JP2002044641A - Content distribution system, information aggregate and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] When a device for obtaining content is at home, it cannot be obtained even if a new content is to be obtained from outside. SOLUTION: Mobile phone terminal 20 requesting content
And a STB 2 for receiving the requested content, and a content provider 13 for previously holding a correspondence table 16 for associating the mobile phone terminal 20 with the STB 2 and providing the requested content.
Is characterized in that, when requested by the mobile phone terminal 20, based on the correspondence table 16, the requested content is provided to the STB 2 corresponding to the mobile phone terminal 20 that has requested the content.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content distribution system for distributing content, a medium, and an information aggregate.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art TV programs such as movies, dramas and music,
Various contents such as AV data, music data, game software, and images are distributed and used.

For example, if the content is a television program,
Various television programs such as movies, dramas, and music are broadcast from broadcasting stations.

[0004] A viewer receives and watches a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcasting station. In addition, if the user cannot go out due to going out or the like during a time period during which the television program is broadcast, the viewer makes a recording reservation in advance and records the program in a recording device. In this way, it is possible to freely watch a program that the viewer wants to view during a time zone in which the viewer can view.

[0005] As described above, if the recording reservation is made in advance, even if the program that the user wants to watch cannot be watched during the broadcast time, the program recorded on the recording device can be reproduced at any time by playing back the recorded program. Can be watched.

[0006] Further, music and video data distribution services are provided on the Internet and the like, so that music and video data can be downloaded and enjoyed from a content distribution site on the Internet without visiting a music store. Can be done.

In the case of a distribution service of music data and video data on the Internet, music data and video data are often distributed in response to distribution requests from users.

[0008]

However, in the case of a television program, if the user forgets to make a recording reservation for the program he / she wants to watch and goes out, the program cannot be recorded on the recording device. Therefore, it becomes impossible to view the program desired to be viewed.

[0009] As described above, when it is desired to obtain a content such as a TV program, or when a device for obtaining the content is at home, it is not possible to obtain the content from outside. For this reason, as in the case of the above-mentioned television program, when the time zone where the content is distributed is fixed, etc., it is too late to go out during that time zone and want to obtain the content while going out .

[0010] That is, there is a problem (first problem) that when a device for obtaining contents is at home, it is not possible to obtain the contents even if the user tries to obtain new contents from a place where he / she is away from home.

In the case of music data and video data, since the music data is distributed individually in response to the music data and video data distribution requests from the users, for example, a plurality of users make a distribution request of the same music data. Even when performing the same, the same music data is individually distributed each time a distribution request of music data is made from the user. Therefore, the same music data is distributed many times, and the line for distributing the music data cannot be used efficiently. There is a similar problem in the case of video data.

That is, if the contents are distributed individually in response to a request from the user, efficient use of the line is not possible, so that there is a problem (second problem) that a line use cost associated with the content distribution is required. .

In consideration of the first problem, the present invention provides a content distribution system, a medium, and an information aggregate capable of obtaining contents from a place where the contents are obtained even when a device for obtaining the contents is at home. It is intended to provide.

Further, the present invention has been made in consideration of the second problem, and has as its object to provide a content distribution system, a medium, and an information aggregate capable of efficiently using a line used for distributing content. It is the purpose.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention (corresponding to claim 1) comprises a request terminal for requesting content, and a receiving terminal for receiving the requested content. And a provision device for preliminarily holding a correspondence table that associates the request terminal with the reception terminal, and a provision device that provides the requested content, wherein the provision device, when requested from the request terminal, And providing the requested content to the receiving terminal corresponding to the requesting terminal based on the request.

Further, the second invention (corresponding to claim 2)
The content providing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the providing device is a broadcasting station that broadcasts the content, and the providing device records the broadcasted content in response to a request from the request terminal. It is a distribution system.

Further, the third invention (corresponding to claim 3)
Wherein the providing device voluntarily sends the requested content to the receiving terminal when the providing device provides the requested content to the receiving terminal. It is a content distribution system according to the invention.

