JP2003111161A - Video viewing apparatus, control method thereof, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] Multiple users use their own remote control,
When determining a remote control that can be operated according to a predetermined priority, only a specific remote control operates for a long time, and a video viewing apparatus that can prevent the adverse effect that other remote controls cannot be operated, a control method thereof, It is intended to provide a program and a recording medium. When a plurality of users use a remote controller dedicated to themselves and determine a remote controller that can be operated according to a predetermined priority order, the number of times of operation and the operation time of the remote controller are limited to change the priority order.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention provides a remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is operated. The present invention relates to a video viewing apparatus for identifying and determining the priority order of the operation of the remote controller, a control method thereof, a program, and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Here, a remote control means a device which is remotely controlled like a TV remote control, and is not limited to a conventional TV-only remote control, but a remote controller with a mobile phone function, a remote controller with a PDA function, A remote controller with a wristwatch function is possible.

The broadcasting system is a radio wave broadcasting system and a broadcasting system such as Internet broadcasting. The radio wave broadcasting means a broadcasting form in which a program is broadcast through radio waves, such as general terrestrial television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and digital satellite broadcasting. The Internet broadcasting means a broadcasting mode of broadcasting a program through the Internet.

In a video viewing device such as a television or a video, it is general that one dedicated remote controller is provided for each video viewing device. By using a wireless signal such as an infrared signal or a radio signal, The video viewing device can be operated from a remote place.

When a user operates a video viewing device such as a television or a video, it is common to use a remote controller. When a plurality of users watch one TV, the user having the remote control performs TV channel operation, volume operation, and the like by the remote control.

The only way for a user who does not have a remote controller to operate a channel is to rent a remote controller to a user who has a remote controller.

Therefore, it is conceivable to operate one video viewing device by using a plurality of remote controls, but which remote control operation signal is to be adopted is a problem. JP 200
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 1-061110 proposes a method of providing a priority order to a remote control device to improve the operability of a television receiver and a method of determining the operation content from the total of the priority orders given to a plurality of remote controls. ing.

[0008]

However, in the method described in the above publication, since the priorities of the remote controllers are fixed, the remote controllers with lower priorities operate after the remote controllers with higher priorities operate. There is a problem that even if you try to operate it alone, you cannot operate it.

According to the present invention, when a plurality of users use their own remote controllers to determine which remote controller can be operated according to a predetermined priority order, only a specific remote controller operates for a long time and other remote controllers operate. An object of the present invention is to provide a video viewing apparatus, a control method therefor, a program, and a recording medium that can prevent the adverse effect of being inoperable.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, when a plurality of users use their own remote controllers and determine the remote controller that can be operated according to a predetermined priority order, the number of remote controller operations and the operation time are limited. The priority is changed.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a broadcasting system BS1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing.

The broadcasting system BS1 includes a first remote controller R
C1, second remote controller RC2, and third remote controller RC
3 and the video viewing device VS1.

The first remote controller RC1 has an operation information input section 1, a control section 2 and a signal input / output section 3. The configurations of the second remote controller RC2 and the third remote controller RC3 are the first
The configuration is the same as that of the remote controller RC1.

The video viewing device VS1 includes a signal input / output unit 11
The control unit 12, the video / audio output unit 13, the operation history storage unit 14, and the remote control priority storage unit 15 are included.

The operation history storage means 14 stores the number of operations since each remote controller has acquired the highest priority.

The remote controller priority storage means 15 stores remote controllers and priorities in association with each other, and the maximum number of operations of each remote controller (the remote controller can be operated in a state in which it has acquired the highest priority right). The maximum number of times that can be done) is stored.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation when operating the remote controller in the broadcasting system BS1.

In S101, when an operation such as changing the channel is performed using the remote controller, the operation information input section 1,
An operation signal is output via the control unit 2 and the signal input / output unit 3. This operation signal includes the remote controller identifier of the operated remote controller.

In S102, the operation signal is input to the signal input / output unit 11 of the video viewing device VS1. The operation signal includes a remote controller identifier so that the remote controller from which the operation signal is transmitted can be identified.

