Information processing method and display device

Abstract

To provide an information processing method and a display device that can reduce the effort required for a user to set account information on a display device on which content is viewed.SOLUTION: In a content viewing system including a first display device 1a and a second display device 1b capable of communicating via a home network 5, and a plurality of mobile terminals 2 capable of communicating with each of the first display device and the second display device, an information processing method includes a first step in which the first display device acquires account information held in the mobile terminals from the mobile terminals, and a second step in which the first display device shares the acquired account information with the second display device connected to the home network. In the second step, the first display device can be set so as not to share the account information with the second display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to information processing and display technology related to viewing content from a content distribution service. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various content distribution services that distribute content such as videos over a communication network. Content distribution services require control over the authorization and permission of users to use the service to view the content. In other words, control is required over the user's device receiving and playing the content. Conventionally, account information associated with the user using the content distribution service is used for this control. The content distribution server performs authentication using the account information, and if the authentication is successful, allows the user's device to receive and play the content.

[0003] Meanwhile, in recent years, there has been an increasing number of cases where a home system is configured by connecting multiple devices, including a television receiver (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "display device" or the like), to a user's home network.

[0004] An example of prior art relating to restrictions on content viewing is Japanese Patent No. 5248180 (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 states that, regarding an "operation target device," "an authorized authorizer can grant permission to an operator who is restricted from performing a predetermined operation through a simple operation, thereby enabling the operator to perform the restricted operation." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5248180 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] According to conventional technologies such as Patent Document 1, it is possible to restrict content viewing. However, the conventional technologies do not take into consideration various usage environments and usage situations such as the above-mentioned user's home network. Therefore, when dealing with such situations, the conventional technologies are not user-friendly enough, and there are issues in terms of convenience.

[0007] A user can use a content distribution service to view content using a device such as a television connected to a home network as a content playback device. To view content on the device, the user must set account information for the content distribution service on the device. For example, the user sets account information associated with the user's mobile terminal on the device on the home network.

[0008] However, when multiple devices are connected to a home network, the user must set up account information for each device, which is a time-consuming process. Furthermore, when there are multiple pieces of account information to register, the user has to go through even more effort.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology including a display device for viewing content that can ensure control of content viewing authority using account information while reducing the effort required by the user to set account information on the device, making it easy to use and convenient in a variety of environments and situations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention may be configured as described in the claims, for example. A display device includes a tuner that receives broadcast waves of digital broadcast programs, a communication unit that communicates with a mobile terminal via a home network and with an external server that provides a content distribution service via an external network, a display unit that displays content of the broadcast program received by the tuner or video of content received from the external server via the external network, and a control unit, wherein the control unit communicates with a mobile terminal of a user via the home network of a user, and when the display device of the user is connected to the mobile terminal of the user, the control unit acquires account-related information that enables the mobile terminal of the user to log in to the content distribution service provided by the external server, communicates with the external server, and logs in to the content distribution service using the acquired account-related information. When the control unit detects that the mobile terminal of the user cannot communicate with the mobile terminal of the user via the home network of the user and is not connected to the display device of the user, the control unit controls the control unit to invalidate the acquired account-related information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to a representative embodiment of the present invention, with respect to a technology including a display device for viewing content, it is possible to ensure control of content viewing authority using account information while reducing the effort required for the user to set account information on the device, thereby making it easy to use and convenient in a variety of environments and situations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system including a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution server in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a software configuration of the display device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence at the time of initial setup in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the display device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence at the time of initial setup in a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram showing a system including a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and an example of an operation sequence at the time of initial setup. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the display device in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system including a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and an example of an operation sequence at the time of initial setup. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the display device in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the display device in the first modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system including a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and an example of an operation sequence at the time of initial setup. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an account registration screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a table of setting information in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) An information processing method and a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The information processing method according to the first embodiment is a method including steps executed in a content viewing system including the display device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] [Content distribution service, user authentication, account information] First, a content distribution service, user authentication, account information, etc., which are the premise and application subjects of the following embodiments, will be described. An example of a content distribution service is an IPTV service. The IPTV service distributes content such as movies and video distribution programs containing video, audio, and text information to user devices over the Internet. The user devices are content playback devices, such as mobile terminals and display devices such as television sets.

[0016] A content distribution service has account information that enables content viewing. A user is registered as an authorized user with the service provider's content distribution server by registering account information, etc. The content distribution server performs authentication using the account information to control service and content authorization. Users and devices must be authenticated using account information when using the service or viewing content. Authorization control using authentication prevents illegal acts such as unauthorized copying, moving, or modification of content. Authentication may be required when logging in to the content distribution service, or when playing each piece of content.

[0017] For example, a content distribution server performs user authentication. The content distribution server performs user authentication by comparing registered account information with account information received from the user's device. In addition to user authentication, device authentication may also be performed. Device authentication is authentication related to the device used by the user to view content. Device authentication checks whether the device is an authorized or recommended device.

[0018] The account information is information associated with an account set for a user for each content distribution service. The account information may be, for example, a combination of a user ID and a password, but is not limited to this. User authentication may include biometric authentication. In this case, the account information may include information for biometric authentication.

[0019] Account information and distributed content may be protected by a predetermined method, such as encryption. For example, the content may be encrypted in advance using a predetermined method, and key information for decryption may be exchanged separately. The key information is managed together with the content playback conditions.

[0020] In content distribution services, service providers often charge a usage fee. Charging is performed using a predetermined method, and billing information is recorded. For example, fees are calculated based on the amount of data stored on the user's device or the amount of content viewed.

[0021] Content distribution services generally allow content to be played by the same user on the same device, but some services allow content to be played by multiple users or multiple devices under certain conditions. Content distribution methods include streaming, download, and progressive download. Content may also be accompanied by a program such as application software. The program runs when the content is played on the user's device.

[0022] [Mobile device, display device, account setup] The account information may be associated with, for example, a mobile terminal, which is a user's device. That is, the account information may be stored in a storage means within the mobile terminal. For example, the user inputs the account information into the mobile terminal. Alternatively, a service provider or a device on a network inputs the account information into the mobile terminal. The user can use the account information on the mobile terminal to use the content distribution service, i.e., to view content. The embodiment takes into consideration a case where the account information associated with the mobile terminal is used to enable the content distribution service to be used on a display device on a home network.

[0023] The embodiment is based on the premise that the mobile terminal has account information. From this state, the content distribution service is made available to a display device in the user's home network using the account information. The account information in the mobile terminal is used for user authentication to view content on the display device.

[0024] To achieve this, conventionally, users are required to set account information stored in their mobile terminals on each display device connected to the home network. To enable content viewing on all display devices, it is necessary to set account information individually on each display device. This setup process requires a lot of work for users.

[0025] Therefore, in the embodiment, a mechanism is provided for automating the registration of account information held on a mobile device to multiple display devices within a home, and a mechanism is provided for sharing the account information of the mobile device among multiple display devices in a home network. This mechanism improves convenience when making the account information of a mobile device available on multiple display devices within a home. In the embodiment, an account sharing function corresponding to this mechanism is provided.

[0026] [Content viewing system] 1 shows the configuration of a content viewing system that is a system including the display device of Embodiment 1. The content viewing system includes a display device 1, a mobile terminal 2, a home network 5, an external network 6, a content distribution server 7, a broadcast station 8, etc.

[0027] The display device 1 is a television receiver and a content playback device capable of receiving and playing content. The display device 1 is a device having a display function for receiving and playing broadcast programs and content, and displaying the content on a screen. The display device 1 includes a plurality of display devices 1 connected to a user's home network 5. In FIG. 1, the plurality (n units) of display devices 1 include display device 1a, display device 1b, ..., display device 1n. The names given to the display devices 1 are indicated as "TV1" to "TVn".

[0028] The display device 1 can be applied to various devices such as a liquid crystal display device, a projection type image display device (projector), a PC, a monitor device, a tablet device, a recorder, a set-top box, a video game console, etc. Recorders and set-top boxes do not have a display function, but can be applied in a manner where they are connected to and cooperate with other devices that have a display function.

