Receiving apparatus, server, system and method

Abstract

A reception apparatus, a server, a system, and a method for analyzing viewing information in detail are provided. The reception apparatus receives digital content that can be output viewably, has an inherent device identifier capable of performing identification with other apparatuses, and is provided with a viewing log collecting section that collects a viewing log for the digital content, a wireless communication section that receives wireless terminal information transmitted from a wireless terminal, a detection terminal information creating section that creates detection terminal information based on the wireless terminal information, and an information management section that transmits viewing information including the viewing log, the detection terminal information, and the device identifier.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-206056 filed December 11, 2020 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a reception apparatus, a server, a system, and a method. BACKGROUND

[0003] A television reception apparatus that receives a digital broadcast is capable of performing Internet connection, and is capable of receiving and viewing digital content not only from a broadcast signal but also from various media. Further, a server on the Internet is capable of collecting viewing information (sometimes also referred to as a viewing log) from each television reception apparatus using the Internet connection, or performing analysis of a viewing status of a rating using the collected data.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-191587 SUMMARY

[0007] However, the user attribute of the television reception apparatus required for the analysis of the viewing information is often input from an attached remote controller by a user who purchased the television reception apparatus as a purchaser at the time of purchase, and in a case where one television reception apparatus is shared by a plurality of viewers such as a family, the input is cumbersome. Therefore, sometimes analysis information that reflects information of each of a plurality of users and the like cannot be provided.

[0008] The present application has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a reception apparatus, a server, a system, and a method for analyzing viewing information in detail.

[0009] A reception apparatus that receives digital content capable of being viewed, has an inherent device identifier capable of performing identification with other apparatuses, the reception apparatus includes a viewing log collecting section that collects a viewing log for the digital content, a wireless communication section that receives wireless terminal information transmitted from a wireless terminal, a detection terminal information creating section that creates detection terminal information based on the wireless terminal information, and an information management section that transmits viewing information including the viewing log, the detection terminal information, and the device identifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a configuration example of a system according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving apparatus involved in the embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless terminal apparatus involved in the embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server apparatus involved in the embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a utilization server apparatus involved in the embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of data exchanged between apparatuses in the embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing actions of the case where the receiving apparatus involved in the first embodiment receives a wireless identifier;

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a database held by the receiving apparatus involved in the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing actions for the receiving apparatus involved in the first embodiment to register a user identifier;

[0019] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a database in which a user identifier held by the receiving apparatus involved in the first embodiment is linked with viewing information;

[0020] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing actions for the receiving apparatus involved in the first embodiment to transmit data to a management server;

[0021] Figure 12 is an example of data transmitted by the receiving apparatus involved in the first embodiment to a management server;

[0022] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing actions of the case where the management server apparatus involved in the first embodiment receives data;

[0023] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of inference distance data in the database of the management server apparatus involved in the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the database of the management server apparatus involved in the first embodiment for each broadcast program;

[0025] Figure 16 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a database of a management server apparatus involved in the first embodiment, which is displayed per user identifier;

[0026] Figure 17 Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing action in a case where a wireless terminal apparatus detects an application start involved in the second embodiment;

[0027] Figure 18 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing action for a reception apparatus to transmit data to a management server involved in the second embodiment;

[0028] Figure 19 Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a database involved in data received by a management server apparatus from a reception apparatus involved in the second embodiment.

[0029] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0030] 1... reception apparatus, 1A... wireless terminal apparatus, 3... management server, 4... utilization server, 5... network, 10... remote controller, 11... broadcast signal reception processing section, 12... data processing section, 13... output control section, 141... display section, 142... sound output section, 15... interface section, 151... communication section, 152... remote controller I / F section, 153A... wireless communication section, 16... control section, 17... information management section, 171... information control section, 172... data holding section, 173... distance analysis section, 174... user identifier creation section, 175... viewing log collection section, 18... application processing section, 101... recording / playback section, 102... power supply, 103... power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a structure of a system involved in the embodiments.

[0033] The reception apparatus 1 is an apparatus that views digital content, for example, a television reception apparatus (also referred to as a television apparatus, a television receiver, a broadcast signal reception apparatus) that receives a digital broadcast such as a terrestrial broadcast, a satellite broadcast, or the like of 2K or 4K / 8K, acquires a broadcast program from the broadcast signal, and can view. The reception apparatus 1 can also be provided with a computer having a CPU, a memory, and the like.

[0034] The reception device 1 has an external interface for connecting to a network 5 such as the Internet, and is capable of viewing content provided from a content server device or the like not shown on the network 5. Further, the reception device 1 can also acquire broadcast program data or the like of digital television broadcasting, for example, from a storage medium such as a DVD, a hard disk, or the like.

[0035] In addition, the digital content can also be simply referred to as a program. Further, the digital content acquired from a broadcast signal can also be referred to as a broadcast program, or the digital content acquired from a device on a network can also be simply referred to as content.

[0036] Further, the reception device 1 can also have a video recorder function, and by the video recorder function, it is possible to record a broadcast program on a hard disk or the like, or to output the recorded broadcast program for viewing. Further, the reception device 1 can be connected to a video recorder device not shown, and in the video recorder device not shown, it is possible to record a broadcast program and to view the recorded broadcast program.

[0037] Further, the reception device 1, if it is a device capable of receiving digital content, can also be a video recorder having no display capable of viewing and capable of recording only, a Set Top Box (STB) capable of receiving a broadcast signal, or the like. Further, the reception device 1, as a reception device having the same reception function, can also be a personal computer, a mobile device such as a smartphone, or the like.

[0038] The reception device 1 is capable of remote control by a user using an attached remote controller 10. Further, the reception device 1 can also have a voice recognition unit such as a smart speaker not shown, capable of remote control.

[0039] The reception device 1 is capable of acquiring attribute information (referred to as broadcast program information) related to a broadcast program of digital broadcasting, and capable of saving in an internal memory or the like, and is used for making a viewing log. The attribute information related to a broadcast program can be any information related to a broadcast program such as a program name, a performer, a broadcast time, or the like.

[0040] The reception device 1 has a wireless communication unit such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and is capable of data communication with an external device having the same communication unit.

[0041] Further, Figure 1 Only one reception device 1 is shown in the drawing, but generally, a plurality of reception devices 1 having the same function are connected. Hereinafter, when a plurality of reception devices 1 are shown, it is also sometimes referred to as a reception device 1.

[0042] The wireless terminal device 2A, 2B (referred to as the wireless terminal device 2 without particular distinction) is a portable terminal having a CPU, a memory, and the like, such as a smartphone. The wireless terminal device 2 can also perform usual voice calls, data communication, and the like via a mobile line of the 3rd generation (3G), Long Term Evolution (LTE), the 4th generation (4G), the 5th generation (5G), or the like. In addition, the wireless terminal device 2 has a wireless communication unit of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like independently of the above-described mobile line. The wireless terminal device 2 is given a wireless identifier that can determine an identifier of the wireless terminal device. The wireless identifier is an identifier decided as a communication standard, an international standard, and is an identifier that can globally identify the wireless communication unit. The wireless identifier contains information for identifying the wireless terminal device 2 and the wireless communication unit mounted on the wireless terminal device 2. For example, in the case where the wireless terminal device 2 mounts both the wireless communication units of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the wireless terminal device 2 has two wireless identifiers, and can have, for example, a wireless identifier 1 containing information for identifying (wireless terminal device 2, Bluetooth), and a wireless identifier 2 containing information for identifying (wireless terminal device 2, Wi-Fi).

[0043] The management server device 3 is a server on the network 5, and can also be constructed by a computer (including a cloud) having a CPU, a memory, and the like. The management server device 3 can also collect viewing information (including a viewing log and the like) from a plurality of reception devices 1 connected to the network 5 and database, perform analysis as needed, or provide requested data from the database to a request source as requested. The reception device 1 transmits viewing information to the management server device 3 at an arbitrary timing via the network 5.

