View content distribution system

Abstract

The invention relates to a video content distribution system. A method for selecting the content of a published video sound in a television receiver differs according to the configuration of a publishing system for publishing the video sound, and directly affects the convenience of a viewer. A video distribution system includes: a distribution system that distributes video sound content and program display management information to a television receiver; a program guide display management system which arranges the program display management information related to the program issued from the issuing system and outputs the program guide display management information; and a television receiver that acquires the program guide display management information and displays a screen by a method that is received and selected on the basis of screen operation information of a viewer.

Description

Video content publishing system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese patent application No. 2022-193996 filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 5, 2022, with the invention name “Visual content distribution system”, and claims priority to Japanese patent application No. 2022-202351 filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 19, 2022, with the invention name “Visual and sound content distribution system”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to a video content distribution system, which is composed of a server system for distributing video content and a television receiver for receiving video content distributed based on a network, and can easily select video content distributed based on a network. It also relates to a distribution system and a television receiver that support the selection of display methods on the program list in the video and audio content distribution system for distributing video and audio content so that viewers can more easily select programs. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, the evolution of the Internet has led to a proliferation of video distribution services. In particular, large, large-screen television receivers are now able to connect to the Internet and play distributed video content, not just by receiving broadcasts as before. This allows for even higher-quality, immersive viewing. This is made possible by faster networks and improved processing power in television receivers, and it is expected that the opportunities for displaying and operating a wide variety of online content on televisions will continue to increase.

[0005] Under these circumstances, viewers desire a method that allows them to more easily select their preferred content from among the video content distributed via broadcast or communication. However, currently, different receiving systems and operating applications are provided by video content providers, and viewers must select each program selection method before playing the video content. For example, selection of distributed video content is performed using a method that displays a content selection screen from an icon displayed on the TV home screen, or using a button dedicated to the distributed content.

[0006] Furthermore, recent advances in the internet have led to a proliferation of video distribution services. In particular, large-screen television receivers are now connecting to the internet and playing distributed videos, not just broadcasts, as they have been doing until now. This allows for even higher-quality, immersive viewing. This is made possible by faster internet speeds and improved processing power in television receivers, and it is expected that the opportunities for television receivers to display and operate a wide variety of online video and audio content will continue to increase.

[0007] On the other hand, television receivers continue to receive broadcast audio and video content, and many viewers enjoy broadcast viewing. Therefore, from the perspective of viewers, the opportunities to choose from a wide range of distributed audio and video content, in addition to conventional broadcast viewing, are increasing.

[0008] Under such circumstances, viewers desire a method that allows them to more easily select their preferred audio and video content from those distributed via broadcast or communication. However, current methods involve selecting programs from a time-divided program list based on the broadcast time, or searching for desired programs from individual program guide UIs provided by various distribution providers.

[0009] Prior art literature

[0010] Non-patent literature

[0011] Non-Patent Document 1: ARIB TR-B14 Part 4 of the Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Operational Regulations

[0012] Non-Patent Document 2: PSI / SI Regulations for the Operation of Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting

[0013] Non-Patent Document 3: ARIB TR-B14 Part 4 of the Terrestrial Digital Television Broadcasting Operational Regulations

[0014] Non-Patent Document 4: PSI / SI Regulations for the Operation of Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting

[0015] Summary of the Invention

[0016] The present application relates to a video content distribution system, which is composed of a television receiver that receives video content distributed based on the Internet and distributes the video content and program information distributed based on the Internet in an optimal manner.

[0017] FIG5 shows an example of a conventional configuration in which a plurality of video distribution systems are used.

[0018] Distribution system 23000-1 transmits the video and audio stream from transmitter 23003-1 to stream distribution network 23300-1. Program information generated by distribution system 23000-1 is transmitted from program information unit 23004-1 to receiver 23401-1 of intermediate shared server 23400-1. Distribution systems 23100-1 and 23200-1 also transmit the video and audio stream and program information via separate paths, similar to distribution system 23000-1. Intermediate shared server 23400-1 stores the received program information in program information storage unit 23403-1. When content is selected on content selection screen 23505-1 of television receiver 23500-1, the selected video and audio stream is transmitted from stream distribution network 23300-1 to receiver 23503-1. The decoded video and audio content is then displayed on content display 23501-1 by decoder 23502-1.

[0019] The program information is distributed from the transmission unit 23402-1 of the intermediate shared server 23400-1 to the program information processing unit 23504-1 of the television receiver 23500-1, and a content selection screen 23505-1 is generated.

[0020] Access to the streaming distribution network and the intermediate shared server can be performed from a plurality of television receivers, and similar access is also possible from the television receiver 23600-1.

[0021] FIG6 shows a conventional example of a selection screen for video and audio content according to the above-described embodiment.

[0022] In content list 24100-1, the services provided by publications A, B, and C are arranged at the top of the screen. If publication A is selected, content A1 to A6 provided by publication A are displayed, and the video content selected from these is played. If publication B is selected, content B1 to B6 provided by publication B are displayed, as shown in content list 24200-1, and the video content selected from these is played. In this conventional example, the desired content can be selected by selecting publications A to C on the screen of FIG. 6 without returning to the distribution source selection screen. However, the content provided by publications A, B, and C cannot be displayed uniformly. These operations are performed by operating cursors 24101-1 and 24201-1 using remote control 24000-1.

[0023] As described above, the method of selecting content for distribution in a television receiver varies depending on the configuration of the distribution system, which directly affects the convenience of the viewer. Considering the various forms of distribution systems envisioned in the future, the following problems arise.

[0024] 1) The current system operates with a simple system structure consisting of multiple distribution operators and one shared intermediate server. However, due to the multi-layered nature of the system due to the participation of content providers and distribution operators from different industries, and the complexity of the system due to the participation of multiple shared intermediate servers, it is impossible to provide viewers with a single stable service.

[0025] 2) When program information is provided via an intermediary server, the intermediary server provides all responses to program information requests from TV receivers, increasing the burden on the intermediary server. Furthermore, program information itself is often managed by the distribution company that operates the program. When the distribution company manages and operates the program information itself, including the distribution of program information, it can implement operations tailored to the characteristics of each service, resulting in a high probability of efficient operation. In contrast, when distribution is completely independent of the distribution company, the TV receiver must monitor and manage the latest information at all times. This burdens the TV receiver's response and leads to inefficient operations.

[0026] As the first institution:

[0027] In a video content distribution system for distributing video content, there is a distribution system (1000-1), an intermediate shared server (1300-1), and a TV receiver (1400-1), wherein the distribution system (1000-1) comprises: a distribution operator program information generating unit (1004-1) for generating program information for one or more distribution operators; a program information generating unit (1007-1) with distribution operator identification and service identification, which adds reception condition identification information with conditions for reception by a TV receiver to the program information provided by the distribution operator generated by the distribution operator program information generating unit (1004-1) and generates program information; and a sending unit (1008-1) which sends the program information with distribution operator identification and service identification to the distribution operator program information generated by the distribution operator program information generating unit (1004-1). The program information with the operator identification and the service identification is sent to the intermediate shared server, and the intermediate shared server (1300-1) has: an intermediate shared server program information generating unit (1306-1), which stores the program acquisition information in the form of integrating one or more received program information with the distribution operator identification; and a service management information sending unit (1307-1), which sends the intermediate shared server program information to the television receiver according to the request from the television receiver. The television receiver (1400-1) can determine the acquisition destination of the receivable program information based on the intermediate shared server program information from the intermediate shared server program information sending unit, obtain the distribution operator program information for receiving the program based on the determination result, and receive the program.