[0029] A home network 5 is configured in a user's home, store, or the like. A plurality of television sets, which are a plurality of display devices 1, are connected to the home network 5. The home network 5 is under the control of a certain user (assumed to be U1) and is basically a network that cannot be used by other users. The home network 5 is configured with devices such as routers and switches, cables, etc. The user purchases or rents these devices and uses them.

[0030] The home network 5 is a communication network compatible with a communication interface compatible with a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. The home network 5 and the display device 1 are connected via this communication interface. Wi-Fi is a wireless LAN standard established by the IEEE standard "IEEE 802.11a / IEEE 802.11b." The home network 5 may also be a communication network compatible with a communication interface compatible with a wired LAN. The home network 5 can be connected to an external network 6 such as the Internet. The home network 5 has a communication interface with the external network 6, for example, an optical communication interface.

[0031] The content distribution server 7 is connected to the external network 6. The content distribution server 7 is a server device that is managed by a service provider and provides a predetermined content distribution service. The content distribution server 7 stores and manages content. The content distribution server 7 distributes content in response to a request from the display device 1 connected via the external network 6.

[0032] The content is a movie, a video streaming program, etc. that includes video, audio, text information, etc. The content includes content data and content information. The content data is data such as video, etc. The content information is information for managing and controlling the content, metadata, etc.

[0033] A broadcast station 8 provides broadcast programs and the like via broadcast waves. A television receiver, which is the display device 1, has the function of receiving the broadcast waves, reproducing the broadcast programs and the like, and displaying them on a screen.

[0034] Each device in the multiple display devices 1 on the home network 5 can exchange information with external servers, including a content distribution server 7, via the home network 5 and an external network 6. Each device can use the content distribution service of the content distribution server 7 and can receive and play content by undergoing authentication using account information. The display device 1 communicates with the content distribution server 7 via the home network 5 and the external network 6 based on a user operation. The display device 1 transmits a content playback request and user authentication information, including account information for user authentication, to the content distribution server 7. After successful user authentication, the display device 1 receives and plays content, etc. from the content distribution server 7. This allows the user to view and play content on the display device 1.

[0035] The multiple display devices 1 in Fig. 1 have the same configuration and the same functions. However, the multiple display devices 1 may differ in elements other than the essential elements, such as display method and auxiliary functions, and different types of devices may be mixed. In Fig. 1, in the initial state, multiple (n) display devices 1 are already installed and connected to the home network 5. However, the same is not limited to this, and display devices 1 may be added, removed, replaced, etc. to the home network 5 as appropriate.

[0036] The user's mobile terminal 2 can be a smartphone, a tablet, or any other type of device. The mobile terminal 2 has a known configuration including a wireless communication function. The mobile terminal 2 and the display device 1 have a communication interface for connecting and communicating with each other within the home. This communication interface may be wireless, wired, or a short-range communication interface.

[0037] The mobile terminal 2 has account information 101. The account information 101 is stored at least temporarily in a storage means within the mobile terminal 2. In the example of FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 2 has account information (denoted by A1) 101 of a user U1 associated with a content distribution service (denoted by X1) of the content distribution server 7. This account information 101 is the target to be set in the display device 1.

[0038] The mobile terminal 2 may include a program or the like for linking with the display device 1. The program may be an application for utilizing the account sharing function of the display device 1. The application may display on the mobile terminal 2 a screen provided by the account sharing function.

[0039] The program for linking with the display device 1 may be an application for giving instructions from the mobile terminal 2 to the display device 1 to utilize the functions of the display device 1. In other words, the application may be an application for using the mobile terminal 2 as a remote control for the display device 1. In this case, the mobile terminal 2 can be used as an input means for the display device 1.

[0040] The mobile terminal 2, while in a communication connection state with the display device 1, transmits an instruction for a predetermined control operation to the display device 1 based on a user input operation. The display device 1 receives the instruction from the mobile terminal 2 and performs an operation corresponding to the predetermined control operation in accordance with the instruction.

[0041] The display device 1 includes, as processing components, a content playback unit 42, a user authentication unit 44, and an account information sharing unit 45. The content playback unit 42 receives and plays content on the display device 1 and displays it on the screen. The user authentication unit 44 uses account information to perform processing related to user authentication from the content distribution server 7 on the display device 1. The account information sharing unit 45 is an element that realizes the account sharing function. The account information sharing unit 45 works in cooperation with the user authentication unit 44 to perform processing to share the account information of the mobile terminal 2 among multiple display devices 1 on the home network 5. Details of each unit will be described later.

[0042] [Content distribution server] 2 shows a functional block configuration of hardware and software of the content distribution server 7. The content distribution server 7 includes a communication interface unit 50, a control unit 51, a memory 52, a storage 53, etc., which are connected via a bus 57.

[0043] The storage 53 stores various data, programs such as application programs, various information generated by application programs, content 54, user management information 55, device information 56, and the like.

[0044] The control unit 51 controls the content distribution server 7. The control unit 51 loads a program from the storage 53 into the memory 52 and executes it, thereby configuring various program function units in the memory 52. ​​The various program function units realize various functions of the content distribution server 7. The various program function units include a user management unit 31, a content management unit 32, and a content distribution unit 33.

[0045] The communication interface unit 50 has a communication interface for the external network 6, and performs communication processing by connecting to the external network 6. The communication interface unit 50 transmits and receives information to and from the display device 1 via the external network 6 and the home network 5.

[0046] The user management unit 31 has a function of performing user authentication and device authentication, and manages authentication information in user management information 55 and device information 56 in storage 53. The user management unit 31 distinguishes between users of the display device 1 by user authentication using account information.

[0047] The user management information 55 is information for user authentication including the user's account information. The device information 56 is information for device authentication. The user management information 55 manages information including account information and user basic information, for example in a table format. The user basic information is information such as name, address, and contact information. The user management information 55 may also manage key information, resume information, billing information, and the like. The resume information is information such as the content playback stop position on the user's device.

[0048] The content management unit 32 accumulates and manages the content to be distributed as content 54 in the storage 53. The content 54 includes content data and content information. The content 54 may be stored in a device external to the content distribution server 7, such as a DB server on the external network 6. The content 54 may also include an application, associated information, and the like. The application is, for example, a program that is transmitted together with the content data and is used when the content is played back on the display device 1.

[0049] Examples of content information include content ID, format, description information, size, target device, fee information, viewing period, etc. Description information includes genre, title, etc. Target device is information indicating devices suitable for displaying content or running applications. Fee information is information for managing usage fees for content distribution services.

[0050] The content distribution unit 33 performs processing to distribute content based on the content 54 to the user's device, such as the display device 1 or the mobile terminal 2, via the communication interface unit 50. The content distribution unit 33 controls the distribution of content in accordance with the performance of the user's device, for example, performs processing to distribute content data with an appropriate resolution.

[0051] The content distribution server 7 performs user authentication using the user management unit 31 when a user logs in to the content distribution service or receives a content playback request from the user's device. At this time, the user management unit 31 receives user authentication information, including account information, from the user's device. When performing device authentication, the user management unit 31 also receives device information, such as the device ID of the display device 1, from the user's device. The user management unit 31 references the account information in the user management information 55, compares it with the account information from the user's device, and determines the result of the user authentication. If the two pieces of information match, the user management unit 31 determines the result as successful; if they do not match, the user management unit 31 determines the result as unsuccessful. Furthermore, if a predetermined condition corresponding to the content distribution service is not met, the user management unit 31 determines the result as unsuccessful. The user management unit 31 transmits a response indicating the authentication result to the user's device. If the user authentication result is successful, the content distribution server 7 permits the user's device to receive and play the content. Then, the content distribution unit 33 distributes the specified content in the content 54 to the user's device.

[0052] Depending on the content distribution service, multiple accounts can be assigned to one display device 1 or multiple display devices 1. Furthermore, it is also possible to set a subordinate relationship between multiple accounts.

[0053] [Display device hardware configuration] 3 shows the hardware configuration of a television receiver, which is the display device 1 of embodiment 1. The display device 1 is connected to an antenna 11, and includes a tuner demodulation unit 12, a channel selection control unit 13, a signal separation unit 14, an audio decoding unit 15, a speaker 16, an audio output unit 17, a video decoding unit 18, a superposition unit 19, a display unit 20, a video output unit 21, a communication interface unit 22, an input means 23, a control unit 24, a memory 25, a storage 26, a digital interface unit 27, etc. Each unit is connected via a bus 28.

