Video content distribution system and television receiver

Abstract

To enable a list display of metadata for selecting video content provided by a plurality of server systems.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a distribution system for television that is composed of a plurality of server systems that distribute video content, an intermediate shared server that receives and converts metadata for selecting video content, and a receiving terminal that receives the video content and the converted metadata, and that allows easy selection of video content distributed via communication by presenting video content provided by a plurality of servers on the same screen in a mixed screen that is easy for a viewer to understand, such as by category.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a video content distribution system and a television receiver, and more specifically to a metadata-based television distribution system which is composed of multiple server systems that distribute video content, an intermediate shared server that receives and converts metadata for selecting video content, and a receiving terminal that receives the video content and the converted metadata, and which presents video content provided by the multiple servers on the same screen in an easy-to-understand mixed screen for the viewer by category, such as content genre or region, thereby enabling easy selection of video content distributed via communication. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, advances in networks have led to the launch of many video distribution services. In particular, large-screen television receivers can no longer just receive broadcasts as before, but can now connect to networks and play distributed videos, allowing viewers to enjoy higher-quality, more realistic images. This has become possible thanks to faster networks and improved processing capabilities in television receivers, and it is expected that in the future there will be more opportunities to display and operate a variety of video content provided by networks on television receivers.

[0003] In this situation, viewers want a way to more easily select their favorite video content from the many video contents distributed by communication. Video content distributors, or video content providers, are also making efforts to make it easier for viewers to select video content. In this situation, multiple video content providers are distributing various video contents to viewers, and the number of video content providers has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase in the future.

[0004] Providers of such video content usually use metadata to explain the video content to viewers so that they can understand the contents of the video content when they watch it. Metadata here refers to data that defines the title, summary, and cast of the video content, and can also provide image information such as thumbnails to make it easier for viewers to understand.

[0005] Incidentally, the number of content providers providing video content over a network is increasing every year, allowing viewers to select more video content. However, since the increasing number of video content providers each provide different metadata to viewers, viewers are forced to select content from each video content provider. Under such circumstances, viewers select their preferred video content from the selected video content provider, but if they cannot find the preferred content, they are forced to perform complicated operations such as moving to another video content provider and selecting the preferred video content again. Furthermore, since current television receivers select programs by remote control operation, which is premised on relatively simple operations compared to personal computers and smartphones, viewers are forced to perform more complicated operations. However, television receivers have more advanced screens than personal computers and smartphones, and are capable of presenting a lot of information on the screen at once.

[0006] Thus, video content viewers desire a way to select their preferred video content from a greater number of video content providers with simpler operations using the large screen characteristics of television receivers and remote controls. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-253367 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention relates to a television distribution system that is composed of a plurality of server systems that distribute video content, an intermediate shared server that receives and converts metadata for selecting video content, and a receiving terminal that receives the video content and the converted metadata, and that is capable of receiving the metadata and displaying a list of metadata for selecting video content provided by the plurality of server systems.

[0009] In particular, the distribution system according to the present invention makes it possible to display a list of metadata transmitted from a server system that provides multiple video distribution contents on a television screen, thereby improving the convenience for viewers of video content to select their preferred video content with simpler operations.

[0010] The intermediate shared server method is a distribution system that can process metadata provided by different video distribution servers in a common manner. With this method, the intermediate shared server can convert metadata provided by multiple different distribution servers, and the television receiver can present a content selection screen to the viewer using the metadata in a uniform process.

[0011] This example is an excellent distribution system that improves the convenience of viewer video content selection. However, there are some issues with displaying metadata provided by different distribution servers on the same screen at the same time:

[0012] 1) Although metadata is standardized through processing by the intermediate shared server, the processing unit is simply each distribution server, and metadata is closed to each company that operates the distribution server. 2) When presenting content by category (genre, region, etc.) across different distribution servers, the processing unit is each distribution server, so viewers will need to make multiple selections, such as switching providers. 3) When presenting video content from content providers in a program guide or the like, the order of the content providers is fixed, making it impossible to realize a flexible arrangement.

[0013] In response to the above problems, the present invention provides the following solutions.

[0014] 1) By introducing an identifier that transcends different distribution servers, it becomes possible to present a wider range of video content in lists and by category. 2) By introducing program list information that transcends each distribution server, video content can be arranged freely without depending on each distribution server. 3) Video content can be presented in order of category based on the viewer's preferences, making it possible to select video content with simpler operations.

[0015] An embodiment of a conventional video distribution system is shown in FIG.

[0016] The distribution system 1100 is composed of a distribution content unit 1101, an encoder 1102, a distribution unit 1103, and a program information unit 1104. Video content output from the distribution content unit 1101 is compressed by the encoder 1102 and input to the distribution unit 1103. The distribution unit 1103 outputs a video and audio stream to a stream distribution network 1400.

[0017] The output of the program information unit 1104 is output to the receiving unit 1501 of the intermediate shared server 1500. The program information unit 11104 generates metadata for program selection and outputs it to the intermediate shared server 1500.