[0028] As a second mechanism: a video content distribution system, in the first mechanism, the intermediate shared server has an intermediate shared server program information generation unit, which receives and generates program acquisition information in the form of integrating the one or more program information with distribution operator identification, and the intermediate shared server has the following functions: based on the receiving condition information from the TV receiver, appropriate intermediate shared server program information is generated and sent to the TV receiver, and the TV receiver can determine the acquisition destination of the receivable program information based on the intermediate shared server program information, obtain the distribution operator program information for receiving the program based on the determination result, and receive the program.

[0029] This application consists of a publishing system for sending programs and a receiving terminal for receiving video and audio content. When selecting a program, meta-information related to program guidance such as the program of interest is sent to the TV receiver side. On the TV receiver side, a standardized program list screen is produced based on the meta-information from each sending side to provide a more comfortable and easy-to-use program selection screen.

[0030] The following describes the selection method for audiovisual content based on broadcasting and the current situation of audiovisual content distribution via communication.

[0031] An embodiment of a conventional broadcasting system is shown in FIG. 19 .

[0032] Broadcast program content 7001 in broadcast system 7000 is compressed by encoder 7002 for video and audio and then input to multiplexing and sending unit 7003. Meanwhile, program information required for program selection is generated as SI (service information) by SI generator 7004, input to multiplexing and sending unit 7003, multiplexed into the video and audio stream, and then sent out. The multiplexed video and audio stream is transmitted as a broadcast wave to television receiver 7100. In television receiver 7100, the broadcast wave is received by receiver / demultiplexer 7103, and the multiplexed SI signal and video and audio stream are separated. The separated video and audio stream is input to decoder 7102, which decompresses the compressed video and audio stream. The decoded video and audio are input to content display unit 7101, where the video and audio are displayed.

[0033] On the other hand, the separated SI signal is input to the SI processing unit 7104, where program descriptions and information required for program selection are stored for each channel. The signal is then input to the program guide screen 7105. A program guide that is easy for the viewer to understand is generated on the program guide screen 7105, which is then input to the content display unit 7101 and displayed to the viewer.

[0034] The above processing is implemented by controlling each unit by the control unit 7106 using a signal output from the remote controller 7107 operated by the user.

[0035] FIG20 shows the conventional program table shown in FIG19.

[0036] Reference numeral 8100 shows a program table. The horizontal axis shows channel numbers, and the vertical axis shows time. The table shows information describing the program content. The audiovisual contents 1A to 3C shown in FIG20 show program titles and their descriptions.

[0037] Reference numeral 8000 denotes a remote control. The remote control has an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) button for starting the program guide, number buttons 1 to 12 for selecting channels, up, down, left, and right keys for moving a cursor for selecting audio and video content in the program guide, and an enter key.

[0038] When the EPG button of the remote controller 8000 is pressed, a program list is displayed on the TV screen. Then, the cursor 8101 is moved using the up, down, left, and right keys of the remote controller 8000 to select a predetermined video or audio content.

[0039] In the above description, the program list is activated by using the EPG button "Program List" on remote control 8000, thereby selecting audio and video content. However, in the case of broadcasts, it is possible to directly activate the program list using the direct selection buttons represented by the numbers 1 to 12 on remote control 8000. This is because, in broadcasts, the broadcast station can be identified by the channel number, and therefore, this is achieved by mapping the channel number and the direct selection button.

[0040] Next, an embodiment of a video distribution system is shown in FIG21.

[0041] In the distribution system 9000, the video and audio content (video and audio stream) distributed by the content distribution unit 9001 is compressed by the encoder 9002 and input into the multiplexing and distribution unit 9003. Meanwhile, the program information unit 9004 generates program display management information necessary for program selection, which is input into the multiplexing and distribution unit 9003, multiplexed into the video and audio stream, and then transmitted. The multiplexed video and audio stream is transmitted to the television receiver 9100 via a streaming distribution network communication channel 9200, such as the Internet. In the television receiver 9100, the receiving and separating unit 9103 receives the stream transmitted via the communication channel and separates the multiplexed program display management information from the video and audio stream. The separated video and audio stream is input into the decoder 9102, which decompresses the compressed video and audio stream. The decoded video and audio are input into the content display unit 9101, where the video and audio are displayed.

[0042] Meanwhile, the separated program display management information is input to program information processing unit 9104, which generates a program selection screen. Unlike broadcast reception, at this point, icons or a program list are displayed to the viewer. Typically, in communication-based distribution, since VOD (Video On Demand) allows for the selection of audio and video content without a time constraint, a program list is generated. The icons or program list generated in 9105 are input to content display unit 9101 and displayed.

[0043] The above processing is implemented by the control unit 9106 controlling each unit based on a signal output by the remote controller 9107 operated by the user.

[0044] FIG. 22 shows a conventional example of a selection screen for video and audio content transmitted in conventional communications.

[0045] When selecting distribution content on a television receiver, first, a distribution system selection screen 10100 is displayed. On the distribution system selection screen, one or more icons are displayed for each distribution system, and a distribution system is determined by selecting an icon.

[0046] Here, assuming that icon 1 is selected, a list 10200 of video and audio contents provided by the distribution system indicated by icon 1 is displayed. Since there is no concept of time, the list is displayed as a list of video and audio contents.

[0047] Here, these operations are performed via remote control 10000 .

[0048] When the viewer presses the home button on remote control 10000, a distribution system selection screen is displayed. Using the up, down, left, and right keys on the remote control, cursor 10101 is manipulated to select an icon representing a desired distribution system. After selecting a distribution system using the enter button, content list 10200 is displayed.

[0049] In the content list 10200 , the desired video and audio content can be selected by operating the cursor 10102 using the up, down, left, and right keys of the remote controller 10000 .

[0050] As described above, the method of selecting content differs when receiving broadcast content and when receiving distributed content using a television receiver. Therefore, conventional televisions capable of receiving both broadcast content and distributed content have the following problems.

[0051] 1) In the case of broadcasts, text descriptions are placed on top of programs in a timeline starting with the broadcast timeline. This method does not necessarily make it easy to find programs of interest or programs that suit the viewer's preferences; viewers use a cursor to browse various times and channels, or use a search function based on text input.

[0052] 2) In the case of online distribution, the distribution company provides its own reception application, and viewers select programs using a UI designed specifically for each distribution company. While this approach may prioritize programs that closely match the viewer's needs, such as popular programs, each distribution company may prioritize them. However, the UI operation varies from the moment of launch, and the process leading up to program selection varies widely, making it difficult for viewers to navigate.

[0053] As a third organization: a video and audio content distribution system for distributing video and audio content, comprising: a distribution system that reuses program display management information on video and audio content and distributes it to a television receiver; a program table display management system that arranges the program display management information related to the programs distributed from the distribution system and outputs the program table display management information; the distribution system receives the program table display management information from the program table display management system and distributes it to the television receiver, the television receiver obtains the program table display management information and displays the screen by a method received and selected based on the viewer's screen operation information.

