Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the burden of searching for the content that a user wants to watch.SOLUTION: An information processing device 2 includes a display processing unit 242 that displays, on a display unit, a program guide showing a program list of broadcast contents to be broadcast and a program list of VOD contents to be distributed via VOD, and a recording processing unit 243 that executes processing for recording VOD identification information on the basis of a recording instruction for recording VOD identification information for identifying VOD content selected by a user in the program guide, and the display processing unit 242 displays information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of recorded broadcast contents.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a recording display device that records broadcast content and displays a list of the recorded content has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, VOD (Video On Demand) has become popular, and users can search for and view desired content from a recording display device or VOD. However, in this case, the user has to search from a list of content recorded in the recording display device or from a list of content distributed in VOD in order to find the desired content, and the burden of finding the desired content has been large.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to reduce the burden of searching for desired content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a program guide in which a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content to be distributed in VOD are displayed, and a recording processing unit that executes a process for recording VOD specific information for specifying the VOD content selected by a user in the program guide based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD specific information. The display processing unit displays information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information on a recording list screen for displaying a recording list of the recorded broadcast content.

[0007] The display processing unit may display, as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information, the title of the VOD content and information indicating that the VOD content is VOD.

[0008] The display processing unit may display, as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information, a viewing permission period defined as a period during which viewing of the VOD content is permitted.

[0009] The information processing apparatus may further include a search processing unit that executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content that is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content by referring to the list of the VOD content when receiving a recording instruction for recording the selected broadcast content that is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide. The display processing unit may display, as a result of the execution of the search process, a message indicating that the same VOD content exists in the list of the VOD content when there is the same VOD content.

[0010] When there is the same VOD content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to record the selected broadcast content and / or whether to record the same VOD content.

[0011] Upon receiving a recording instruction for recording the selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, the information processing apparatus further has a search processing unit that executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content as the selected broadcast content among the VOD contents specified by the recorded VOD specification information. When there is the same VOD content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a message indicating that the VOD specification information corresponding to the same VOD content is recorded.

[0012] The display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to delete the same VOD content. When the user instructs to delete the same VOD content on the screen, the recording processing unit may execute a process for deleting the VOD specification information corresponding to the same VOD content.

[0013] Before executing the search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content among the VOD contents specified by the recorded VOD specification information, the search processing unit may refer to a list of the VOD contents and execute the search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content.

[0014] Upon receiving the recording instruction, the information processing apparatus may further include a search processing unit that executes a search process for determining whether there is the same broadcast content among the recorded broadcast contents, which is the recorded broadcast content, and has the same content as the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide. Further, when there is the same broadcast content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a message indicating that the same broadcast content has been recorded.

[0015] The display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to delete the same broadcast content. Further, the information processing apparatus may further include a recording processing unit that executes a process for deleting the same broadcast content when the user instructs to delete the same broadcast content.

[0016] Upon receiving a playback instruction for playing back the selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user on the recording list screen, the information processing apparatus may further include a search processing unit that refers to the list of VOD contents and executes a search process for determining whether there is the same VOD content, which is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content. Further, when there is the same VOD content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a playback selection screen for selecting whether to play back either the selected broadcast content or the same VOD content.

[0017] Upon receiving the playback instruction, the information processing apparatus may further include a determination unit that determines whether the selected broadcast content has been recorded during the broadcast period from the start of the broadcast to the end of the broadcast. Further, the search processing unit may further search for whether there is the same VOD content on the condition that the determination unit determines that the selected broadcast content has not been recorded during the broadcast period.

[0018] The metadata of the broadcast content and VOD content may include information indicating the quality of at least one of the video and audio of the content. When the quality of the same VOD content is higher than that of the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to play the same VOD content.

[0019] The information processing method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes steps of causing a display unit to display a program guide on which a list of broadcast programs of broadcast content and a list of programs of VOD content distributed in VOD are displayed, which are executed by a computer; executing a process for recording the VOD specific information based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD specific information for specifying the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide; and causing the display unit to display information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information on a recording list screen for displaying a list of recorded broadcast content.