[0044] The utilization server device 4 is a server having various purposes connected to the network 5, and can also be constructed by a computer (including a cloud) having a CPU, a memory, and the like. The utilization server device 4 can also be, for example, an analysis server that performs analysis and the like based on data collected by the management server device 3 and provides an arbitrary analysis result. In addition, Figure 1 Only one utilization server device 4 is shown, but there can be a plurality of them.

[0045] The network 5 is a network in which the reception device 1, the management server device 3, the utilization server device 4, and the like are connected and the respective devices can communicate, and is, for example, the Internet. In addition, the network 5 is not limited to the Internet, and can be a network including a plurality of different networks as long as the respective devices can communicate. In addition, the wireless terminal device 2 can access the network 5 via a communication unit of Wi-Fi or the like in addition to a mobile line.

[0046] Figure 2is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a reception apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0047] The broadcast signal reception processing section 11 has a tuner function, a demultiplexing processing function, and the like. The tuner function processes a broadcast wave received from an antenna, a cable of a cable television, or the like, not shown, and acquires a broadcast signal, in accordance with a standard of digital broadcasting. The demultiplexing processing function outputs various digital data streams obtained by separating the broadcast signal, or the like. The standard of digital broadcasting can be, for example, an MPEG2 TS method adopted in 2K digital broadcasting, an MPEG Media Transport method (MMT method) adopted in 4K / 8K digital broadcasting, or the like. In addition, in a case where a plurality of tuners exist, different standards can correspond to the tuners. Further, the broadcast signal reception processing section 11 can have a function of error correction coding and decoding processing, cipher decoding processing of decoding encrypted data, or the like, as processing corresponding to the standard of digital broadcasting.

[0048] The data processing section 12 decodes and processes encoded data (image encoded data, sound encoded data, character encoded data, and the like) output from the broadcast signal reception processing section 11, the network data processing section 19, the recording / playback section 101, and the like, and outputs digital content data of images, sounds, characters, and the like.

[0049] The output control section 13 adjusts an output timing, a display method, and the like, with respect to digital content data output from the data processing section 12, the network data processing section 19, and the like, and outputs the digital content data to the display section 141, the sound output section 142.

[0050] The display section 141 is, for example, a display that displays images, characters, and the like. The display section 141 outputs digital content of images, characters, and the like, recognizable by a user, as digital content output from the output control section 13.

[0051] The sound output section 142 is, for example, a speaker that outputs sounds. The sound output section 142 outputs digital content data of sounds, recognizable by a user, as digital content output from the output control section 13. The user views digital content provided by the broadcast signal, a content server apparatus, not shown, on the network 5, the recording / playback section 101, and the like, by viewing images, characters, sounds, and the like, output from the display section 141, the sound output section 142. The display section 141 and the sound output section 142 can be collectively referred to as a presentation section, in terms of presenting digital content to the user.

[0052] The interface section 15 includes various interfaces.

[0053] The communication section 151 is an interface for data communication with the management server apparatus 3, the utilization server apparatus 4, and the like, on the network 5, and the like, and can have, for example, a TCP / IP protocol.

[0054] The remote controller I / F section 152 is an interface for receiving a control signal based on infrared rays or the like output from the remote controller 10. The remote controller I / F section 152 outputs the received control signal to the control section 16. Instead of the remote controller 10, an interface that receives a control signal output from a terminal such as a smartphone not shown can be provided.

[0055] The wireless communication sections 153A, 153B (referred to as the wireless communication section 153 when not particularly distinguished) can also be wireless interfaces for performing near or medium distance communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The wireless communication section 153 can measure and output electric wave strength data of a received electric wave. The wireless communication section 153 demodulates a received electric wave and obtains digital data. The obtained digital data can also be output to the control section 16.

[0056] The control section 16 controls each function of the reception device 1. Specifically, the control section 16 receives various control signals from the interface section 15 and controls each function of the reception device 1. For example, in a case where a user specifies ON / OFF of a power supply of the reception device 1, recording and playing of a broadcast program, or the like from the remote controller 10, the control section 16 receives a control signal from the remote controller 10 via the remote controller I / F section 152, controls various functions of the reception device 1, and causes the reception device 1 to perform an operation specified by the user. Further, the control section 16 can extract necessary data from data received from the interface section 15 according to a predetermined format or output necessary data to a necessary function. In addition, in the reception device 1, data can be exchanged between the control section 16 and a function block not particularly connected to the control section 16. Figure 2

[0057] The information management section 17 acquires various information necessary for generating and outputting viewing information, and databaseizes and saves the acquired various information. The information management section 17 generates and outputs viewing information including various information. The timing of transmission to the management server device 3 can be arbitrary.

[0058] The information control section 171, for example, if a transmission request or a transmission trigger of data is received from the control section 16 to the management server device 3, creates transmission data, that is, viewing information, from a database or the like of the data saving section 172. The information control section 171 transmits the created viewing information to the management server device 3 via the network data processing section 19. Further, the information control section 171, in a case where an instruction (transmission trigger) to transmit viewing information created in advance is received from the control section 16, can also transmit the created viewing information without the step of creating the viewing information. Further, it can be possible for a user to set what kind of information is included in the viewing information from the remote controller 10 or the like.

[0059] ​The opportunity for the control section 16 to output a transmission trigger for causing the information control section 171 to transmit the viewing information to the management server device 3 can also be the following cases.

[0060] • When the channel output to the display section 141 is switched

[0061] • When the program output to the display section 141 ends

[0062] • Periodic transmission (the control section 16 outputs a transmission trigger at a predetermined time)

[0063] • When the estimated number of viewers in the vicinity of the reception device 1 changes (for example, the information management section 17 can estimate the number of viewers in the vicinity of the reception device 1 based on the estimated distance calculated by the distance analysis section 173)

[0064] • When the reception device 1 detects a wireless identifier for which the user identifier is not determined or set

[0065] The user identifier is an identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier, and is defined as an independent identifier within the system of Figure 1 the reception device 1. Details are described later.

[0066] The data holding section 172 is, for example, a database, and holds data necessary for the information control section 171 to produce information. Furthermore, the device identifier that is inherent information of the reception device 1, the channel selection information input by the user when the reception device 1 was purchased, information on user attributes such as family composition, and the like can also be held in the data holding section 172.

[0067] The distance analysis section 173 is a function that estimates the distance between the wireless terminal device 2 that transmitted the received radio wave and the wireless communication section 153 (reception device 1) based on the reception strength of the received radio wave output by the wireless communication section 153. For example, in the case where the radio wave of the wireless terminal device 2 in the vicinity of the reception device 1 is received, the reception strength of the radio wave is large, and thus the distance is estimated to be small, and it is estimated that the user of this wireless terminal device 2 is viewing the reception device 1. Furthermore, conversely, in the case where the radio wave of the wireless terminal device 2 of the user outside the room in which the reception device 1 is located is received, the reception strength of the radio wave is small, and the distance is estimated to be large, and it is estimated that the user of this wireless terminal device 2 is not viewing the reception device 1. The user in the vicinity of the reception device 2 can be estimated based on the estimated distance calculated by the distance analysis section 173.

[0068] The user identifier creation section 174 creates a user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier output by the wireless terminal device 2. The wireless identifier is an identifier defined globally, but the user identifier can also be an identifier set inherently within the reception device 1 or within the system. Furthermore, in the case where one wireless terminal device 2 has a plurality of (for example, two) wireless identifiers, such as wireless identifier 1 (wireless terminal device 2, Bluetooth) and wireless identifier 2 (wireless terminal device 2, Wi-Fi), the user identifier (for example, user identifier 1 and user identifier 2) can also be set individually for each of the wireless identifiers 1 and 2. Furthermore, in the case where both wireless identifiers are wireless identifiers output by the same wireless terminal device 2, or the like, it is also possible to establish a link with one user identifier.