[0054] The storage 26 stores various data, programs such as application programs, various information generated by application programs, content received by distribution, and the like.

[0055] The control unit 24 controls the display device 1. The control unit 24 loads a program from the storage 26 into the memory 25 and executes it. As a result, various program function units are configured in the memory 25. Various functions of the display device 1 are realized by the various program function units.

[0056] The input means 23 is an input device and input interface that accepts user input operations for the display device 1, and includes, for example, an operation panel, a remote control, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. A user can use the input means 23 to give instructions and settings to the display device 1. The control unit 24 receives user input operations through the input means 23 and controls each unit, such as the channel selection control unit 13, the signal separation unit 14, the superposition unit 19, various program function units, the storage 26, and the communication interface unit 22.

[0057] Tuner demodulation unit 12 is controlled by channel selection control unit 13 to tune to a channel of a desired service. Tuner demodulation unit 12 selects and demodulates a digital broadcast signal received from broadcast station 8 via antenna 11 to generate a transport stream. Channel selection control unit 13 receives a service selection instruction via input means 23 and controls tuner demodulation unit 12 to switch the channel to be selected. In response to instructions from various program function units, channel selection control unit 13 controls tuner demodulation unit 12 to switch to the channel number of the service that is broadcasting a program currently being broadcast.

[0058] The communication interface unit 22 has a communication interface with the home network 5 and a communication interface with the mobile terminal 2, and performs communication processing for each. The communication interface unit 22 is connected to the home network 5 via a communication interface compatible with a wireless LAN or the like. The communication interface unit 22 performs communication processing with devices on the external network 6 via the home network 5. The communication interface unit 22 can receive content streams, video and audio streams, application programs, etc. as content for the IPTV service from the content distribution server 7. The communication interface unit 22 performs communication processing with the mobile terminal 2 directly or via the home network 5.

[0059] The data and information received through the communication interface unit 22 is stored in the storage 26 or the like. In addition to or instead of the function of communicating with the home network 5, the communication interface unit 22 may have a function of directly communicating with an external device via a predetermined communication interface. The communication interface can be a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, IrDA (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or the like.

[0060] The signal separator 14 separates the transport stream obtained by the tuner demodulator 12 and the content stream obtained through the communication interface 22 into various types of data, such as video data, audio data, subtitle data, and program information. The signal separator 14 has the function of acquiring program information and transmitting it to other processing units. When a data transmission request is received from another processing unit, the signal separator 14 transmits the specified data to the request source.

[0061] The audio decoding unit 15 decodes the audio data separated by the signal separation unit 14. The audio information decoded by the audio decoding unit 15 is output from a speaker 16. The audio information decoded by the audio decoding unit 15 may be output to an external device from an audio output unit 17. The video decoding unit 18 decodes the video data separated by the signal separation unit 14. The video information decoded by the video decoding unit 18 is sent to a superimposition unit 19.

[0062] The superimposing unit 19 superimposes, on the decoded video information from the video decoding unit 18, EPG images, OSD images, and images generated from various information separated by the signal separating unit 14, etc., created by the various program function units. The various information includes subtitle information, etc. The superimposing unit 19 combines a browser display screen created by a browser engine (described later) with a video signal, or performs selection and switching between them. The video information that has passed through the superimposing unit 19 is sent to the display unit 20 and displayed on the display unit 20.

[0063] The display unit 20 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal panel or a projection optical system. The display unit 20 displays video information on a screen. The video information may be video broadcast via the tuner demodulation unit 12, video distributed via the communication interface unit 22, user interface information, a browser display screen, images in the storage 26, or information generated by an application program. The video information that has passed through the superimposition unit 19 may be output to an external device from the video output unit 21. The digital interface unit 27 outputs the transport stream separated by the signal separation unit 14 to the outside as digital data without decoding the video or audio.

[0064] When the display device 1 is a device such as a recorder or a set-top box, it has a configuration in which elements such as the display unit 20 and the speaker 16 are omitted. Furthermore, it has devices such as a television receiver, a monitor device, and a speaker that are externally connected to the device such as a recorder. Video and audio data are transferred from the device such as a recorder to an external device and output by the external device. When the display device 1 is a PC or a monitor device, it has a configuration in which functions for receiving broadcast waves, i.e., the antenna 11, the tuner demodulation unit 12, etc. are omitted.

[0065] [Display device software configuration] Fig. 4 shows the configuration of the memory 25 and storage 26 as the software configuration of the display device 1 of Fig. 2. The storage 26 stores various data 501, programs, content 502, user authentication information 503 including account information 504, setting information 505, etc. The programs include a browser program 401, a content playback program 402, various application programs 403, a user authentication program 404, and an account information sharing program 405. When each program is loaded into the memory 25, it constitutes a browser engine 41, a content playback unit 42, various application units 43, a user authentication unit 44, an account information sharing unit 45, a user setting unit 46, etc.

[0066] The account information 504 is user input information input by the user via the input means 23 during user authentication, or shared account information, which will be described later. The account information 504 is, for example, information combining a user ID and a password. The user authentication information 503 may be stored not only in the storage 26 but also in a non-volatile memory or external storage means (not shown). The user authentication information 503 may include device authentication information when device authentication is performed, either in the user authentication information 503 or in parallel therewith. The device authentication information includes, for example, a device ID of the mobile terminal 2 or the display device 1. The device ID may be, for example, a MAC address or a unique ID set at the time of manufacture. The user authentication information 503, including the account information 504, may be variably set by the user, or may be predetermined by a service provider or the like.

[0067] The browser engine 41 includes functional blocks such as an HTML parser, a DB creation unit, a rendering unit, and an image processing unit. The HTML parser analyzes the logical structure of HTML data acquired via the control unit 24. The HTML parser can interpret the HTML data and convert it into internal data used in the television receiver. The DB creation unit generates a database related to the structure of the HTML data. Based on the database, the rendering unit generates a layout structure including information on the expression format determined by each tag. Based on the layout structure, the rendering unit generates a browser display screen according to the size, position, and image of the imported data. The image processing unit converts the acquired image file into image data based on the image file information specified in the image tag in the HTML data.

[0068] The content playback unit 42 receives content from the content distribution server 7 via the communication interface unit 22 and stores it in the storage 26 as content 502. The content playback unit 42 performs processing to play back the content 502, i.e., processing to display the video of the content 502 on the screen of the display unit 20.

[0069] During user authentication from the content distribution server 7, the user authentication unit 44 performs processing related to user authentication using user authentication information 503 including account information 504. During user authentication, the user authentication unit 44 transmits the user authentication information 504 to the content distribution server 7 through the communication interface unit 22, via the home network 5 and the external network 6. The user authentication unit 44 receives a result of the user authentication from the content distribution server 7. During user authentication, the user authentication unit 44 may display user interface information such as user authentication information and a message on the screen of the display unit 20.

[0070] The applications in the various application section 43 indicate applications that the user has downloaded from the content distribution server 7 or the like according to their preferences. The various application section 43 executes processing according to the application.

[0071] The account information sharing unit 45 cooperates with the processing related to user authentication by the user authentication unit 44. The account information sharing unit 45 performs processing for sharing account information among multiple display devices 1 on the home network 5. The account information sharing unit 45 obtains account information associated with the mobile terminal 2 from the mobile terminal 2 directly or via the home network 5. The account information sharing unit 45 registers the account information as account information 504 in the user authentication information 503. The account information sharing unit 45 sets the account information as shared account information for the multiple display devices 1 on the home network 5. The account information sharing unit 44 controls between the display devices 1 so that the account information can be shared and used for user authentication among the multiple display devices 1.