In S103, the operation signal is sent to the control unit 12 to interpret the operation content, and at the same time, in Step S1.
In 04, S105, and S106, it is determined from which remote controller the operation information is based on the remote controller identifier. For example, when the first remote controller RC1 is operated, the video viewing device VS1 determines that the first remote controller RC1 is operated.

The priority order of the operated remote controllers is stored in the remote controller priority order storage means 15. The priority order of the determined remote controllers is checked by the remote controller priority storage means 15, and in steps S107, S108 and S109,
If the priority order of the identified remote control is the highest priority,
The process proceeds to steps S110, S111, and S112, respectively. If it is not the highest priority, the operation by the determined remote controller is rejected. At this time, step S116
In the above, a message such as “operation not possible” may be displayed on the video / audio output unit 13.

The operation history storage means 14 stores the number of operations since each remote controller has acquired the highest priority.
Then, each time an operation is performed, the number of operations is counted up, and the counted number of operations is accumulated in the operation history storage means 14.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the remote controller priority storage means 15 in the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the first remote controller RC1 has been operated 12 times since the transfer of the highest priority right.

The remote control priority storage means 15 stores the current priority and the upper limit number of operations for each remote control.

As the upper limit number of operations, a different value may be set for each remote controller.

In S110, S111 and S112, the upper limit number of operations stored in the remote controller priority storage unit 15 is compared with the number of operations of the remote controller. If the number of operations of the remote controller is less than the upper limit number of operations, S117. Then, the number of operations of the remote controller is increased by 1, and the operation history storage means 14
The number of operations so far is stored in.

In S118, an operation command is sent to the video / audio output unit 13 in accordance with the content of the operation information interpreted from the operation of the remote controller.

On the other hand, if the number of operations of the remote controller is not less than the upper limit number of operations, the operation of the remote controller is rejected and S11
In 3, S114 and S115, the number of operations after the highest priority is given to the remote controller is set to 0, the priority is changed to the lowest, and the priorities of the other remote controllers are increased by one.

Here, the image viewing device VS1 means a device for viewing images such as television and video. When the television is assumed as the video viewing device VS1, the tuner is included in the video / audio output unit 13. Therefore, when the operation command to change the channel is issued, the tuner in the video / audio output unit 13 operates and receives. You can change the channel.

If it is determined in S104, S105, and S106 that the signal is not from any remote controller, an error is displayed on the video / audio output unit 13 in S111.

According to the above-described embodiment, when the remote controller having the highest priority has performed the operation more than the maximum number of operations registered in advance, the priority is lowered. At the same time,
Since the remote controller that has the new highest priority is also permitted only the upper limit number of operations registered in advance, after operating the predetermined number of times, the operation right is handed over to another remote controller, and therefore, the specific remote controller I'm not biased towards just operations.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first remote controller RC1
Indicates that if the operation is performed 100 times or more, the priority of the operation is lowered.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a broadcasting system BS2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The broadcasting system BS2 is an embodiment in which the operation time is measured and the measured operation time is compared with a predetermined value instead of comparing the number of operations. That is,
When a certain remote controller has acquired the highest priority right and its operation time has passed a predetermined time, the priority order is changed.

The broadcasting system BS2 includes a first remote controller R
C1, second remote controller RC2, and third remote controller RC
3 and a video viewing device VS2.

The video viewing device VS2 has a signal input / output unit 21.
It has a control unit 22, a video / audio output unit 23, an operation history storage unit 24, and a remote control priority storage unit 25.

The operation history storage means 24 stores the time that each remote controller has operated since it acquired the highest priority (the time when each remote controller was operated and the image and sound designated by this operation were viewed).

The remote controller priority storage means 25 stores the remote controller and the priority in association with each other, and the operation time limit for each remote controller (from the time when the remote controller acquires the highest priority, the remote controller operates). Is stored.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation when operating the remote controller in the broadcasting system BS2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a database stored in the remote controller priority storage means 25 in the broadcasting system BS2.

The operation history storage means 24 stores the time when the priority is the highest priority (when the priority is given). The elapsed time from the time when the remote controller becomes the highest priority is measured every time the remote controller is operated.