The fourth invention (corresponding to claim 4)
When the providing device provides the requested content to the receiving terminal, the providing device sends the requested content to the receiving terminal in response to a request from the receiving terminal or the request terminal. A content distribution system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, characterized in that:

The fifth invention (corresponding to claim 5)
Is a content distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the receiving terminal includes storage means for storing the received content.

The sixth invention (corresponding to claim 6)
Is a content distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the receiving terminal includes display means for displaying the received content.

Further, a seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 7)
Wherein the providing device sends the requested content in a time zone or at a low price.
Is a content distribution system according to the present invention.

The eighth invention (corresponding to claim 8)
Is a content distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a time at which the requested content is sent is determined by the request terminal or the receiver terminal.

The ninth invention (corresponding to claim 9)
Is a content distribution system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a time at which the requested content is sent is determined by the providing device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 10), the time at which the requested content is sent is:
The content distribution system according to the eighth or ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the content distribution system is determined when the request terminal requests the content.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 11), the time at which the requested data is sent is determined separately from the time when the request terminal requests the content. An eighth or ninth content distribution system according to the present invention.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 12), there is provided a providing apparatus for providing ranking information including at least information for specifying a program and a ranking of the program, a providing apparatus for providing the program, And a plurality of terminals that receive the provided program, the providing device sends the ranking information to the terminal, the terminal selects a program from the sent ranking information, the selected The information specifying the program of the program and the information specifying its own terminal are sent to the providing device, the providing device,
From the information for specifying the transmitted program and the information for specifying the terminal, the terminals that have transmitted the information for specifying the same program are collected and arranged, and the programs corresponding to the information for specifying the same program are collected. The content distribution system is characterized in that the content distribution system transmits the content to each terminal collectively.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 13), the step of collectively transmitting the collected terminals includes the step of encrypting and transmitting a program corresponding to the information specifying the same program by broadcast radio waves. The content distribution system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, wherein the collected terminals transmit the program corresponding to the information specifying the same program so that the program can be decoded.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 14) provides all or a part of the functions of all or part of the contents distribution system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention. A medium that carries a program and / or data to be executed by a computer, and is a medium that can be processed by a computer.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 15), all or some of the functions of all or some of the means of the content distribution system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention are provided. An information aggregate, which is a program and / or data to be executed by a computer.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a content distribution system according to the present embodiment.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment includes an STB 2, an HDD 4, a content provider 13,
It comprises a mobile phone terminal 20. In FIG. 1, STB
2. Although only one mobile phone terminal 20 is shown in each figure, actually, a plurality of STBs corresponding to a plurality of users are provided.
2. The mobile phone 20 is used.

The mobile phone terminal 20 is a mobile phone terminal used by a user who uses the STB 2 in the house 1 while away from home.

The content provider 13 is a provider that, upon receiving a content distribution request sent from the mobile phone terminal 20, sends the requested content to the STB 2 that is a device corresponding to the mobile phone terminal 20.

In addition to receiving the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcasting station by the antenna 5, the STB 2 responds to a request from the mobile phone terminal 20 and receives the broadcast signal from the content provider 13.
This is a set-top box for receiving, viewing, or recording the content sent from.

The mobile telephone terminal 20 can make a call to the content provider 13 by using the wireless communication 23.

The content provider 13 is connected to the telephone line 22 and can receive a telephone call from the portable telephone terminal 20 from the telephone line 22 via the relay station 19.

Further, STB 2 and content provider 1
3 is connected by a dedicated line 21 and can communicate. As such a dedicated line 21, for example, C
An ATV line can be used.

STB 2 is installed in house 1 and
The HDD 4 is connected to the HDD 4 by an IEEE 1394 bus 6. The HDD 4 is a hard disk device that records AV data.

The STB 2 is connected to the TV 3. The TV 3 is a television that displays a video signal output from the STB 2.

Further, an antenna 5 is connected to the STB 2. The antenna 5 is means for converting a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station (not shown) into an electric signal.

The STB 2 comprises a modem 7, communication control means 8,
It comprises a tuner 9, a D-I / F 10, a transport decoder 11, and an AV decoder 12.

The modem 7 is a means for communicating with the content provider 13 via the dedicated line 21.

The communication control means 8 is a means for controlling communication such as exchange of data and commands with the content provider 13.