[0018] Distribution system 1200 is composed of a distribution content unit 1201, an encoder 1202, a distribution unit 1203, and a program information unit 1204, and distribution system 1300 is composed of a distribution content unit 1301, an encoder 1302, a distribution unit 1303, and a program information unit 1304, and distribution systems 1200 and 1300 operate in the same manner as distribution system 1100.

[0019] The intermediate shared server 1500 is composed of a receiving unit 1501, a program information storage unit 1503, and a transmitting unit 1502. The receiving unit 1501 receives metadata output from the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300, and stores it in the program information storage unit 1503. The metadata transmitted from each distribution system is integrated by the program information storage unit 1503, and then transmitted to the television receivers 1600 and 1700 by the transmitting unit 1502. In this embodiment, a configuration with three distribution systems and two television receivers is illustrated, but even if the number of distribution systems and television receivers increases, it is possible to deal with this by improving the receiving and transmitting capabilities of the intermediate shared server.

[0020] The television receiver 1600 is composed of a receiving unit 1603, a decoder 1602, a content display unit 1601, a program information processing unit 1604, a selection screen unit 1605, a control unit 1606, and a remote control 1607. The receiving unit 1603 receives a video / audio stream transmitted via the stream distribution network 1400, and outputs it to the decoder 1602. The decoder expands the compressed video / audio stream, restores it to the original video content, and outputs it to the content display unit 1601. Meanwhile, the program information processing unit 1604 receives metadata transmitted from the intermediate shared server 1500, and outputs the processing result of the metadata to the selection screen 1605. The selection screen unit forms a screen for program selection, and outputs the result to the content display unit 1601. Here, the viewer uses the remote control 1607 to transmit a command to the control unit 1606, thereby executing a predetermined process.

[0021] The television receiver 1700 is made up of a receiving unit 1703, a decoder 1702, a content display unit 1701, a program information processing unit 1704, a selection screen unit 1705, a control unit 1706, and a remote control 1707. The television receiver 1700 operates in the same manner as the television receiver 1600.

[0022] FIG. 11 shows a conventional example of metadata.

[0023] Metadata is a symbol for defining data, and defines metadata symbols and associates them with specific data.

[0024] The metadata format will be described using channel information 2060 as an example.

[0025] Channel information 2060 has service ID 2061, service name 2062, and service logo 2063 as elements. Here, as a display format of metadata, the values ​​are determined after defining each symbol. For example, when the service ID 2061 is defined by the symbols service_id, the service name by service_name, and the service logo by service_logo_url, the values ​​are determined as follows.

[0026] · service_id:100. ·service_name:Channel A ·service_logo_url:http: / / www.aaa.co.jp / logo

[0027] Here, each value is shown as an example. More specifically, a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format or the like is used. JSON is defined in IETF STD 90 RFC8259.

[0028] The program guide displays the contents in a TV guide format in order to select video content for x year x month x day. Here, the program guide information 2050 for x year x month x day has a program information list 2051, and the program information list 2051 can accommodate a plurality of program information 2080 as a list. A program guide screen is configured by the plurality of program information 2080 included in this program information list 2051. A program ID 2081, which is an element of the program information 2080, is used to identify the program information, the value of the program name 2082 is displayed as the title of the program guide screen, the program description 2083 is displayed as the program description of the program guide, and the program thumbnail 2086 is displayed as a program guide screen thumbnail. In addition, the program start time 2084 is displayed as the time on the program guide screen, and information such as the title is displayed in an area according to the program length 2085.

[0029] The program genre 2087 indicates attributes of video content, such as news, sports, and entertainment. The program guide screen can be configured with three types of programs: current programs that can be viewed now, future programs that will be viewable in the future, and past programs that have already been distributed, and applies the video information 2010 corresponding to each of them. Video information of current programs is specified by a current program video ID 2088, video information of future programs is specified by a future program video ID 2089, and video information of past programs is specified by a past program video ID 2090.

[0030] Video information 2010 has a video ID 2016 for identification from external information, and further, a content name 2017 indicates the title of the video content. Content description 2018 indicates an overview of the video content, and video thumbnail 2019 is used as a thumbnail for the video content, and video genre 2020 indicates whether the video content belongs to a certain genre such as news, sports, entertainment, etc. Video URL 2021 indicates a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for identifying a server that distributes a video and audio stream, performer names 2022 indicate actors appearing in the video content, and staff 2023 indicates the director who produced the video content, etc.

[0031] The above operation is the operation of a program guide for a specific channel at a specific date and time, and since a specific channel actually composes program guides for a plurality of dates and times, channel information 2060 is introduced. Channel information 2060 is composed of a service ID 2061, a service name 2062, and a service logo 2063, and further stores a list 2064 of program guide information for x year, x month, x day. Service ID 2061 is a value to be displayed on the channel on the program guide screen, and service name displays the name of each channel. Service logo 2063 is information used as an auxiliary for viewers to easily identify channels.

[0032] Furthermore, since there are multiple channels, program guide information 2070 is introduced. The program guide information 2070 includes a list 2071 of channel information, and can describe information for multiple channels.