[0069] The viewing log collection section 175 collects information related to the digital content displayed by the display section 141, that is, a viewing log. Specifically, for example, the output control section 13 can also collect the program name, broadcast time, broadcast channel, and the like of the digital content output to the display section 141 and the sound output section 142 as a viewing log. Furthermore, the viewing log can also be a viewing log related to the digital content recorded and played by the recording / playback section 101 or the digital content on the network acquired via the network data processing section 19.

[0070] The application processing section 18 can also execute any application software installed on the reception device 1. In the case where an application that cooperates with an external device, such as the wireless terminal device 2, the management server device 3, or the utilization server device 4, is installed, the application processing section 18 can also implement interaction at the application level with these external devices.

[0071] The network data processing section 19 transmits and receives various data to and from devices on the network 5 via the interface section 15. The network data processing section 19 can also have an application or the like for performing transmission and reception of data with a browser or a content server device not shown. Furthermore, the network data processing section 19 can also transmit the viewing information provided from the information management section 17 to the management server device 3 via the network 5.

[0072] The recording / playback section 101 has a storage section (not shown) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and is a disk player, an HDD recorder, or the like that can record programs, and stores data of digital content output from the broadcast signal reception processing section 11, the network data processing section 19, and the like in the storage section. The recording / playback section 101 plays back the output digital content in accordance with a playback request from a user or the like. The recording / playback information of the digital content in the recording / playback section 101 can also be provided to the information management section 17 as a viewing log. The viewing log can also include the program name of a recorded program, the recording date and time, the broadcast date and time, the playback date and time, and the like. In addition, in the present embodiment, the recording / playback section 101 is provided as one function of the reception device 1, but can also be an external device.

[0073] The power supply 102 is a basic power supply, and can also be a power supply that is always effective in a case where the reception device 1 is connected to a socket plug. By the power supply 102 being turned on (accessed), the lowest functions such as the interface section 15, the control section 16, and the like are effective.

[0074] The power supply 103 is a power supply that is turned on in a case where a user causes the reception device 1 to receive and output digital content, and is a power supply that is effective only in a case where the basic power supply 102 is effective. For example, if the user presses a power-on button from the remote controller 10, a control signal that turns on the power supply 103 of the reception device 1 can also be output from the remote controller 10, and the power supply 103 can be turned on via the interface section 15 and the control section 16 that are made effective by the power supply 102. Furthermore, the on / off (access / cut-off) state of the power supply 103 can also be managed as a device state by the information management section.

[0075] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless terminal device according to the embodiment.

[0076] The basic section 21 indicates a section that assumes a basic function of the wireless terminal device 2. For example, in a case where the wireless terminal device 2 is a smartphone, functions that the smartphone normally has, such as a mobile line-based call function, a data communication function, a camera, and the like are included in the basic section 21. Basically, the basic section 21 can not include the functions of the functional blocks other than the basic section 21 shown in FIG. 1, but there can be a case where the functions overlap with the functional blocks other than the basic section 21. Figure 3

[0077] The UI section 22 is a user interface that a user can input to the wireless terminal device 2, and can include, for example, a touch panel, a voice recognition, a fingerprint authentication, a face authentication, and the like.

[0078] ​The application processing section 23 can also execute arbitrary application software installed in the wireless terminal device 2. Generally, execution of application software is a basic function of the wireless terminal device 2, and can also be included in the basic section 21, but is explicitly shown as a functional block independent of the basic section 21. In the case where an application that cooperates with the external device such as the reception device 1, the management server device 3, the utilization server device 4, and the like is installed, the application processing section 23 can also implement interaction at the application level with these external devices.

[0079] The wireless communication sections 24A, 24B (referred to as the wireless communication section 24 when not particularly distinguished) are wireless communication interfaces other than mobile lines, and can also be wireless interfaces for performing near-range or medium-range communication such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the like. Via the wireless communication section 24, the application processing section 23 can also implement interaction of data at the application level with the application processing section 18 of the reception device 1.

[0080] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the management server device according to the present embodiment.

[0081] The control section 31 controls various functions within the management server device 3. Various data such as control signals from external devices are received via the communication section 32, parsed, processed as necessary, and output to each functional block within the management server device 3. Further, various data from each functional block within the management server device 3 are received, chunked, formatted, and the like as necessary, and output to the communication section 32.

[0082] The communication section 32 is an interface for data communication with devices on the network 5 such as the reception device 1, the utilization server device 4, and the like, and can also have a protocol such as TCP / IP.

[0083] The data holding section 33 is, for example, a database for holding various data. In the present embodiment, the viewing information received from the reception device 1, and further, parsed results and the like obtained from the viewing information can also be held in the data holding section 33.

[0084] The application processing section 34 can also execute arbitrary application software installed on the management server device 3. In the case where an application that cooperates with the external device such as the reception device 1, the wireless terminal device 2, the utilization server device 4, and the like is installed, the application processing section 34 can also implement interaction at the application level with these external devices.

[0085] The network data processing section 35 processes various data received from the devices on the network 5. For example, in a case where a data saving request of the viewing information is sent from the device on the network 5, the network data processing section 35 can also output a reply such as an ACK to the request source, or receive the viewing information and save it in the data saving section 33. Further, for example, if the network data processing section 35 receives a request of application cooperation connection from the application processing section 34 to the external device, it can also transmit a connection request to the connection destination external device, and make the connection established. The network data processing section 35 can also have a browser or the like. The network data processing section 35 in the present embodiment can also receive the viewing information or the data of the viewing information provided from the reception device 1 through the network 5, and output it to the data saving section 33 and the application processing section 34 on the basis of processing performed as necessary to extract the viewing information or the like.

[0086] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the server device according to the present embodiment.

[0087] The control section 41 controls various functions within the server device 4. It receives various data such as control signals from the external devices via the communication section 42, and performs analysis, processing, and the like as necessary, and outputs them to each functional block within the server device 4. Further, it receives various data from each functional block within the server device 4, and performs blockization, formatting, and the like of the data as necessary, and outputs them to the communication section 42.

[0088] The communication section 42 is an interface for data communication with the devices on the network 5 such as the reception device 1 and the management server device 3, and can include, for example, a TCP / IP protocol.

[0089] The data saving section 43 is, for example, a database for saving various data. In the present embodiment, the viewing information received from the management server device 3, and further the analysis result obtained from the viewing information, the list of inferred viewers, the list of viewing histories, and the like can be saved in the data saving section 43.

[0090] The application processing section 44 can execute arbitrary application software installed on the server device 4. In a case where an application that cooperates with the external devices such as the reception device 1, the wireless terminal device 2, and the management server device 3 is installed, the application processing section 44 can also perform interaction at the application level with these external devices.

[0091] The network data processing section 45 processes various data received from the devices on the network 5. For example, in the case where a data saving request of the viewing information is sent from the device on the network 5, the network data processing section 45 can also output a reply such as an ACK to the request source, or receive the viewing information and save it in the data saving section 43. Further, for example, if the network data processing section 45 receives a request for application cooperative connection to the external device from the application processing section 44, it can also transmit a connection request to the external device at the connection destination, and cause the connection to be established. The network data processing section 45 can also have a browser or the like. The network data processing section 45 in the present embodiment can also receive the viewing information or data of the viewing information provided from the reception device 1 via the network 5, and output it to the data saving section 43 or the application processing section 44 on the basis of the processing required to extract the viewing information or the like.

[0092] Figure 6 Examples of data indicating the interaction between the devices in the embodiment.

[0093] The interaction of data is performed between the reception device 1, the wireless terminal device 2, the management server device 3, and the utilization server device 4. Basically, the arrow indicates the transmission direction of the data, but it can also be transmitted in the opposite direction.