[0072] The account information sharing unit 45 controls the account information to be used as one of the means for inputting user authentication information 503 to the user authentication unit 44. In other words, the account information sharing unit 44 provides an alternative means for inputting account information via the input unit 23. A user normally inputs account information via the input unit 23 when authenticating a user on the display device 1. In contrast, in the embodiment, the account sharing function of the account information sharing unit 45 is used to cause the account information 504 registered as shared account information to be used in the processing related to user authentication by the user authentication unit 44. This allows the user to omit the account information input operation. Other details of the account information sharing unit 45 will be described later.

[0073] The user setting unit 46 realizes the user setting function of the display device 1. The user setting unit 46 displays a setting screen on the display unit 20 based on a user input operation. The user can perform general settings of the display device 1 on the setting screen based on the user input operation. The user setting unit 46 manages setting information 505 for managing the setting state in the storage 26, a non-volatile memory, or the like. Other processing units operate according to the setting state of the setting information 505.

[0074] [User authentication] The timing of user authentication for a content distribution service and an example of a communication procedure are as follows. User authentication is performed when logging in to a content distribution service as follows. The user's display device 1 accesses the content distribution service to log in based on the user's operation. The content distribution server 7 transmits a user authentication information request to the display device 1 for user authentication at the time of login. Upon receiving the user authentication information request, the display device 1 transmits user authentication information including account information to the content distribution server 7. Upon receiving the user authentication information, the content distribution server 7 compares and collates it with registered user authentication information to perform user authentication. If the user authentication is successful, the content distribution server 7 responds that login is permitted, and if the user authentication is unsuccessful, the content distribution server 7 responds that login is not permitted.

[0075] A content viewing portal screen may be provided to the device of a user who is an authenticated authorized user. The display device 1 displays the portal screen based on communication with the content distribution server 7. The portal screen includes content list information, etc. The user can select and search for content to view on the portal screen. When the user is logged in, the user can view content without user authentication. The display device 1 transmits a content playback request including the content ID of the content selected by the user to the content distribution server 7. Upon receiving the content playback request, the content distribution server 7 distributes the specified content.

[0076] The procedure for performing user authentication for each piece of content is as follows: The user's display device 1 sends a content playback request including the content ID of the content selected by the user on a portal screen or the like to the content distribution server 7. The content distribution server 7 sends a user authentication information request to the display device 1 for user authentication for each piece of content. Upon receiving the user authentication information request, the display device 1 sends user authentication information including account information to the content distribution server 7. The content distribution server 7 similarly performs user authentication, and if the user authentication is successful, responds that content playback is permitted and distributes the specified content, or if the user authentication is unsuccessful, responds that content playback is not permitted. The content playback request and user authentication information may be sent together.

[0077] [Initial setup] The operation and processing at the time of initial setup of account information in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 etc. Here, the initial setup refers to the setup required for enabling the user to view content on the display device 1 in the system of Fig. 1.

[0078] [Operation sequence] FIG. 5 shows an example of an operation sequence between devices at the time of initial setup in the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the multiple display devices 1 have the same functions, including an account information sharing unit 45. In the example of FIG. 5, a mobile terminal 2 of a user U1 is connected to a certain display device 1a in the home network 5, and its account information 101 is transferred and registered. Then, the account information 101 is shared and made available among the multiple display devices 1a to 1n in the home network 5. The initial setup in FIG. 5 includes operations up to and including registering the account information 101 held in the mobile terminal 2 as shared account information in the multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5. FIG. 5 includes steps S1 to S9. The steps will be described below in order.

[0079] (S1) A mobile terminal 2 of a user U1 is connected wirelessly or the like to any display device 1, for example, display device 1a, in the home network 5. For the sake of explanation, the display device 1a to which the mobile terminal 2 is connected in this manner is also referred to as a "first device."

[0080] (S2) The account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, communicates with the mobile terminal 2 and acquires the account information 101 stored in the mobile terminal 2 by transferring it to the display device 1a. This transfer may be performed by a request from the first device to the mobile terminal 2, or by an instruction from the mobile terminal 2 to the first device. The user may also perform an input operation corresponding to the initial setting on the mobile terminal 2 or the display device 1. The mobile terminal 2 or the display device 1 may receive the input operation and transfer the account information.

[0081] (S3) The account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, registers the account information 101 acquired from the mobile terminal 2 in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in its own storage 26 as shared account information.

[0082] (S4) Meanwhile, another display device 1 in the home network 5, for example, display device 1b, does not have account information at the time of initial setup. For the sake of explanation, the other display devices 1 such as display devices 1b to 1n are also referred to as "second devices." The account information sharing unit 45 of display device 1b, which is the second device, makes an inquiry about account information to another display device 1 in the home network 5, for example, display device 1a. This inquiry is an inquiry as to whether or not the account information is held, and includes a request for transfer if the account information is held.

[0083] (S5) When the display device 1a, which is the first device, receives an inquiry from the display device 1b, which is the second device, it responds. The account information sharing unit 45 of the first device reads out the account information registered as shared account information in its own storage 26, and transfers information including the account information to the display device 1b, which is the second device that made the inquiry.

[0084] (S6) When the inquiring display device 1b receives information including the account information transferred as a response from the inquired display device 1a, it registers the account information as shared account information in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in its own storage 26. As a result, the account information is held in the display device 1b as well. The same operation is performed on the other display devices 1, such as display device 1n, so that the same account information is held in each display device 1. As a result, the initial setup is complete. The above operation is the same regardless of which of the multiple display devices 1 becomes the first device or the second device. For example, when the mobile terminal 2 is connected to the display device 1b for the first time, the display device 1b becomes the first device and the other display device 1 becomes the second device.

[0085] (S7) Thereafter, when user authentication is performed between the first device, the display device 1a, and the content distribution server 7, the user authentication unit 44 can use the account information registered to the display device 1a in S3 to perform processing related to user authentication.

[0086] (S8) Then, suppose that the mobile terminal 2 of the user U1 is connected to the display device 1b, which is the second device. In this case, since the account information has already been registered in the display device 1b in S6, there is no need to transfer the account information from the mobile terminal 2 to the display device 1b, and account registration processing is not required.

[0087] (S9) In the second device, display device 1b, similarly to display device 1a, when user authentication is performed between the display device 1b and the content distribution server 7, the user authentication unit 44 can perform processing related to user authentication using the account information registered to the display device 1b in S6.

[0088] [Processing flow (1)] Fig. 6 shows a processing flow at the time of initial setup in the display device 1 of the first embodiment. (A) of Fig. 6 shows a first processing flow corresponding to the "first device" in Fig. 5. (B) of Fig. 6 shows a second processing flow corresponding to the "second device" in Fig. 5. (A) of Fig. 6 has steps S101 to S105. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0089] (S101) The first device connects to the mobile terminal 2.

[0090] (S102) The account information sharing unit 45 requests the portable terminal 2 to transfer the account information held in the portable terminal 2, and thereby causes the portable terminal 2 to transfer the account information to the display device 1. The account information sharing unit 45 receives and acquires the transferred account information.

[0091] (S103) The account information sharing unit 45 registers the account information obtained in S102 as shared account information in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in the storage 26. At this time, the account information sharing unit 45 may pass the account information to the user authentication unit 44, which may then register the account information.

[0092] (S104) The account information sharing unit 45 waits for an inquiry from a second device, which is another display device 1 on the home network 5. When the account information sharing unit 45 receives an inquiry from the second device (S104-Y), the process proceeds to S105.

[0093] (S105) In response to an inquiry from a second device, the account information sharing unit 45 determines whether it is okay to provide the account information to the second device. After confirming that there is no problem, the account information sharing unit 45 reads out the shared account information stored in the account information 504 in the storage 26 and transfers information including the account information to the second device that made the inquiry via the home network 5.

[0094] 6B includes steps S111 to S115. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0095] (S111) The account information sharing unit 45 of the second device checks whether account information is stored, i.e., whether shared account information has been registered, in the account information 504 in its own storage 26. If it is stored (S111-Y), the initial setup process ends, and if it is not stored (S111-N), the process proceeds to S112.

[0096] (S112) The account information sharing unit 45 checks whether other display devices 1 are connected to the home network 5. Note that this step can be omitted if the connections and the display devices 1 are known in advance. If other display devices 1 are connected (S112-Y), the process proceeds to S113; if not connected (S112-N), the process ends.