[0033] The above metadata makes it possible to present programs corresponding to multiple channels and multiple dates and times for each channel.

[0034] Furthermore, to construct a program list, program list information 2000, related program information 2020, and video group 2030 are introduced. The program list screen displays a list of video contents without time information. When constructing the program list screen, program list information 2000 is used. Video group 2001 in program list information 2000 contains a video information list, and video information 2010 is arranged in order in the video information list. Since the video information represents a plurality of video contents, a wide variety of video contents can be represented by setting different values ​​to video information 2010, which is metadata. The video information 2010 arranged in the video information list displays the title, description, and thumbnail of the video content.

[0035] Furthermore, in the video group 2001 which is an element of the program list information 2000, any one of the video information list 2031, series information list 2032, season information list 2033, and episode information list 2034 indicated in the video group 2030 can be selected and arranged. They are displayed on the program list screen in this order. The video information list 2031 can store a plurality of pieces of video information 2010 in list form. The series information list 2032, the season information list 2033, and the episode information list 2034 can store a plurality of series information sequences, a plurality of season information sequences, and a plurality of episode information sequences, respectively.

[0036] The business information 2040 is composed of a business ID 2045, a business name 2041, a business logo 2042, terms of use 2043, and a privacy policy (abbreviated as PP) 2044. A plurality of distribution systems are configured, and an intermediate shared server identifies which distribution system the metadata is sent from, and transmits the information to a television receiver by the business information 2040.

[0037] The provider ID 2045 is an ID for uniquely identifying a plurality of distribution systems, the provider name 2041 is a name representing the distribution system, and the provider logo 2042 is displayed to clearly indicate the distribution system to the viewer. In addition, since there are a plurality of distribution providers, the terms of use 2043 for the viewer when implementing the service and the privacy policy 2044 can also be described in a list structure in multiple ways.

[0038] Related information 2020 referenced by related information ID 2014 of video information 2010 is composed of related program ID 2021 and video information list 2022. Related program information is introduced to define multiple video contents as one collection according to the intention of the content provider. The internal video information list 2022 can accommodate multiple pieces of video information 2010.

[0039] The video information 2010 further includes a series ID 2002, a season ID 2003, an episode ID 2004, and a service ID 2006. This enables the video information to be linked to a three-layer structure of series, season, and episode, and to channel information 2060.

[0040] 13, the other metadata 13000 is made up of series information 13100, season information 13200, episode information 13300, and thumbnail information 13400. The series information 13100 includes a series ID, series name, series description, series thumbnail, series genre, and series list.

[0041] The season information 13200 includes a season ID, season name, season description, season thumbnail, season genre, and episode list. The episode information includes an episode ID, video ID, episode name, episode description, content length, program start time, program end time, episode thumbnail, episode genre, and video URL. The thumbnail information 13400 includes a thumbnail URL, integrated image width, integrated image height, vertical tile count, horizontal tile count, tile start number, and total number of tiles.

[0042] As described above, the conventional video distribution system can flexibly display metadata corresponding to video content from a plurality of distribution servers, and can provide viewers with extremely good operability.

[0043] On the other hand, as explained in FIG. 11, the provider ID 2045 is an ID for uniquely identifying multiple distribution systems, so that the structure of the system is problem-free as long as each ID, such as series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, service ID, etc., maintains uniqueness within each provider ID.

[0044] Fig. 12 shows an example of a program list display when metadata is used by multiple distribution servers. In this example, multiple distribution server systems are operated by operators A, B, and C. Provider A distributes video content with episode information 4023-4025 by video group 4022 within the range of provider ID 4021. Provider B distributes video content with episode information 4123-4125 by video group 4122 within the range of provider ID 4121. Provider C distributes video content with episode information 4223-4225 by video group 4222 within the range of provider ID 4221.

[0045] Each of the operators A, B, and C defines an identifier to manage their respective video content within their own scope.

[0046] In this example, episode IDs are taken as an example. Here, since operators A, B, and C cannot know each other's episode IDs, the television receiver processes the episode ID within the area corresponding to each operator ID. If episode IDs are used across operators, there is a possibility that the same episode ID may be used by chance, and the television receiver may not be able to process correctly due to the same episode ID. Therefore, processing corresponding to each episode ID is carried out separately for operators A, B, and C.

[0047] A screen 12000 constructed using metadata received from a distribution system according to a conventional example is shown. On screen 12000, a display area 12020 for provider A, a display area 12030 for provider B, and a display area 12040 for provider C present episode information of episode IDs numbered by each provider.

[0048] For example, if episode information with episode ID "1" is to be displayed at the position of episode 12021 on display screen 12000, and provider A sets the episode ID to "1" and provider B also sets the episode ID to "1," the receiver will not know which episode information to display, making it impossible to perform consistent processing. Therefore, with metadata from conventional distribution systems, the provider's episode information is identified in advance by the provider ID, and processing is divided for each provider, and display processing is performed on the receiver, thereby achieving consistent processing without inconsistencies.