[0054] As a fourth mechanism: In the video and audio content publishing system of the third mechanism, the program schedule display management system has: an individual information management system, which receives individual information from the television receiver and produces information for customizing the program schedule according to customer requirements for each television receiver; and an individual program schedule display management unit, which constructs individual program schedule display information customized according to customer requirements from the individual information management system and sends it to the television receiver, and the television receiver receives the individual program schedule display information and performs a screen display selected based on the individual program schedule display information.

[0055] As a fifth mechanism: In a video and audio content distribution system for distributing video and audio content, it has: multiple distribution systems, which reuse program display management information for video and audio content and distribute it to television receivers; an intermediate shared server, which obtains the program display management information from multiple distribution systems and sends it to the television receiver; a cross-program table display management system, which arranges the program display management information related to the programs distributed from the intermediate shared server and outputs the program table display management information; the intermediate shared server receives the program table display management information from the cross-program table display management system and distributes it to the television receiver, the television receiver obtains the program table display management information and displays the screen using a method received and selected based on the viewer's screen operation information.

[0056] As the sixth mechanism: In the video and audio content publishing system of the fifth mechanism, the cross-program schedule display management system has: an individual information management system, which receives individual information from the television receiver and produces information for customizing the program schedule according to customer requirements for each of the television receivers; and an individual program schedule display management system, which constructs individual program schedule display information customized according to customer requirements from the individual information management system and sends it to the television receiver, the television receiver obtains the individual program schedule display information and performs screen display selected based on the individual program schedule display information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] FIG1 is an embodiment based on the present application;

[0058] FIG2 is an example of the composition of the publishing operator and service identification monthly program information based on the present application;

[0059] FIG3 is an application example of publishing operator and service identification monthly program information based on the present application;

[0060] FIG4 is an application example of the present application for sending to a TV the publishing operator and service identification program information;

[0061] FIG5 is an embodiment of an existing network publishing system;

[0062] FIG6 is a conventional example of a selection screen for video and audio content;

[0063] FIG7A is a diagram based on the second embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG7B is a diagram of an example of an implementation structure of the present application;

[0065] FIG8 is a diagram showing an example of the program table display management information structure of the present application;

[0066] FIG9 is a diagram showing an example of screen configuration (using common elements) according to the present application;

[0067] FIG10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration (using common elements) according to the present application;

[0068] FIG11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration (using individual elements) according to the present application;

[0069] FIG12A is a diagram showing an example of an implementation of the present invention in which cross-station display is performed (controlled from a TWG);

[0070] 12B is a diagram showing an example of an implementation of the present invention in which cross-station display is performed (controlled from the TWG);

[0071] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of program table display management information (across stations) according to the present application;

[0072] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display (across integrated display) using commonly distributed cross-program table display management information;

[0073] FIG15 is a diagram of another embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG16 is a diagram showing an example screen when content rating information is used (content element utilization);

[0075] FIG17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration (commonly used) of the present application;

[0076] FIG18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration (commonly used) of the present application;

[0077] FIG19 is a diagram of an embodiment of a conventional broadcasting system;

[0078] FIG20 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional program table;

[0079] FIG21 is a diagram of an embodiment of a conventional network publishing system;

[0080] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional distribution content selection screen.

[0081] Description of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1000-1…publishing system, 1004-1…publishing operator program information generating unit, 1007-1…program information generating unit with publishing operator identification and service identification, 1008-1…sending unit, 1300-1…intermediate shared server, 130-1…intermediate shared server program information generating unit, 1307-1…service management information sending unit, 1400-1…TV receiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Hereinafter, the first embodiment according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 .

[0084] (First embodiment)

[0085] FIG1 shows a first embodiment according to the present application.

[0086] The video distribution system of this embodiment is composed of distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1, a stream distribution network 1200-1, an intermediate shared server 1300-1, and television receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1.

[0087] The distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1 transmit the video and audio streams from the transmission units 1003-1 and 1103-1 to the stream distribution network 1200-1.

[0088] Furthermore, distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1 generate their own program information in distribution company program information generators 1004-1 and 1104-1. This program information includes program titles, program summaries, performers, genres, broadcast times, and other information necessary for viewers and TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 to select and receive programs (reception conditions). Furthermore, distribution company identification information generators 1005-1 and 1105-1 generate identification information used to distinguish between distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1. Program information generators 1006-1 and 1106-1 organize and convert this program information so that it can be superimposed on the streaming network.

[0089] The publishing system 1000-1 has a program information generating unit 1007-1 with a publishing operator identification and a service identification, and a sending unit 1008-1. The program information generating unit 1007-1 with a publishing operator identification and a service identification adds reception condition identification information with conditions for reception by a TV receiver to the program information provided by the publishing operator generated in the above-mentioned publishing operator program information generating unit 1004-1, thereby generating program information, and publishes the generated publishing operator and service identification to the intermediate shared server 1300-1 through the sending unit 1008-1.

[0090] Distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1 include program information generation units 1007-1 and 1107-1 with distribution operator and service identification, and transmission units 1008-1 and 1108-1. Program information generation units 1007-1 and 1107-1 with distribution operator and service identification generate management information for optimizing the distribution and reception mechanisms of program information, and transmit the information to an intermediate shared server 1300-1 via transmission units 1008-1 and 1108-1.

[0091] The intermediate shared server 1300-1 is composed of an intermediate shared server program information generation unit 1306-1 and a service management information sending unit 1307-1. The intermediate shared server program information generation unit 1306-1 generates or stores program acquisition information in the form of integrating one or more received program information with the identification of the publishing operator. The service management information sending unit 1307-1 sends the intermediate shared server program information to the television receiver in response to a request from the television receiver.

[0092] The intermediate shared server program information generating unit 1306 - 1 is composed of the receiving unit 1301 - 1 and the service information managing unit 1302 .

[0093] The service management information sending unit 1307-1 is composed of a service information management analyzing unit 1303-1, a service information management sending unit 1304-1, and a receiving unit 1305-1.

[0094] The intermediate shared server 1300-1 stores and manages the management information received by the receiving unit 1301-1 from the distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1 in the service information management unit 1302-1. The service information management unit 1302-1 stores the distribution company and service identification information sent from each distribution system 1000-1 and 1100-1, and manages at least the generations of the information to always store the latest information.

[0095] In the service information management analysis unit 1303-1, an inquiry about the acquisition destination of program information that can be received from each television (TV) receiver 1400-1 and 1500-1 described later is received through the receiving unit 1305-1, and in response to the inquiry, appropriate and latest information is extracted from the service information management unit 1302-1 and sent to each TV receiver 1400-1 and 1500-1 through the service information management sending unit 1304-1.

[0096] When TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 acquire program information for programs they can receive, they first confirm the query destination for the program information from the intermediate shared server 1300-1. At this point, the following information is transmitted to the receiving unit 1305-1 of the intermediate shared server 1300-1 via the viewing setting management units 1409-1 and 1509-1, which manage and configure their own reception conditions, and the transmission units 1408-1 and 1508-1: the reception area; the type of network (wireless / wired, IPv6 / 4G, 5G / 6G mobile communication); the performance of each decoder 1402-1 and 1502-1 (e.g., whether it can receive 4K or 8K high-definition video); the TV's own performance (e.g., memory capacity); and whether it can receive pay broadcasts.