The tuner 9 is means for receiving and demodulating a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station.

The DI / F 10 is an IEEE 1394 interface for transmitting and receiving data and commands to and from the HDD 4.

The transport decoder 11 is means for separating the AV data demodulated by the tuner 9 and for separating the AV data obtained by the communication control means 8.

The AV decoder 12 is means for converting the separated AV data into an analog signal.

The content provider 13 includes a communication unit 14, a destination search unit 15, a correspondence table 16, a content transmission unit 18, and a content database 17.

The communication means 14 communicates with the mobile phone 20,
This is a means for receiving a content request from the mobile phone 20.

The destination search means 15 is a means for searching the correspondence table 16 for a device, for example, STB2, which is the destination of the content corresponding to the mobile phone 20 which has made the content request.

The correspondence table 16 is a table for associating the portable telephone 20 requesting the contents with the STB 2 receiving the contents.

The contents database 17 is a database storing contents to be distributed.

The content transmitting means 18 is a means for transmitting the requested content to a destination device, for example, the STB 2, based on the result searched by the destination searching means 15.

Note that the mobile phone terminal 20 of the present embodiment is an example of the request terminal of the present invention,
TB2, HDD4, and TV3 are examples of the receiving terminal of the present invention, the content provider 13 of the present embodiment is an example of the providing device of the present invention, and the HDD4 of the present embodiment is an example of the storage unit of the present invention. The TV 3 of the present embodiment is an example of the display means of the present invention.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, a case of AV data such as a drama and a movie will be described as an example of the content.

It is assumed that the user who uses STB 2 in home 1 goes out with portable telephone 20.

In the correspondence table 16 of the content provider 13, if a content distribution request has been sent from the mobile phone 20 in advance, the mobile phone terminal 20 and the STB 2 must be able to distribute the requested content to the STB 2. Is stored which indicates that the corresponding is supported.

At the time of contract, STB 2 and mobile phone 2
By designating “0”, information indicating that the STB 2 corresponds to the mobile phone 20 is stored in the correspondence table 16.

FIG. 3 shows exchanges with the mobile phone 20, the content provider 13, and the STB2.

First, the user requests the content request 3 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone terminal 20 calls the content provider 13 to request the content.

That is, a telephone call from the portable telephone terminal 20 is received by the relay station 19 via the radio 23,
It is transmitted to the communication means 14 via the telephone line 22.

When receiving a telephone call from the portable telephone terminal 20, the communication means 14 checks whether or not the telephone number of the caller of the telephone call is described in the correspondence table 16.

If the telephone number of the caller is registered in the correspondence table 16, the communication means 14 confirms that the terminal is a contracted terminal. As described above, the caller's mobile phone terminal 20 is authenticated using the telephone number.

Next, the communication means 14 is connected to the portable telephone terminal 20.
The menu for specifying the content is played by voice guidance. In accordance with the voice guidance, the user specifies a requested content by inputting a number from the mobile phone terminal 20.

When the specification of the content to be distributed is completed, the communication means 14 disconnects the call with the mobile phone terminal 20 and outputs the telephone number of the mobile phone terminal 20 and the ID of the specified content to the destination search means 15. .

The destination search means 15 is provided by the mobile phone terminal 20.
Using the correspondence table 16 from the telephone number of the mobile phone terminal 2,
When the content is requested from 0, the device of the transmission destination of the content is searched. As a result, STB2 is specified.
The destination search unit 15 notifies the content transmission unit 18 of the content to be sent and the destination.

The content transmission means 18 transmits the content transmission 3 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the content to be sent is read from the content database 17 and is sent to the destination STB 2 voluntarily. That is, the content transmission unit 18
Sends the content to be sent in a time zone such as late at night when the usage fee of the dedicated line 21 is low. As described above, the content transmission unit 18 determines a time zone for transmitting the content to be transmitted.

The modem 7 of the STB 2 receives the content transmitted from the content transmission means 18 via the dedicated line 21 and outputs the content to the communication control means 8.

The communication control means 8 outputs the received contents to the transport decoder 11.

After separating the content sent from the communication control means 8, the transport decoder 11
-Output to I / F10. The DI / F 10 sends the content to the IEEE 1394 bus 6 for each transmission packet.