[0020] The program according to the third aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a program guide on which a list of broadcast programs of broadcast content and a list of programs of VOD content distributed in VOD are displayed, and a recording processing unit that executes a process for recording the VOD specific information based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD specific information for specifying the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide, and the display processing unit displays information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information on a recording list screen for displaying a list of recorded broadcast content.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, there is an effect that the burden of searching for content to be viewed can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] [Outline of Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system used for managing the display of content viewed by a user. The content is video works such as dramas and movies, and includes broadcast content that is broadcast and VOD content that is distributed in VOD.

[0024] The broadcast content is content for which recording is permitted, and is, for example, content distributed by an RF (Radio Frequency) method or an IP (Internet Protocol) multicast method. The VOD content is content for which recording is prohibited, and is, for example, content provided by an IP unicast method. The information processing system S includes a management device 1 and an information processing device 2.

[0025] The management device 1 is a device that manages the display of content, for example, a server. The management device 1 cooperates with, for example, a VOD server (not shown) that distributes VOD content, and relays the transmission and reception of information between the VOD server and the information processing device 2. Note that the management device 1 may be a VOD server. The management device 1 may further cooperate with each broadcasting station (for example, a server (not shown) managed by each broadcasting station) that distributes broadcast content, and relay the transmission and reception of information between each broadcasting station and the information processing device 2. The management device 1 manages information about the user. Information about the user includes, for example, a user ID (identification), user attributes (for example, gender, age, etc.), the viewing history of the user's content, and information indicating the saved VOD content. The saved VOD content is VOD content saved by the user as content to be viewed later, such as by adding it to a favorites list. In this specification, saving information indicating VOD content for the user to view later may be referred to as "adding to favorites".

[0026] The information processing device 2 is a device that controls the display of content, for example, a STB (Set Top Box) or a dongle, etc. The information processing device 2 may have a recording function for recording broadcast content. The information processing device 2 is electrically connected to the display device D and causes the display device D to display various information.

[0027] The display device D is a display such as a TV that functions as the display unit of the information processing device 2. The display device D may have a recording function for broadcast content. Also, a recorder (not shown) having a recording function may be electrically connected to the display device D. Note that the information processing device 2 may be a TV with a recording function. A user ID is set in advance in the information processing device 2. Hereinafter, the processing of the information processing system S will be described.

[0028] First, when the user performs an operation to display the program guide on the display device D, the information processing apparatus 2 acquires program list information from the management apparatus 1 ((1) in FIG. 1). The program list information is information for generating a program guide and includes at least the program list of VOD contents among the program list of broadcast contents and the program list of VOD contents. Although details will be described later, the program list of VOD contents included in the program list information is information created by the management apparatus 1.

[0029] Based on the acquired program list information, the information processing apparatus 2 causes the display device D to display the program guide ((2) in FIG. 1). The program guide includes the program list of broadcast contents and the program list of VOD contents indicated by the acquired VOD program list information.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a program guide. In the program guide shown in FIG. 2, a display column R1 for the program list of broadcast contents and a display column R2 for the program list of VOD contents are arranged side by side in time series. Although one type of VOD (VOD corresponding to one VOD provider that provides VOD) is displayed in the display column R2, it is not limited to this, and a plurality of types of VOD (VOD corresponding to each of a plurality of different VOD providers) may be displayed in each column.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 1, when the user performs an operation to register a favorite the VOD content (hereinafter referred to as "selected VOD content") selected in the program guide displayed on the display device D, a recording process for recording the VOD specific information of the selected VOD content is executed ((3) in FIG. 1). The VOD specific information is information for specifying the selected VOD content and includes content identification information for identifying the VOD content, such as the ID of the VOD content, the title of the VOD content, and the number of episodes of the VOD content. For example, as a recording process of the VOD content, the information processing apparatus 2 causes the management apparatus 1 to record the VOD specific information by transmitting a recording request including the user ID and the VOD specific information to the management apparatus 1.

[0032] After the information processing apparatus 2 executes the recording process, when the user performs an operation for displaying a recording list screen on the display device D, the information processing apparatus 2 acquires VOD specific information associated with the user ID from the management apparatus 1 (step (4) in FIG. 1). The recording list screen is a screen for displaying a list of recorded broadcast contents. Then, the information processing apparatus 2 causes the display unit D to display the recording list screen based on the acquired VOD specific information (step (5) in FIG. 1).