[0097] The intermediate shared server 1300-1 uses the receiving unit 1305-1 to send the viewing management information sent from each of the above-mentioned TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 to the service information management and analysis unit 1303-1. In the service information management and analysis unit 1303-1, the information is limited to the TV receivers that can receive appropriate program information and is sent back to each TV receiver, thereby selecting the connection destination information for rapid and efficient acquisition from the publishing operator and service identification program information accumulated in the service information management unit 1302-1, and submitting it to the program information processing units 1404-1 and 1504-1 of each TV receiver 1400-1 and 1500-1 via the service information management sending unit 1304-1.

[0098] Based on the program information acquisition destinations obtained by the program information processing units 1404-1 and 1504-1, TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 acquire information about program information that can be received from the streaming network 1200-1 in their receiving units 1403-1 and 1503-1. Furthermore, the program information processing units 1404-1 and 1504-1 acquire information about transmission sites that can receive programs. Based on this information and the viewer's viewing request, remote controllers 1407-1 and 1507-1 manage various setting parameters and actions required for content reception, decoding, and display in their control units 1406-1 and 1506-1, and provide necessary control to the respective receiving units 1403-1 and 1503-1, decoding units 1402-1 and 1502-1, screen selection units 1405-1 and 1505-1, and content display units 1401-1 and 1501-1.

[0099] Figure 2 shows an example of the structure of program information with distribution operator and service identification generated by program information generation units 1007-1 and 1107-1. Figure 2 will be described below. First, identification information for distinguishing the distribution operator itself and service identification information are assigned. As mentioned above, service identification information identifies each program when multiple program programs are implemented by a single distribution operator. The connection destination indicates the connection destination for TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 to retrieve program listing data for each distribution operator or service identification. For example, a URL beginning with https can be used. The regional condition is identification information used to distinguish program content in the program listing by reception region. The viewer identification information indicates the conditions for receiving the program. For example, if the program is pay-per-view, this would require a contract for the commission service. Alternatively, for programs targeting high-definition resolutions exceeding 4K, this would indicate a TV receiver capable of 4K reception.

[0100] The user confirmation code is submitted by TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 when connecting to the designated connection destination. This code is used to instruct distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1 to generate the requested program information, only for confirmed requests. Furthermore, each distribution company and service identification program information includes information on its expiration date and version, which is used by the intermediate shared server 1300-1 or TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 to manage the latest information.

[0101] Fig. 3 schematically shows an example of program information distribution using the example configuration of the distribution company and service identification program information shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 will be described below.

[0102] Distribution operator information 3100-1, 3200-1, and 3300-1 are information generated by program information generation units 1007-1 and 1107-1, which include distribution operator identification and service identification, in distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1 in Figure 1. While Figure 1 shows two distribution systems, Figure 3 illustrates a case where there are three distribution systems.

[0103] Regarding the distribution operator information 3100-1, 3200-1, and 3300-1, the distribution operator and service identification program information is generated based on the following management information related to the programming executed by each of the program information generating units 1007-1 and 1107-1 with distribution operator identification and service identification in the distribution system.

[0104] Publish operator information 3100-1; publish operator and service identification program information 3101-1, 3102-1

[0105] Publish operator information 3200-1; publish operator and service identification program information 3201-1, 3202-1

[0106] Publish operator information 3300-1; publish operator and service identification program information 3301-1, 3302-1, 3303-1

[0107] In the program information 3101-1 and 3102-1 identifying the distribution provider and service, management information related to the program configuration indicated by the distribution source identifier A2-TV is recorded. The common acquisition destination for distribution provider 3100-1, https: / / addressA2, is recorded. In the program information 3101-1, which identifies the distribution provider and service, the destination is set to allow nationwide reception, while 3102-1 is limited to the Kanto region. A confirmation code for verification is also set individually.

[0108] In the program information 3201-1 and 3202-1, the distribution source identifier A3-TV contains management information related to the program configuration indicated by ID001 or ID002. The common destination for distribution operator 3200-1 is https: / / addressA3. While 3201-1 is limited to the Hokkaido region, 3202-1 is also limited to the Hokkaido region and to subscribers of commission contracts. A confirmation code for verification is also set individually.

[0109] Distribution operator and service identification program information 3301-1 through 3303-1 contains management information related to the program configurations indicated by distribution source identifiers A1-TV, respectively. The common destination for distribution operator 3300-1, https: / / addressA1, is listed as the destination. 3301-1 and 3303-1 do not have specific reception destination conditions, allowing nationwide reception. However, 3303-1 specifies that a commission contract is required. While 3303-1 is limited to the Kanto region, there are no other restrictions, such as a commission contract. Each use confirmation code is individually configured.

[0110] The intermediate shared server 3000-1 (intermediate shared server 1300-1 in FIG1 ) stores this information about the distributing company and service identification program in the service information management system. The managed information is managed so that the service information analysis unit 3002-1 extracts the latest information based on the expiration date and version information contained in the information.

[0111] To obtain appropriate program information, TV receivers 3400-1 and 3500-1 (TV receivers 1400-1 and 1500-1 in FIG1 ) query the receiving unit 3004-1 (1305-1 in FIG1 ) of the intermediate shared server 3000-1 for their own viewing management setting information 3401-1 and 3501-1. Based on the received viewing management setting information 3401-1 and 3501-1, the intermediate shared server 3000-1 extracts appropriate program information identifying the broadcasting operator and service from its service information analysis unit 3002-1 (1303-1 in FIG1 ), and transmits this information to each TV receiver 3400-1 and 3500-1 via the service management information transmission unit 3003-1 (service information management transmission unit 1304-1 in FIG1 ).

[0112] Specifically, in the case of TV receiver 3500-1, whose reception area is Hokkaido, viewing management setting information 3501-1 indicating the acquisition of Commission Service 3 is delivered to receiving unit 3004-1 of intermediate shared server 3000-1. Based on the received viewing monitoring setting information, service information unit 3002-1 extracts service information from the distribution provider and service identification program information stored in service information management unit 3001-1, and determines whether the national broadcast or Hokkaido region-limited services are without service commission restrictions or with Commission Service 3 restrictions. Specifically, service management information 3301-1 for A1-TV station, 3101-1 for A2-TV station, and 3201-1 and 3202-1 for A3-TV station are extracted. The extracted distribution provider and service identification program information is then delivered to TV receiver 3500-1 via service management information transmission unit 3003-1.

[0113] In the TV receiver 3500-1, the program information received from the respective publishing operators and services of A1-TV3502-1, A2-TV3503-1, and A3-TV3504-1 is identified, and the information required for the inquiry, such as the inquiry destination for receiving the program schedule and the key for communication, is understood. By inquiring the program schedule publishing sites 3700-1, 3800-1, and 3900-1 operated by each radio station, the information required for program reception is obtained.

[0114] Similarly, in the case of TV receiver 3400-1, whose reception area is Tokyo, it queries intermediate shared server 3000-1 with viewing management setting information 3401-1 indicating that it can receive services up to Commission 1, extracting the distribution provider and service identification program information 3101-1, 3102-1, 3201-1, and 3202-1 for receiving eligible A1-TV and A2-TV. TV receiver 3400-1 then receives the distribution provider and service identification program information 3402-1 and 3403-1 for A1-TV and A2-TV. Based on the received distribution provider and service identification program information 3402-1 and 3403-1, TV receiver 3400-1 queries program guide distribution sites 3700-1 and 3800-1 operated by the respective broadcasting stations, thereby acquiring the information necessary for program reception. In the case of the TV receiver 3400 - 1 , since there is no service that can be received from the A3-TV station, no inquiry is made to the A3-TV station.