[0049] As explained with reference to Fig. 11, a program list screen such as that shown on display screen 12000 is realized by an arrangement of identifiers such as series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, etc. of video group 2001 stored in program list information 2000. Since program list information 2000 has a one-to-one correspondence with provider IDs, video group 2001 is defined within the provider ID.

[0050] Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, display screen 12000, the order of content such as episodes is determined within area 12020 of operator A, area 12030 of operator B, and area 12030 of operator C, and it is difficult to configure a free order that goes beyond operators A, B, and C. [Means for solving the problem]

[0051] As described above, in conventional video distribution systems, multiple distribution servers set identifiers such as series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, etc. for each provider ID and distribute them, so a method was adopted in which series information, season information, episode information, video information, etc. that can be identified for each provider ID were displayed. Until now, the number of distribution servers was small, and it was not a big problem for viewers to select content on a per-distributor basis. However, as the number of distribution providers and distribution servers increases, content selection becomes extremely complicated, as viewers cannot select content comprehensively beyond multiple providers, and can only select on a per-distributor basis.

[0052] However, in conventional distribution systems, such processing across multiple distribution providers was problematic. For example, if content from the same category provided by multiple providers, such as a program genre such as "news programs," were to be arranged on a television screen without depending on the provider, identifiers such as series ID, season ID, episode ID, and video ID may have the same value, which may cause inconsistencies.

[0053] Furthermore, the same problem occurs when the location information of the installation site is stored in the television receiver, such as a postal code setting, and content related to the region is collected and displayed from multiple providers according to the location information. In this case, too, the identifiers provided by each provider, such as series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, and service ID, may be the same, making it impossible to uniquely determine the relationship between the region and the content.

[0054] In addition, the program list screen is constructed based on program list information, but since the program list information is defined within the scope of a specific provider ID, and the order of the series information, season information, episode information, video information, etc. of the video group within it is specified, it has been difficult to construct a screen display with a free order of content, such as a display by category or region that transcends providers.

[0055] The metadata and associated display and manipulation according to the present invention provide the following solutions:

[0056] 1) By adding a mechanism to ensure that identifiers such as series IDs, season IDs, episode IDs, and video IDs are unique (i.e., not the same number) between providers, it will be possible to freely place content distributed by metadata with multiple distribution servers, i.e., different provider IDs. 2) By newly introducing global program listing information, content distributed from multiple distribution servers can be flexibly presented beyond the content order defined within the operator ID scope. 3) To provide a screen presentation method that makes it easier to select content, such as by category or region, without making the viewer aware of which provider or distribution server the content being distributed is from. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an example of metadata based on the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of metadata relationships according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of program list information according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of the program list display operation according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of an ID format according to the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows an example of a display of local information according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of a program guide display operation according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a container structure according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a conventional embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an example of conventional metadata. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an example of a conventional program list display. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows examples of other metadata. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0059] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment according to the present invention. The distribution system, intermediate shared server, stream distribution network, and television receiver that constitute the whole shown in Fig. 1 are indicated by the same numbers as the distribution system, intermediate shared server, stream distribution network, and television receiver shown in Fig. 10. Also, when each part is indicated by the same number as in Fig. 10, it operates in the same way as the conventional example.

[0060] In the present invention, a global information generation server 1800 is added to the conventional embodiment shown in Fig. 10, and the global information generation server 1800 is composed of an ID numbering device 1803, an ID registration device 1802, and a global list generation unit 1801. Other differences from the conventional example are as follows.

[0061] In the distribution system 1100, an ID generating device 1811 and an ID application device 1812 are added, and a program information section 1813 operates differently from the conventional example.

[0062] In the distribution system 1200, an ID generating device 1821 and an ID application device 1822 are added, and a program information section 1823 operates differently from the conventional example.

[0063] In the distribution system 1300, an ID generating device 1811 and an ID application device 1832 are added, and a program information section 1833 operates differently from the conventional example.

[0064] The operation of the program information storage unit 1850 of the intermediate shared server 1500 is different from that of the conventional example. The global program information processing unit 1860 of the television receiver 1600 has been modified from the conventional program information processing unit.

[0065] The global program information processing unit 1870 of the television receiver 1700 has been modified from the conventional program information processing unit.

[0066] The distribution system 1100, the distribution system 1200, and the distribution system 1300 transmit signals requesting the issuance of their own business IDs to the global information generation server 1800 by using the respective ID application devices 1812. The global information generation server 1800 receives the business ID issuance request signals transmitted from the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300 by the ID registration device 1802, and generates business IDs corresponding to the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300. Here, the ID registration device 1802 determines the business IDs so that the business IDs of the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300 are always different numbers or symbols. Therefore, the business ID of the distribution system 1100, the business ID of the distribution system 1200, and the business ID of the distribution system 1300 are all different numbers or symbols.

