JP7735504B2 - Program and video content provision method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a server system that distributes video, a receiving terminal that receives video content, and a gateway device located between them.

In recent years, advances in networks have led to the launch of a wide range of video distribution services. In particular, large-screen televisions can now connect to networks and play back distributed videos, rather than simply receiving broadcasts as in the past, allowing viewers to enjoy higher-quality, more realistic images. This has been made possible by faster networks and improved processing capabilities in television sets, and it is expected that in the future there will be even more opportunities to display and operate a variety of content provided over networks on television sets.

Video streaming services are becoming more sophisticated, and go beyond simply watching videos. They are now offering interactive services that link video with web information, such as directing users from video content to e-commerce sites to purchase products, and viewing videos to check details about web information (such as news or ticket information) on the Internet.

In light of the above, the ability of easily usable television receivers at home to provide users with networked videos, website information, e-commerce services, and more is becoming an extremely important theme as networking advances in the future.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-222674 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-102720

With the evolution of networks, video streaming services have become easier to implement than ever before. However, there are various challenges to receiving online video streaming services on television receivers, and reception has not yet reached the same level of widespread acceptance as broadcast. Furthermore, while more advanced network services are now being implemented on information terminals such as PCs by linking distributed videos with web content, it has been difficult to implement such linked services on television receivers to date.

While terrestrial broadcasting broadcasts video content according to a unified standard, network-based video content is distributed using multiple distribution methods. As a result, in order to select and receive video content distributed from video platforms that distribute specific videos, the receiver must be equipped with special functionality. Furthermore, in order to receive video content distributed to a television broadcast receiver, the television receiver must have the ability to connect to a network and the ability to play the received video content.

Depending on the capabilities and performance of the television receiver, some streamed video content can be received and some cannot. For this reason, the video platforms and receiving devices that enable conventional video streaming services each have their own unique streaming technologies. From the video platform's perspective, it was necessary to individually support receiving devices with multiple different capabilities and functions, while receiving devices had to individually support video platforms with multiple different streaming methods. Furthermore, there are various ways to select video content, which makes it impossible to provide a consistent program selection method, causing confusion for users. This situation not only hinders the spread of video streaming, but also poses a major challenge in terms of user convenience.

However, when linking video content and web content to provide interactive services, television receivers are operated using a remote control, which is extremely difficult to use compared to the input functions of a keyboard or mouse found on information terminals such as PCs, making it difficult for users to operate them comfortably and receive advanced services. Furthermore, because such advanced services are provided through the collaboration between video platforms and websites, it is difficult to provide such linked services across different video platforms and television receivers with different functions and capabilities.

Figure 19 shows a configuration diagram of a conventional video distribution system. In Figure 18, CSPs (content service providers) 101-108 provide video content. The video content is input to video platforms 1611-1613, respectively. Video platforms 1611-1613 send video streams to television sets 141-150. Because each video platform uses a different distribution method, each video stream can only be received by a limited number of television sets. In this conventional example, video platform 1611 can be received by television sets 141-143, video platform 1612 can be received by television sets 144-147, and video platform 1613 can be received by television sets 148-150, making it difficult to distribute video content universally to television sets with different capabilities. Furthermore, when providing a service that links a website 1601 connected to the video platform 1613 with video output from the video platform 1613, the remote control for a typical television receiver is limited to functions such as up, down, left, right, and number buttons, placing a significant burden on the user's operations.

Using Figure 20, we will explain the operation of selecting video content from a conventional video distribution system. For example, since television receivers 144-147 in Figure 19 receive from both video platforms 1612 and 1613, the user first makes a selection from video platform button 1702 or video platform button 1703 on platform selection screen 1701, as shown in 1701. Each button is configured on the television receiver side using video platform selection metadata 1712, 1722 provided by the respective video platforms. Pressing either button takes the user to content selection screen 1710, where content can be selected by pressing one of the content buttons 1711-1716. These buttons are generated using content metadata 1723 provided by the video platform. This selection operation is performed using television remote control 1731.

Furthermore, if video content and web content are linked after content selection, for example, if video content 1741 and web content 1742 are displayed simultaneously, more complex operations are required, which increases the operational burden on the user when using the TV remote control 1731. This results in limitations on the expression of content.
In addition, with video on demand (VOD), the user terminal confirms usage with the VOD distribution server and can watch video content. In this case, the program guide is for VOD alone and is treated separately from the program guide for video content via broadcast waves or linear distribution.

a television gateway computer that is disposed between the video platform and the television and that connects the video platform to provide video content to the television;
transmitting program guide configuration information relating to the configuration of a program guide including an ID for identifying video content to a television cloud disposed between the television and the television gateway;
receiving a video- on -demand token request from the television transmitted by the television cloud , the video-on-demand token request including an ID for identifying the video platform from the television, an ID for identifying the video content to be viewed, and an ID for simultaneously identifying the television cloud;
Sending to the video platform an ID ( hereinafter referred to as CT-ID) that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile terminal and the video platform, and an ID (hereinafter referred to as MA-ID) that identifies the video content to be viewed ;
The video platform makes the VOD content available based on the CT-ID and the MA-ID and receives a video-on-demand token including the CT-ID and the MA-ID ;
Sending the video -on-demand token received from the video platform to the TV cloud ;
A program to execute.

The configuration of the present invention enables the video gateway to provide hybrid services compatible with AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a video distribution system. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a program guide displayed on a television. FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of data constituting a program guide according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an example of a program guide according to the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a video playback sequence from a program guide according to the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a VOD viewing sequence from a program guide. FIG. 9 is an example of an advertisement presentation according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows layout information for advertisements according to the present invention. FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation of a current program according to the present invention. FIG. 12 shows an example of the operation of a past program guide according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of periodic updates according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an emergency update according to the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a television receiver. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the video platform. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a television gateway. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a TV cloud. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional video distribution system. FIG. 20 shows a content selection screen.