[0115] Figure 4 shows an example of the distribution provider and service identification program information delivered to each TV receiver 3400-1 and 3500-1 via the service management information transmission unit 3003-1. 4000-1 is a single piece of information, which combines 3402-1 and 3403-1, for TV receiver 3400-1. After notifying TV receiver 3400-1 of the Tokyo reception area and the subscription to commission service 1 listed in viewing management setting information 3401-1, service information analysis unit 3002-1 locates 3101-1, 3102-1, 3301-1, 3302-1, and 3303-1 within the stored distribution provider and service identification program information, and returns the connection destination, service identification, and usage confirmation code required for the TV receiver to receive the information. Similarly, 4100-1 shows an example of the distribution provider and service identification program information for TV receiver 3500-1. From the TV receiver 3500-1, through the reception for the Hokkaido area recorded in the viewing management setting information 3501-1, with the condition that the reception can be made by joining the commission service 3, the service information analysis unit 3002-1 finds 3101-1, 3201-1, 3202-1, and 3301-1 among the accumulated publishing operator and service identification program information, and sends back the connection destination, service identification, and utilization confirmation code required by the TV receiver to receive the information.

[0116] Program distribution doesn't necessarily involve a single operator operating just one service. Depending on the service area, pay programs, the service contract status with users including additional services, or the functions and performance of the receiver, a single operator may implement multiple services. Furthermore, even if the program structure is nearly identical, different operators may operate the program due to management issues, administration, local life information, and other aspects of the service's coordination. In this case, the burden on the distribution side increases when all program information is supplied to all receivers from a shared intermediate server, as in the conventional example. Furthermore, the processing burden increases when the receiver also obtains all information and organizes and manages only the appropriate information. Furthermore, the streaming distribution network 1200-1 and distribution systems 1000-1 and 1100-1 also bear the burden of providing useless data, resulting in inefficient operations for both the distribution and reception sides.

[0117] According to the present application, a configuration is set up in which each publishing source publishes program table data to each receiver, and an intermediate server manages the request destination of the program information that each receiver can receive. For each receiver, only the available program information is appropriately obtained. By adopting such a configuration, the overall data handling volume for obtaining program information is reduced, and programs can be played with lightweight processing on both the sending and receiving sides.

[0118] Furthermore, while this embodiment shows an example in which TV receivers 3400-1 and 3500-1 transmit their own viewing management setting information 3401-1 and 3501-1 to the intermediate shared server 3000-1, it is also possible that no viewer monitoring information is transmitted. In this case, the intermediate shared server 3000-1 does not select the most appropriate program information with the distribution provider and service identification based on the TV receiver's settings. Instead, as in the example 4200-1 in Figure 4 , the intermediate shared server 3000-1 transmits the connection destination, service identification, and usage confirmation code required for receiving all program information to the TV receiver. The TV receiver uses the received distribution provider and service identification program information to identify the programs it can receive and then issues a request to the listed connection destination. While the TV receiver must confirm the programs it can receive, this imposes a processing burden. However, it is possible to operate in a manner that selects only the available information from the distribution provider and service identification program information from the intermediate shared server before obtaining all program list data as is conventionally done, thereby obtaining only valid program information. As a result, the distribution side, the intermediate common server, and the TV receiver can also efficiently acquire and update the program information.

[0119] Hereinafter, the second embodiment according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7A to FIG. 22 .

[0120] In this application, broadcast content and distributed content (visual and audio content) can be selected with almost the same operation, greatly improving the convenience for viewers.

[0121] (Second embodiment)

[0122] 7A to 11 illustrate a first embodiment in which a program guide is provided to a television receiver 1100 in a form divided by distribution system.

[0123] 7A is composed of a distribution system 1000 , a stream distribution network 1200 , a television receiver 1100 , and a program guide display management system 1300 .

[0124] A program list display management system 1300 is added to the conventional configuration of Figure 21. Regarding the distribution system 1000, streaming distribution network 1200, and television receiver 1100, components that operate in the same manner as those in Figure 21 are assigned the same numbers with the last three digits. Components that operate in the same manner as the conventional example are omitted. The following describes the unique operating methods of this system.

[0125] The program list display management system 1300 manages program display management information related to programs distributed from the program information system 1004 in the distribution system 1000 using a program information database 1301 as a database.

[0126] The common program list display management system 1302 includes a structure for the publishing operator of the publishing system to independently specify the display order of the program list. For example, it specifies programs that will receive high attention in the future, or specifies programs that are considered to be popular among the scheduled programs. If there is also a method for specifying (screening) programs from the commercial perspective of the publishing operator, it can be based on social trends, or using AI extraction based on viewing data, or various other methods. However, here, a specific method of specifying (screening) programs is not essential. In the common program list display management system 1302, the program display management information that has been screened as a structure is extracted from the above-mentioned program information database 1301 and is arranged to form the program list display management information.

[0127] Thereafter, the program information system 1004 transmits the program display management information and the program guide display management information of the common program guide display management system 1302 to the multiplexing distribution unit 1003 .

[0128] The multiplex delivery unit 1003 superimposes (multiplexes) the program display management information and the program guide display management information as common meta (meta-information that can be used in common without user specification) on the video and audio content and delivers it to the television receiver 1100 .

[0129] The television receiver 1100 separates the video and audio content from the common elements in the receiving and separating unit 1103. The program information processing unit 1104 processes the common elements to create the screens shown in FIG9 and FIG10.

[0130] FIG8 shows program guide display management information generated in the common program guide display management system 1302 and receivable by the television receiver 1100 of FIG7A , and shows an example of a program guide displayed on a television screen using the program guide display management information.

[0131] The priority display element ID item indicates ID information for identifying each program guide display management information to be transmitted.

[0132] The "Version" item indicates the version number. This number indicates the version of the program listing management information being sent. For example, if the sent program listing management information is modified due to changes in program schedules or broadcast times, the receiving end can identify the difference in version.

[0133] The meta-priority indicates the priority of each program listing display management information. In this example, a single priority title (described later) can be specified within each program listing management information. To enable multiple priority titles to be used by the broadcasting station, each program listing display management information itself is assigned a priority.

[0134] The broadcast station name item contains information specifying the broadcast station that broadcasts the program, and the priority title item contains the title of the program list that is displayed preferentially on the program guide, for example, "This Month's Special Program" or "This Month's Focus Program."

[0135] The individual element acquisition destination item describes an inquiry destination for the television receiver 9100 to receive program guide display management information individually organized for each television receiver (described separately), and uses, for example, a connection destination URL such as https: / / , an individual IP address, or the like.

[0136] The program priority item is paired with the program ID, indicating the priority number of the specified program. The program ID is used to identify the program, and it is also conceivable that it could be identified by the ID number or program name. The program ID and priority can be specified as many times as the distribution system desires. The expiration date indicates the expiration date of the program listing display management information, allowing you to specify the end date and time of the minimum display period.

[0137] There are cases where the expiration date may not necessarily be included. In such cases, the expiration date is omitted and the program can be displayed indefinitely. After the initial display, the priority order and expiration date may be changed depending on the combination of released programs. In such cases, the priority display element ID remains unchanged, and the newly revised entry is updated by updating the version. This allows the television receiver 9100 to recognize the updated information and reflect it on the display screen.