The remote control priority storage means 25 stores in advance the current priority of each remote control and the operation time limit (elapsed time during which the operation is permitted after reaching the highest priority).
And the time of the highest priority are stored. As shown in FIG. 6, a different value may be set for each remote controller as the operation time limit.

The comparison in steps S210, S211, and S212 is different from that of the first embodiment. That is, S2
In 10, S211, S212, the elapsed time after the remote controller has acquired the priority is calculated, and when the operation time limit has elapsed, the priority order of the remote controller having the highest priority is calculated.
The priority is changed to the lowest and the priority of the other remote controllers is increased by one. At the same time, for the remote controller that has newly acquired the highest priority (second remote controller RC2 in FIG. 6), the highest priority acquisition time is rewritten to the current time. As a result, the operation of only a specific remote controller is not biased. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first remote controller RC1 has a lower priority when operated for one hour or more.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a broadcasting system BS3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The broadcasting system BS3 is an embodiment in which both the number of operations and the operation time of the remote controller are compared with the reference value.

The broadcasting system BS3 includes a first remote controller R
C1, second remote controller RC2, and third remote controller RC
3 and a video viewing device VS3.

The video viewing device VS3 includes a signal input / output unit 31.
And a control unit 32, a video / audio output unit 33, an operation history storage unit 34, and a remote control priority storage unit 35.

The operation history storage means 34 stores the number of operations after each remote controller has acquired the highest priority right and the time at which the highest priority right is acquired.

In the remote controller priority storage means 35, the remote controller and the priority are stored in association with each other, and the maximum number of operations of each remote controller (the remote controller can be operated in a state in which it has the highest priority). The maximum number of times that can be performed) and the operation time limit for each remote controller are stored.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation when operating the remote controller in the broadcasting system BS3.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents stored in the remote controller priority storage means 35 in the broadcasting system BS3.

Every time the remote controller is operated in the broadcasting system BS3, the number of operations and the elapsed time from the time when the highest priority is acquired are measured.

As shown in FIG. 9, different values may be set for each remote controller as the upper limit number of operations and the operation time limit.

In the broadcasting system BS3, as shown in FIG. 8, the comparison in steps S310, S311, and S312 is different from that in the broadcasting systems BS1 and BS2.

That is, S310, S311, S312
Then, when the number of operations of the remote controller exceeds the preset upper limit number of operations, and when the elapsed time of the operation exceeds the preset upper limit operation time, the number of operations of the remote controller having the highest priority is calculated. The priority is changed to 0, the priority is changed to the lowest, and the priority of each of the other remote controllers is increased by one.

At the same time, for the remote controller that has newly acquired the highest priority, the highest priority acquisition time is set to the current time, and thereafter, the number of operations and the elapsed time of the operation are measured. Only the registered maximum number of operations and operation time limit are allowed. Therefore, after the predetermined operation, the operation right is handed to another remote controller, so that the operation is not biased to a specific remote controller.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first remote controller RC1
Indicates that if the operation is performed 100 times or more, and further if it is operated for 1 hour or more, the priority order of the first remote controller RC1 is lowered.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 10 shows the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a broadcasting system BS4 which is an embodiment of

The broadcasting system BS4 measures both the number of operations and the operation time, and obtains the highest priority when the number of operations on the remote controller reaches the operation upper limit number or the operation time reaches the operation limit time. This is an embodiment in which the priority order of the remote controller being operated is the lowest.

The broadcasting system BS4 includes a first remote controller R
C1, second remote controller RC2, and third remote controller RC
3 and a video viewing device VS4.

The video viewing device VS4 has a signal input / output unit 41.
The control unit 42, the video / audio output unit 43, the operation history storage unit 44, and the remote controller priority storage unit 45.

The operation history storage means 44 stores the number of operations after each remote controller has acquired the highest priority right and the time at which the highest priority right is acquired.

The remote controller priority storage means 45 stores the remote controller and the priority in association with each other, and the upper limit number of operations for each remote controller (the remote controller can be operated in a state where it has acquired the highest priority right). The maximum number of times that can be performed) and the operation time limit for each remote controller are stored.

FIG. 11 shows, in the broadcasting system BS4,
It is a flow chart which shows operation when operating a remote control.