This invention uses a TV gateway to connect multiple video platforms and multiple television receivers, making it easier to select video content and enabling the delivery of high-quality video content. This system not only enables users to watch videos, but also enables them to navigate from video content to e-commerce (EC) sites to purchase products, and view details of web information on the Internet (such as news or ticket information) through video. This makes it possible to provide interactive services that link video and web information.

In addition to the realization of such advanced services, in recent years, video content has been provided in a variety of formats. For example, video distribution services that allow users to watch desired video content at any time are called VOD (Video On Demand), and currently there are various VOD methods.
Broadly speaking, there are advertising video distribution services called AVoD (Advertising Video On Demand), flat-rate video distribution services called SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), and rental-type video distribution services called TVOD (Transaction Video On Demand).
With AVOD, you can watch videos for free, but advertisements are displayed. Therefore, revenue comes from the companies that place the advertisements, not from the viewers who watch the videos. On the other hand, with SVOD, you can watch as many videos as you want by paying a monthly fee. Furthermore, with TVOD, you can watch individual video content for a limited time, such as one week. Therefore, SVOD and TVOD earn revenue from viewers who watch videos.
As mentioned above, there are a wide variety of video distribution services available, and there is a demand for a video distribution system that can flexibly accommodate these formats when viewing on a television receiver, and that allows viewers to enjoy the service easily without confusion. Therefore, the television gateway mentioned above needs to be able to support these formats as a function.

This invention provides a new video distribution system that adds functionality to a television gateway that enables television receivers with different performance and functionality to receive video content sent from multiple video distribution platforms implemented over a network, and that supports various VOD methods such as AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and makes it easier to select video content. It also provides a more effective method for presenting advertising videos in the case of AVOD.

The TV gateway can connect multiple video platforms and multiple TV receivers, enabling more advanced interactive services. In particular, by providing a standard video content selection method for TV receivers with different functions and capabilities, it makes it easier to select from a wider range of video content without sacrificing user convenience.
However, the selection of video content by TV gateways is primarily focused on linear broadcast channels, i.e., video distribution over a network, but with a one-way continuous distribution method based on time information, like broadcasting. While it is possible to present some recommended programs, it has been difficult to support various VOD methods. As such, video content provided by linear channels is usually composed of free video content and advertisements, and is a type of AVOD. However, as different video distribution services such as SVOD and TVOD are becoming more popular in addition to AVOD, it is important to support these VOD methods.

AVOD allows users to watch free video content by displaying advertisements, while SVOD allows users to watch video content freely for a monthly fee, and TVOD allows users to purchase individual video content and watch it for a limited period of time. Accommodating these needs requires confirmation of the viewer's contract status, which was difficult to achieve with conventional TV gateway systems.

Furthermore, AVOD earns revenue from companies through advertising, so an effective method for displaying those ads is essential. Conventional TV gateways have functions for inserting ads and for targeting ads to individual TV receivers, but they have not provided specific methods for more effective display. In recent years, hybrid services have been offered that combine AVOD with SVOD services or the sale of paid content provided by TVOD. Implementing such hybrid services using conventional TV gateways requires functions for checking viewer contract terms and for linking ads with VOD, so these functions must be implemented in a streamlined manner.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a video distribution system.

1, CSPs (content service providers) 1301 to 1308 provide video content. The video content is input to video platforms 1311 to 1313, respectively. The video platforms 1311 to 1313 input the video content to a television gateway 1321, and transmit it to television sets 1341 to 1350 via television clouds 1331 to 1334.
Because each video platform has a different delivery method, each video content can only be received on a limited number of television receivers. There are two methods: one in which a television gateway converts the format of video content, and one in which a converter is built into the video platform. Video platforms 1311 to 1313 in Figure 1 use the built-in converter method. Furthermore, each television cloud supports television receivers with different performance and functionality. Television receivers under the management of each television cloud are connected to roughly the same performance and functionality, while television receivers with different performance and functionality are connected to different television clouds. By performing conversion for different television receivers, the television cloud can select and receive good video content even if the functions and capabilities are different. As described above, a video distribution system with a television gateway can distribute video content from multiple video platforms with different formats to television receivers with different performance and functionality.

Once video content is input to the television via the television gateway 1321 and a connection is established, the video stream itself can be input directly from the video platforms 1311-1313 to the televisions 1341-1350. The televisions 1341-1350 are connected to the mobile terminals 1301-1310, which combine the TV-ID (the ID assigned to each television 1341-1350) with the SP-ID (the ID assigned to each viewer's mobile terminal 1301-1310). This combined information is stored in the TV-ID and SP-ID combined information storage unit 1352. Furthermore, the viewing data output from the television sets 1341-1350 is stored in the viewing data storage unit 1351. Content is recommended in the content recommendation information storage unit 1353 based on the viewing data stored in the viewing data storage unit 1351 and the output of the TV-ID and SP-ID combined information storage unit 1352. The advertising content output from the advertising server 1355 is selected by the recommended advertisement selection and insertion unit 1354 based on the output of the content recommendation information storage unit 1353, and the advertisements are inserted by the video platforms 1311-1313. In addition, the receiving-side advertisement insertion unit 1356 inserts advertisements using the functions of the television receiver.

Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of a program guide displayed on a television. Video content provided by the video platform is delivered to televisions via linear distribution, which is continuous streaming at a predetermined time, like broadcasting, so video content can be selected using a program guide that shows the same channels and times as broadcasting.
Furthermore, the gateway can customize the program guide by linking the SP-ID 1421 held by the viewer with the TV-ID 1422 that identifies the television. Recommended content 1401-1403 is overlaid on the program guide based on the viewing habits of the viewer of this television receiver. In this example, the mobile ID (SP-ID) 1421 belonging to the video platform 1411 is linked to the ID (TV-ID) 1422 of this television receiver, so video content provided by the video platform 1411 in particular is recommended.
This program guide is composed of common EPG data 1404 supplied from the TV gateway. The EPG common data 1404 is composed of at least a timetable showing time information, program metadata having information such as program descriptions, and banner data for displaying channels, etc.
With the above configuration, each video platform can input data into the TV gateway, allowing content to be presented to a larger number of TV receivers, without having to worry about the different performance and functionality of the TV receivers (panel size, pixel count, resolution, etc.). Furthermore, by linking TV receivers with mobile devices such as smartphones, the use of mobile devices instead of single-function remote controls with different operability improves operability for advanced services, and also enables advanced smartphone-TV linked operations that are not possible with existing remote controls.

Video distribution systems using TV gateways can present program guides to televisions with different functions and capabilities, allowing viewers to choose from video content distributed from various video platforms without confusion. While this system is extremely effective for video content distributed via linear channel delivery, it lacks functionality and is difficult to support other video content distribution methods.

Video gateways must provide functionality for hybrid services that support AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD.
The present invention adds new data corresponding to multiple VOD distribution methods to the data forming the program guide, realizing a function to easily select video content distributed by AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and also provides a function to more easily select video content distributed by linear channels by improving the structure of the program guide. On the other hand, by applying the added data forming the program guide to advertisement display, more effective advertisement presentation to viewers is realized.

As described above, the data that constitutes the program guide according to the present invention will be referred to as "program guide configuration information" below. The program guide configuration information allows for the creation of a hybrid video selection system that combines AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and also enables the viewing of digests of linear channels and preview video content. It also enables the presentation of advertisements using an overlay method and clickable VOD, which combines video advertising content with VOD.
Below, we will explain, with reference to drawings, the structure and distribution method of program guide configuration information, a new program guide configuration method that allows easy selection of future programs, current programs, and past programs, the structure and presentation method of program guide that is compatible with all distribution methods, AVOD, TVOD, and SVOD, a more efficient method of presenting advertisements that combines VOD and advertisements, preview video content for future programs, digest viewing of past programs, and emergency messages that allow emergency changes to program guide configuration information.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
CSPs (content service providers) 101 to 108 provide video content. The video content is input to video platforms 111 to 113, respectively. The video platforms 111 to 113 input the video content to a television gateway 121 and transmit it to television sets 141 to 150 via television clouds 131 to 134.

As described above, the function of delivering video content to television sets remains the same as in Figure 1. The major difference from the video delivery system using the television gateway in Figure 1 is that subscriber databases 191-193 are connected to video platforms 111-113. Subscriber databases 191-193 accumulate and store the contract terms of viewers who watch video content delivered from video platforms 111-113. Therefore, video platforms 111-113 can check viewers' contract terms at any time by querying subscriber databases 191-193.

On the other hand, the TV-ID and SP-ID combined information storage unit 1352 in the video distribution system shown in Figure 1 becomes the MA-ID and HA-ID combined information storage unit 152 in the video distribution system according to the present invention. Here, HA-ID and MA-ID are abbreviations for Home Agent ID and Mobile Agent ID, respectively. HA-ID is an ID that identifies the TV cloud and the TV receiver, and MA-ID is an ID that identifies the video platform and the user of the mobile terminal, making them composite identifiers. Subscriber databases 111-113 can identify users by their MA-ID and check their viewing conditions.
Televisions 141-150 are connected to mobile terminals 171-180, which bind HA-IDs and MA-IDs. This bound information is stored in MA-ID and HA-ID bound information storage unit 152. The video distribution system according to the present invention supports various VOD distribution methods by linking MA-ID and HA-ID bound information storage unit 152 with subscriber databases 191-193.

As for the other components, the viewing data storage unit 151, the content recommendation information storage unit 153, the advertisement server 155, and the receiver advertisement insertion unit 156, they operate in the same manner as in the video distribution system shown in FIG.
Figure 4 shows the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. The video platform 111, TV gateway 121, TV cloud 131, TV 141, and mobile terminal 101 are selected from the entire video distribution system shown in Figure 3 and will be explained. Other video platforms, TV clouds, TV receivers, and mobile terminals also operate in the same way.

SVOD is a service that allows viewers to watch unlimited video content for a monthly fee, while TVOD is a service that allows viewers to watch paid video content by purchasing individual pieces of video content within a limited period of time. On the other hand, AVOD, which uses linear channel distribution, allows viewers to watch videos freely, but they will have to watch advertisements. As such, viewers' viewing conditions differ depending on the VOD method, and video distribution systems must confirm these conditions before presenting video content to viewers.