[0138] Priority display conditions are used in addition to the conditions under which the display priority indicated in each program information display management is displayed. For example, this can be used to indicate that programs are displayed separately by genre, such as sports or movies, as described later, or to indicate that programs are only available when introducing programs for television receivers with near-ultra-high resolution capabilities such as 4K and 8K. Therefore, priority display conditions are not necessarily specified.

[0139] In FIG. 9 , a screen display example 3100 will be described with reference to examples 3001 to 3003 of the transmitted program guide display management information.

[0140] In the program list display management information 3001, the title "This Month's Special Program" is designated for priority display. The listed audio and video contents are "Content 1" and "Content 2," with priorities 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, after the version mark, a meta-priority of 1 is assigned, and the program is displayed at the top of the screen. The initial cursor is also positioned on Content 1.

[0141] In the program list display management information 3002, the title "This Month's Movies" is sent with priority display designation. The listed contents are "Movie 1" and "Movie 2," with priority levels of 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, after the version mark, a meta-priority of 2 is assigned, and the program is displayed in the second position on the screen.

[0142] Program list display management information 3003 is designated and sent with a priority display designation under the title "This Month's Sports." The listed contents are "Professional Baseball 00 League" and "Golf 00 League," with priorities 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, after the version tag, a meta-priority of 3 is assigned, resulting in the program being displayed at the third highest position on the screen.

[0143] In the program list display management information 3001, after the priority program is designated, "an example of displaying a screen classified by series" is shown as an additional condition. This example is shown in FIG.

[0144] FIG10 illustrates a display method for a program guide in which the audiovisual content is specialized for movies and categorized by series. In this example, program guide display management information 4001 assigns priorities 1 and 2 to "Movie 1" and "Movie 2," respectively, so that series A included in "Movie 1" is displayed at the top, and series B included in "Movie 2" is displayed second.

[0145] The above description shows a case where the common element (meta-information that can be used in common without specifying a user) shown in FIG. 7A distributes the program guide display management information in common to all television receivers.

[0146] Next, in addition to the commonly used program listing display management structure described above, an example of distributing individually adjusted program listing display management information (individual metadata: metadata providing services to specific users through ID collaboration, etc.) to each television receiver will be described using FIG7B . In FIG7B , for portions indicating the same functions as in FIG7A , the last three digits of the additional number are used as the same number, and detailed description of the portions indicating the same functions will be omitted.

[0147] When distributing programs (audio and video content) using intercommunication functions like the Internet, it is possible to transmit certain information from the television receiver 17100 to the source. For example, individual viewer ID registration is sometimes used. In this case, it is conceivable that by registering the television receiver used for viewing, the viewer's viewing history can be sent to the source. Alternatively, when viewing pay programs, the television receiver used by a viewer who has agreed to pay can be individually registered to identify the television receiver and transmit the viewing history to the source. There are various registration methods, and this will not be specified here. It is assumed that the registered viewer is currently using the program. First, to obtain individually adjusted program listing display management information, the registered television receiver 17100 transmits information indicating its registration status and information indicating the individual television receiver 17100 to the individual information monitoring system 17303 of the program listing display management system 17300 via the transceiver unit 17108. The transmission destination of this information is transmitted to the connection destination in the case of transmitting an individual element described in the individual element transmission destination in FIG. 8 .

[0148] When acquiring individual meta data for individual meta-transactor items, the destination for the transmission is provided with an individual information management system 17303. Based on the transmitted individual information, the system verifies whether the television receiver 17100 is a registered user who has signed a usage agreement for utilizing the service, and then submits viewing characteristic information associated with the registered television receiver 17100 to the individual program listing display management system 17304. If the signing of the usage agreement cannot be confirmed, subsequent program listing display management using individual viewing characteristics should not be performed and is therefore excluded at this stage.

[0149] There are various ways to derive viewing characteristic information, which is not specified here. However, for example, if a user currently using pay broadcasting views a pay program, the transmission source will manage at least the viewing permission information for each program, and based on this information, the viewing history of the pay program will be accumulated in the transmission source. Based on this accumulation result, program recommendations using AI can be created in the transmission source, and for example, this result can be submitted to the individual program list display management system 17304 as the above-mentioned viewing characteristic information. Alternatively, a survey can be conducted when the user registers, and based on this survey, the transmission side can estimate the age group, gender, or family composition. Similarly, based on this survey information, program recommendations can be created using AI and submitted to the individual program list display management system 17304 as the above-mentioned viewing characteristic information.

[0150] Based on the aforementioned viewing characteristics and the program information stored in the program information database 17301, the individual program listing display management system 17304 creates program listing display management information (individual elements) tailored to the preferences of the registered television receiver 17100. This information is then submitted (transmitted) via the transceiver 17108 incorporated into the television receiver 17100. The submitted program listing display management information can use the same format as that described in FIG. 8 . However, the individual element destination information is not necessarily required and can be left blank. Furthermore, the individual element destination can be sent back with information that allows the viewer to identify the specific individual element.

[0151] In the example shown in FIG7B , in program listings display management system 17300, as described above, certain user-related information related to each TV receiver, such as viewing information, is stored in individual information management system 17303. This information, as described above, is not only used to create individual program listing display management information within the TV receiver, but can also be statistically processed with the information aggregated in program information database 17301 to generate information indicating overall viewing trends. This overall viewing trend can be used as an information source for creating commonly available program listing display management information, and common program listings management system 17302 can also statistically acquire overall viewing trend information using information from individual information management system 17303.

[0152] This information is sent as common program guide display information to the program information system 17004 of the distribution system 17000. The program information system 17004 sends the common program guide display information to the multiplexing distribution unit 17003.

[0153] The multiplex distribution unit 17003 uses the common program table display management information system 17302 and the program table information storage unit 17301, which are sent from various distribution sources, as common elements, superimposes (multiplexes) them on the video and audio distribution content, and transmits them to the TV receiver.

[0154] Television receiver 17100 separates the video and audio content from the common elements in reception and separation unit 17103 and transmits the separated elements to program information processing unit 17104. Furthermore, television receiver 17100 receives individual elements from individual program list display management system 17304 via transceiver unit 17108 and transmits the separated elements to program information processing unit 17104 via control unit 17106.

[0155] The program information processing unit 17104 processes the common elements and the individual elements to create the screen shown in Fig. 11. The screens shown in Figs. 9 and 10 are created.

[0156] FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of program guide display management information and a screen when using individually adjusted program guide display management information.

[0157] Program list display management information 5001 is titled "AI Recommended Special Programs" and is designated for priority display. The term "AI" is included to indicate that the recommendations are individually tailored based on the viewer's viewing history and characteristics. Alternatively, a mark 5101 indicating the user's registration status can be displayed in the upper right corner of the television screen configuration example 5100. Information 5101 is displayed on the screen using the individual metadata destination shown in Figure 8.

[0158] Similarly, the program list display management information 5002 displays "Movie 1" and "Movie 2" in accordance with the instruction under the title "This Month's AI Recommended Movies".

[0159] The same applies to program listing display management information 5003, but here, as a supplementary condition, "displaying a screen divided by pay programs" is added. This is used when only pay broadcasts are displayed collectively and featured programs. Such program introductions should not be displayed on television receivers that cannot receive pay broadcasts. Typically, television receivers that can receive pay broadcasts have certain pre-registrations as described above. This program listing display management information can be managed by transmitting only individually adjusted program listing display management information, rather than distributing the commonly used program listing display management information described in Figures 9 and 10.