[0097] (S113) The account information sharing unit 45 transmits inquiry information regarding the account information to another display device 1 in the home network 5 via the home network 5. The other display device 1 to which the inquiry is made may be either a first device or a second device.

[0098] (S114) If account information is transferred as a response from the first device (S114-Y), the account information sharing unit 45 proceeds to S115. If no account information is transferred, the other display device 1 to which the inquiry is made is a second device that does not have account information. If there are other display devices 1, the account information sharing unit 45 makes a similar inquiry, and if no account information is transferred from any of the display devices 1 (S114-N), the process ends.

[0099] (S115) The account information sharing unit 45 registers the account information received from the first device as shared account information in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in its own storage 26. This completes the initial setup process.

[0100] As a modified example, the confirmation of possession of account information in the inquiry at S113 and the transfer request may be separated into separate communication steps. Furthermore, when making an inquiry, the second device may make the same inquiry to all other display devices 1 in the home network 5, or may make an inquiry to a specific display device 1. For example, if the account information sharing unit 45 knows in advance the identity of a first device in the home network 5, it may send a transfer request only to that first device. Furthermore, when transferring account information between display devices 1, the account information may be encrypted or the like.

[0101] The account information sharing unit 45 may manage, in a table, information on the possession and sharing status of account information among a plurality of display devices 1 in the home network 5. For example, for each piece of account information, the table may manage information such as the device ID of each display device 1, whether or not it possesses account information, and its role. Roles include first device, second device, etc.

[0102] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the content viewing system of embodiment 1, while the control of content viewing authority using account information is premised on being ensured, the effort required for the user to set account information on multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5 can be reduced, making it easy to use and convenient in a variety of environments and situations.

[0103] For example, in initial setup, the user only needs to register the account information held in the mobile terminal 2 to a first device, which is one display device 1 in the home network 5. This automatically registers the account information on multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5, making them available for shared use. There is no need to register account information for each individual display device 1 in the home network 5, which reduces the user's workload.

[0104] The conventional technology does not take into consideration the cooperation between a mobile terminal and a display device, and even if a mobile terminal has account information, it is not easy to share the account information among multiple display devices on a home network. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, such sharing can be easily achieved with a simple operation.

[0105] The following is an example of a variation of the first embodiment. For example, suppose that initially, there are a first television and a second television as multiple display devices 1 on the home network 5. Suppose that the account information of the mobile terminal 2 has already been registered on the first television. Suppose that a third television is newly added to the home. When the account information sharing unit 45 of the third television is connected to the home network 5, it queries another display device 1 on the home network 5, for example, the first television, for its own initial setup. Upon receiving the query, the first television transfers the account information to the third television. The third television registers the account information to itself and completes the initial setup. In other words, the account sharing function in the variation realizes a function of registering account information for sharing when the display device 1 is connected to the home network 5.

[0106] As a modified example, the display device 1 may be configured as a home system that enables communication between a plurality of display devices 1 and between the display device 1 and an external device without going through the home network 5. In this case, the account sharing function is a function that allows account information to be shared in the home system.

[0107] [First Modification] The following is a first possible variation of the first embodiment: A first device, which is a display device 1, registers the account information acquired from the mobile terminal 2 to itself and immediately transfers the account information to a second device, which is another display device 1 within the home network 5. The second device, which receives the immediately transferred account information, registers the account information to itself.

[0108] Fig. 7 shows an example of an operation sequence between devices at the time of initial setup in the first modified example of embodiment 1. Fig. 7 includes steps S11 to S16. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0109] (S11 to S13) In S11, the mobile terminal 2 of user U1 is connected to any one of the display devices 1, for example, display device 1a, in the home network 5. In S12, the account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, acquires the account information 101 held in the mobile terminal 2 by transferring it to the display device 1a. In S13, the account information sharing unit 45 registers the account information 101 acquired from the mobile terminal 2 as shared account information in its own user authentication information 503.

[0110] (S14) Furthermore, the account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, immediately transfers information including the account information of S13 to each of the second devices, which are the other display devices 1 in the home network 5. This immediate transfer information also serves as a registration instruction for the second device. This immediate transfer may be, for example, a broadcast transmission to the other display devices 1 in the home network 5, or a sequential transmission to each of the other display devices 1 in a predetermined order.

[0111] (S15) Meanwhile, each second device, e.g., display device 1b, which is another display device 1 on the home network 5, receives the information of the immediate transfer of S14 from the first device. The second device registers the account information as shared account information in its own user authentication information 503. As a result, the account information is held in display device 1b as well. Similarly, the account information is held in each display device 1. As a result, the initial setup is completed. The above operation is the same regardless of which of the multiple display devices 1 is the first device or the second device.

[0112] (S16) After that, when user authentication is performed between the display device 1a or the display device 1b and the content distribution server 7, the display device 1a or the display device 1b can use the account information registered therein to perform processing related to user authentication.

[0113] In the first modification of the first embodiment, the above-mentioned inquiry is unnecessary, and by performing immediate transfer, the time required for initial setup can be reduced.

[0114] (Embodiment 2) A display device 1 and the like according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Below, components of the second embodiment that differ from those of the first embodiment will be described. The second embodiment, like the first embodiment, realizes account information sharing on the home network 5, but the processing method therefor differs in part from that of the first embodiment.

[0115] In the second embodiment, among the multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5, a first device, which is a display device 1 on which account information of a mobile terminal 2 is registered, is designated as an "account server." The "account server" here refers to a device and role that typically manages account information within the home network 5. Account information is not registered in a second device, which is another display device 1 within the home network 5. Whenever account information is required for user authentication, the second device accesses the account server, which is the first device, and refers to and uses the account information.

[0116] [Operation sequence] Fig. 8 shows an example of an operation sequence between devices at the time of initial setup in embodiment 2. Fig. 8 includes steps S21 to S28. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0117] (S21) The mobile terminal 2 of the user U1 is connected to one of the display devices 1 in the home network 5, for example, the display device 1a.

[0118] (S22) The account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, acquires the account information 101 held in the mobile terminal 2 by transferring it to the display device 1a.

[0119] (S23) The account information sharing unit 45 registers the account information 101 acquired from the mobile terminal 2 as shared account information in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in its own storage 26. The display device 1a, which is the first device, becomes an account server that manages the shared account information. This basically completes the initial setup.

[0120] After S23, a step may be further provided in which the display device 1a, which is the first device, notifies each of the other display devices 1, which are second devices, that the display device 1a has become an account server.

[0121] (S24) Meanwhile, a second device, which is another display device 1 on the home network 5, does not have account information. Assume that user authentication with the content distribution server 7 occurs in the second device, for example, display device 1b. In other words, it is assumed that account information is required for user authentication.

[0122] (S25) The account information sharing unit 45 of the second device transmits a request to the account server, which is the first device in the home network 5, to refer to the account information.

[0123] (S26) When the account information sharing unit 45 of the first device receives the reference request from the second device, it transmits the account information registered in itself in S23 to the requesting second device as a response.

[0124] (S27) The account information sharing unit 45 of the second device uses the account information received from the first device in processing related to user authentication by the user authentication unit 44 without registering it to itself.

[0125] (S28) After that, when user authentication is performed between the display device 1a, which is an account server, and the content distribution server 7, the display device 1a can use its own account information to perform processing related to user authentication.

[0126] The above operation is the same regardless of which of the multiple display devices 1 serves as the first device or the second device. In the above example, only one display device 1a is used as the account server, but this is not limiting, and two or more devices may serve as account servers. In this case, the second device may access any of the account servers.

[0127] Furthermore, only a specific display device 1 among the multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5 may be set to be an account server. For example, the display device 1 is set to be the account server only by using a user setting function of the display device 1. In this case, devices other than the display device 1a are controlled based on the setting so as not to become account servers, even if a mobile terminal 2 is connected to them first.

[0128] [Processing flow] Fig. 9 shows a processing flow at the time of initial setup in the display device 1 of the second embodiment. (A) of Fig. 9 shows a first processing flow corresponding to the account server which is the first device. (B) of Fig. 9 shows a second processing flow corresponding to the second device. (A) of Fig. 9 has steps S141 to S145. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0129] (S141 to S143) Steps S141 to S143 are the same as steps S101 to S103 in the first embodiment.