[0094] (First Embodiment)

[0095] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the reception device 1 receives the wireless identifier output from the wireless terminal device 2, the reception device 1 converts the wireless identifier into a user identifier which is an identifier unique to the reception device 1, and transmits the viewing information including the user identifier to the management server device 3. In order to cause this action, the reception device 1 can also assign (issue) the user identifier to the wireless identifier. The user identifier is issued to the reception device 1, and methods are considered in which the reception device 1 automatically issues the user identifier to the wireless terminal device 2 without the user being aware (which can also be called a normal mode), a method in which the user consciously causes his or her own wireless terminal device 2 to issue the user identifier to the reception device (which can also be called a registration mode), and the like.

[0096] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing action in the case where the reception device receives the wireless identifier according to the first embodiment, and is an example of the case where the user identifier is issued by the method in which the reception device 1 automatically issues it without the user being aware (normal mode).

[0097] The user takes the wireless terminal device 2 into the room where the reception device 1 is installed. The wireless communication section 24A (for example, Bluetooth) of the wireless terminal device 2 is set to be active. The wireless communication section 24A outputs a beacon signal including a wireless identifier (set to Wl), for example. The wireless communication section 153A (Bluetooth) of the reception device 1, if it receives the beacon signal, demodulates the data and outputs the obtained data to the information management section 17. The information control section 171 analyzes the data and, if it confirms that the wireless identifier is Wl, confirms whether or not a user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier Wl is registered in the data holding section 172 (steps Slll, S112). If there is no user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier Wl, the information control section 171 causes the user identifier creation section 174 to set a new user identifier (set to UN) for the wireless identifier Wl, links the wireless identifier Wl and the user identifier UN and registers them in the data holding section 172 (NO of step S113, step S114). Thereafter, the user identifier UN is linked to the viewing log acquired by the viewing log collection section 175 and is held in the database of the data holding section 172 (step S115, step S116). It is also possible to continue steps S115, S116 as long as the wireless identifier Wl corresponding to the user identifier UN is detected.

[0098] In step S113, if the user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier Wl has already been issued, the viewing log acquired by the viewing log collection section 175 is linked to the issued user identifier and is held in the database of the data holding section 172 (YES of step S113, step S115, step S116). By step S115, it is possible to perform linking of the viewing log of the program displayed on the display section 141 or the like to the wireless identifier when the reception device 1 detects the wireless identifier, and further, it is possible to perform linking of the viewing log to the user identifier.

[0099] Figure 8 Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the database held by the reception device according to the first embodiment, and can be held in the data holding section 172.

[0100] Figure 8 (a) of Fig. 3 is an example of the setting information for the reception device 1, the No of the first column indicates the line number, the second column indicates the item of the information set, and the third column indicates the setting information for the set information. Each information is linked by each line. The contents of the database can not include all the contents shown, and, on the contrary, can not be limited to the contents shown.

[0101] No 1 is a device identifier inherent to the reception device 1, set as Dl. The device identifier can also be set as a different identifier for each different reception device 1. For example, set as D2 and the like for other reception devices 1. No 2 is the IP address of the reception device 1. No 3 is the user attribute, which is the primary demographic attribute information related to the purchaser, viewer of the reception device 1. By "demographic attribute", it is meant age, sex, combination of age and sex, and "regional whole", "family whole", "M3", "M2", "Ml", "T", "Fl", "F2", "F3", and the like, which are personal information of the user of the reception device 1. No 4 is more private personal information than the user attribute of No 3, and the like.

[0102] Figure 8 (b) of Table 1 indicates the wireless identifier, terminal type linked with the user identifier issued by the reception device 1, No of the first column indicates the line number, the second column indicates the user identifier issued within the reception device 1, the third column indicates the wireless identifier, and the fourth column indicates the terminal type. Each information is linked by each line.

[0103] No 1 is an example in which the user identifier Ul is linked with Wl as the wireless identifier, and MTl as the terminal type. MT of MTl is an abbreviation of Mobile Terminal, and indicates a specific terminal having a wireless identifier, such as a smartphone, PC, and the like. The wireless identifier differs depending on the communication method of the wireless communication section 24, and the terminal on which the wireless communication section 24 is mounted.

[0104] No 2 is another example in which the user identifier, wireless identifier, and terminal type are linked. The wireless identifiers of No 2 and No 3 are different as W2A and W2B, respectively, but the terminal type is the same as MT2, and thus it is an example in which the same user identifier is set in the case where a certain specific terminal MT2 has two wireless identifiers W2A and W2B.

[0105] No 5 and No 6 are examples of the case where the terminal type is the same as MT4 but the wireless identifiers are different as W4A and W4B, respectively. That is, an example in which different user identifiers are set for each wireless identifier in the case where the terminal MT4 has two wireless identifiers W4A and W4B.

[0106] Figure 9 is a flowchart indicating an example of the processing action for the reception device involved in the first embodiment to register the user identifier, and is an example of the case where the user identifier is issued in the registration mode.

[0107] If the user operates the remote controller 10, a change control signal that changes the state of the reception apparatus 1 to "user identifier registration mode" is output from the remote controller 10. The remote controller I / F section 152 of the reception apparatus 1, if it receives the change control signal, extracts the change control signal data, and outputs the change control signal data to the control section 16. The control section 16, if it receives the change control signal data, moves the state of the reception apparatus 1 to the registration mode (step S101 is). The registration mode is a mode for issuing a user identifier, and in particular, the user can also watch content as usual through the reception apparatus 1 even in the registration mode.

[0108] The user, in the registration mode, makes the wireless communication section 24A (for example, set to Bluetooth) of the wireless terminal apparatus 2 that the user wishes to register active. The wireless communication section 24A outputs, for example, a beacon signal that contains a wireless identifier (set to Wl). The wireless communication section 153A (set to Bluetooth) of the reception apparatus 1, if it receives the beacon signal, demodulates the data, and outputs the resulting data to the information management section 17. The information management section 17, in a case where it has confirmed that the wireless identifier is Wl by analyzing the data, confirms whether or not a user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier Wl is registered in the data holding section 172 (steps S102, S103). In a case where there is no user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier Wl, a new user identifier (set to UN) is set to the wireless identifier Wl, the wireless identifier Wl and the user identifier UN are linked and registered to the data holding section 172 (step S104 No, step S105). In step S103, in a case where there is already a user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier Wl, the registration ends, and thus there is no special processing (step S104 Yes). The reception apparatus 1, if it detects that the registration mode ends, ends the registration mode, and the registration ends (step S106 Yes). In step S106, it is also possible to display the content "End registration mode?" on the display section 141 or the like, and to make the user select. The reception apparatus 1, if it detects that the registration mode continues, returns to step S102, and waits for the reception of the next wireless identifier (step S106 No, S102). In step S102, the user can also, for example, make the Bluetooth that issued the user identifier inactive, and next make the Wi-Fi of the same terminal active, and set a user identifier to the Wi-Fi. Here, it is possible to issue a user identifier that is different from the user identifier UN issued for Bluetooth to the Wi-Fi, or to make the user identifiers the same due to the same wireless terminal apparatus 2 or the like. It is also possible for the user to be able to select which one to set from the remote controller 10 or the like.

[0109] Figure 10Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a database in which user identifiers held by the reception device according to the first embodiment are linked to viewing logs.

[0110] Figure 10 (a) of Fig. 1 is an example of the estimated distance data of the reception device 1 and the wireless terminal device 2 calculated by the distance analysis section 173 of the information management section 17 from the reception strength of the electric wave output by the wireless terminal device 2 detected for each wireless identifier. The No of the first column indicates the line number, the second column indicates the time of the electric wave used in the acceptance distance calculation, and the columns thereafter indicate the estimated distance (in meters) calculated for each user identifier. The information is linked for each line.