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the recording list screen. On the recording list screen shown in FIG. 3, broadcast content information B1 which is information indicating the recorded broadcast content and VOD content information V1 which is information indicating the VOD content indicated by the acquired VOD specific information are displayed. When the user selects a VOD content on the recording list screen, the information processing apparatus 2 plays back the selected VOD content and causes the display device D to display the played-back VOD content. Also, when the user selects a broadcast content on the recording list screen, the information processing apparatus 2 plays back the recording of the selected broadcast content and causes the display device D to display the played-back broadcast content.

[0034] By doing so, the information processing system S can display the recorded broadcast content and the favorite-registered VOD content on one screen. Thereby, the user can search for the content to be viewed from the recording list screen on which the recorded broadcast content and the favorite-registered VOD content are displayed without distinguishing them. As a result, the information processing system S can reduce the burden on the user to search for the content to be viewed. Hereinafter, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 2 will be described.

[0035] [Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 2] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the information processing apparatus 2. In FIG. 4, the arrows indicate the main data flow, and there may be data flows other than those shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, each block represents a configuration in terms of functional units rather than hardware (device) units. Therefore, the blocks shown in FIG. 4 may be implemented within a single device, or may be separately implemented in a plurality of devices. The exchange of data between the blocks may be performed via any means such as a data bus, a network, a portable storage medium, etc.

[0036] The information processing apparatus 2 includes a connection unit 21, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24. The information processing apparatus 2 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separated devices wiredly or wirelessly. Also, the information processing apparatus 2 may be configured by a cloud which is a collection of computer resources. Note that when the information processing apparatus 2 is a television, it may not have the connection unit 21.

[0037] The connection unit 21 is an interface for electrically connecting to the display device D. The connection unit 21 notifies the control unit 24 of data indicating the operation content by the user on the display device D. Also, the connection unit 21 transmits the data output from the control unit 24 to the display device D.

[0038] The communication unit 22 includes a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management apparatus 1 via a network. The communication unit 22 notifies the control unit 24 of the data received from the management apparatus 1 via the network. Also, the communication unit 22 transmits the data output from the control unit 24 to the management apparatus 1 via the network.

[0039] The storage unit 23 is a storage medium including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 23 may be provided outside the information processing apparatus 2, and in that case, may exchange data with the control unit 24 via a network. The storage unit 23 stores in advance the programs executed by the control unit 24.

[0040] The control unit 24 includes an operation reception unit 241, a display processing unit 242, a recording processing unit 243, a video recording processing unit 244, a search processing unit 245, and a determination unit 246. The control unit 24 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example, and functions as the operation reception unit 241, the display processing unit 242, the recording processing unit 243, the video recording processing unit 244, the search processing unit 245, and the determination unit 246 by executing the program stored in the storage unit 23.

[0041] [Program schedule display processing] First, the program schedule display processing executed by the information processing apparatus 2 will be described.

[0042] The operation reception unit 241 receives the user's operation on the display device D. For example, when the user performs an operation to display the program schedule on the display device D, the operation reception unit 241 receives an instruction to display the program schedule. When the operation reception unit 241 receives an instruction to display the program schedule, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a program schedule in which a program list of broadcast contents and a program list of VOD contents are displayed.

[0043] Specifically, first, the display processing unit 242 transmits a request for transmitting program list information, which is a request including a preset user ID, to the management device 1. Then, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a program schedule based on the program list of broadcast contents (the program list of broadcast contents acquired by the management device 1 from each broadcasting station) and the program list of VOD contents (the program list of VOD contents acquired by the management device 1 from the VOD server) included in the program list information acquired from the management device 1. Note that the display processing unit 242 may acquire information indicating the program list of broadcast contents from each broadcasting station.

[0044] As described above, the program list of VOD contents is information created by the management device 1. The management device 1 generates program list information based on information related to the user specified by the user ID included in the transmission request acquired from the information processing apparatus 2.

[0045] For example, first, the management device 1 identifies the user's preferences and the degree of viewing by the user for each predetermined time period (e.g., every hour) based on the user's attributes and the viewing history of the user's content. The management device 1 selects one or more VOD contents to be recommended to the user from among a plurality of VOD contents distributed by the VOD server based on the identified user preferences.

[0046] Then, the management device 1 generates a program list of the VOD contents by arranging the selected VOD contents in the order of the time periods when the user has a high degree of viewing. Thereafter, the management device 1 transmits program list information including the generated program list of the VOD contents and the program list of the broadcast contents acquired from each broadcasting station to the information processing device 2.