4, the ID for identifying the video platform 111 is PF-ID, the ID for identifying the TV gateway 121 is TG-ID, the ID for identifying the TV cloud is TC-ID, the ID for simultaneously identifying the TV and TC cloud is HA-ID, and the ID for simultaneously identifying the user of the mobile terminal 101 and the video platform 111 is MA-ID. Also, the ID for identifying the video content to be viewed is CT-ID. Below, we will explain videos when viewing VOD.
A television receiver 141 requests VOD viewing. The television receiver 141 simultaneously sends (1) a VOD token request, VOD content identified by the CT-ID, a PF-ID identifying the video platform 111 providing the video content, and an HA-ID identifying the television receiver itself to the television cloud 131 via signal 151. The VOD token request is a command to confirm the right to view VOD. The television cloud 131 uses the obtained signal 151 to send signal 152 to the television gateway 121. Signal 152 includes (2) a VOD token request, the PF-ID, the CT-ID, and the HA-ID. The television gateway 121 uses its MA-ID and HA-ID binding information database to obtain the MA-ID bound to the HA-ID and identify the viewer requesting viewing. The television gateway 121 then sends signal 153 to the video platform 111. Signal 153(3) consists of the VOD token request, CT-ID, and MA-ID.
Next, the video platform 111 receives a (3) VOD token request via signal 153, queries the subscriber database 191 for the (4) MA-ID and CT-ID via signal 154 to confirm the registration conditions of the viewer with the MA-ID, and returns the (5) result to the video platform 111 via signal 155. If the conditions for VOD viewing are met, the video platform 111 issues a (6) VOD token via signal 156 and sends the VOD token along with the CT-ID and MA-ID to the TV gateway 121. The TV gateway 121 receives signal 156. The TV gateway 121 sends signal 157 to the TV cloud 131. The signal 157 includes at least a (7) VOD token. The TV cloud 131 sends the VOD token received from the TV gateway 121 to the (8) TV receiver 141 via signal 158.
The television receiver 141 transmits a signal 159 to the video platform. The signal 159 is composed of the VOD token obtained in the signal 159 and a CT-ID that identifies the video content. The video platform 111 identifies the URL indicating the location of the video from the obtained CT-ID and verifies the validity of the VOD token. After verifying that the VOD token is valid, the video stream is delivered from the video platform 111 to the television receiver 141 via signal 160 (10).
The above videos control whether or not VOD content that meets the VOD viewing conditions can be viewed.

The following describes the "program guide configuration information" that constitutes the program guide related to the present invention. In the present invention, program guide configuration information 301 is transmitted from the video platform 111 and sent to the television receiver 141 via the television gateway 121 and television cloud 131.
Here, the program guide configuration information 301 is made up of business operator information 302 identified by a PF-ID, channel information 303 identified by a Service_id, program information 304 identified by an Event_id, commercial information 305 identified by a CM_id, and VOD information 306 identified by a Vod_id. It also includes a timetable 311 indicating the position of the program on the time axis, and layout information 321 indicating the display position of advertisements. The configuration of each piece of information is shown in FIG. 5.
The business information 302 includes a business ID (PF-ID), a business name, a business thumbnail image, and a logo.
The channel information 303 includes a service ID, a service name, a service description, a genre, parental rights, a service thumbnail image, a logo, paid/free information, and a video URL (all programs included in the channel are distributed in the same way).
Program information 304 may include a program ID (Event ID), program name, program description, start date, start time, program length, genre, parental, program thumbnail image, video URL, program type, sub-video URL, paid/free information, and series identification information.
The commercial information 305 includes an advertisement ID (CM id), a commercial title, an advertisement identifier (AD-ID), a start date, a start time, a length of the commercial, a genre, a replaceable flag, and a commercial video.
The VOD information 306 includes a VODID (Vod id), content name, content identifier (CT-ID), content description, content length, genre, parental, program thumbnail image, video URL, paid/free information, and series identification information.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a program guide constructed using the program guide construction information.
The video platform 111 provides the information to the television gateway 121. The television gateway 121 distributes the program guide configuration information acquired from the video platform 111 to the television cloud 131.
The TV cloud 131 provides program guide configuration information including past program guide configuration information already distributed from the TV gateway 121 and program guide configuration information to be distributed in the future, allowing viewers to view missed programs later, improving the convenience of program selection for viewers. The TV cloud 131 transmits the past and future program guides to the TV 141.
When creating a past program guide on the television 141, the provider information 402 in the program guide configuration information identifies which video platform the channel is configured on. For example, channel information 403 displays the channels in the program guide, and program information 404 to 406 configures the order and explanation of each program. Timetable information 407 presents the timeline of the program guide. These are programs that have already been distributed in the past and can be freely selected.
Furthermore, this program guide presents a list of VOD content. This is done by selecting and presenting VOD information included in the program guide configuration information. Each piece of VOD information has a CT-ID that identifies the content. After it is temporarily stored in the VOD information database 432, the recommendation selection unit 431 selects the VOD content and presents it on the program guide. Just like with programs broadcast in the past, VOD content can be freely selected, providing viewers with a convenient program selection function. In other words, although the past program guide does not provide viewers with the latest content, it provides the convenience of being able to freely select content without time constraints. In this implementation, VOD content display is only displayed in the past program guide, but it can also be displayed in the current and future program guides using similar data and movement.
The past, present, and future program guides in Figure 6 display programs provided by video platforms as channels. In this figure, Channels A1 and A2 are channels provided by Video Platform A, and Channel B1 is a channel provided by Video Platform B. VOD contents 1 to 4 displayed in each program guide can be displayed by selecting VOD information provided by the video platform that distributes the program content that the viewer focuses on using a remote control or the like. In other words, if the viewer focuses on content A11 using a remote control or the like, the VOD provided by the video platform will be displayed on the program guide screen.

On the other hand, in the television 141, the current program guide configuration information creates a program guide 411 based on programs currently being broadcast. Furthermore, the future program guide presents programs scheduled for broadcast based on the operator information 422, channel information 423, program information 425-426, and timetable 427 included in the future program guide configuration information.