[0067] The ID registration device 1802 transfers the determined provider ID to the ID numbering device 1803. The ID numbering device 1803 sets the determined provider ID and identifier generation rules for generating other IDs, series IDs, season IDs, episode IDs, video IDs, and service IDs, and transmits the results to the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300. The transmitted provider ID and identifier generation rules are received by the ID generation device 1811 of the distribution system 1100, the ID generation device 1821 of the distribution system 1200, and the ID generation device 1831 of the distribution system 1300.

[0068] The ID generating device 1811 of the distribution system 1100, the ID generating device 1821 of the distribution system 1200, and the ID generating device 1831 of the distribution system 1300 determine values ​​of identifiers such as a series ID, a season ID, an episode ID, a video ID, and a service ID based on the received provider ID and identifier generation rule, and transmit the determined values ​​to the program information unit 1813 of the distribution system 1100, the program information unit 1823 of the distribution system 1200, and the program information unit 1833 of the distribution system 1300. Each of the program information units 1813, 1823, and 1833 generates metadata using the received provider ID and each identifier as in the conventional example. The generated metadata of the program information unit 1813 of the distribution system 1100, the program information unit 1823 of the distribution system 1200, and the program information unit 1833 of the distribution system 1300 is transmitted to the intermediate shared server as in the conventional example. Here, the identifier generation rule will be described in detail separately with reference to FIG. 6.

[0069] The receiving unit 1501 of the intermediate shared server 1500 receives each piece of metadata and stores it in the program information storage unit 1850. The metadata stored in the program information storage unit 1850 is temporarily transmitted to a global list information generation unit 1801 of the global information generation server 1800. The global list information generation unit 1801 generates global list information and transmits it to the program information storage unit 1850 of the intermediate shared server 1500.

[0070] The program information storage unit 1850 transmits the newly generated global list information together with the metadata transmitted from the distribution systems 110 , 1200 , 1300 to the television receivers 1600 , 1700 . The television receiver 1600 and the television receiver 1700 receive the signal at global program information processing units 1860 and 1870, respectively.

[0071] The global program information processing unit 1860 of the television receiver 1600 and the global program information processing unit 1870 of the television receiver 1700 realize a flexible screen configuration based on the newly added global list information.

[0072] In this embodiment, three distribution systems and two television receivers are shown, but there is no limit to the number of distribution systems and television receivers, and they can be easily increased by improving the performance of the intermediate shared server 1500 and the global information generation server 1800.

[0073] Hereinafter, the details of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0074] An example of metadata according to the present invention is shown in Fig. 2. The difference from conventional metadata is that global program list information 2200 is added. The global program list information 2200 is made up of a video group 2210, a region group 2220, and a program guide group 2230. Also, the video ID 2016, series ID 2011, season ID 2012, episode ID 2013, and service ID 2015 of the video information 2010, which are shown in bold frames, are generated by the ID generating devices 1811, 1821, and 1831 shown in Fig. 1.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13, the other metadata 13000 is made up of series information 13100, season information 13200, episode information 13300, and thumbnail information 13400.

[0076] The other parts have the same functions as the conventional metadata shown in FIG.

[0077] FIG. 3 shows an explanatory diagram of metadata relationships based on the present invention.

[0078] The distribution system 1100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to provider A, the distribution system 1200 corresponds to provider B, and the distribution system 1300 corresponds to provider C. Of the metadata provided by each distribution system, only the parts related to the present invention are extracted and described.

[0079] Information about the business operator A is written in the business operator information 3040, and the business operator ID 3045 determined by the global information generating server 1800 is stored.

[0080] The distribution system 1100 forms a program table using channel information 3060, a program table 3050 for x year x month x day, and program table information 3070. In addition, a video ID 3016, a series ID 3011, a season ID 3012, an episode ID 3013, and a service ID 3015 are stored in the video information 3010, forming a program list. In addition, a video group 3030 is stored in the program list information, and lists of video IDs, series IDs, season IDs, episode IDs, and service IDs are stored, forming a program list.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 13, the other metadata 13100 is made up of series information 13100, season information 13200, episode information 13300, and thumbnail information 13400.

[0082] The distribution system 1200 forms a program table using channel information 3160, a program table 3150 for x year x month x date, and program table information 3170. In addition, a video ID 3116, a series ID 3111, a season ID 3112, an episode ID 3113, and a service ID 3115 are stored in the video information 3110, forming a program list. In addition, a video group 3130 is stored in the program list information, and lists of video IDs, series IDs, season IDs, episode IDs, and service IDs are stored, forming a program list.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 13, the other metadata 13200 is made up of series information 13100, season information 13200, episode information 13300, and thumbnail information 13400.

[0084] The distribution system 1300 forms a program table using channel information 3260, a program table 3250 for x year x month x day, and program table information 3270. In addition, a video ID 3216, a series ID 3211, a season ID 3212, an episode ID 3213, and a service ID 3215 are stored in the video information 3210, forming a program list. In addition, a video group 3230 is stored in the program list information, and lists of video IDs, series IDs, season IDs, episode IDs, and service IDs are stored, forming a program list.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 13, the other metadata 13300 is made up of series information 13100, season information 13200, episode information 13300, and thumbnail information 13400.