[0130] (S144, S145) At S144, the account information sharing unit 45 of the first device, which is an account server, waits for a request to refer to account information from a second device, which is another display device 1 on the home network 5. When the account information sharing unit 45 receives the request to refer to account information, (S144-Y), the process proceeds to S145. At S145, the account information sharing unit 45 transmits its own account information to the second device in response to the request to refer to account information.

[0131] 9B includes steps S151 to S155. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0132] (S151 to S153) At S151, if the user authentication unit 44 needs to authenticate the user, i.e., if account information is needed (S151-Y), the account information sharing unit 45 of the second device proceeds to S152. At S152, the account information sharing unit 45 checks whether an account server, which is the first device, is connected to the home network 5. If it is connected (S152Y), the process proceeds to S152. At S153, the account information sharing unit 45 sends a request to reference account information to the account server, which is the first device.

[0133] (S154, S155) In S154, if the account information sharing unit 45 receives account information transferred as a response from the account server that is the first device (S154), the process proceeds to S155. In S155, the account information sharing unit 45 uses the account information received in S154 for user authentication in the user authentication unit 44, and ends the process without registering it in its own storage 26.

[0134] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to realize account information sharing in the home network 5, similar to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a step of referring to the first device from the second device is required for user authentication, but there is an advantage in that the account information can be securely stored only in the first device. Furthermore, when changing settings to cancel the shared state, it is only necessary to delete the shared account information in the first device.

[0135] (Embodiment 3) 10 to 12, a display device 1 and the like according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Below, the components of the third embodiment that differ from the first embodiment will be described. The third embodiment assumes a situation that may occur when multiple pieces of account information for multiple mobile terminals 2 are registered in the display device 1 of the home network 5. The third embodiment has a function of deleting the account information registered in the display device 1 as a setting change depending on the situation.

[0136] [Content viewing system] FIG. 10 shows an example of a content viewing system and an operation sequence according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 differs from FIG. 1 in that user U2, a friend of user U1, is invited to the home of user U1. User U1 has his / her own mobile terminal 2a, which is "smartphone A," and user U2 has his / her own mobile terminal 2b, which is "smartphone B." As in the first embodiment, user U1 has account information 101 relating to content distribution service X1 on mobile terminal 2a. User U2 also has account information 102 (denoted by A2) relating to content distribution service X1 on mobile terminal 2b. User U2 can normally use content distribution service X1 at his / her home or the like using his / her own display device, mobile terminal 2b, and its account information 102.

[0137] In the example of FIG. 11, a user U2 visiting the home of user U1 temporarily uses the display device 1 owned by user U1, and uses the account information 102 of the mobile terminal 2b to access the content distribution service X1 and view the content. After that, user U2 leaves the home of user U1 and returns home. User U2 uses the same content distribution service X1 from, for example, a display device at home. In the third embodiment, a function for controlling the shared account information of the display device 1 in user U1's home in such a situation is described.

[0138] [Operation sequence] An example of an operation sequence according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 includes steps S31 to S36. The steps will be described below in order.

[0139] (S31) First, the operation performed in the home of user U1 is basically the same as that described in embodiment 1. That is, account information 101 held in mobile terminal 2a is registered as shared account information in display device 1a, for example.

[0140] (S32) The mobile terminal 2b of the user U2, who is a guest visiting the house of the user U1, is connected to, for example, the display device 1a.

[0141] (S33) The account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, acquires the account information 102 held in the mobile terminal 2b by transfer. The display device 1a registers the account information 102 in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in its own storage 26. The account information 504 now includes both the account information 101 of user U1 and the account information 102 of user U2.

[0142] In this example, the account information is shared by causing only one display device 1a to hold the guest's account information 102. However, similar to the first embodiment and the like, the account sharing function can also cause a plurality of display devices 1 on the home network 5 to hold the guest's account information 102. In this case, the account information sharing unit 45 transfers the account information between the display devices 1, similar to the first embodiment and the like. This allows the user U2 to view content on each display device 1. In addition, the guest's mobile terminal 2b can be connected to any of the display devices 1 on the home network 5 and the account information 102 can be registered therein. As will be described later, the user can also set whether or not the guest's account information can be registered on the display device 1.

[0143] (S34) The account information 102 of the user U2 is now registered in the display device 1a. Therefore, the user U2 can view content from the content distribution service X1 on the display device 1a through user authentication using the account information 102.

[0144] (S35) After that, user U2 finishes viewing the content and leaves user U1's house, for example, to go home. State 1101 shows a state in which user U2's mobile terminal 2b is outside user U1's house, for example, at user U2's home. User U2 uses content distribution service X1 from content distribution server 7 via external network 6 through the display device at his home and mobile terminal 2b.

[0145] In this way, when the mobile terminal 2b, which was initially inside the home of user U1 and registered account information 102 on the display device 1a, leaves the home, the account information 102 of user U2 exists both inside the home of user U1 and outside the home of user U1. In such a situation, in a conventional system, requests to the content distribution server may occur from inside the home of user U1 and from outside the home of user U1. In this case, depending on the service design, if content viewing at different locations is not permitted, the content distribution server may, for example, fail user authentication for one of the requests and not permit viewing. The third embodiment is a technology that takes such a situation into account.

[0146] (S35) The account sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, periodically checks the location of the mobile terminal 2 that has registered account information, for example, the mobile terminal 2b. To check the location, the account sharing unit 45 detects and determines, via the home network 5, whether the registration source mobile terminal 2 is in a home associated with the home network 5 of the user U1. This location check is realized, for example, as follows.

[0147] The display device 1 may detect and determine whether the mobile terminal 2 is inside or outside the home by determining whether the mobile terminal 2 is connected to the home network 5. This connection determination may be a determination of whether there is a wireless connection between the display device 1 and the mobile terminal 2, or a determination of the connection between the display device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 via the home network 5. The display device 1 may also attempt a wireless connection to the mobile terminal 2 based on information from the initial wireless connection with the mobile terminal 2, and make a determination based on the result. That is, the display device 1 may determine that it is inside the home if it can wirelessly connect to the mobile terminal 2 or if it receives a response, and may determine that it is outside the home if it cannot wirelessly connect to the mobile terminal 2 or if it receives no response. The display device 1 may also determine that it is outside the home if it first wirelessly connects to the mobile terminal 2 and then the wireless connection is disconnected, or if a predetermined time has passed since the disconnection, etc.

[0148] The location confirmation may be realized by using short-range wireless communication between the display device 1 or devices constituting the home network 5 and the mobile terminal 2. The location confirmation may be realized by using a beacon or the like emitted by the mobile terminal 2 and detecting the beacon or the like by the display device 1. That is, the display device 1 may determine that the mobile terminal 2 is outside the home when the mobile terminal 2 leaves a predetermined radius distance range associated with the home.

[0149] In S35, the display device 1a detects that, among the multiple mobile terminals 2 present in the home of the user U1, the specific mobile terminal 2b, which has registered account information, is not present in the home, ie, is outside the home.

[0150] (S36) Based on the detection of being away from home in S35, the account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a deletes the account information 102 of the mobile terminal 2b that is registered and owned by the display device 1a. This updates the setting state of the display device 1a and invalidates the account information 102 so that it cannot be used for user authentication. This prevents user U2 from continuing to view content on the display device 1 within user U1's home.

[0151] [Processing flow] 11 shows a processing flow of the display device 1 according to the third embodiment as the first device. FIG. 11 includes steps S161 to S165. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0152] (S161 to S163) In S161, the first device connects to the guest's portable terminal 2, for example, the portable terminal 2b of user U2. In S162, the account information sharing unit 45 of the first device acquires the account information of the guest's portable terminal 2 by transfer. In S163, the account information sharing unit 45 registers the guest's account information in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in its own storage 26.

[0153] (S164, S165) In S164, the account information sharing unit 45 periodically checks the location of the guest's mobile terminal 2, which is the registration source of the account information in S163. If the account information sharing unit 45 detects and determines that the guest's mobile terminal 2 is not inside the home, i.e., is outside the home (S164-N), the process proceeds to S165. In S165, the account information sharing unit 45 deletes the account information of the guest's mobile terminal 2, which is registered in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in its own storage 26.