7 shows the program guide sequence on the television 141. When the program guide button on the remote control is pressed, a current program guide 511 is first displayed. By selecting a program from the current program guide 511, video content 512 is played. These programs can be switched by using the up/down keys on the remote control or by entering the channel number, and another program 513 can also be directly selected. It is also possible to return to the original current program guide 514 by pressing the program guide button even while watching.
Meanwhile, pressing the scroll down button on the current program guide 511 displays a future program guide 521. When a program is selected from the future program guide 521, the program has not yet been distributed, so a program description screen 522 is displayed. If a preview video can be played here, a preview button is displayed, and pressing this button plays a preview video 523. When the preview video ends, the screen returns to the future program guide 524.
By scrolling up from the current program guide 511, a past program guide 501 is presented. Programs and VOD content that have been distributed in the past are presented in the past program guide 501. When VOD content is selected, the process proceeds to a VOD selection sequence 505. The VOD selection sequence will be explained in FIG. 8. When a program is selected from the past program guide 501, a program explanation screen 502 is first presented. Here, if a digest of the past program is available for viewing, a digest button is presented, and when viewed, a digest 506 is played. When the view button is pressed from the explanation screen 502, the video content of the past program is played, and when it is finished, the screen returns to the past program guide 504. Playing a digest video makes content selection more convenient.
As described above, the future program guide allows users to watch preview videos of upcoming programs, while the past program guide allows users to watch digests, improving the convenience of program viewing. Furthermore, the past program guide displays VOD options, allowing users to view desired VOD content.

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

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

The second branch occurs when you have already registered as a member on the explanation screen 614, and proceeds to the ID binding screen 616. Once ID binding is complete, you proceed again to the SVOD explanation screen 617 and press the watch button to play the VOD video 618. In the case of TOVD, the TVOD explanation screen 627 is presented, you pay the specified purchase amount, and proceed to video viewing 618. When the VOD video playback has finished, you return to the main video 619.

In the third branch, if ID binding has already been completed, pressing the watch button on the SVOD explanation screen 614 will take you directly to VOD video playback 618.
On the other hand, if VOD content in the program past list 601 is selected, the screen proceeds to an SVOD explanation screen 614 or a TVOD explanation screen 621. Thereafter, video 618 is played in the same sequence, and when it ends, the screen returns to the program past list 629.
The above sequence allows for easy viewing of VOD. To achieve this viewing sequence, the video for acquiring a VOD token, as explained in Figure 4, is executed. When viewing is selected from the explanation screen 614, the sequence for acquiring a VOD token is executed. If the VOD token acquisition fails, the user proceeds to the member registration screen 615 or the ID binding screen 616. After ID binding is complete, the user presses the viewing button again on the SVOD explanation screen 617 to start the VOD token acquisition operation again. After the VOD token is acquired, the main video 619 is played.

9 shows an example of advertisement presentation according to the present invention. There are three types of presentation patterns: in-stream insertion presentation 701, overlay display 711, and clickable VOD 721.
In the first pattern, in-stream insertion, after pre-main content 702 is played, advertisement 703 is presented, and then post-main content 704 is presented. On the screen, main content video screen 705 is presented, and after advertisement video screen 706 is presented, main content video screen 707 is played. This pattern is an example of inserting advertisement video content into so-called video content.

The second pattern, overlay display, presents advertisements superimposed on the main video. While in-stream insertion extends the time because advertisements are inserted temporally, overlay display presents advertisements directly on top of the main video, which is unique in that it is not affected by the length of the video content. While main video 712 is being played, advertisements are superimposed on video screen 715, then video screen 716, and then video screen 717. Here, the information in the advertising information that automatically presents the program causes the superimposed advertisement to automatically disappear and transition to video screen 717. With this presentation method, as mentioned above, temporal insertion does not occur, but part of the screen is hidden.

The third pattern is clickable VOD 721, which combines in-stream insertion 701 and overlay table 711. As with in-stream, advertisement 723 is played from main video 722, and then main video 724 is played. At this time, the screen transitions from video screen 725 to advertisement video screen 723 and then video screen 726. Here, a button is displayed in the advertisement video content; when pressed, explanation screen 728 is displayed, and when the watch button is pressed, VOD content 729 is played. If no button is pressed on advertisement screen 726, main video 724 will play as soon as advertisement 723 ends. When VOD content 729 ends, video content 730 on the same channel will be played.

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

FIG. 10 shows the layout for presenting this advertisement.
When presenting an overlay display screen 802 from a main video 801, the screen is configured using layout information 805 in the program guide configuration information. Layout information 805 includes information on video coordinates, video size, and still image coordinates and size, making it possible to configure an L-shaped display 802 or a display 803 in which rectangular areas are overlapped. When automatically displaying an overlay, the overlay display is automatically performed according to the automatic start flag and start time in the commercial information in the program guide configuration information.
In this example, two patterns of clickable presentation are illustrated. The first pattern is a clickable advertisement, which allows other EC sites or information to be presented after pressing a button. The second pattern is a clickable VOD, which can be presented using the sequence shown in FIG. 9.
In the case of clickable VOD, advertising video 842 is played from main video screen 801, and pressing button 842 displayed on advertising video 842 moves to VOD explanation screen 823. Pressing the watch button here plays VOD video 824. The presentation position of button 842 on advertising video 822 is determined by layout information 825. The view button on VOD explanation screen 823 is also positioned based on the layout information.
In the case of a clickable advertisement, a button 841 is displayed on the advertisement video 812 based on layout information 815. When the button 841 is pressed, a product screen 813 of the EC site is displayed. Here, for example, a detailed information screen can also be displayed.
As described above, the layout information contained in the program guide configuration information allows flexible screen configuration.