[0160] 7A and 7B show the distribution of program guide display management information provided by each distribution system and screen examples when using this information.

[0161] The program list display management information is not necessarily supplied from a distribution source of the management distribution system, and the popular programs may be derived based on unique market trends, social trend surveys, and the like.

[0162] 12A and 12B show an example of a system using program guide display management information that spans across multiple distribution systems by utilizing an intermediate shared server (TGW). This is not program guide display management per distribution system as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B .

[0163] FIG. 12A shows an example of using program guide display management information commonly available to each television receiver, similarly to FIG. 7A , and FIG. 12B shows an example of using program guide display management information customized individually for each television receiver, similarly to FIG. 7B .

[0164] Next, FIG. 12A will be described.

[0165] Similar to distribution system 1000 shown in FIG7A , distribution systems 6100 and 6200 distribute program audio and video content from distribution content unit 6101 and program schedule information from program information unit 6104 to television receiver 6600 via streaming distribution network 6400. FIG7A illustrates an example corresponding to a single distribution system, but FIG12A illustrates a subsystem corresponding to multiple distribution systems. Television receiver 6600 also performs the same operations as television receiver 1100 shown in FIG7A . Components representing identical functions are assigned the same numbers after the last three digits, and detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0166] Multiple distribution systems (distribution systems 6100 and 6200 ) deliver program audio and video content and program guide management information to a television receiver 6600 via a streaming distribution network 6400 , and concurrently transmit the program guide management information to an intermediate shared server 6500 .

[0167] The receiver 6501 of the intermediate shared server 6500 stores the received program guide management information in the program information storage system 6503 as a database.

[0168] In the cross-program guide display management system 6700, the receivers that receive programs (audio and video contents) distributed from multiple distribution systems are not particularly determined, and program guide display management information that can be widely and generally used is configured to correspond to multiple distribution systems.

[0169] The structure of program listings display management information varies and is not specified here. However, for example, it is possible to extract only the top-ranked or specified-ranked information from the program listings display management information provided by each distribution system 6100 or 6200 to create cross-program listings display management information. Alternatively, it is possible to prioritize each distribution system based on usage ranking information for each distribution system and organize cross-program listings display management information. The cross-program listings display management information organized in this way is in a format that can be widely and universally used by all television receivers without restriction.

[0170] The program table display management information formed by the common program table display management system 6701 across the program table display management system 6700 is transmitted to the transmitter 6502 of the intermediate shared server 6500. The transmitter 6502 transmits the program table display management information and the program table management information to the television receiver 6600.

[0171] In the television receiver 6600, the reception separation unit 6603 separates the video and audio content from the program display management information and transmits the information to the program information processing unit 6604. Furthermore, the television receiver 6600 receives the common program list display management information (common elements) from the intermediate shared server 6500 in the program information processing unit 6604. The program information processing unit 1710 processes the common elements to create the screens shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0172] As described above, if the program schedule information itself is sometimes sent to the television receiver 6600 via the streaming distribution network 6400, it is sometimes possible to send the program schedule display management information and the program schedule information itself from the program information storage system 6503 via the transmitter 6502 to the television receiver 6600 in order to integrate them with the above-mentioned program schedule display management information.

[0173] FIG13 shows an example of the structure of cross-program guide display management information that can be received by a television receiver. This example is similar to the example of program guide display management information shown in FIG8 , but differs in the following ways. First, information 12001 indicating the source of the program guide display management information has been added. Furthermore, information 12003 identifying the distribution system currently distributing the program can be incorporated into the pair 12002 of program information to be displayed and its priority order.

[0174] FIG. 14 shows a screen display example using the commonly distributed cross-program guide display management information shown in FIG. 12A .

[0175] Example screen 13000 is a separate display example from the distribution system shown in FIG10 . This example utilizes cross-program table display management information 13105 and 13106, displaying "This Month's Recommended Special Programs" using cross-program table display management information 13105. Each program is displayed with the distribution system information CH1 or CH2 added to it, starting from the left, in order of priority. Similarly, "This Month's Recommended Special Programs" is displayed using cross-program table display management information 13106. The programming source information for this information is included in cross-program table display management information 13105 and 13106, and this information is used to display programming source information 13104.

[0176] While the example in which the cross-program guide display management information is implemented commonly and widely in television receivers has been described above, it is also possible to provide cross-program guide display management information that is individually adjusted by television receivers or users.

[0177] An example of the configuration in this case is shown in Fig. 12B. In Fig. 12B, parts having the same functions as those in Fig. 12A are denoted by the same reference numerals with the last three digits being the same, and details are omitted.

[0178] In FIG. 12B , the television receiver 18600 transmits the individual information held by the television receiver to the individual information management system 18705 within the program guide display management system 18706 via the transceiver 18608 .

[0179] In the individual information management system 18705, based on the individual information sent as described in Figure 7B, it is confirmed that the target television receiver is a television receiver that has signed a contract for formal use. Furthermore, based on the viewing history of each television receiver, other registered user-related information, such as gender, age, usage area and other individual information of the receiver, information related to program recommendations is extracted and submitted to the individual program schedule display management system 18702.

[0180] The individual program guide display management system 18702 uses the information related to program recommendations to determine program information that should be displayed with priority from the program information storage system 18503 and constructs program guide display management information.

[0181] The constructed program table display management information is produced by the individual program table display management system 18702 of the program table display management system 18706, and program table display management information (individual element) that meets the viewer's preferences is produced for the registered television receiver 18600, and sent to the transceiver 18608 assembled in the television receiver 18600.

[0182] In the example shown in FIG12B , program listings display management system 18706 stores certain user-related information related to each TV receiver, such as viewing information, in individual information management system 18705. This information, as described above, is not only used to generate individual program listing display management information within the TV receiver, but can also be statistically processed using the information accumulated in program information storage unit 18503 to generate information indicating overall viewing trends. This overall viewing trend can be used as an information source for generating commonly available program listings display management information. The common program listings management system 18703 can also statistically acquire overall viewing trend information using information from individual information management system 18705.

[0183] The common program guide management system 18703 transmits the above information to the transmitter 18502 of the intermediate shared server 11500 .

[0184] The transmitter 18502 superimposes (multiplexes) the common program table display management information and the program display management information and transmits the superimposed information to the TV receiver.

[0185] The television receiver 18600 separates the video and audio content from the program display information in the reception separation unit 18603 and sends the program display program management information to the program information processing unit 18604.

[0186] In addition, the television receiver 18600 receives individual information from the individual program guide display management system 18702 using the transceiver unit 18608 and transmits the information to the program information processing unit 18604 via the control unit 18606 .

[0187] Furthermore, the television receiver 18600 receives program display management information and program guide display management information from the intermediate shared server in the program information processing unit 18604 .

[0188] The program information processing unit 18604 processes common elements (program guide management information and program guide display management information) and individual elements to create screens as shown in FIG. 14 , FIG. 16 , FIG. 17 , and FIG. 18 .

[0189] In the television receiver 18600, information is controlled based on the program guide display management information, the program display management information of the program guide itself, and the selection made by the user through the remote controller 18607, and an appropriate program guide selection screen is constructed.

[0190] FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration of the program guide display information spanning the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B .