[0086] As described above, each metadata is provided by each of the providers A, B, and C, but the global program list information does not belong to any of the providers and is positioned neutrally.

[0087] The global program information 2200 includes a video group 2210 , a region group 2220 , and a program guide group 2230 .

[0088] The video group 2010 is used to freely arrange video contents across different operators. As with the conventional video group, a list of video IDs, a list of series IDs, a list of season IDs, and a list of episode IDs can be written, and it is used when displaying a program list.

[0089] What is different from the conventional video group is that it is possible to list a mixture of video IDs, series IDs, season IDs, and episode IDs of different providers. In this embodiment, a video ID 2011 of provider A, a video ID 2012 of provider B, a video ID 2013 of provider C, a series ID 2014 of provider A, a season ID 2015 of provider B, and an episode ID of provider C are listed, enabling flexible program listing display independent of provider.

[0090] In the area group 2220, by associating the service IDs of different operators by area, such as area X, area Y, area Z, etc., it becomes possible to display a list of programs for each area across operators. Here, it is composed of a list 2021 of service IDs for area X, a list 2022 of service IDs for area Y, and a list 2023 of service IDs for area Z, but by listing service IDs of different operators in the service ID list, it is possible to create a regional lineup of video contents that is not dependent on the operator for each region.

[0091] The program guide group 2230 determines the correspondence between the channels arranged in the program guide and the operators. In the conventional example, an example in which the program guide is arranged in order of service ID has been described, but by introducing the program guide group 2230, it is possible to arrange the channel information of each operator in any order in the program guide. By entering a service ID 2031 corresponding to channel 1, a service ID 2032 corresponding to channel 2, and a service ID 2033 corresponding to channel 3 in the program guide group 2230, it is possible to change the service ID corresponding to each channel.

[0092] Fig. 4 shows an example of a program list display according to the present invention. What is different from the conventional program list display example is that episode information is arranged regardless of the operator. The video group 4022 of operator A 4021 includes episode information 4023, 4024, . . . 4025, the video group 4122 of operator B 4121 includes episode information 4123, 4124, . . . 4125, and the video group 4222 of operator A 4221 includes episode information 4223, 4224, . . . 4225. However, according to the video group 2210 of the global program list information 2210, it is possible to display the episode information 4024 at the position of episode 4302 on the display screen 4025, arrange episode 4124 at the position of episode 4301, episode information 4224 at the position of episode 4304, and episode information 4224 at the position of episode 4303.

[0093] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the order is shown with respect to episodes, but similar order changes are possible with respect to series, seasons, video information, and the like.

[0094] In this way, in the program list display according to the present invention, the video groups 2210 in the global program list information 2210 allow for arrangement from all contents, not just from businesses A, B, and C.

[0095] In the example of the display screen 4300, related contents are arranged in the frames of category X, category Y, and category Z. This arrangement can be realized by using information on the video genre included in the video information, regardless of the broadcaster. Also, by sorting and arranging by category in the list structure of the video group 2210 of the global program list information 2210, it becomes possible to display them.

[0096] 5 shows an example of the operation of program list display according to the present invention. The relationship between video groups 2210 in global program list information 2210 and video groups provided by businesses A, B, and C is shown.

[0097] Information about the content corresponding to video information, series information, season information, and episode information is displayed on the television display screen 5200. The display is in the form of thumbnails or text information.

[0098] Video group 4022 of operator A 4021 contains episode information 4023, 4024, and 4025, video group 4122 of operator B 4121 contains episode information 4123, 4124, and 4125, and video group 4222 of operator C 4221 contains episode information 4223, 4224, and 4025. In video group 2210 of global program list information 2210, an order of video ID, series ID, season ID, and episode ID is written in advance. In this embodiment, the video IDs 2011, 2012, 2013, series ID 2014, season ID 2015, episode ID 2016, series ID 2017, season ID 2018, and episode ID 2019 are arranged in this order, and the corresponding video information, series information, season information, and episode information are acquired from the video information, series information, season information, and episode information held by each of the operators A4021, operator C4121, and operator C4221. The acquired video information, series information, season information, and episode information are displayed on the screen in the order of the IDs written in the video groups 2210 of the global program list information 2210.

[0099] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a specific order is described, but other order changes can be implemented in the same manner.

[0100] Next, the display will be performed when the display is divided by category.

[0101] Genre names X, Y, and Z are written for each ID of the video group 2210 in the global program list information 2210. When displaying on the display screen 5200, the IDs are displayed in the order of arrangement within the same genre. In this embodiment, video ID 2011 is genre Y, video ID 2012 is genre Z, and video ID 2013 is genre X, so the content of the video information indicated by video ID 2013 is displayed at the position of display screen episode 5201. Furthermore, since series ID 2014 and season 2015 are arranged in the same order, the content of the season information indicated by season ID 2015 is displayed at the position of season 5202.

[0102] In this way, video groups 2210 in global program listing information 2210 enable content display across multiple operators.

[0103] As described above, in the distribution system according to the present invention, it becomes possible to freely display content-related information such as thumbnails and text on the screen, beyond the scope of a provider ID.