FIG. 11 shows an example of operation using the current program according to the program guide configuration information.
A current program guide 911 displays content that is currently being distributed. Program guide configuration information 900 contains business operator information 902 and channel information 903. Channel information 903 contains program information 904, 906, and 908, and program information 904 contains advertisement information 905, program information 906 contains advertisement information 907, and program information 908 contains advertisement information 909, and advertisement information 909 further contains VOD information 910.
Each piece of program information includes the program start time and program end time, and the advertisement information also includes the advertisement start time and end time.

The program guide is constructed using the above information contained in the program guide configuration information, and the main video and advertisements 921 to 927 are played. Screens 931 to 937 are also displayed simultaneously.
The program information 904 indicates a program start time of 8:00 and an end time of 9:00. Furthermore, the advertisement information indicates a start time of 8:30 and an end time of 8:35. The main video starts at 8:00, and the advertisement plays from 8:30. Furthermore, the main video returns to play at 8:35 and continues playing.
The next program 924 starts at 9:00. Showing the next program. Program information 906 states a start time of 9:00 and an end time of 11:00. Advertisement information 907 states a start time of 10:00 and an end time of 10:05, and indicates that it will be displayed by overlay. With this information, playback of the main video 924 begins at 9:00. A still image advertisement is automatically displayed during playback of the main video, starting at 10:00. The displayed screen is shown in 934. The advertisement is displayed as a still image superimposed on the main video. The superimposed still image advertisement disappears at 10:05.

Furthermore, the next program information indicates a start time of 11:00 and an end time of 12:00, while the advertisement information indicates a start time of 11:30 and an end time of 11:40. This advertisement includes an instruction to jump to another screen by displaying a button. This information indicates that the next program 925 will start at 11:00. Advertisement 926 will start at 11:30, but as shown in advertisement screen 936, a button is provided for this advertisement. When the viewer presses the button, the VOD sequence begins, and a VOD selection screen 938 is presented. Thereafter, the operation follows the VOD sequence shown in FIG. 8. If the button is not pressed, playback of the main video 927 continues, and the advertisement disappears, as shown in video screen 937.
In this way, a program is configured based on the program guide configuration information, but the playback of the action stream is performed separately based on the metadata (manifest file) included in the video stream. As an example, FIG. 11 shows a case where a video stream is played based on MPEG DASH, an international standard. MPEG DASH uses MPD (Media Presentation Description) to play video streams. In MPD, video streams are defined by periods. For example, a program 921 based on this embodiment is configured based on MPD#1:951, and video 921 is played. Advertisement 922 is played based on Period#2:942, and video 923 is played based on Period#3:943. Similarly, video 924 of the next program is played based on Period#1:944 of MPD#2:952. Furthermore, video 925 of the next program is played based on Period#1:945 of MPD#3:953. The advertisement 926 is played in Period #2: 946, and the video 927 is played in Period #3: 947. In this example, one MPD corresponds to one program, but different correspondence is possible depending on the operation. For example, one MPD can correspond to two or more programs and be specified by multiple periods.

12 shows an example of operation of a past program guide related to the present invention. The program guide configuration information is composed of business operator information 1002, channel information 1003, program information 1004, advertisement information 1005, and VOD information 1006. This information is used to display a past program guide 1001. Video 1021, advertisement 1022, and video 1023 are played based on program information 1004 included in channel information 1003. Here, the program start time is written as 8:00 and the end time as 9:00, but since this indicates the time when the program was distributed in the past, the program can be selected freely.
When video 1021 is selected, explanation screen 1041 is displayed, and when the view button is pressed, main video 1021 is played. Next, advertising video 1024 is played, and then main video 10 is played. When the advertising video ends, main video screen 1033 is displayed.
The past program guide in Figure 12 displays programs provided by video platforms as channels. In this figure, channels A1 and A2 are channels provided by video platform A, and channel B1 is a channel provided by video platform B. VOD content 1 to 4 displayed in each program guide can be displayed by selecting VOD information provided by the video platform that distributes the program content that the viewer focuses on using a remote control or the like. In other words, when a viewer focuses on content A11 using a remote control or the like, the VOD provided by the video platform is displayed on the program guide screen. In this embodiment, VOD content display is only displayed in the past program guide, but it can also be displayed in the current and future program guides using similar data and movement.

On the other hand, when VOD is selected, VOD video 1024 is played. Before the playback begins, a VOD explanation screen 1042 is displayed, and when the view button is pressed, VOD video 1024 is played. At that time, the video screen changes to VOD video screen 1033. When the VOD video ends, the screen returns to past program guide screen 1035.
As with the current program guide, the relationship between the past program guide and the playback of motion streams using MPEG DASH will now be explained. The main video 1021 is played back in Period #1: 1051 of MPD #1: 1050. Advertisement 1022 is played back in Period #2: 1052, and main video 1023 is played back in Period #3: 1053. For VOD, VOD video 1024 is played back in Period #1: 1054 of MPD #2: 1052. As with the current program guide, operation based on the relationship between one MPD and multiple programs is also possible.

FIG. 13 shows how program guide configuration information is updated.
The program guide configuration information 1111 is updated periodically, for example, on a daily basis. The program guide configuration information includes business information, channel information, program information, advertisement information, and VOD information.
The TV gateway 121 periodically requests program guide configuration information from the video platform 111 using a signal 1101. The video platform 111 sends the program guide configuration information to the TV gateway 121 using a signal 1102. The TV gateway 121 turns on the update flag 1121, which is normally OFF, as soon as it acquires updated program guide configuration information. The TV cloud 131 periodically checks the update flag 1121 of the TV gateway 121. If the update flag 1121 is ON, the TV cloud 131 acquires the program guide configuration information using a signal 1104, and immediately after acquiring the program guide configuration information by the TV cloud 131 that distributes the information to the TV receiver 141 using a signal 1105, the update flag 1121 is turned OFF. However, if there are multiple TV clouds, the flag is turned OFF after it is confirmed that all of the TV clouds have acquired the program guide configuration information. Furthermore, when acquiring program guide configuration information from the TV gateway 121, security can be maintained by encrypting the information using a key distributed to the TV cloud 131 in advance to ensure greater security.