The HDD 4 receives and records the transmitted content.

After returning to the home 1, the user reproduces the content recorded on the HDD 4 and displays it on the TV 3, so that the user can view the content freely obtained.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the user requests the content from the mobile phone terminal 20 while away from home, the content provider 13 searches the correspondence table 16 for the destination of the content, and transmits the content to the STB 2. Therefore, the content can be obtained even from whereabouts.

Therefore, the content can be obtained by utilizing the free time at the place where the user is away from home. If the time period for distributing the content is fixed, the user can forget to make a recording reservation in the house 1. , The content can be obtained from whereabouts.

In the present embodiment, the content to be distributed is described as AV data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The content to be distributed, such as music data, game software, and the like, in other words, the content to be distributed only needs to be a public line, a dedicated line, wireless, or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that when the mobile phone terminal 20 requests content, the content provider 13 voluntarily sends the content to the destination of the requested content. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the content provider 13 is ready to send the content, the content provider 13 notifies the mobile phone terminal 20 of completion of the preparation by e-mail, and sends the content delivery instruction from the mobile phone terminal 20 to the STB 2 at the timing. Content may be distributed. When the content provider 13 is ready to send the content, ST
Notify B2 of completion by e-mail, etc.
The content may be delivered to the STB 2 at the timing when the content delivery instruction is sent from the TB 2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the content provider 13 has been described as sending the content to be sent to the STB 2 during a time zone such as late at night when the price is low, but the present invention is not limited to this. The content to be sent may be sent in a divided manner, for example, by a method in which the usage fee of the dedicated line 21 is low. Alternatively, the content to be sent may be sent by a method in which the line usage fee is low, such as sending the content in a time zone such as late at night when the line usage fee is low.

Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the time period in which the content provider 13 sends the content to be sent to the STB 2 is determined, but the present invention is not limited to this.
When the mobile phone terminal 20 requests the content from the content provider 13, the time to send the content may also be specified, and the content provider 13 may send the content to be delivered to the STB 2 in the specified time zone. Also, separately from the time when the mobile phone terminal 20 requests the content from the content provider 13, the time at which the mobile phone terminal 20 or the STB 2 distributes the content is specified, and the content provider 13 should send the content at the specified time. The content may be sent to STB2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the HDD 4
Although it has been described as being connected to the STB 2 via the IEEE 1394 bus 6, it is not limited to this. HDD4 is ST
It may be built in B2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the mobile phone terminal 20 makes a call to the content provider 13 using the wireless communication 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mobile phone 20 connects to the Internet using the wireless 23, and the content provider 1 uses the Internet.
3 may be communicated with. In this case, the mobile phone 20
If the user requests the content from the content provider 13 by e-mail, the user of the mobile phone terminal 20 is specified by the e-mail address of the user.
If the content provider 13 provides an input form for instructing the mobile phone terminal 20 to request a content as a Web page, the user of the mobile phone terminal 20 can be identified by a user name assigned to the user in advance. This can be done with a password.

Further, in the present embodiment, the mobile phone terminal 20 has been described as being outside the house, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The mobile phone terminal 20 may be in the house. Further, the mobile phone terminal 20 may be a terminal such as a personal computer that communicates with the content provider 13 using the dedicated line 21. Further, the STB 2 may also have the function of the mobile phone terminal 20.

Further, the dedicated line 21 of the present embodiment
It can be a telephone line.

Further, in this embodiment, STB2 has T
Although it has been described that V3 is connected, the present invention is not limited to this. The STB 2 may also have the function of the TV 3.

Further, the request terminal of the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone terminal 20 in the present embodiment, but may be a personal computer, an information communication device capable of transmitting and receiving e-mail, and the like. It only needs to be a terminal capable of requesting.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 shows a content distribution system according to the present embodiment.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment includes a broadcasting station 31, an STB 24, and a mobile phone terminal 20.

[0091] The content distribution system of the present embodiment comprises a broadcasting station 31 instead of the content provider 13 of the first embodiment.