[0111] For example, the line of No 1 is an example in which the distance of the reception device 1 from the wireless terminal device 2 corresponding to the user identifiers U1, U2, U3, U4 is 3 m, 3 m, 10 m, 3 m, respectively, at the time T20. The symbol indicating infinity is displayed for the user identifier U5, and is an example of a case in which the power of the wireless terminal device 2 corresponding to the user identifier U5 is turned off or the wireless communication section 24 is not active, or there is no wireless terminal device 2 in the room where the reception device 1 is located. Also, for example, the estimated distance for the user identifier U5 of No 5 is 21 m, and the estimated distance for the user identifier U6 of No 6 is 51 m, and a threshold value for the estimated distance is set to, for example, 5 m, so that it is estimated that there is no wireless terminal device 2 in the room corresponding to these times. The reception terminal 1 can also make such an estimation, but in the present embodiment, an example in which the management server device 3 makes the estimation is shown.

[0112] Figure 10 (b1) of Fig. 1 is an example of data in which the information of the broadcast program is linked to the wireless identifiers detected by the reception device 1 at the time the broadcast program was broadcast. The No of the first column indicates the line number, the second column indicates the broadcast program name, the third column indicates the time at which the broadcast program was broadcast, the fourth column indicates the wireless identifier detected at the time of the third column, the fifth column indicates the user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier of the fourth column, and the sixth column indicates the state of the power 103 of the reception device 1 at the time of the third column, and is linked for each line.

[0113] For example, in the line of No 1, an example in which the wireless identifiers detected at the time T0 to T1 when the program P1 was broadcast are W1, W2, W4, and the user identifiers set for these are U1, U2, U4, respectively, is shown. Also, an example of a case in which the power 103 is on because the device state is on, and the user of the wireless terminal device 2 to which the user identifier U1, U2, U4 is assigned is viewing the program P1 by the reception device 1. In the present embodiment, the management server device 3 makes the determination of whether or not the program P1 is being viewed.

[0114] Line No. 2 is an example of a situation where the device is disconnected, i.e., power 103 is off. It is an example where, even though power 103 is off, the wireless identifier is detected because power 102 is on. This example illustrates a situation where, when receiving device 1 is not displaying a program on display unit 141, a wireless terminal device 2 corresponding to user identifiers U1 and U2 exists in the room where receiving device 1 is located.

[0115] Line No. 5 provides examples of situations where the device is disconnected, i.e., power 103 is off and no wireless identifiers are detected. These examples include situations where the receiving device 1 is not displaying a program on the display unit 141, where there is no wireless terminal device 2 in the room where the receiving device 1 is located, or where the power to the wireless terminal device 2 is cut off.

[0116] The above examples illustrate that when entering the room where receiving device 1 is located and watching programs through receiving device 1, the user must possess a wireless terminal device 2 with the wireless communication unit 24 enabled to obtain more accurate information. For example, in case No. 5, it is known that no one is in the room where receiving device 1 is located.

[0117] Figure 10 (b2) is to Figure 10 This is an example of a database (b1) where the order of the times in column 2 is changed. The times differ from the broadcast times, for example, they are times every 5 minutes, every hour, etc. For example, T10, T11 represent the time on a watch, but could also be absolute time, GPS time, JST time, etc. Columns 4, 5, and 6 are omitted. According to... Figure 10 For example (b2), such as broadcast program P3, the detection status of the radio identifiers for times T11 to T12 and T12 to T13 can be determined. During the broadcast of program P3, it is not limited to all users watching continuously, but in this example, such a situation can be detected. In this example, instead of setting the viewing information creation time in receiving device 1 according to each broadcast time, more detailed viewing information can be created, for example, at intervals as short as one minute. In management server device 3, by parsing the one-minute interval viewing information created by receiving device 1, the viewing status during the broadcast time of a specific program can be analyzed in detail.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation in which the receiving device according to the first embodiment sends data to the management server. For example, it illustrates a case where the information control unit 171 sends data to the management server when the wireless communication unit 153 receives a wireless identifier for which the user identifier has not yet been set.

[0119] The information control section 171 receives a request (transmission trigger) to transmit the viewing information to the management server from the control section 16 (step S121). The information control section 171, in the case where the user identifier is included in the set viewing information to be transmitted, gives the user identifier to the wireless identifier received by the wireless communication section 153, establishes a link with the wireless identifier, and saves the user identifier in the data saving section 172 (step S122, step S123). The information control section 171 makes the viewing information including the user identifier given in step 123 (step S124). The information control section 171 transmits the made viewing information to the management server device 3 (step S125).

[0120] By the above steps, it is possible to give the user identifier corresponding to the wireless identifier to the viewing information and transmit it to the management server device 3.

[0121] Figure 12 This is an example of the data transmitted to the management server by the reception device according to the first embodiment, and one transmission data is indicated by a line unit for each No of the second column. The first column indicates the time from time T10 to T11, the No of the second column indicates the line number, and the third column and thereafter indicate the data that becomes the viewing information. The third column and the fourth column indicate the information of the device (corresponding to the reception device 1), the third column indicates the device identifier, and the fourth column indicates the device state (on / off of the power supply 103). The fifth column to the eighth column are the information included in the viewing log, the fifth column indicates the broadcast date and time of the broadcast program, the sixth column indicates the broadcast channel of the broadcast program, the seventh column indicates the broadcast time of the broadcast program, and the eighth column indicates the program name of the broadcast program (may be the identifier if the broadcast program can be identified). The ninth column is the information of the user detected in the broadcast time of the broadcast program (detected user information). The detected user information indicates the data of {user identifier, terminal type, estimated distance} for each user identifier. Each transmission data is described in more detail.

[0122] In the transmission data of No 1, the device state of the device identifier Dl, i.e., the power source 103 is on. Further, in the viewing log of No 1, it is indicated that the broadcast program Pl broadcast through the channel CHl at the time period TO to Tl of the date time YMDl is received and output by the reception device 1 of the device identifier Dl. Further, the viewer information of the program of the viewing log of No 1 corresponds to the 9th column. That is, it is indicated that in the output of the broadcast program Pl by the reception device 1, the MTl of the wireless terminal device 2 of the user identification number Ul exists at a position of 2 m from the reception device 1. Further, it is indicated that in the output of the broadcast program Pl by the reception device 1, the MT3 of the wireless terminal device 2 of the user identification number U3 exists at a position of 150 m from the reception device 1.

[0123] In the transmission data of No 2, the device state of the device identifier Dl, i.e., the power source 103 is off. Further, the viewing log of No 2 indicates that the broadcast program P2 is broadcast through the channel CHl at the time period Tl to T2 of the date time YMDl. In this case, it is an example in which the reception device 1 does not receive or display the broadcast program P2 because the device state is off. Further, it is indicated that in the vicinity of the reception device 1, the MT3 of the wireless terminal device 2 of the user identification number U3 exists at a position of 150 m from the reception device 1 at the time period Tl to T2 of the date time YMDl. Therefore, the data of No 2 is an example of a case in which the MT3 exists at a position of 150 m apart from the reception device 1 because the power source 103 is off, and there is no person who viewed the broadcast program P2. In addition, the data of No 2 can not input any viewing log data because the power source 103 is off, but as in the present example, the broadcast program information received by the reception device 1 through the broadcast signal or the like can be input to the viewing log even if the power source 103 is off.

[0124] The transmission data of No 5 indicates an example in which the wireless communication section 153 detects a wireless identifier in which the terminal type is not discriminated in the vicinity of the reception device 1 when the broadcast program P5 is played through the channel CH3 at the time period T4 to T5 of the date time YMDl. The portion of the terminal type in which the user information is detected is set to "-". Further, for example, the portion of the terminal type can be set to "-" and transmitted in a case in which the wireless communication section 153 detects a wireless identifier in which the user identifier is not set.

[0125] The transmission data of No 6 indicates an example in which there is no wireless terminal device 2 in the vicinity of the reception device 1 when the broadcast program P6 is broadcast through the channel CH3 at the time period T5 to T6 of the date time YMDl.