In the broadcasting system BS4, step S41
The comparison operation in 0, S411, and S412 is different from the operation in the other embodiments. That is, S410 and S4
In S11 and S412, one of the number of remote control operations and the operation elapsed time is a preset reference value (the upper limit number of operations,
When the operation limit time) is reached, the number of operations of the highest priority remote controller is set to 0, the priority is changed to the lowest, and the priorities of the other remote controllers are increased by one.

At the same time, the remote control which has newly acquired the highest priority is set to the current time as the highest priority acquisition time.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 12 shows the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing a broadcasting system BS5 that is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The broadcasting system BS5 is an embodiment in which the elapsed time from the time when the remote control having the highest priority is operated immediately before is measured and this elapsed time is compared with a predetermined reference value.

The broadcasting system BS5 includes the first remote controller R
C1, second remote controller RC2, and third remote controller RC
3 and a video viewing device VS5.

The video viewing device VS5 includes a signal input / output unit 51.
The control unit 52, the video / audio output unit 53, the operation history storage unit 54, and the remote control priority storage unit 55.

The operation history storage means 54 stores the elapsed time from the time when the remote controller having the highest priority has operated it immediately before, and each time the operation is performed, the elapsed time from the latest operation time is measured.

The remote controller priority storage means 55 stores the remote controller and the priority in association with each other, and the operation upper limit time for each remote controller (the remote controller continues to operate from the time when the remote controller last operated). Time to get) is stored.

FIG. 13 shows the broadcasting system BS5.
It is a flow chart which shows operation when operating a remote control.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the stored contents of the remote controller priority storage means 55 in the broadcasting system BS5.

As shown in FIG. 14, different values may be set as the operation time limit for each remote controller.

In the broadcasting system BS5, step S51
The comparison at 0, S511, and S512 is different from the other examples. That is, in S510, S511, and S512,
When the remote control operation stop time (elapsed time from the most recent operation time to the current time) exceeds the preset upper limit (operation time limit), the remote control with the highest priority has the lowest priority. And the priority of other remote controllers is increased by one.

At the same time, the current time is stored as the most recent operation time of the remote controller that has newly obtained the priority (the second remote controller RC2 in the above example).

If the operation stop time is less than the upper limit value, in S517, as shown in FIG. 14, the most recent operation time of the remote controller having the highest priority is rewritten to the current time. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the first remote controller RC1
Indicates that if the operation is performed for 1 hour or more, the priority order is lowered.

Further, the time ratio, the frequency of use, etc. may be used as the judgment criteria in each of the embodiments. For example, if the time ratio of having the priority right (50% of the total time) is exceeded, the right is given to another remote controller, and the frequency of use (time having the highest priority / number of operations) ), For example, if the time per session is 30 minutes or more, it is possible to consider giving the right to another remote controller. The above-mentioned temporal ratio and frequency of use are information belonging to predetermined statistical information.

Further, of the time ratio of the remote controller having the highest priority, the frequency of use, the number of operations, the elapsed time after the priority is acquired, and the elapsed time from the last operation. Alternatively, a combination of a plurality of items may be used as a criterion.

[Sixth Embodiment] FIG. 15 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing a broadcasting system BS6 which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The broadcasting system BS6 is an embodiment in the case where the remote controller having the highest priority has abandoned the operation right.

The broadcasting system BS6 includes the first remote controller R
C1, second remote controller RC2, and third remote controller RC
3 and a video viewing device VS6.

The video viewing device VS6 includes a signal input / output unit 61.
And a control unit 62, a video / audio output unit 63, an operation history storage unit 64, and a remote control priority storage unit 65.

The operation history storage means 64 stores that the remote controller having the highest priority has abandoned the operation right.

The remote controller priority storage means 65 stores remote controllers and priorities in association with each other.

Further, the signal input / output unit 61 and the control unit 62 are
The control unit 6 is an example of a highest priority right abandonment receiving unit that receives abandonment of the highest priority right by the remote controller having the highest priority right.
Reference numeral 2 is an example of priority order changing means for changing the priority order regarding the operation of the remote controller when the abandonment of the highest priority is accepted.

Next, the operation of the broadcasting system BS6 will be described.