[0104] The above processing is carried out by the program information processing unit 5100 of the television receiver.

[0105] The following is an example of the execution of the algorithm 5101 by the program information processing unit 5100. The algorithm 5101 changes the order of the IDs of the video groups 2210 in the global program list information 2210 according to viewing trends. The algorithm 5101 has the following processing steps.

[0106] Step 1: When a viewer selects a program that is presented by metadata, the selected video information is obtained. Step 2: Based on the genre information included in the video information, the number of times each genre is selected is counted. Step 3: Sort the genres by most viewed.

[0107] By carrying out the above processing in the global program information processing unit 5100 in the television receiver, programs are presented on the display screen 5200 in the order of the viewer's preferred genres.

[0108] By carrying out the above process, the genres can be rearranged in order of the viewer's preferences, enabling the viewer to reach his / her preferred content more quickly.

[0109] 6 shows an embodiment relating to the configuration of each identifier, series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, and service ID, written in the video group 2210 of the global program list information 2210. Two patterns will be explained.

[0110] First, the case of pattern 1 will be described.

[0111] The series ID 6041, season ID 6042, episode ID 6043, video ID 6044, and service ID 6044 are each formed by concatenating a provider ID and a sub-identifier. Here, the provider ID and sub-identifier are expressed, for example, as text or numbers. As an example, if the provider ID 6021 is "11" and the sub-identifier 6031 is "222", the series ID 6041 is "11222" by concatenating the values ​​of the provider ID 6021 and the sub-identifier 6031. Similarly, the season ID 6042, episode ID 6043, video ID 6044, and service ID 6044 are also formed. Here, each sub-identifier is assigned a unique number for each provider ID (so that the same text and number are not used).

[0112] With the above method, the series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, and service ID are guaranteed to be unique (not the same value) even between operators.

[0113] Next, the case of pattern 2 will be described.

[0114] In this pattern, each identifier includes a region identifier.

[0115] The series ID 6051, season ID 6052, episode ID 6045, video ID 6054, and service ID 6054 are each configured by concatenating a provider ID, a region identifier, and a sub-identifier. Here, the provider ID, region identifier, and sub-identifier are expressed, for example, as text or numbers. As an example, if the provider ID 6061 is "11", the region identifier 6071 is "55", and the sub-identifier 6081 is "222", the series ID 6051 is "1155222" by concatenating the values ​​of the provider ID 6061, the region identifier 6071, and the sub-identifier 6081. Similarly, the season ID 6052, episode ID 6053, video ID 6054, and service ID 6054 are also configured. Here, each sub-identifier is assigned a unique number for each provider ID (not having the same text or number). The region identifier is expressed as text or numbers that can identify the region.

[0116] As a specific example, a postal code or a TS-ID (Transport Stream ID) determined in terrestrial digital broadcasting can be used.

[0117] With the above method, the series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, and service ID are guaranteed to be unique (not the same value) even between operators.

[0118] FIG. 7 shows an example of a display of area information according to the present invention.

[0119] This embodiment is based on the identifier configuration of pattern 2 shown in Fig. 6. That is, the series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, and service ID each contain a region identifier.

[0120] 13 shows a state in which operator A 7060, operator B 7070, and operator C 7080 each have a video group in which video IDs are listed.

[0121] A region group 7040 in the global program listing information 2210 has a correspondence table between region identifiers and regions. Correspondence table 7041 describes the correspondence between region identifier X and region A, correspondence table 7042 describes the correspondence between region identifier Y and region B, and correspondence table 7043 describes the correspondence between region identifier Z and region C. Here, the region identifiers match the region identifiers shown in Fig. 6. In this embodiment, video ID 7010, video ID 7020, and video ID 7030 are shown.

[0122] Here, the video ID 7010 is composed of an operator ID 7011, a region identifier 7012, and a sub-identifier 7013, the video ID 7020 is composed of an operator ID 7021, a region identifier 7022, and a sub-identifier 7023, and the video ID 7030 is composed of an operator ID 7031, a region identifier 7032, and a sub-identifier 7033.

[0123] On the other hand, the region-specific display screen 7100 displays region selection buttons 7110, 7120, and 7130.

[0124] When a viewer selects a region using region selection button 7110, contents 7111 to 7119 related to region selection button 7110 are presented on the screen. Region selection buttons 7120 and 7130 operate in a similar manner. This operation allows the viewer to easily select preferred content by displaying a list of contents related to the viewer's preferred region.

[0125] The regional group 7040 of the global program listing information 2210 indicates the correspondence between the regional identifiers constituting the video ID and the regional selection buttons 7110 , 7120 , and 7130 displayed on the regional display screen 7100 .

[0126] When the region selection button 7110 is selected, the correspondence table 7041 is selected and a region identifier is determined. By selecting video information having a video ID including the determined region identifier as a component from the video group of each operator, the specified video information is acquired and the corresponding content is presented on the region-specific display screen 7100.

[0127] Through the above process, content is presented for each region across multiple businesses.