[0092] The broadcast station 31 is a broadcast station that broadcasts a program on a broadcast wave, and upon receiving a content distribution request sent from the mobile phone terminal 20, broadcasts the program requested by the mobile phone terminal 20. Then, once the broadcasted program is recorded, the destination device S
It is also a provider that transmits the content recorded on the TB24.

The STB 24 is the STB of the first embodiment.
2 is a set-top box for requesting that content recorded by the broadcast station 31 be sent.

The mobile phone terminal 20 can make a call to the broadcasting station 31 by using the radio 23.

The broadcasting station 31 is connected to the telephone line 22, and can receive a telephone call from the portable telephone terminal 20 from the telephone line 22 via the relay station 19.

The STB 24 and the content provider 13 are connected by a dedicated line 21 and can communicate with each other. As such a dedicated line 21, for example, a CATV line can be used.

[0097] The STB 24 is installed in the house 1 and
It is connected to a VCR 26 (video cassette recorder) by an IEEE 1394 bus 6. VCR 26 is A
This is an apparatus for recording V data.

The broadcasting station 31 differs from the content provider 13 of the first embodiment in that it comprises a broadcasting means 30, a recording control means 27, a recording means 28, and a content transmitting means 29. Other than that, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0099] The broadcasting means 30 is means for broadcasting a program by broadcast waves.

The recording control means 27 records the program requested by the portable telephone terminal 20 or the like among the programs broadcasted by the broadcasting means 30 so as to record it at the time of broadcasting.
Means for controlling the

The recording means 28 is means for recording a program.

When the STB 24 requests to transmit a program, the content transmitting means 29 transmits the program to the recording means 28 at the time of broadcasting.
This is a means for sending a program recorded in the program.

The other points are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Note that the mobile phone terminal 20 of the present embodiment is an example of the request terminal of the present invention,
TB24, VCR26, and TV3 are examples of the receiving terminal of the present invention, the broadcasting station 31 of the present embodiment is an example of the providing device of the present invention, and the VCR 26 of the present embodiment is an example of the storage means of the present invention. The TV 3 of the present embodiment is an example of the display means of the present invention.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, as an example of content, A of a program such as a program drama or movie broadcast by the broadcast station 31 is described.
The case of V data will be described.

A user using STB 24 in home 1
It is assumed that the user goes out with the mobile phone 20.

[0108] Then, it is assumed that the user notices for the first time out of the office that there is a program to be viewed among the programs broadcast by the broadcasting station 31. Therefore, a recording reservation for recording a program to be viewed on the VCR 26 is not made.

In such a case, as in the first embodiment, a call is made from the portable telephone terminal 20 to the broadcasting station 31 to request program data.

Then, similarly to the first embodiment,
The destination search means 15 searches for a device to which program data is to be transmitted when content is requested from the mobile phone terminal 20 using the correspondence table 16 based on the telephone number of the mobile phone terminal 20. As a result, the STB 24 is specified. The destination search means 15 notifies the recording control means 27 of the program data to be sent and the destination.

The recording control unit 27 is a destination search unit 15
Based on the notification from, when the requested program is broadcast, control is performed so that the program data is recorded in the recording means.

It is assumed that the user returns to home 1 and wants to view the program requested from outside. Then, the user operates the STB 24. The communication control means 8 of the STB 24 requests distribution of the program data according to the operation of the user.

When the STB 24 requests program data, the content transmitting means 29 notifies the recording control means 27.

[0114] Receiving this, the recording control means 27 reads out the program data recorded in the recording means 28 and outputs it to the content transmitting means 29.

[0115] The content transmitting means 29 transmits the program data from the recording control means 27 to the STB 24.

The communication control means 8 of the STB 24
, And outputs the program data to the transport decoder 11.

The transport decoder 11 separates the program data and outputs it to the AV decoder 12.

The AV decoder 12 converts the separated program data into an analog signal and outputs it to the TV 3.

The TV 3 displays an analog signal.

[0120] In this way, the user requests a program from the mobile phone 20 while away from home, and the broadcast station 31 records the program when it is broadcast. Then, when requested by the STB 24 that is the transmission destination of the program data,
The program data is sent to STB24. Therefore, the user can view the program after returning to home 1.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 shows a content distribution system according to the present embodiment.