[0126] The transmission data above can be transmitted individually by the management server or simultaneously with multiple pieces of data. The transmission can also be based on the occurrence of a transmission trigger outputted by the control section 16 to the information control section 171. Examples of the transmission timing of the transmission data for each occurrence trigger are shown below.

[0127] <When the channel is switched and outputted to the display section 141>

[0128] At times T2 and T3, the transmission data No 1 and No 2 are transmitted at time T2 and the transmission data No 3 is transmitted at time T3 because the channel is switched.

[0129] <When the program ends and is outputted to the display section 141>

[0130] No 1, No 2, No 3, No 4, No 5, and No 6 are transmitted at times T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6, respectively.

[0131] <Periodic transmission>

[0132] No 1, No 2, No 3, No 4, No 5, and No 6 are transmitted at time T11.

[0133] <When the number of estimated viewers changes in the vicinity of the reception apparatus 1>

[0134] No 1, No 2, and No 5 are transmitted at times T1, T2, and T5, respectively, and the transmission data No 3 is transmitted at time T3 because the number of estimated viewers changes.

[0135] <When the wireless identifier for which the user identifier has not been set is detected by the reception apparatus 1>

[0136] The example of No 5 corresponds to this case. The transmission data can also be outputted at the timing when the wireless identifier for which the user identifier has not been set is detected.

[0137] In the above examples, the example in which the transmission trigger is generated at the time of the segment of the program broadcast time is shown, but the detection user information is also changed at the program broadcast time, for example. In such a case, the detection user information can be acquired for each short time (for example, 5 minutes) in which the time of the first column is shortened, and the transmission data can be created to correspond thereto. Of course, the transmission timing of the viewing information is not limited to the time of the segment of the program broadcast time, and can be an arbitrary timing.

[0138] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing action of the case in which the management server apparatus according to the first embodiment receives data.

[0139] The management server apparatus 3 receives the viewing information transmitted from the reception apparatus 1 (step S131). The received viewing information is acquired by the network data processing section 35 via the control section 31, and is stored in the data storage section 33 (step S132).

[0140] Figure 14 Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the estimated distance data in the database of the management server apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0141] Figure 14 Fig. 10 (a) is an example of displaying the time series data of the estimated distance for each user identifier in the viewing information in the database of the management server apparatus. The first column indicates the time at which the reception apparatus 1 received the reception wave from the wireless terminal apparatus 2 that is the source of the calculation of the estimated distance. The columns after the second column are examples of the estimated distance (unit: m) for each user identifier.

[0142] The column of the user identifier U5 indicates the symbol representing infinity at all times, indicating that the wireless terminal apparatus 2 corresponding to the user identifier U5 was not detected at all times from time T20 to T25.

[0143] Figure 14 Fig. 10 (b) is an example in which the application processing section 34 of the management server apparatus 3 determines whether the wireless terminal apparatus 2 corresponding to the user identifier is in the vicinity of the reception apparatus (in / not in) based on the estimated distance of Fig. 10 (a). Figure 14 Fig. 10 (a) is an example of the estimated distance that determines whether the wireless terminal apparatus 2 corresponding to the user identifier is in the vicinity of the reception apparatus (in / not in) based on the estimated distance of Fig. 10 (a). Figure 14 In Fig. 10 (b), an example of the result of determining that the wireless terminal apparatus 2 is in the vicinity of the reception apparatus in the case where the estimated distance is 5 m or less, and determining that the wireless terminal apparatus 2 is not in the vicinity of the reception apparatus in the case where the estimated distance exceeds 5 m.

[0144] Further, the management server device 3 can also analyze which wireless terminal device 2 is inferred as a viewer or the like according to the variation of the inferred viewing distance, based on the information of the inferred distance of the wireless terminal device 2. For example, the management server device 3 observes the result of the time series data of the inferred distance of a certain user identifier A, and in the case where the inferred distance varies, can infer that the wireless terminal device 2 assigned with the user identifier A is a device like a smartphone that the user carries around, and further, can infer how the user moves or the like according to the size of the variation of the inferred distance. Further, for example, in the case where the result of the time series data of the inferred distance of a certain user identifier B is observed, in the case where the inferred distance does not vary at all for a certain period or more, it can also be inferred that the wireless terminal device 2 assigned with the user identifier B is a device like a wireless-connected speaker of the room where the reception device 1 is located. The management server device 3 can also consider such movement information of the user (wireless terminal device 2) at the time of the analysis of the viewing log. For example, the data related to the wireless terminal device 2 assigned with the above user identifier A can be used as analysis data for inferring that it has an influence on the viewing action, the data related to the wireless terminal device 2 assigned with the above user identifier B can not be used as analysis data for inferring that it has no influence on the viewing action, and the like are used as judgment materials at the time of the analysis by the management server device 3.

[0145] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the database of the management server device according to the first embodiment, showing the viewing information linked with the broadcast program by each row.

[0146] The first column shows the broadcast program, the second column shows the broadcast time when the broadcast program is broadcast, the third column shows the user identifier (may be read as the wireless identifier) detected by the reception device 1 at the broadcast time, the fourth column shows the on / off state of the power source 103 at the broadcast time, the fifth column shows the number of user identifiers detected by the reception device 1 at the broadcast time, and the sixth column shows the number of user identifiers inferred to actually view the broadcast program among the user identifiers detected by the reception device 1 at the broadcast time.

[0147] For example, the first row (except the item row) shows an example in which the power source 103 of the reception device 1 is on, and the user identifiers U1, U2, U4 are detected by the reception device 1 at the broadcast time TO to T1 of the broadcast program PI. Further, the viewing user identification number is a value calculated from the device state and the number of detected user identifiers, and in the example of the first row, is the same as the number of detected user identifiers. Therefore, it is an example in which all of the users holding the wireless terminal devices 2 corresponding to the detected user identifiers are inferred to view the broadcast program PI.

[0148] For example, line 2 (excluding the item line) represents an example where the device status is cut off during the broadcast time of broadcast program P2. Therefore, it is inferred that during the broadcast time of broadcast program P2, there is a wireless terminal device 2 near the receiving device 1, but there are no actual users watching the broadcast program, and the number of users identified is 0.

[0149] Furthermore, line 5 (excluding the item line) represents an example where the device is disconnected during the broadcast of program P5 and there is no wireless terminal device 2 near receiving device 1. For example, based on the example in line 5, management server device 3 can obtain the information that "no one is watching program P5 on the corresponding receiving device 1".

[0150] In addition, Figure 15 The data represents the number of user identifier changes detected during each broadcast period of the broadcast program. In receiving device 1, information from a shorter timeframe is obtained and sent to management server device 3, where more detailed analysis is performed.

[0151] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates an example of displaying the database of the management server device involved in this first embodiment according to each user identifier. Figure 16 (a) is a display example of the database for each user identifier, showing the viewing information linked to the user identifier in each row, and the device identification number of the receiving device 1 that has registered the user identifier. Figure 16 (b) is Figure 16 Examples of detailed viewing information for (a).

[0152] For example, Figure 16 The first line of (a) (excluding the item line) represents an example where the viewing information for user identifier U1 is VI1, and the device registered with user identifier U1 is D1. Viewing information VI1 includes... Figure 16 The information shown in (b). Figure 16 The first column of (b) is the time (not limited to the broadcast time of the radio program), and the second column is the information of the program watched at the time in the first column (program name, program identifier, etc.).

[0153] Figure 16 Line 3 of (a) (excluding the item line) represents an example of a link established between user identifier U3 and two device identifiers. In this example, it is assumed that the user holding the wireless terminal device 2 corresponding to user identifier U3 has, for example, two receiving devices 1.

[0154] Figure 16The 6th line of (a) (except for the item line) indicates an example of a case where there is no device identifier that is linked to the user identifier U6. In this example, it is assumed that the user who holds the wireless terminal device 2 corresponding to the user identifier U6 is close to, for example, a place where the reception device 1 is not performing the content-based recommendation based on the viewing information, and so on. Figure 9 The reception device 1 can also receive the registration of the step of the above-described embodiment.