[0128] FIG. 8 shows an example of the display operation of a program guide according to the present invention.

[0129] In a conventional program guide, channels are displayed in a fixed order, for example, in the order of service IDs. In this embodiment, the program guide group 8020 in the global program list information 2210 changes the display order of channels.

[0130] The program guide 7100 displays time information vertically and channels horizontally, in what is known as a TV guide display.

[0131] The program guide information 8030 is made up of x-year-x-month-x-date program information 8031, channel information 8032, program information 8033, and program information 8034. The program guide information 8040 is made up of x-year-x-month-x-date program information 8041, channel information 8042, program information 8043, and program information 8044.

[0132] The information 8050 relating to the program guide is made up of x year x month x date program information 8051, channel information 8052, program information 8053, and program information 8054. The program guide screen 7100 is made up of the above information.

[0133] On the other hand, the program guide group 8020 of the global program list information 2210 has correspondence tables 8021 to 8023 between the service IDs of each operator and channels. In the correspondence table 8021, the service ID 8032 is described to correspond to channel A. In this case, the program guide used by the program guide information 8030 having the service ID 8032 is arranged on the channel A 8110 of the program guide screen 7100. In the correspondence table 8022, the service ID 8042 is described to correspond to channel B. In this case, the program guide used by the program guide information 8040 having the service ID 8042 is arranged on the channel B 8120 of the program guide screen 7100. In the correspondence table 8023, the service ID 8052 is described to correspond to channel B. In this case, the program guide used by the program guide information 8050 having the service ID 8052 is arranged on the channel C 8130 of the program guide screen 7100.

[0134] As described above, the program guide group 8020 of the global program list information 2210 can change the correspondence between the service ID and the channel, so that a flexible program guide screen can be configured.

[0135] FIG. 9 shows an explanatory diagram of a container structure according to the present invention.

[0136] The container here refers to a structure formed by folders and files when actually transmitting metadata. Under the root 9000, business information 9100 and business information 9200 are arranged. Under the business information 9110, channel information 9110 and channel information 9120 are arranged. Under the channel information 9111, program information 9122 and 9117 for x year x month x day are arranged, and under the program information 9122 for x year x month x day are program tables 9113 and 9115, and under them are video information 9114 and 9116, respectively. Under the program information 9117 for x year x month x day, program information 9118 is arranged, and further under that, video information 9119 is arranged. By forming such a hierarchical structure, a program table is formed.

[0137] Below the program list 9130, video information 9131 and episode information 9132 are arranged. By forming such a hierarchical structure, a program list display is formed.

[0138] In the present invention, the sub-identifiers constituting the series ID, season ID, episode ID, video ID, and service ID used in each piece of information forming this hierarchical structure are assigned unique numbers (no duplicate numbers or symbols) below the self-proclaimed user information 9110.

[0139] On the other hand, global program listing information 9300 is arranged immediately below the root 9000, and immediately below the global program listing information 9300, a video group 9400, a regional group 9500, and a program guide group 9600 are arranged.

[0140] The video group 9400, area group 9500, and program guide group 9600 are placed outside the scope of the operator information 9110 and operator information 9200, and beyond the operator information 9100 and 9200, series IDs, season IDs, episode IDs, video IDs, and service IDs are arranged.

Claims

1. A video content distribution system comprising: a generating device that distributes video and audio content output from a plurality of distribution servers to a television receiver via a network, generates metadata for program selection, transmits program information to an intermediate shared server, and generates identifiers to be used in the metadata; and arranges content on a television screen based on the arrangement of the identifiers.

2. 2. A video content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of distribution servers are identified by their respective operator identifiers, and the operator identifiers are included as components in identifiers contained in the metadata of each distribution server.

3. 2. A video content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the system generates placement information for placing the content based on an identifier included in the metadata, independently of the plurality of distribution servers, transmits the generated placement information to the television receiver, and places and displays the content on a television screen.

4. 2. A video content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the identifier included in the metadata is composed of an operator identifier that identifies the plurality of distribution servers, a regional identifier that identifies a region, and a sub-identifier that identifies each element.

5. 2. The video content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the placement information for placing the content is configured by a sequence of identifiers included in the metadata, and the placement of the content is determined in the order of the identifiers.

6. 2. A video content distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the video and audio contents output from the plurality of distribution servers can be flexibly arranged in any desired location according to the content arrangement information, without depending on the server.

7. 2. A video content distribution system as described in claim 1, wherein, based on the metadata transmitted from the plurality of distribution servers, arrangement information for determining the order in which channels appear in a program guide is generated independently of the plurality of distribution servers, and the channels are arranged in the program guide, which displays programs using time information and channel information, based on the arrangement information.

8. 2. A television receiver according to claim 1, wherein the content placement information determines the order of the content included in the placement information by counting the number of times the content has been viewed for each category, such as genre or region.

9. 2. A television receiver in a distribution system according to claim 1, which displays regional selection buttons for a viewer to select a region, and displays regional video content according to the selected button based on regional information constituting the metadata identifier.

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