FIG. 16 shows the broadcast system BS6.
It is a figure which shows the memory content of the remote control priority storage means 65 before abandoning the operation right.

The remote control priority storage means 65 stores the current priority for each remote control. Each of the remote controllers RC1, RC2, and RC3 can notify the release of the operation right.

FIG. 17 shows the broadcast system BS6.
It is a figure which shows the memory content of the remote control priority storage means 55 after the 1st remote control RC1 gave up the operation right.

Operation information input unit 1 of the first remote controller RC1
When the abandonment of the operation right is input from, the signal is sent to the control unit 62 of the video viewing device VS1 via the control unit 2, the signal input / output unit 3, and the signal input / output unit 61 of the video viewing device VS1. The control unit 62 rewrites the contents of the remote controller priority storage unit 65 as shown in FIG.

In other words, the first remote controller RC1 has the lowest priority due to the abandonment of the operation right, and the second remote controller RC2 and the third remote controller RC3 each have one priority higher. . Here, not only the remote controller having the operation right (remote controller having the highest priority right), the priority order can be abandoned in all the remote controllers.

The broadcasting system BS6 may be used together with the broadcasting systems BS1 to BS5. FIG.
Although omitted in the database shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 17, fields such as the number of operations and the time of priority acquisition may be provided.

If the priority changes, the broadcasting system BS1
As described in BS5, the number of operations of the remote controller that has abandoned the highest priority (first remote controller RC1) is reset, or the remote controller that has acquired the priority (second remote controller RC1).
Processes such as 2) updating the priority acquisition time and updating the most recent operation time are performed.

[Display of Priority] Next, the display of the priority in each of the above embodiments will be described.

In each of the above embodiments in which the operation is permitted only to the remote controller having the highest priority, the user needs to recognize that the remote controller has the highest priority. This point will be described.

(1) Method of displaying priority on the remote controller When displaying the priority on the display unit of the remote controller, as an example of the display, the presence or absence of the priority, such as "with priority" / "without priority". Or "1st place: first remote controller RC1, 2nd place: second remote controller RC2, 3rd place: 3rd place"
Remote control RC3 ”, the method of displaying the current priority order (it is not essential to display the priority order of all the remote controls, but it is also possible to display several remote controllers having higher priority orders). Alternatively, a method of displaying the remote controller having the highest priority, such as “priority right = first remote controller RC1”, can be considered.

In order to display the status of the priority right on the display of the remote controller, it is necessary to transmit the priority information from the video viewing devices VS1 to VS6 to the remote controller.

When transmitting the priority information, a method of wirelessly transmitting from the video viewing devices VS1 to VS6 at predetermined time intervals (the same technique as when an electronic mail is delivered to a mobile phone) or from a remote controller. Of the video viewing devices VS1 to VS in response to the request (a remote controller without priority can also be requested)
A method of transmitting priority information from 6 is conceivable.

(2) Method of displaying priority status on video viewing apparatus Video / audio output units 13, 2 of video viewing apparatuses VS1 to VS6
When the priority is displayed on 3, 33, 43, 53, and 63, this display example is the same as that displayed on the remote controller.

The remote controller has an operation button for “display / non-display of priority”, and based on a request by operation of the remote controller (a remote controller without priority can also request), the audio / video output units 13, 23, 33. , 43, 53, 63 can be displayed small at any of the four corners.

This is the same technique as that in which the channel information of a television is displayed small. Of course, for a predetermined period,
The video / audio output unit 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 may be displayed on the respective full screens.

The broadcasting system in each of the above embodiments is a broadcasting system such as a radio wave broadcasting system and Internet broadcasting.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an Internet broadcasting system BS7 which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 18, remote controller operation information and the like may be stored independently on the network NW7 such as the remote controller information server SV.

The above embodiments are not limited to radio wave broadcasting, and program control can be performed by the same method not only in radio wave broadcasting but also in Internet broadcasting and the like, wherever remote control information is stored.