[0155] The management server device 3 can also provide a list of the inferred viewers, a viewing history list, viewing information obtained by analyzing and processing the viewing information acquired from the reception device 1 to other companies, or output to the utilization server device 4. The utilization server device 4 can also use these information to, for example, create recommended content for the user identifier, and so on, and transmit to the reception device 1 that holds the device identifier linked to the user identifier.

[0156] Through the above-described steps, the management server device 3 and the utilization server 4 can collect or analyze the viewing information collected from the reception device 1 for each wireless terminal device 2, and obtain a more detailed analysis result. Thereby, the reception device 1 can acquire, for example, recommended content for each wireless terminal device 2 from the management server device 3, the utilization server device 4, and so on, and the viewer can obtain content information that is more tailored to the viewer's preference from the reception device 1 by carrying the wireless terminal device 2. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the management server device 3 and the utilization server 4, the content is displayed at the reception device, but it is also possible to obtain more detailed information on the viewer's attributes such as the off-site condition of the viewer who moves away from the place where the content is displayed at the reception device before or returns, the distinction of the viewers when multiple people use, and so on.

[0157] (2nd Embodiment)

[0158] In the present embodiment, an example of a case where the terminal user attribute and the application identifier are assigned and transmitted when the reception device receives the terminal user attribute, the application identifier, and the viewing information transmitted from the wireless terminal device 2 to the server is indicated.

[0159] The terminal user attribute refers to the attribute of the independent user such as the user, the owner, and so on of the wireless terminal device 2, and can be, for example, an arbitrary value such as the age, the gender, the nickname, and so on. The terminal user attribute can be set to more highly secret information such as the telephone number, the name, and so on of the independent user, and it is also possible to realize the protection of the personal information by limiting to less secret information.

[0160] The application identifier refers to the identifier assigned to the application started by the wireless terminal device 2, and can be basically the identifier defined within the system as shown in FIG. 8, and can also be an identifier defined in a range including outside the system (for example, global). Figure 1

[0161] ​Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a processing action example in a case where the wireless terminal device detects the start of the application according to the second embodiment.

[0162] When the user holding the wireless terminal device 2 is in the vicinity of the reception device 1, the application software (hereinafter, also referred to as an application) installed from the UI section 22 to the wireless terminal device 2 is caused to start. The application can also be an application used in cooperation with the reception device 1, the management server device 3, or the like. The application processing section 23 starts the application if an application start instruction is received from the UI section 22. If the application is started, the user inputs the terminal user attribute from the UI section 22 (steps S211 and S212). The input screen of the terminal user attribute can be automatically displayed if the application is started, or can be displayed independently of the application. Furthermore, the user can input the terminal user attribute from the touch panel of the UI section 22, or can input it by voice if voice recognition can be used. The terminal user attribute is set to, for example, the user's name abbreviation. If the user inputs the terminal user attribute, the application processing section 23 transmits data including the terminal user attribute and the application identifier via the wireless communication section 24 (step S213). The wireless communication section 24 can also be started at the same time as the application at step S211.

[0163] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a processing action example for the reception device to transmit data to the management server according to the second embodiment. In the reception device 1, if the wireless communication section 153 receives data from the wireless terminal device 2, it is output to the control section 16. The control section 16 analyzes the received data, and if it is confirmed that the application identifier or the terminal user attribute is present, it causes the application processing section 18 to start the application, and outputs a transmission instruction in order to cause the information control section 171 to transmit the viewing information to the management server (step S221). If the information control section 171 receives the transmission instruction, it creates the transmitted viewing information (step S222). In the present embodiment, the information control section 171 creates the viewing information including the application identifier or the terminal user attribute, or both. The information control section 171 transmits the created viewing information to the management server device 3 (step S223). In the application processing section 18, if there is no notification of the end of the application from the wireless terminal device 2, it returns to step S221, and the information control section 171 waits for the reception of the data of the application identifier or the terminal user attribute (NO at step S224). In the application processing section 18, in a case where there is a notification of the end of the application from the wireless terminal device 2, the application processing section 18 and the information control section 171 end the processing (YES at step S224). In the management server device 3, the viewing information received on the basis of the flowchart is saved in the data saving section 33. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a processing action example for the reception device to transmit data to the management server according to the second embodiment. In the reception device 1, if the wireless communication section 153 receives data from the wireless terminal device 2, it is output to the control section 16. The control section 16 analyzes the received data, and if it is confirmed that the application identifier or the terminal user attribute is present, it causes the application processing section 18 to start the application, and outputs a transmission instruction in order to cause the information control section 171 to transmit the viewing information to the management server (step S221). If the information control section 171 receives the transmission instruction, it creates the transmitted viewing information (step S222). In the present embodiment, the information control section 171 creates the viewing information including the application identifier or the terminal user attribute, or both. The information control section 171 transmits the created viewing information to the management server device 3 (step S223). In the application processing section 18, if there is no notification of the end of the application from the wireless terminal device 2, it returns to step S221, and the information control section 171 waits for the reception of the data of the application identifier or the terminal user attribute (NO at step S224). In the application processing section 18, in a case where there is a notification of the end of the application from the wireless terminal device 2, the application processing section 18 and the information control section 171 end the processing (YES at step S224). In the management server device 3, the viewing information received on the basis of the flowchart is saved in the data saving section 33.

[0164] Figure 19is a diagram showing an example of a database related to data received by the management server apparatus 3 according to the second embodiment from the reception apparatus 1. In the first column, a terminal user attribute is shown, in the second column, an application identifier is shown, in the third column, viewing information is shown, and in the fourth column, device information is shown. Further, information is shown linked by each row.

[0165] In the present embodiment, an example in which a terminal user attribute in which a name abbreviation is designated is shown, is an example in which information linked to a user having the terminal user attribute is shown in the same row.

[0166] For example, the first row (except the item row) shows that the terminal user attribute of a certain user is "TN", the application identifier of an application installed in the wireless terminal apparatus 2 used by the user TN is "AP1", the viewing information of the user TN using the wireless terminal apparatus 2 to which the application identifier AP1 is assigned is "VI1", and the device identifier of the reception apparatus 1 in which the user TN viewed a program or the like shown in the viewing information VI1 is "D1". The viewing information VI1 is the same data as (b) of Figure 16 In the first embodiment, an example in which the management server apparatus 3 determines and infers the viewer using the user identifier was shown, but in the present second embodiment, the management server apparatus 3 can distinguish and infer the viewer for each reception apparatus 1 identified by the device identifier using either or both of the terminal user attribute and the application identifier.

[0167] The second row (except the item row) is an example in which the user MT is linked to two application identifiers AP1 and AP2. Consider a case in which the user MT uses two (or more) wireless terminal apparatuses 2, or two (or more) applications are installed in one wireless terminal apparatus 2, or the like. In this case, the terminal user attribute is linked to the device identifier D1, and therefore, the management server apparatus 3 or the utilization server 4 can distinguish and infer the viewer regardless of the application identifier.

[0168] The third row (except the item row) is an example in which the user RK is linked to two device identifiers D1 and D2. Consider a case in which the user RK uses two (or more) reception apparatuses 1, or the like. In this case, the management server apparatus 3 or the utilization server 4 can determine and infer the viewer by setting the terminal user attribute, the application identifier, or a combination thereof as an identifier inherent in the system. Alternatively, if the device identifiers D1 and D2 are linked, the management server apparatus 3 or the utilization server 4 can distinguish and infer the viewer.

[0169] The fourth row (except the item row) is an example of a case in which there is no application identifier linked to the user SU. In this case, the management server apparatus 3 or the utilization server 4 can distinguish and infer the viewer by the terminal user attribute "SU".

[0170] The 5th line (except for the item line) is an example of a case where there is no end user attribute that establishes a link. In this case, the management server device 3 or the utilization server 4 can determine and infer the viewer by the application identifier "AP5" that establishes a link with the device identifier Dl.