FIG. 14 shows the update of an emergency message.
As shown in Fig. 13, the program guide configuration information contains a large amount of information and includes thumbnail images, etc., so it is updated at long intervals, such as daily. Therefore, it is difficult to respond to emergencies, such as when a live broadcast program is extended and the program guide needs to be changed. Therefore, a separate emergency message function is required to perform change processing with the minimum necessary size. The format of the emergency message is shown in 1210.

<Emergency message ID><Channel ID><Target program ID><Target item><Process><Processing content>
Here, the <emergency message ID> is issued uniquely within a carrier, and therefore is composed of <carrier ID + unique ID> and is indicated by Emsg_id.
<Channel ID> is a Service_id that identifies each channel, <Target program ID> is an Event_id that identifies the program, and <Target item> is each item in the program information.
<Processing> can be deletion, overwriting (modification), or addition, and the specific content is specified as <processing content>.
For example, when changing the end time of a program that starts at 8:00 and ends at 9:00 to 9:30, <processing> change and <processing content> 9:30 are sent to the target program.
The video platform 111 sends an emergency message to the television gateway 121 using a signal 1201. The television gateway 121 turns on the emergency flag 1221, which is normally OFF. The television cloud 131 checks the emergency flag 1221 using a signal 1202. At this time, the television cloud 131 checks the emergency flag 1221 at a shorter interval than the check of the update flag 1121 described above. For example, the check is performed at an interval of 10 to 30 minutes. Upon receiving the emergency message, the television cloud 131 sends the emergency message to the television receiver 141. The television cloud 131 receives the emergency message using a signal 1203. The television cloud 131 distributes the received emergency message to the television receiver 141 using a signal 1204. Here, the emergency message is distributed in a shorter time than the distribution of the program guide configuration information, so that distribution does not become concentrated. Therefore, each television receiver controls the reception timing and distributes access using a preset offset time to prevent transmissions from concentrating.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration diagram of a television receiver 1101 (same as 141) according to the present invention.
Broadcasts are received by antenna 1101, and the broadcast content converted into a digital stream by tuner 1102 is converted into audio and video signals by signal processing unit 1103. The audio signal is processed by audio processing unit 1104, and audio is played back by speaker 1106. The video signal is processed by video processing unit 1105, and video is played back by video display unit 1107. CPU 1109 is connected to memory 1108 and non-volatile memory 1110, and executes a control program to control tuner 1102 and signal processing unit 1103. User operations are input from remote control 1113 to receiving unit 1112 and then input to the control program. Communications interface 1111 receives video content and a content selection screen distributed over the network, and processes them using the control program of CPU 1109.
6 and the playback sequence of Fig. 7 are obtained by storing the program configuration information of Fig. 5 obtained via the communication interface 1111 in the memory 1108. The CPU 1109 uses software executed internally to separate the program information based on the current time and generate a current program guide, a past program guide, and a future program guide.

Figure 16 shows a configuration diagram of the video platform 111 related to the present invention. The CPU 1202 is connected to the memory 1201 and storage device 1203, and executes a control program. The operator controls operation via the operation unit 1205. The communication interface 1204 is connected to the network, and performs input and output of video content, output of past program configuration information, output of future program configuration information, output of current program configuration information, video distribution, and input and output of content selection information. The video processing unit 1206 encodes the input video content and generates a stream for video distribution without encryption. As shown in this diagram, the video platform 111 can be said to be a server.

FIG. 17 shows a configuration diagram of a TV gateway 121 according to the present invention.
The CPU 1302 is connected to the memory 1301 and the storage device 1303, and runs a predetermined processing program. The interface 1304 performs input/output from the video platform and input/output to the TV cloud. It inputs past program configuration information, future program configuration information, and current program configuration information from the video platform, and outputs past program configuration information, future program configuration information, and current program configuration information to the TV cloud. The operator controls the operation of the video platform using the operation unit 1305. As shown in this figure, the TV gateway 121 can be said to be a server.

Figure 18 shows the configuration of the TV cloud 131. Program configuration information output from the TV gateway is received via the communication interface 2004. The program configuration information is converted into a specified format that can be displayed by the TV receiver by software running on the CPU 2002 and memory 2001, and is saved in storage 2003. The operator controls the software via the operation unit 2005. The data saved in storage 2003 is received by the TV receiver shown in Figure 15. As shown in this figure, the TV gateway 121 can be considered a server.

The configuration of the program guide shown in FIG. 6 will be explained below using the television receiver in FIG. 15, the video platform in FIG. 16, the television gateway in FIG. 17, and the television cloud in FIG. 18.
The program configuration information stored in the storage 1203 of the video platform in Fig. 16 is output via the communication interface 1204, received by the communication interface 1304 of the television gateway in Fig. 17, and temporarily stored in the storage 1303. The stored program configuration information is output via the communication interface 1304 and received by the television cloud in Fig. 18. The television cloud in Fig. 18 converts the received program configuration information into a format that can be displayed on a television receiver. Here, the converted data format is, for example, HTML5, which can be displayed on a browser running on the television receiver.