That is, in the above embodiment, a remote controller for operating the video and audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users,
When a user operates a video or audio to be viewed using a remote control, the video viewing apparatus that identifies the remote control and determines the priority order of the operation of the remote control, stores an operation history of a predetermined remote control. Means, remote control priority storage means for storing the priority order regarding the operation of the remote control, statistical information extraction means for extracting predetermined statistical information from the operation history storage means, the extracted statistical information, and a predetermined reference Based on the above, the highest priority remote control having the highest priority for remote control operation deprives the highest priority right from the highest priority remote control, and when the highest priority is deprived, the remote control operation priority is given. It is an example of a video viewing apparatus having a priority changing means for changing the order.

In this case, the statistical information includes the number of times the remote controller has been operated since the top priority was acquired, the elapsed time since the top priority was acquired, and the last remote control operation. Is at least one of the elapsed times.

The control units 12, 22, 32, 42, 5
2, 62 are examples of the priority changing means, and
It is an example of the above-mentioned highest priority deprivation means. Operation history storage means 1
4, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64 are examples of the operation history storage means. Remote control priority storage means 15, 2
Reference numerals 5, 25, 35, 45 and 65 are examples of the remote controller priority storage means.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a remote controller for operating the video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user operates the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified. Then, in the video viewing apparatus for determining the priority order of the operation of the remote controller, when the highest priority right abandonment receiving means for accepting abandonment of the highest priority right by the remote controller having the highest priority and the abandonment of the highest priority right are accepted. Further, it is an example of a video viewing apparatus having priority changing means for changing the priority regarding the operation of the remote controller.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, a remote controller for operating the video and audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users,
In a video viewing device that identifies the remote controller and determines the priority order of the operation of the remote controller when the user operates the video and audio to be viewed using the remote controller, the priority situation including the priority order of the operation of the predetermined remote controller. It is an example of a video viewing apparatus having a priority status management means for managing the above and a priority status display means for displaying the priority status of the operation related to the operation of the predetermined remote controller.

The control units 12, 22, 32, 42, 5
Reference numerals 2 and 62 are examples of the priority status management means. The video / audio output units 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 are examples of the priority status display means.

Further, each of the above embodiments can be understood as a program invention. That is, in each of the above-described embodiments, a remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user operates the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified. A program for causing a computer to execute the procedure for determining the priority order of the remote control operation, an operation history storage procedure for storing an operation history regarding a predetermined remote control, and a remote control priority storage procedure for storing a priority order for the remote control operation. Based on the statistical information extraction procedure for extracting predetermined statistical information from the stored operation history, the extracted statistical information, and the predetermined reference, the priority order regarding the operation of the remote controller is the highest priority. From the highest priority remote control, the highest priority right removal procedure to remove the highest priority right,
It is an example of a program that causes a computer to execute a priority order changing procedure for changing the priority order regarding the operation of the remote controller when the highest priority is stripped.

In this case, the statistical information includes the number of times the remote controller has been operated since the top priority was acquired, the elapsed time after the top priority was acquired, and the last remote control operation. Is at least one of the elapsed times.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user operates the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified. Then, in a program that causes a computer to execute the procedure for determining the priority order of the operation of the remote controller, the highest priority right abandonment acceptance procedure for accepting the highest priority right abandonment by the remote controller having the highest priority right, and the highest priority right abandonment procedure. This is an example of a program that causes a computer to execute a priority order changing procedure for changing the priority order related to the operation of the remote controller when is received.

In the above embodiment, a remote controller for operating the video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user operates the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified. In a program that causes a computer to execute the procedure for determining the priority order of the operation of the remote controller, a priority status management procedure for managing a priority status including a priority order for the operation of the predetermined remote controller, and an operation related to the operation of the predetermined remote controller. 2 is an example of a program that causes a computer to execute a priority status display procedure for displaying the priority status of.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned program is executed on the FD, CD,
It may be recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD, an HD, or a semiconductor memory.

Further, in the above embodiment, the remote control priority status receiving means for receiving the priority status of the operation for the predetermined remote controller from the video viewing apparatus and the priority operation for the predetermined remote controller received by the remote controller priority status receiving means. It is an example of a remote controller having remote controller priority status display means for displaying the status. In this case, the signal input / output unit 3 is an example of the remote control priority status receiving means, and the remote control R
The display device (not shown) in C1, RC2, RC3
It is the remote control priority status display means.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, two or four or more remote controllers may be provided.