The content distribution system according to the present embodiment includes an STB 34, an HDD 4, and a content provider 38.
Consists of Although only one STB 34 is shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of STBs 34 are actually used for a plurality of users.

The content provider 38 distributes the ranking information to the STB 34, and receives a content distribution request having the program ID and the STB 34 ID from a terminal such as the STB 34, collects and organizes those requests, and sends the same program ID. This is a provider that distributes contents collectively for each terminal.

STB 34 is a content provider 38
The content requested to be distributed is selected from the ranking information sent from the user, the program ID and the ID of the STB 34 are requested to the content provider 38, and the broadcast wave transmitted from the content provider 38 is received by the antenna 5 and displayed. Or a set-top box for recording on the HDD 4.

The contents provider 38 includes a distribution schedule storage unit 39, a distribution schedule creation unit 40,
It comprises a ranking information creating unit 41, a ranking information storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a content transmitting unit 44, and a content database 45.

The distribution schedule storage means 39 is a means for storing the created distribution schedule.

The distribution schedule creating means 40 collects and arranges terminals which have transmitted the same program ID from the program ID output from the communication means 43 and the ID of the terminal such as the STB 34, and arranges the time period for distributing the program. This is a means for creating a schedule for which terminal the program is to be distributed to.

[0129] The ranking information creating means 41 is means for creating ranking information of popular programs from past distribution schedules stored in the distribution schedule storage means 39.

[0130] The ranking information storage means 42 is means for storing the ranking information created by the ranking information creation means 41.

[0131] The communication means 43 is means for communicating with the STB 34 via the Internet 52.

The contents transmitting means 44 is a means for broadcasting a program in a broadcast wave according to a distribution schedule.

The STB 34 includes a modem 7, communication control means 36, ID information 37, tuner 9, descrambler 35, DI / F 10, transport decoder 11,
It comprises an AV decoder 12. The antenna 5 and the TV 3 are connected to the STB 34, and
An HDD (hard disk device) 4 is connected via an EE1394 bus 6.

The modem 7 is a means for communicating with the content provider 38 using the Internet.

The communication control means 36 is a means for controlling communication such as exchange of data and commands with the content provider 38.

The ID information 37 is ID information for uniquely specifying the STB 34.

The tuner 9 is a means for receiving and demodulating a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station.

The descrambler 35 is means for decoding the scrambled AV data received by the tuner 9 when the data is scrambled.

The DI / F 10 is an IEEE 1394 interface for transmitting and receiving data and commands to and from the HDD 4.

The transport decoder 11 is means for separating the AV data demodulated by the tuner 9.

The AV decoder 12 is means for converting the separated AV data into an analog signal.

Note that the content provider 38 of the present embodiment is an example of the providing device of the present invention, the STB 34 of the present embodiment is an example of the terminal of the present invention, and the program ID of the present embodiment is And the ID information 37 of the present embodiment is an example of information for specifying the own terminal of the present invention.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, a case of AV data such as a drama or a movie will be described as an example of a content.

FIG. 5 shows the exchange between the STB 34 and the content provider 38.

First, as shown by the ranking information 47 in FIG. 5, the communication means 43 transmits the ranking information stored in the ranking information storage means 42 to each terminal such as the STB 34 via the Internet 52. The ranking information is ranked in order from a popular program, and also includes a program ID for specifying the program.

When receiving the ranking information transmitted via the Internet 52 from the modem 7, the communication control means 36 outputs the ranking information to the descrambler 35. The ranking information is further transmitted to the analog signal via the transport decoder 11 and the AV decoder 12. And displayed on TV3.

FIG. 6 shows an example of ranking information displayed on TV3. Although the program ID is not displayed on the screen, when a program is selected with the remote controller, it can be converted into the program ID of the selected program.

The user can know the currently popular program from the ranking information displayed on the TV3. Then, it is assumed that the user selects a program described in the ranking information while viewing the screen of the TV 3 using the remote controller.

Then, as shown by the program ID / ST and D48 in FIG. 5, the communication control means 36 receives the remote control input from the user, and sets the program ID and ID of the selected program.
A program distribution request including the information 37 is transmitted to the communication unit 43 via the Internet 52.