[0191] In the program listing display management information shown in FIG8 , a single distribution system (distributing station) name is recorded within the program listing management information. However, in the cross-platform program listing display management shown in FIG13 , the distribution system name is recorded 12002 for each displayed program. This recording method is used to allow program listings to be displayed regardless of the distribution system. Furthermore, program listing display management information does not necessarily need to be created by the distribution system for cross-platform execution; it could also be created by a third-party company. Therefore, this format allows for individual recording across the meta-scheduling source 12001.

[0192] Another example of an implementation structure of program guide display management information of the present invention is shown in Fig. 15. The system structure is the same as that shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 12A.

[0193] In the present application, the following method is adopted: for each video and audio content, information that can preferentially introduce programs close to the viewer's needs, such as favorite programs, is recorded and sent to the television receivers 1100, 17100, 6600, and 18600.

[0194] 15 shows an example of the information structure of evaluation information of specific audiovisual content that can be received by the television receivers 1100 , 17100 , 6600 , and 18600 , and is composed of a common program table display management system 1302 , an individual program table display management system 17304 , and a common program table display management system 17302 .

[0195] In order to specify the video and audio content, the distribution system that distributes the video and audio content and the identification information of the video and audio content itself are recorded. The video and audio content evaluation points show that the evaluation results can be used in any form, regardless of whether the program list is displayed with conditions such as category classification. After that, the conditions for displaying with conditions such as category classification, series / season, etc. and the evaluation points under these conditions are recorded. Furthermore, there are many examples where operators other than the distributing radio station conduct program evaluation analysis from various perspectives, including advertising purposes, and the results are also beneficially conveyed to viewers. In such examples, in order to record information from the destination where the evaluation results are provided, the connection destination for obtaining the information is also recorded.

[0196] FIG16 shows an example of a display screen on the content display units 1101, 17101, 6101, and 18601 when the content evaluation information of FIG15 is used.

[0197] That is, an example is shown in which the television receivers 1100, 17100, 6600, and 18600 receive content rating information 15101 and 15102. In the content rating information 15101, rating information for the content "Movie 1" distributed on channel 1 is described.

[0198] In example television receiver screen display 15100, each series is summarized. Similarly, in rating information 15101, the rating result ★ noted in "Series A" is applied. Similarly, in rating information 15102, the rating points from "Series B" are recorded for the content of "Movie 2," and the ★★ rating is applied. Furthermore, rating information 15102 includes a separate information acquisition destination for accessing externally reviewed information, allowing evaluation information acquired from this connection destination to be displayed as shown in 15103.

[0199] FIG17 shows another embodiment of a screen display displayed in the content display units 1101, 17101, 6101, and 18601 of the present application. In this example, when displaying the channel-by-channel recommendations 13000 in FIG14 , the recommended programs are displayed across the channels rather than being displayed on the screen in units of channels.

[0200] On program list screen 20100, recommended programs for each channel are displayed in order of time priority. Specifically, recommended programs for each channel are displayed in order, starting with the program closest to the current time displayed in 20103. In this state, even the program most recommended by the publisher or the program most desired by the recipient is placed outside the frame at the bottom of the screen, as shown in 20104, depending on the time period. This prevents the recommended programs from being displayed unless the cursor 20105 is moved. This does not necessarily result in an effective display of the recommended programs. On program list screen 20200, by selecting the Recommendation Order 20102 button, the program list displayed in 20201-20203 is displayed using management information. This allows recommended programs to be displayed with a priority that matches the publisher's intent and the user's viewing preferences. Specifically, in channel 1, the program list display management information 20201 records that content 2 has a higher priority than content 1. For the screen display example 20100 in chronological order, content 2 and content 3 are displayed in the program list screen 20200 in the recommended order, and content 1 with a lower priority becomes outside the frame of the screen. Even without moving the cursor, content 3 can be displayed on the screen.

[0201] Similarly, in channel 3, the program guide display management information 20203 indicates that Movie 4 has a higher priority than Movie 1. By selecting the recommended order button 20204, Movie 4 is displayed at the beginning of the screen regardless of the current time.

[0202] FIG18 shows another screen display example displayed in the content display units 1101, 17101, 6101, and 18601 of the present application. This example shows a screen display example that integrates the program table display management information for each station in FIG13 and the program table display management information for each station in FIG8.

[0203] In this example, the screen is composed vertically from the left using program list display management information 21101, channel 1, and channel 2, provided by program list display management information 21102 and 21103. In program list display management information 21101, under the title "Olympic Special," content 1 from channel 1 is prioritized, and content 2 from channel 2 is prioritized. The screen also lists title 21104, with program information 21105 and 21106 arranged in that order. When using program list display management information to identify programs, as in program information 21105 and 21106, channel numbers are added to indicate the channel of each program.

[0204] Similarly, recommendations for Channel 1 and Channel 2 are displayed in the order of the program listing display management information 21102 and 21103 assigned to each station. Screen display example 21100 shows an example where recommendation order 21107 is selected for display order. If time order 21108 is selected, the programs are displayed in an arrangement that depends on the broadcast time of each program, regardless of the program listing display management information 21101 to 21103.

[0205] As described above, by providing viewers with rating information for each content and program listing display management information related to the display order of highly rated programs from the distribution side (distribution system and / or program listing display management system and / or cross-distribution program listing display management system) that better understands the distributed audio and video content, viewers can easily find programs of interest or highly rated programs without having to search through a wide range of program listings. Furthermore, by transmitting priority display information in program listings receivable by television receivers in a unified format, viewers can easily find programs using a unified on-screen display UI that is independent of the distribution provider.

Claims

1. A video and audio content distribution system, which distributes video and audio content, wherein: The video and audio content distribution system has: a distribution system that multiplexes program display management information into video and audio content and distributes it to television receivers; a program table display management system that compiles the program display management information related to the programs published from the publishing system and outputs the program table display management information; The distribution system receives program table display management information from the program table display management system and distributes it to the television receiver. A television receiver acquires the program list display management information and displays a screen by a method received and selected based on screen operation information of a viewer.

2. The video and audio content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein: The program table display management system has: an individual information management system that receives individual information from the television receivers and creates information for customizing a program schedule according to customer requirements for each television receiver; as well as An individual program list display management system is configured to generate individual program list display information customized according to customer requirements from the individual information management system and transmit the information to the television receiver. The television receiver receives the individual program guide display information and performs screen display selected based on the individual program guide display information.

3. A video and audio content distribution system, which distributes video and audio content, wherein: The video and audio content distribution system has: Multiple distribution systems that multiplex program display management information with video and audio content and distribute them to television receivers; an intermediate shared server that acquires the program display management information from a plurality of distribution systems and transmits the information to the television receiver; a cross-program table display management system that organizes the program display management information related to the programs distributed from the intermediate shared server and outputs the program table display management information; The intermediate shared server receives the program table display management information from the cross-program table display management system and distributes it to the television receiver. A television receiver acquires the program list display management information and displays a screen by a method received and selected based on screen operation information of a viewer.

4. The video and audio content distribution system according to claim 3, wherein: The cross-program table display management system has: an individual information management system that receives individual information from the television receivers and creates information for customizing a program schedule according to customer requirements for each television receiver; as well as An individual program table display management system is configured to generate individual program table display information customized according to customer requirements from the individual information management system and transmit the information to the television receiver. The television receiver acquires the individual program list display information and performs screen display selected based on the individual program list display information.

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