[0122]

According to the present invention, when a plurality of users use their own remote controllers and determine the remote controller that can be operated according to a predetermined priority order, the number of times the remote controller is operated and the operation time are limited, and the priority order is set. Is changed, so that it is possible to prevent an adverse effect that only a specific remote controller operates for a long time and other remote controllers cannot operate.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a broadcasting system BS that is a first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing 1.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation when operating a remote controller in the broadcasting system BS1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a remote control priority storage unit 15 in the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a broadcasting system BS which is a second embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram showing 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation when a remote controller is operated in the broadcasting system BS2.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a database stored in a remote control priority storage unit 25 in the broadcasting system BS2.

FIG. 7 is a broadcasting system BS which is a third embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation when operating a remote controller in the broadcasting system BS3.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing contents stored in a remote controller priority storage means 35 in the broadcasting system BS3.

FIG. 10 is a broadcasting system B which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows S4.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation when operating a remote controller in the broadcasting system BS4.

FIG. 12 is a broadcasting system B which is a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows S5.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation when operating a remote controller in the broadcasting system BS5.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing stored contents of a remote control priority storage means 55 in the broadcasting system BS5.

FIG. 15 is a broadcasting system B which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows S6.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the stored contents of a remote control priority order storage unit 65 before abandoning the operation right in the broadcasting system BS6.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the stored contents of the remote controller priority storage means 55 after the first remote controller RC1 has abandoned its operating right in the broadcasting system BS6.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an Internet broadcasting system BS7 which is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

BS1 to BS6 ... Broadcasting system, BS7 ... Internet broadcasting system, RC1 ... First remote controller, RC2 ... Second remote controller, RC3 ... Third remote controller, VS1 to VS7 ... Video viewing device, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72 ... Control device, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73 ... Video / audio output device, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 84 ... Operation history storage means, 15, 25 , 35, 45, 55, 65, 85 ... Remote control priority storage means.

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tomoe Go             2-3-1, Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo             Inside Telegraph and Telephone Corporation F-term (reference) 5C056 BA01 CA06 DA06 DA08 DA11                       EA06 EA20                 5K048 AA06 BA03 CA05 DA03 EB02                       HA04 HA06