[0171] By the above steps, the management server device 3, the utilization server device 4 can perform analysis per wireless terminal device 2 by using the end user attribute, the application identifier among the viewing information collected from the reception device 1, and can obtain a more detailed analysis result. If the end user attribute is used, even in a case where a plurality of users use the same wireless terminal device 2, the viewer can be distinguished in the management server device 3, the utilization server device 4.

[0172] Further, for example, by installing the application to which the same application identifier is assigned in the family to the respective wireless terminal devices 2 of the family, causing the reception device 1 to store the application identifier, it is also possible to determine whether the wireless terminal device 2 in the vicinity of the reception device 1 is owned by the family.

[0173] Further, for example, in a case where the application A is installed in the wireless terminal device 2 of the child in the family, and the reception device 1 detects the application identifier of the application A, it is possible to perform display control of the program displayed on the display 141, i.e., parental control, and the like.

[0174] Further, by using the age as the end user attribute, it is possible to perform the same parental control. Further, as the end user attribute, the user identifier defined in the 1st embodiment can also be used. Further, the management server device 3 can also perform inference of the viewer based on the application identifier, the end user attribute, the time when it is received, and the like.

[0175] Further, the method of using the inferred distance of the reception device 1 and the wireless terminal device 2 shown in the 1st embodiment can also be applied to the 2nd embodiment.

[0176] By the above-described at least one embodiment, it is possible to provide a reception device, a server, a system, and a method that can perform detailed analysis of viewing information.

[0177] In addition, the names, definitions, types, and the like of the condition parameters, options therefor, values, evaluation indexes, and the like displayed on the analysis screen and the like shown in the drawings are represented as one example in the present embodiment and are not limited to the modes shown in the present embodiment.

[0178] The above describes several embodiments of the present application, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present application. These embodiments, variations thereof, are included in the scope and spirit of the present application, and are included in the scope described by the patent claims and equivalents thereof. Further, in the structural elements of the claims, even in cases where the structural elements are expressed separately, or in cases where a plurality of structural elements are expressed in combination, or in cases where these are expressed in combination, they are within the scope of the present application. Furthermore, even if a plurality of embodiments are combined, the embodiments formed by the combination are within the scope of the present application.

[0179] Further, the drawings are intended to make the explanation more clear, and can schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part, as compared with the actual mode. In the block diagram, the interaction of data, signals can be performed between the blocks which are not connected by lines, or even if the lines are connected, the direction of the arrow is not represented. The processing shown in the flowchart can also be implemented by hardware (IC chip, etc.), or software (program, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software. Further, the device of the present application is also applicable in cases where the claims are expressed as control logic, as a program containing instructions for causing a computer to execute, and as a recording medium which is readable by a computer in which the instructions are recorded. Further, the names and terms used are not limited, and even if other expressions are used, if they are substantially the same content, the same spirit is included in the present application.

Claims

1. A reception apparatus, wherein the reception apparatus receives digital content, is capable of outputting viewable, has an inherent device identifier capable of identification with other apparatuses, the reception apparatus is provided with: a viewing log collecting section that collects a viewing log for the digital content; a wireless communication section that receives wireless terminal information transmitted from a wireless terminal; the wireless terminal information includes a wireless identifier of the wireless terminal; a detected terminal information creating section that creates detected terminal information based on the wireless terminal information; the detected terminal information includes a user identifier; the user identifier is an identifier corresponding to a wireless identifier for which the reception apparatus detects that a user identifier is not determined or not set; and an information management section that sets a mapping relationship between the viewing log, the detected terminal information including the user identifier, and the device identifier to obtain viewing information, and transmits the viewing information; the mapping relationship is used to indicate tracking of viewing behavior of the same user across reception apparatuses, and the opportunity to transmit the viewing information includes any one of the following: when the reception apparatus detects a wireless identifier for which a user identifier is not determined or not set, when switching of a channel output to a display section, when ending of a program output to the display section, when transmitting periodically, when a number of estimated viewers in the vicinity of the reception apparatus changes.

2. The reception apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detected terminal information includes a user identifier set as an identifier inherently internal with respect to the wireless identifier.

3. The reception apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the detected terminal information includes terminal user attribute information output by the wireless terminal.

4. The reception apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detected terminal information includes an application identifier of an application installed in the wireless terminal.

5. The reception apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detected terminal information includes an estimated distance that is an estimated value of a distance from the wireless terminal.

6. A server, wherein, the server receives and processes viewing information, is capable of obtaining a resolution result of the viewing information per detected terminal information, the viewing information includes: detected terminal information created by the reception apparatus based on wireless terminal information transmitted from a wireless terminal, an inherent device identifier set in the reception apparatus capable of identification with other apparatuses, and a mapping relationship determined by the reception apparatus from a viewing log for digital content collected by the reception apparatus; the mapping relationship is used to indicate tracking of viewing behavior of the same user across reception apparatuses; the wireless terminal information includes a wireless identifier of the wireless terminal; The detection terminal information includes a user identifier. The user identifier is an identifier corresponding to a wireless identifier that the reception device detects as not being determined or not being set. The opportunity to transmit the viewing information includes any one of the following: when the reception device detects a wireless identifier that is not determined or not set, when a channel output to a display section is switched, when a program output to the display section ends, when it is time to transmit periodically, and when the number of presumed viewers in the vicinity of the reception device changes.

7. The server according to claim 6, wherein The server receives and processes the presumed distance between the wireless terminal and the reception device transmitted by the reception device.

8. A system wherein, The system includes a wireless terminal, a reception device, and a server, The wireless terminal outputs wireless terminal information, The reception device receives digital content, can output viewably, has an inherent device identifier that can perform identification with other devices, The reception device includes: a viewing log collection section that collects a viewing log for the digital content; a wireless communication section that receives wireless terminal information transmitted by a wireless terminal; the wireless terminal information includes a wireless identifier of the wireless terminal; a detection terminal information production section that produces detection terminal information based on the wireless terminal information; the detection terminal information includes a user identifier; the user identifier is an identifier corresponding to a wireless identifier that the reception device detects as not being determined or not being set; and an information management section that sets a mapping relationship between the viewing log, the detection terminal information including the user identifier, and the device identifier to obtain viewing information, and transmits the viewing information; The mapping relationship is used to indicate that the same user's viewing behavior is tracked across reception devices, and the opportunity to transmit the viewing information includes any one of the following: when the reception device detects a wireless identifier that is not determined or not set, when a channel output to a display section is switched, when a program output to the display section ends, when it is time to transmit periodically, and when the number of presumed viewers in the vicinity of the reception device changes; The server receives the viewing information and can obtain an analysis result of the viewing information for each detection terminal information.

9. A method for a system including a wireless terminal, a reception device, and a server, The wireless terminal includes outputting wireless terminal information, The reception device that receives digital content, can output viewably, has an inherent device identifier that can perform identification with other devices, includes: collecting a viewing log for the digital content; receiving wireless terminal information; the wireless terminal information includes a wireless identifier of the wireless terminal; The detection terminal information includes a user identifier. The user identifier is an identifier corresponding to a wireless identifier that the reception device detects as not being determined or not being set; and generating detection terminal information based on the wireless terminal information; ​ ​ A mapping relationship between the viewing log, the detected terminal information including a user identifier, and the device identifier is set to obtain viewing information, and the viewing information is transmitted. The mapping relationship is used to indicate tracking of viewing behavior of the same user across receiving apparatuses, and the timing of transmitting the viewing information includes any one of the following cases: when the receiving apparatus detects a wireless identifier for which a user identifier is not determined or not set, when a channel output to a display section is switched, when a program output to the display section ends, when transmission is performed periodically, and when the number of inferred viewers in the vicinity of the receiving apparatus changes; The server receives the viewing information and obtains an analysis result of the viewing information for each of the detected terminal information.

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