Communication means 43 outputs the program distribution request received from STB 34 to distribution schedule creating means 40.

The communication means 43 also sends ranking information to terminals other than the STB 34 in the same manner as sent to the STB 34, receives program distribution information from each terminal in the same manner as the STB 34, and outputs it to the distribution schedule creation means 40.

The distribution schedule creating means 40 collects and organizes terminals which have sent the same program ID from the program distribution requests collected in this way, and creates a distribution schedule. That is, assuming that many terminals have sent the program IDs in the order of the programs A, B, C,..., The distribution schedule creation means 40 broadcasts the program A first, then the program B, then the program C,.・ Create a schedule for broadcasting. In this schedule, program A broadcast includes program A
Is also recorded.
Similarly, the ID information 37 of the terminal which sent the program ID of each of the programs B, C,... Is also recorded.

The schedule creation means 40 stores the created delivery schedule in the delivery schedule storage means 39.

On the other hand, the ranking information creating means 41 creates ranking information by using the past distribution schedule stored in the distribution schedule storing means 39 and stores it in the ranking information storing means 42. The communication unit 43 sends the ranking information stored in the ranking information storage unit 42 to each terminal such as the STB 34 as described above.

The content transmitting means 44 reads the content from the content database 45 based on the distribution schedule stored in the distribution schedule storage means 39, as indicated by the AV data and the plurality of STBIDs 49 in FIG. It broadcasts on the broadcast wave from the antenna 46.

When broadcasting the program A, the content transmitting means 44 transmits the program A so that only the terminal which sent the program ID of the program A at the time of the distribution request can be viewed.

That is, the program A or the like is transmitted after being encrypted, and the program A is transmitted with the ID information 37 attached. STB
When receiving the program A, each terminal such as 34 decodes the AV data of the program A by the descrambler 35 only when its own ID information 37 is transmitted. If the own ID information 37 is not included, the descrambler 35 does not decode the program data of the program A or the like, and cannot view the program data.

When the AV data of the program requested to be distributed is broadcast on a broadcast wave, the STB 34 receives the AV data through the tuner 9 and the descrambler 35 determines whether the ID of the descrambler 35 is the AV data.
If added to the data, the AV data is decoded and output to the transport decoder 11.

Transport decoder 11 outputs the decoded AV data, outputs it to DI / F 10, and outputs
If the I / F 10 is an IEEE 1 as an isochronous packet
394 bus 6

The HDD 4 transmits data from the IEEE 1394 bus 6 to the I
It receives and records AV data transmitted as an isochronous packet on the EEE1394 bus 6.

Thus, the content provider 38
Since the programs are simultaneously sent to terminals such as the STB 34 which has requested the programs at the same time, the use cost of the transmission band of the broadcast wave is reduced as compared with the case where the programs are broadcast individually.

The contents provider 38 sends the ranking information to each terminal such as the STB 34 in advance,
Since the terminal such as B34 determines the program to be viewed with reference to the ranking information, the programs requested to be distributed are concentrated on the programs located at the top of the ranking, and the types of the programs requested to be distributed tend to be reduced.

Therefore, compared to the case where ranking information is not distributed, the number of types of programs to be distributed tends to be reduced, so that the transmission band can be used more efficiently.

A medium carrying a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or part of the contents distribution system of the present invention, and which can be processed by the computer The medium characterized by the above also belongs to the present invention.

Furthermore, an information aggregate characterized by being a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or a part of the contents distribution system of the present invention is also provided by the present invention. Belongs to.

Further, the data of the present invention includes a data structure, a data format, a data type, and the like. The medium of the present invention includes a recording medium such as a ROM, a transmission medium such as the Internet, and a transmission medium such as light, radio waves, and sound waves. The medium carried by the present invention includes, for example, a recording medium on which a program and / or data is recorded, a transmission medium for transmitting the program and / or data, and the like.
In addition, the term “processable by the computer” of the present invention means that it can be read by a computer if it is a recording medium such as a ROM, and if it is a transmission medium, it can be a program and / or a program to be transmitted. Or that the data can be handled by a computer as a result of the transmission. The information aggregate of the present invention includes, for example, software such as a program and / or data.