[0154] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the third embodiment, even when a friend or other person who comes to the user's home temporarily uses the display device 1 of the home network 5 to view content, the settings can be easily made. In this case, the guest's account information registered on the display device 1 in the home is deleted when the guest's mobile terminal 2 leaves the home. This eliminates the need to worry about the account information being used continuously. The guest user is also prevented from viewing content using the display device 1 from outside the home.

[0155] [First Modification] The following is a first modification of the third embodiment: In this first modification, the location of the mobile terminal 2 is confirmed and account information is deleted depending on the result of user authentication.

[0156] 12 shows a processing flow of the display device 1 functioning as the first device in the first modification of the third embodiment. Fig. 12 includes steps S171 to S176. The steps will be explained below in order.

[0157] (S171) As in the third embodiment, the account information of the guest's mobile terminal 2 is registered in the display device 1.

[0158] (S172, S173) In S172, user authentication with the content distribution server 7 occurs. Based on the operation of the guest user, the display device 1 transmits a content playback request, etc. to the content distribution server 7 in accordance with a normal content viewing operation sequence. At this time, the user authentication unit 44 uses the guest's account information registered in the display device 1 and transmits user authentication information including the account information to the content distribution server 7. The user authentication unit 44 receives the result of the user authentication from the content distribution server 7. In S173, if the result of the user authentication is unsuccessful (S173-Y), the display device 1 proceeds to S174.

[0159] (S174, S175) At S174, the account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1 checks the location of the guest's portable terminal 2, which is the registration source of the account information. If the guest's portable terminal 2 is inside the home (S174-Y), there is no problem, so the process ends. If the guest is not inside the home (S174-N), proceed to S175. At S175, the account information sharing unit 45, in cooperation with the user authentication unit 44, deletes the account information of the guest's portable terminal 2 that is registered to the user.

[0160] When deleting account information, if the account information is held on multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5, the first device also deletes the account information held on those multiple display devices 1. In this case, for example, the first device transmits an instruction to delete the account information to a second device, which is another display device 1 in the home network 5. The second device, upon receiving the instruction, deletes the corresponding account information registered therein.

[0161] In the first modification of the third embodiment, when the user authentication fails in a situation where account information exists both inside and outside the home of the user U1 as described above, the account information is deleted. This provides the same effect as the third embodiment. Note that the location confirmation step of S174 may be omitted, and the account information may be deleted immediately if the user authentication fails.

[0162] (Fourth embodiment) A display device 1 etc. according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16. The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Below, the components of the fourth embodiment that differ from the first embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the account sharing function does not require the same operation and settings for multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5, but allows different operation and settings for each display device 1. In the fourth embodiment, restrictions are imposed on each display device 1 with respect to the account sharing function. In the fourth embodiment, it is possible to set for each individual display device 1 whether or not to use the account sharing function, i.e., whether or not to share account information.

[0163] The display device 1 of the fourth embodiment provides a user setting function that enables settings related to the account sharing function to be set as user settings. This user setting function is realized using the user setting unit 46 of FIG. 4. The user setting unit 46 cooperates with the account information sharing unit 45. The state of the user settings is managed using setting information 505. The account information sharing unit 45 controls whether or not to share account information for each display device 1, based on the setting information 505 of the user setting unit 46.

[0164] In the display device 1 of the fourth embodiment, when the account information related to the account sharing function is initially set, an account registration screen is provided and an account registration process is performed. The first device registers the account information through the account registration screen.

[0165] The display device 1 of the fourth embodiment uses a user setting function to display a setting screen on the display device 1. The user can configure settings related to the account sharing function for multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5 while viewing the setting screen.

[0166] Depending on the setting using the user setting function, it is possible to select and set the method to be used from the various methods shown in the above-mentioned first to third embodiments. For example, it is possible to set that a specific display device 1 can become a first device as in the first embodiment, but the specific display device 1 cannot become a first device. It is also possible to set that a specific display device 1 can become an account server as in the second embodiment, but the other display devices cannot become account servers. It is also possible to set that a specific display device 1 can become a first device in which guest account information can be registered as in the third embodiment.

[0167] In the fourth embodiment, the following settings are also possible for the account sharing function. When one mobile terminal 2 has multiple pieces of account information, it is possible to select to register some of the account information on the display device 1, rather than registering all of the account information on all of the multiple pieces of account information. Also, when there are multiple mobile terminals 2 with account information, it is possible to select to register some of the account information on the display device 1, rather than registering the account information on all of the multiple mobile terminals 2. It is also possible to set a specific content from a content group of a content distribution service associated with the account information to be viewable or not viewable.

[0168] Settings related to account information sharing can be made for each piece of account information and for each mobile terminal 2. For example, suppose a first mobile terminal has first and second account information. By user settings, the first account information can be shared by all display devices in the home network 5, and the second account information can be held only by a specific display device 1.

[0169] The user setting unit 46 displays a setting screen on the display unit 20, and the user can perform user settings by inputting information via the input means 23 to the display device 1 while viewing the setting screen. As described above, the user may also operate the display device 1 from the mobile terminal 2, thereby enabling user settings to be performed in the same way. In this case, the user setting unit 46 may display the setting screen on the screen of the mobile terminal 2.

[0170] The following are possible timings for performing user settings using the user setting function. Basically, the user can call up and use the setting screen of the user setting function by operating the display device 1 or the mobile terminal 2 at any time. For example, user settings can be made in advance before the initial setup. User settings can also be made after the initial setup. When performing the initial setup, an account registration screen is displayed, but it is also possible to transition to the setting screen at that time.

[0171] [Content viewing system] Fig. 13 shows an example of a content viewing system and an operation sequence according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 differs from Fig. 1 in that user U1 has account information 111 (denoted by A001) on his / her mobile terminal 2A and another account information 112 (denoted by A002) on another mobile terminal 2B. The account information 111 is for content distribution service X1 of content distribution server 7a, and the account information 112 is for content distribution service X2 of content distribution server 7b.

[0172] The display device 1a displays an account registration screen at the time of initial setup by the user setting unit 46, and also displays a setting screen at any timing.

[0173] [Operation sequence] An example of an operation sequence at the time of initial setup in the fourth embodiment will be described using Fig. 13. In this example, account information 111 held in mobile terminal 2A is registered in display device 1a and is shared by all display devices 1 in the home network 5. Account information 112 held in mobile terminal 2B is registered only in a specific display device 1 based on user settings. Fig. 13 includes steps S41 to S48. The steps will be described below in order.

[0174] (S41) First, a description will be given of the registration of the account information 111. For example, a mobile terminal 2A is connected to the display device 1a.

[0175] (S42) At the time of initial setup, the user setting unit 46 of the display device 1a, which is the first device, displays an account registration screen (FIG. 14 described below) on the screen of the display unit 20 of the display device 1a. The user looks at the account registration screen and confirms whether or not to register the account information 111 held in the mobile terminal 2A as shared account information of all display devices 1, including the display device 1a. If the user wishes to register, he or she inputs an instruction to that effect.

[0176] (S43) The user setting unit 46 performs account registration processing based on the user confirmation input via the account registration screen of S42, and registers the account information 111 in the display device 1a. This processing specifically includes S44 to S46.

[0177] (S44 to S46) In S44, the account information sharing unit 45 acquires the account information 111 from the mobile terminal 2 by transfer. In S45, the account information sharing unit 45 registers the account information 111 as shared account information in the account information 504 of the user authentication information 503 in the storage 26. In S46, the account information sharing unit 45 performs transfer, etc., in the same manner as in the first embodiment, etc., so that the account information 111 is shared among the multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5. For example, the account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1n registers the account information 111 transferred from the display device 1a to itself.

