received in step S361.

Next, in step S363, the radio sends a response (OK) to the TV-O.

Next, in step S364, the TV-O ends its own content display based on the response received in step S363. In other words, the TV-O controls the power OFF of its own device.

The processing of steps S365, S366, S367, S368, ... is similar to the processing of steps S325, S326, S327, S328, ... in FIG. 23 already described. Therefore, detailed description will be omitted here.

Next, in step S369, the radio's status acquisition unit 16 sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2. At this time, the status has changed to "inside home B."

Next, in step S370, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds to the request from the radio by sending status information to the status acquisition unit 16 of the radio. At this time, the status information returned to the radio is "inside home B." This allows the radio to understand the change in status information. The radio also understands that the next receiving device 1 to take over from is TV-B.

Next, in step S371, the radio's client function unit 18 sends a status acquisition request to the TV-B's server function unit 17.

Next, in step S372, the server function unit 17 of TV-B returns a status response to the client function unit 18 of the radio. This allows the radio to know that TV-A is capable of receiving television broadcasts (full-segment television) and can present video and audio. Here, the radio knows that, for example, the broadcast content that was originally being played by TV-A (content identified by the element "resource" described with reference to FIG. 16 of the third embodiment) should also be played on TV-B.

Moving on to FIG. 26, in step S381, the radio transmits a content presentation request to TV-B. The content specified here is the broadcast content of station G.

Next, in step S382, TV-B starts receiving and presenting the content specified in step S381.

Next, in step S383, TV-B sends a response (OK) to the radio. This response corresponds to the request from the radio in step S381.

Next, in step S384, the radio stops presenting the content on its own device. The radio also controls the power OFF of its own device.

Meanwhile, TV-B starts acquiring status information. That is, in step S385, the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-B sends a status information request to the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2.

Next, in step S386, the status determination unit 21 of the server device 2 responds to the request from TV-B by sending status information to the status acquisition unit 16 of TV-B. The status information at this time is "in house B." In other words, the status determination unit 21 has determined that the viewer is in house B.

The processing of the status information request in step S387 and the processing of the status information response (status: inside house B) in step S388 are the same as the processing of steps S385 and S386 described above, respectively. Thereafter, the status information request and the status information response corresponding to that request are repeated in the same manner at predetermined time intervals.

Now, while TV-B is receiving and playing the broadcast content, the viewer operates the viewer device 3 to stop viewing the content on TV-B. As a result, in step S389, the viewer device 3 transmits a viewing stop signal to the server function unit 17 of TV-B.

Next, in step S390, TV-B stops presenting the content through the content display unit 14. TV-B also stops receiving that content. Furthermore, TV-B controls its own device to be powered off. This causes TV-B to be powered off.

[Modification of the fourth embodiment]
The information for identifying related content may be distributed in advance to the receiving device 1 instead of the receiving device 1 inquiring of the server device 2 when necessary. For example, when the receiving device 1 starts presenting a specific content, the receiving device 1 may extract information on related content of the content from information previously received or inquire of the server device 2.

According to any of the multiple embodiments described above, the following effects can be obtained. That is, any type of receiving device 1 (television, radio, smartphone, smart speaker, smart mirror, etc.) has the functions of both a server (controlled device) and a client (control device). This allows multiple receiving devices 1 to control each other.

For example, when a viewer moves between rooms in the house (such as from the living room to the bedroom), the television in the previous room becomes the client and can control the television in the new room. This allows the viewer to smoothly continue watching the program they were originally watching. It also makes it possible to have the receiving device 1 present content according to the performance of the receiving device 1. For example, when the television, which is the client, requests the presentation of content from a smartphone (which does not have a broadcast reception function), which is the server, the smartphone can be made to present related content distributed via communication, for example.

For example, when a viewer moves from the living room to the bathroom, information about the continuation of the program the viewer was watching on the TV in the living room (for example, the score of a sports game) can be displayed as text data on the smart mirror in the bathroom.

Figure 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of each device, such as the receiving device 1, the server device 2, and the viewer device 3, in each of the first to fourth embodiments. Each device can be realized using a computer. As shown in the figure, the computer is configured to include a central processing unit 901, a RAM 902, an input/output port 903, input/output devices 904 and 905, and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions included in a program read from the RAM 902, etc. The central processing unit 901 writes data to the RAM 902, reads data from the RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations according to each instruction. The RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element included in the RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using the address. Note that RAM is an abbreviation for "random access memory." The input/output port 903 is a port through which the central processing unit 901 exchanges data with external input/output devices, etc. Input/output devices 904 and 905 are input/output devices. Input/output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with central processing unit 901 via input/output port 903. Bus 906 is a common communication path used inside the computer. For example, central processing unit 901 reads and writes data in RAM 902 via bus 906. Also, for example, central processing unit 901 accesses the input/output port via bus 906.

In addition, at least some of the functions of each device such as the receiving device 1, the server device 2, and the viewer device 3 in the above-mentioned embodiment can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize the function. In addition, the "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a USB memory, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In other words, the "computer-readable recording medium" may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" may include a medium that temporarily and dynamically holds a program, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is the server or client in that case. The above program may also be designed to realize some of the functions described above, and may also be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

Fields in which the present invention can be used include, for example, content distribution businesses (including broadcasting businesses), businesses manufacturing and selling equipment related to content distribution, and businesses selling, distributing, and licensing programs related to content distribution. However, the scope of use of the present invention is not limited to the examples given here.

1 Receiving device 2 Server device 3 Viewer device 9 Communication network 11 Communication content receiving unit (content receiving unit)
12 Broadcast content receiving unit (content receiving unit)
14 Content display unit (content presentation unit)
15 Status management unit 16 Status acquisition unit 17 Server function unit (controlled unit)
18 Client function unit (control unit)
21 Status determination unit 22 Content management unit 61, 62, 63 Television 64 Smart mirror 65 Television 66 Radio 67 Television (One Seg)
68 TV 211 Position determination unit 212 Vehicle state determination unit 901 Central processing unit 902 RAM
903 Input/Output Port 904, 905 Input/Output Device 906 Bus 1000 Content Presentation System

Claims (4)

A content receiving unit that receives the distributed content;
a content presenting unit that presents the received content;
a controlled unit that controls presentation of the content by the content presenting unit according to control from another receiving device;
A control unit that controls the presentation of content in another receiving device;
a state management unit that acquires state information representing an external state;
Equipped with
the control unit controls presentation of content in the other receiving device based on the state information acquired by the state management unit;
The state information includes location information of a viewer who is viewing the content,
When the location information included in the acquired state information corresponds to the other receiving device, the state management unit causes the content presentation unit to stop presenting the content, and causes the control unit to control the other receiving device to present the content.
Receiving device. The status information further includes vehicle status information representing a status of the vehicle,
the state management unit controls the control unit so that the other receiving device, which is determined based on the vehicle state information included in the acquired state information, presents the content.
2. The receiving device according to claim 1. A content receiving unit that receives the distributed content;
a content presenting unit that presents the received content;
a controlled unit that controls presentation of the content by the content presenting unit according to control from another receiving device;
A control unit that controls the presentation of content in another receiving device;
Equipped with
the control unit acquires a status indicating a content presentation capability of the other receiving device that is a target of control by the control unit, and controls the other receiving device to present content determined based on the acquired status ;
making an inquiry to an external server device based on the acquired status, and determining the content to be presented by the other receiving device, according to a response sent from the server device in response to the inquiry by the control unit ;
Receiving device. Computer,
A receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A program to function as a

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