The converted data is output to the television receiver of Fig. 15 via the communication interface 1304. The television receiver of Fig. 15 receives not only the video content but also a content selection screen via the communication interface 1111. The content selection screen here corresponds to the past program guide, current program guide, and future program guide shown in Fig. 6.
The following describes the sequence of the program guides in FIGS. 6 and 7 using the television receiver in FIG. 15. The program configuration information converted into a displayable data format by the television cloud in FIG. 18 is received by the communication interface 1111. Here, program configuration information for the past week and the future week is sent, and the current program, past program guide, and future program guide shown in FIG. 6 are displayed according to the current time. The received program guide configuration information is compared with the current time, and any portion determined to be past information is divided and displayed as a past program guide, any portion determined to be future information is divided and displayed as a future program guide, and if it is determined that the information is currently being distributed, it is displayed as a current program guide. These display operations are performed by software running on the CPU 1109 shown in FIG. 15.

Figure 7 shows the program guide sequence. The past program guide 501, current program guide 511, and future program guide 521 shown in Figure 7 correspond to the past program guide 401, current program guide 411, and future program guide 421 shown in Figure 6. The operation in Figure 7 is performed by software running on the CPU 1109 of the television receiver shown in Figure 15.

[Note]
・Configuration of program guide configuration information In a video distribution system configured by a TV gateway,
The "program guide configuration information" is made up of operator information, channel information, program information, timetables, as well as advertising information, VOD information, and layout information indicating the display position of advertisements, and is compatible with not only AVOD, which is realized through linear distribution, but also SVOD and TVOD.
- A VOD selection screen is superimposed on the linear distribution program guide, and viewers can select and watch any of the AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD content through a TV gateway sequence that confirms the viewer's contract terms.
- Seamlessly display current and past programs based on program guide configuration information distributed in the past and program guide configuration information scheduled for future distribution. For past programs, digests are played, and for future programs, preview videos are played.
- Advertisement presentation method Based on the advertisement information and layout information contained in the "program guide configuration information" above,
To present advertisements that are inserted temporally into a main video, advertisements that are displayed spatially superimposed on the main video, and advertisements that are realized by combining these.
- Realize a service that displays information on a separate service site or allows users to watch VOD video content by pressing a button from a time-inserted advertisement.
- How to obtain and modify program guide configuration information "Program guide configuration information" is updated by periodically checking the update flag of the TV gateway.
The "program guide configuration information" is corrected by an emergency message that is sent separately, and the emergency message checks the emergency flag in a relatively short period of time.
a television gateway, disposed between a video platform and a television, for providing video content from the video platform to the television;
The television gateway
Receive a video-on-demand token request from the television, which is sent by a television cloud arranged between the television and the television gateway, and which includes an ID for identifying the video platform 111 from the television, an ID for identifying the video content to be viewed, and an ID for simultaneously identifying the TC cloud;
An ID (hereinafter referred to as CT-ID) that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile device and the video platform, and an ID (hereinafter referred to as MA-ID) that identifies the video content to be viewed are sent to the video platform.
The video platform receives a video-on-demand token containing the CT-ID and MA-ID, determining that the video platform meets the conditions for VOD viewing based on the CT-ID and MA-ID;
A TV gateway, which transmits the video-on-demand token to the TV cloud based on the result of receiving the video-on-demand token from the video platform.

In linear distribution of video content, adding VOD information to program configuration information allows users to view VOD on the EPG when watching linearly distributed video content. This broadens the viewer's program choices.

111...Video platform 121...TV gateway 131...TV cloud 141...TV 301...Program viewing information

Claims (4)

a television gateway computer that is disposed between the video platform and the television and that connects the video platform to provide video content to the television;
transmitting program guide configuration information relating to the configuration of a program guide including an ID for identifying video content to a television cloud disposed between the television and the television gateway;
receiving a video- on -demand token request from the television transmitted by the television cloud , the video-on-demand token request including an ID for identifying the video platform from the television, an ID for identifying the video content to be viewed, and an ID for simultaneously identifying the television cloud;
Sending to the video platform an ID ( hereinafter referred to as CT-ID) that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile terminal and the video platform, and an ID (hereinafter referred to as MA-ID) that identifies the video content to be viewed ;
The video platform makes the VOD content available based on the CT-ID and the MA-ID and receives a video-on-demand token including the CT-ID and the MA-ID ;
Sending the video -on-demand token received from the video platform to the TV cloud ;
A program to execute. In the step of transmitting the program guide configuration information, program configuration information of programs currently being distributed, program configuration information of programs distributed in the past, and program configuration information of programs scheduled to be distributed in the future are transmitted.
The program according to claim 1. A video content providing method executed by a television gateway disposed between a video platform and a television, the television gateway performing a connection for providing video content from the video platform to the television, the method comprising:
transmitting program guide configuration information relating to the configuration of a program guide including an ID for identifying video content to a television cloud disposed between the television and the television gateway;
receiving a video-on-demand token request from the television transmitted by the television cloud, the video-on-demand token request including an ID for identifying the video platform from the television, an ID for identifying the video content to be viewed, and an ID for simultaneously identifying the television cloud;
Sending to the video platform an ID (hereinafter referred to as CT-ID) that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile terminal and the video platform, and an ID (hereinafter referred to as MA-ID) that identifies the video content to be viewed;
The video platform makes the VOD content available based on the CT-ID and the MA-ID and receives a video-on-demand token including the CT-ID and the MA-ID;
Sending the video-on-demand token received from the video platform to the TV cloud;
A method for providing video content, including: In the step of transmitting the program guide configuration information, program configuration information of programs currently being distributed, program configuration information of programs distributed in the past, and program configuration information of programs scheduled to be distributed in the future are transmitted.
The video content providing method according to claim 3 .