Furthermore, a program recording medium for recording a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions and all or a part of the functions of the content distribution system of the above-described embodiment is a computer. Readable by
The read program and / or data may be a program recording medium that executes the function in cooperation with the computer.

[0169]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a content distribution system, a medium, and information that enable content to be obtained from outside when the device for obtaining the content is at home. Aggregates can be provided.

Further, the present invention can provide a content distribution system, a medium, and an information aggregate that can efficiently use a line used for distributing content.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining exchanges between an STB, a content provider, and a mobile phone terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing exchange between a content provider and an STB according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of ranking information according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 home 2 STB 3 TV 4 HDD 5 antenna 6 IEEE1394 bus 7 modem 8 communication control means 9 tuner 10 D / I / F 11 transport decoder 12 AV decoder 13 content provider 14 communication means 15 destination search means 16 correspondence table 17 contents Database 18 Content transmitting means 19 Relay station 20 Mobile phone terminal 21 Dedicated line 22 Telephone line 23 Radio 27 Recording control means 28 Recording means 29 Content transmitting means 30 Broadcasting means 32 Content request 33 Content transmission 34 STB 35 Descrambler 36 Communication control means 37 ID information 39 distribution schedule storage means 40 distribution schedule creation means 41 ranking information creation means 42 ranking information storage means 43 communication means 44 content transmission means 5 content database 46 antenna 52 Internet

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masazumi Yamada 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Hideaki Takechi 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Reitoshi 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Pref. BC16 BC23 BC25 BC27 BD02 BD08 BD16 5K101 KK02 KK17 KK18 LL01 LL03 LL06 LL11 LL12 MM07 NN02 NN13 NN18 NN21 PP03 VV07

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A request terminal for requesting content, a receiving terminal for receiving the requested content, and a correspondence table for associating the request terminal with the receiving terminal in advance and providing the requested content. Device, wherein the providing device, when requested by the request terminal, provides the requested content to the receiving terminal corresponding to the requested terminal based on the correspondence table. Content distribution system. 2. The content according to claim 1, wherein the providing device is a broadcasting station that broadcasts the content, and wherein the providing device records the broadcasted content in response to a request from the request terminal. Delivery system. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the providing device provides the requested content to the receiving terminal, the providing device voluntarily sends the requested content to the receiving terminal. Or the content distribution system according to 2. 4. When the providing device provides the requested content to the receiving terminal, the providing device transmits the requested content to the receiving terminal in response to a request from the receiving terminal or the request terminal. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the content is transmitted to the content delivery system. 5. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein said receiving terminal includes storage means for storing said received content. 6. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving terminal includes a display unit that displays the received content. 7. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the providing device sends the requested content in a time zone or at a low price. 8. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the time at which the requested content is sent is determined by the request terminal or the receiver terminal. 9. The content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the time at which the requested content is sent is determined by the providing device. 10. The content distribution system according to claim 8, wherein the time at which the requested content is sent is determined when the requesting terminal requests the content. 11. The time at which the requested data is sent is determined separately from the time when the requesting terminal requests the content.
Content distribution system described in 1. 12. A providing apparatus for providing ranking information including at least information specifying a program and a ranking of the program, a providing apparatus for providing the program, and a plurality of terminals for receiving the ranking information and the provided program. The providing device sends the ranking information to the terminal, and the terminal selects a program from the sent ranking information, and identifies information for identifying the program of the selected program and its own terminal. To the providing device, the providing device collects and arranges the terminals that transmitted the information specifying the same program from the information specifying the transmitted program and the information specifying the terminal. A content distribution system, wherein a program corresponding to the information specifying the same program is transmitted collectively to each of the collected terminals. 13. The collective transmission for each of the collected terminals means that a program corresponding to the information for specifying the same program is encrypted and transmitted by broadcast radio waves, and the information for the collected terminals to specify the same program is transmitted. 13. The content distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the program is transmitted so that a program corresponding to the content can be decoded. 14. A medium carrying a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or a part of the contents distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. A medium which can be processed by a computer. 15. A program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or a part of the contents distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Information aggregate to be.