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In the video viewing apparatus for determining the priority order of the operation, the operation history storage means for storing the operation history of the predetermined remote controller; the remote control priority storage means for storing the priority order of the operation of the remote controller; A statistical information extracting means for extracting predetermined statistical information; based on the extracted statistical information and a predetermined reference, the highest priority remote controller gives the highest priority from the highest priority remote controller having the highest priority with respect to the operation of the remote controller. The highest priority deprivation means of deprivation;
An image viewing apparatus, comprising: priority changing means for changing the priority regarding the operation of the remote controller when the highest priority is stripped. 2. The statistical information according to claim 1, wherein the statistical information includes the number of times the remote controller has been operated since the acquisition of the highest priority right, the elapsed time after the acquisition of the highest priority right, and the last priority remote control. At least one of the elapsed time from the time of the operation is a video viewing device. 3. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In the video viewing device for determining the priority order of operation, a top priority right abandonment receiving means for accepting abandonment of the top priority right by a remote controller having a top priority right; An image viewing apparatus, comprising: priority changing means for changing the priority of operations. 4. A remote controller for operating video and audio to be watched is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user operates the video and audio to watch, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a video viewing device for determining a priority order of operations, a priority status managing means for managing a priority status including a priority order for operations of a predetermined remote controller; and a priority status display for displaying a priority status of operations for the operation of the predetermined remote controller. An image viewing apparatus comprising: 5. A remote controller for operating video, audio, etc. to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In the control method of the video viewing apparatus for determining the priority of the operation, the operation history storing step of storing the operation history of the predetermined remote controller; the remote controller priority storing step of storing the priority of the remote controller operation; A statistical information extracting step of extracting predetermined statistical information from the operation history of the remote controller; the highest priority remote controller having the highest priority with respect to the operation of the remote controller based on the extracted statistical information and a predetermined standard. , A priority deprivation stage of depriving the highest priority; and a priority changing the remote control operation when the highest priority is deprived. And the position change stage;
A method for controlling a video viewing apparatus, comprising: 6. The statistical information according to claim 5, wherein the statistical information is the number of times the remote controller has been operated since the top priority was acquired, the elapsed time after the top priority was acquired, and the top priority remote control was set last. A method for controlling a video viewing apparatus, characterized in that at least one of the elapsed time from the time of the operation is used. 7. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a video viewing device control method for determining the priority order of operations, a highest priority right abandonment receiving step of accepting abandonment of the highest priority right by a remote controller having a highest priority right; And a priority changing step of changing the priority regarding the operation of the remote controller. 8. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a method of controlling an image viewing apparatus for determining an operation priority order, a priority status management step of managing a priority status including a priority order related to operation of a predetermined remote controller; and displaying a priority status of operation related to operation of the predetermined remote controller. And a priority status displaying step. 9. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a program that causes a computer to execute the procedure for determining the priority order of the operation, an operation history storage procedure that stores an operation history regarding a predetermined remote controller; a remote controller priority order storage procedure that stores a priority order regarding the remote controller operation; A statistical information extraction procedure for extracting predetermined statistical information from the operation history being displayed; a highest priority remote controller in which the priority order regarding the operation of the remote controller is the highest based on the extracted statistical information and a predetermined reference From the highest priority right deprivation procedure; and when the highest priority right is deprived, priority is given to the operation of the remote controller. And the priority change procedure to change the position;
A program that causes a computer to execute. 10. The statistical information according to claim 9, wherein the statistical information is the number of times the remote controller has been operated since the acquisition of the highest priority, the elapsed time after the acquisition of the highest priority, and the last priority remote controller. A program characterized by being at least one of the elapsed time from the time of operation. 11. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a program that causes a computer to execute a procedure for determining the priority order of operations, a procedure for accepting the waiver of the highest priority by the remote controller having the highest priority; and a procedure for accepting the waiver of the highest priority. A program for causing a computer to execute a priority order changing procedure for changing the priority order concerning the operation of the remote controller. 12. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user operates the video or audio to be viewed using the remote controller, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a program that causes a computer to execute a procedure for determining the priority order of operations, a priority status management procedure for managing a priority status including a priority order related to operation of a predetermined remote controller; and a priority status of operation related to operation of the predetermined remote controller. A program that causes a computer to execute a priority status display procedure. 13. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a program that causes a computer to execute the procedure for determining the priority order of the operation, an operation history storage procedure that stores an operation history regarding a predetermined remote controller; a remote controller priority order storage procedure that stores a priority order regarding the remote controller operation; A statistical information extraction procedure for extracting predetermined statistical information from the operation history being displayed; a highest priority remote controller in which the priority order regarding the operation of the remote controller is the highest based on the extracted statistical information and a predetermined reference And the procedure for stripping the highest priority right from the above; The priority changing procedure for changing the order;
A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to execute is recorded. 14. The statistical information according to claim 13, wherein the statistical information is the number of times the remote controller has been operated since the acquisition of the highest priority, the elapsed time after the acquisition of the highest priority, and the last priority of the remote controller. A recording medium characterized by being at least one of the elapsed time from the time of operation. 15. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a program that causes a computer to execute a procedure for determining the priority order of operations, a procedure for accepting the waiver of the highest priority by the remote controller having the highest priority; and a procedure for accepting the waiver of the highest priority. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute a priority changing procedure for changing the priority regarding the operation of the remote controller. 16. A remote controller for operating a video or audio to be viewed is prepared for each of a plurality of users, and when the user uses the remote controller to operate the video or audio to be viewed, the remote controller is identified and the remote controller is operated. In a program that causes a computer to execute a procedure for determining the priority order of operations, a priority status management procedure for managing a priority status including a priority order related to operation of a predetermined remote controller; and a priority status of operation related to operation of the predetermined remote controller. And a computer-readable recording medium having recorded therein a program for causing a computer to execute the priority status display procedure. 17. A remote control priority status receiving means for receiving a priority status of an operation related to a predetermined remote controller from a video viewing device; and a remote controller for displaying the priority status of an operation related to the predetermined remote controller received by the remote controller priority status receiving means. And a priority status display means;