[0178] (S47) Thereafter, for example, the user can connect the mobile terminal 2A to the display device 1n and use the content distribution service X1 from the display device 1n. At this time, because the account information 111 has already been registered in the display device 1n as shared account information, the display device 1n does not output an account registration screen. The display device 1n makes a request for, for example, content C1 to the content distribution server 7a based on a user operation. When authenticating the user, the display device 1n creates user authentication information using the account information 111 held by itself and transmits it to the content distribution server 7a. This allows the user to view the content C1 from the content distribution server 7a on the display device 1n without the hassle of registering account information.

[0179] (S48) The account information 112 in the mobile terminal 2B is registered as follows. The user U1 invokes the user setting function by performing an input operation on one of the display devices 1, for example, the display device 1a. At this time, the user U1 may connect the mobile terminal 2B to the display device 1a and perform the input operation. The user setting unit 46 displays a setting screen (see FIG. 15 described below) on the display device 1a. The setting screen has setting items for each of the multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5, such as whether or not to share account information. If the user U1 wants to register the account information 112 only on the display device 1a, for example, the user U1 selects and sets that the account information 112 is to be registered only on the display device 1a on the setting screen. The user setting unit 46 saves this setting state in the setting information 505. If the user U1 subsequently wishes to complete the registration of the account information 112, he or she connects the mobile terminal 2B to, for example, the display device 1a. The account information sharing unit 45 of the display device 1a registers the account information 112 in its own storage 26 based on the setting information 505, and does not register the account information 112 in other display devices 1.

[0180] [Account registration screen] 14 shows an example of an account registration screen output by the display device 1 connected to the mobile terminal 1 at the time of initial setup. This account registration screen includes items f1, f2, and f3.

[0181] Item f1 displays a message for confirming registration, etc. In this example, item f1 displays "Do you want to register the account information on your mobile device as shared account information for all TVs including "TV1"?" Item f1 also displays the content of the account information for confirmation. Item f1 also displays Yes and No buttons corresponding to whether or not to register. The user can select whether or not to register in item f1. If "Register" (Yes) is selected, this corresponds to a setting that the account sharing function is used on all display devices 1 in the home network 5. Then, the operation sequence shown in embodiment 1 etc. is automatically executed.

[0182] Furthermore, if "Do not register" (No) is selected in item f1, item f2 may be displayed. Item f2 is an item that corresponds to the case where account information is registered only on one display device 1, as in the past. In this example, item f2 displays "Do you want to register the account information held on your mobile terminal as account information only on "TV1"?" If "Register" (Yes) is selected, the account sharing function is not applied, and the account information is not registered on other display devices 1 on the home network 5.

[0183] Item f3 displays a button that allows the user to configure settings related to the account sharing function. When item f3 is selected, the screen transitions to a settings screen such as that shown in FIG.

[0184] [Settings screen] 15 shows an example of a setting screen displayed by the user setting function of the user setting unit 46. This setting screen includes items g1 to g5. In this example, an example of a display at the time of initial setting is shown.

[0185] Item g1 is an item for setting whether or not to use the account sharing function for multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5. The user can select whether or not to use it in this item g1. If use is selected in this item g1, the account sharing function described in the first embodiment etc. is applied in an enabled state, and details can be set in items g2 and below. If not use is selected in this item g1, it is not applied, and the operation is the same as conventional.

[0186] Item g2 is a setting item regarding whether or not to perform individual settings for each device. The user can select whether or not to perform individual settings. If individual settings are set in item g2, the details can be set in item g4.

[0187] Item g3 is a setting item for determining whether or not to apply the account sharing function to the guest's mobile terminal 2 as in embodiment 3. If sharing is set in this item g3, the content can be similarly set in another item (not shown).

[0188] Item g4 is an item for individual settings for each device. In this example, item g4 displays a table for settings. The user setting unit 46 displays a table with content corresponding to the current setting state based on the setting information 505. This table has items such as the name and device ID of the display device 1, which is the device, whether account sharing is possible, and whether content is possible. The "account sharing possible" item allows setting whether the account sharing function is applied for each display device 1 indicated by the device ID. The user can set whether or not to apply the account sharing function for each display device 1 by operating the check button in the "account sharing possible" item, for example. A display device 1 set to "yes" in this item operates using the account sharing function. A display device 1 set to "no" in this item does not operate using the account sharing function. For example, a display device 1n indicated by "TVn" in the fourth row is set to "no," is not the first or second device described above, and does not have account information.

[0189] Item g4 is an example of a display at the time of initial setup before account information is registered, and does not display items of individual account information or information related to the mobile terminal 2. Items that enable individual settings for each account information or for each mobile terminal 2 can also be realized in the same way.

[0190] The "Content Availability" item is a setting item for determining whether each piece of content can be viewed on the display device 1 identified by the device ID. The "Content Availability" item can be configured using item g5. Item g5 is a setting item for determining whether each piece of content can be viewed. Item g5 also allows the selection of the ID of a content distribution service associated with account information. Item g5 displays a content list for each account information and content distribution service. The display device 1 acquires content list information based on communication with the content distribution server 7. In this example, item g5 displays a list of content corresponding to certain account information in a table. Alternatively, icons for each piece of content may be displayed. Each piece of content in the list has items such as explanatory information (not shown) and whether it can be viewed. The user can set whether each piece of content can be viewed by, for example, operating a check button in the "View Availability" item. Note that a format in which all content is basically shared and non-shared content can be selected, or a format in which all content is basically non-shared and shared content can be selected, may also be used.

[0191] [Settings information] FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration of a table of setting information 505 managed by the user setting unit 46. The table in FIG. 16 has columns for account information, mobile terminal device ID, display device device ID, sharing availability, and content availability. The first column, "Account Information," indicates the account information held by the mobile terminal 2. The second column, "Mobile Terminal Device ID," indicates the device ID of the mobile terminal 2. The third column, "Display Device ID," indicates the device ID, e.g., MAC address, of the display device 1. The fourth column, "Sharing Availability," is a flag indicating whether the display device 1 in the third column holds and shares the account information in the first column. The fifth column, "Content Availability," indicates a setting value related to whether each piece of content is viewable or unviewable. For example, "ALL" indicates a setting value that makes all content in the content distribution service associated with the account information viewable. In addition, individual content IDs can be written in this column, making it possible to set content that is viewable or unviewable.

[0192] Lines 1 to 3 show the setting for account information "A001" to be shared by three display devices 1 using the account sharing function. Lines 4 to 6 show the setting for account information "A002" to be registered only on display device 1a out of the three display devices 1. For account information "B001", the setting is shown for display device 1a to have it stored, but only specific content "C00003" can be viewed.

[0193] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, a user setting function and the like related to the account sharing function are provided, which allows the user to easily register an account and perform user settings while viewing the screen. The setting operation can be performed directly on the display device 1 alone, or from the mobile terminal 2. Using the user setting function, the user can easily perform all settings related to the account sharing function for multiple display devices 1 in the home network 5 on the screen of the display device 1 or the mobile terminal 2. Therefore, compared to setting account information individually for multiple devices as in the prior art, the user's effort is reduced and setting errors can be prevented.

[0194] The present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Combinations of the above-described embodiments, substitutions, additions, and deletions of components, etc. are also possible. Each component and means can be realized by software program processing or hardware circuits, etc. Various data, information, and programs within the device may be stored on an external recording medium or on a device on an external network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 1, 1a, 1b, 1n...display device, 2...mobile terminal, 5...home network, 6...external network, 7...content distribution server, 8...broadcast station, 42...content playback unit, 44...user authentication unit, 45...account information sharing unit, 46...user setting unit, 101...account information.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A first display device and a second display device capable of communicating with each other via a predetermined network; a terminal device capable of communicating with each of the first display device and the second display device; An information processing method in a system comprising: a first step of acquiring, by the first display device, account information held in the terminal device from the terminal device; a second step of the first display device sharing the account information acquired in the first step with the second display device connected to the predetermined network; having In the second step, the first display device can be set not to share the account information with the second display device. Information processing methods.

2. A display device capable of communicating with other display devices via a predetermined network; A mobile terminal capable of communicating with the display device; The display device in a content viewing system comprising: Communicating with the mobile terminal and acquiring account information held in the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal; sharing the acquired account information with the other display devices connected to the predetermined network; The display device can be set so as not to share the account information with the other display devices. Display device.

Images