[0047] [Recording Process of VOD Content] Subsequently, the recording process of the VOD content executed by the information processing device 2 will be described.

[0048] The recording processing unit 243 executes the recording process of the selected VOD content based on the recording instruction of the VOD content (hereinafter referred to as "selected VOD content") selected by the user in the program guide displayed on the display device D. The recording instruction of the selected VOD content is an instruction for registering the selected VOD content as a favorite, specifically, an instruction for recording the VOD specific information for identifying the selected VOD content. The recording instruction of the selected VOD content is a process for recording the VOD specific information corresponding to the selected VOD content.

[0049] For example, first, when the user performs an operation for registering the selected VOD content selected in the program guide displayed on the display device D as a favorite, the operation reception unit 241 receives the recording instruction of the selected VOD content. Then, the recording processing unit 243 transmits a recording request including a preset user ID and the VOD specific information corresponding to the selected VOD content to the management device 1.

[0050] After that, the management device 1 records by associating the user ID included in the recording request with the VOD specific information. Note that the recording processing unit 243 may store the VOD specific information in the storage unit 23 or an external storage device (for example, the storage unit of the display device D or the storage unit of a recorder electrically connected to the display device D, etc.).

[0051] Here, when the user registers a selected VOD content as a favorite, there may be a case where the same broadcast content as the selected VOD content has already been recorded. In this case, since the user may forget that the broadcast content having the same content as the selected VOD content (hereinafter referred to as "identical broadcast content") has been recorded, it is desirable to notify the user to that effect.

[0052] Therefore, when the information processing device 2 determines that the identical broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content has been recorded, the information processing device 2 may present a message to that effect to the user. Specifically, the information processing device 2 presents a message to the user to the effect that the identical broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content has been recorded by executing the following two steps.

[0053] As a first step, when the operation reception unit 241 receives a recording instruction for the selected VOD content, the search processing unit 245 executes a search process for searching whether there is identical broadcast content among one or more recorded broadcast contents (hereinafter referred to as "recorded broadcast content"). For example, the metadata of the content (broadcast content and VOD content) includes content identification information corresponding to the content (for example, the ID of the content, the title of the content, the number of episodes of the content, etc.). The metadata of the broadcast content is, for example, SI (Service Information) information included in the broadcast signal of the broadcast content.

[0054] In this case, the search processing unit 245 searches for recorded broadcast content having common content identification information corresponding to the selected VOD content from among one or more recorded broadcast contents as the same broadcast content. For example, the search processing unit 245 searches in the storage unit 23 to find out if there is any recorded broadcast content whose ID or title matches that of the selected VOD content.

[0055] As a second step, when there is the same broadcast content as a result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the same broadcast content has been recorded. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can inform the user that the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content has already been recorded. If there is no same broadcast content as a result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the recording processing unit 243 executes the recording process of the selected VOD content.

[0056] By the way, when broadcast content is recorded, the capacity of the storage unit 23 decreases. Therefore, when the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content has already been recorded, it may be desirable for the user to delete the same broadcast content to secure the capacity of the storage unit 23. Thus, when there is the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content, the information processing apparatus 2 may confirm with the user whether to delete the same broadcast content. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 2 confirms with the user whether to delete the same broadcast content by executing the following two steps.

[0057] As a first step, when there is the same broadcast content as a result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to delete the same broadcast content. For example, the confirmation screen is provided with buttons for selecting whether to delete the same broadcast content or not.

[0058] As a second step, when the user instructs deletion of the same broadcast content on the confirmation screen (for example, when a button for deleting the same broadcast content is pressed on the confirmation screen), the recording processing unit 244 executes processing for deleting the same broadcast content. The recording processing unit 244 causes, for example, the same broadcast content stored in the storage unit 23 to be deleted. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can easily secure the capacity of the recording destination of the broadcast content.

[0059] [Recording Processing of Broadcast Content] Subsequently, the recording processing of broadcast content executed by the information processing apparatus 2 will be described.

[0060] Based on a recording instruction for the broadcast content (hereinafter referred to as "selected broadcast content") selected by the user in the program guide displayed on the display device D, the recording processing unit 244 executes recording processing for the selected broadcast content. The recording instruction for the selected broadcast content is an instruction for recording the selected broadcast content.

[0061] For example, first, when the user performs an operation for recording the selected broadcast content selected in the program guide displayed on the display device D, the operation reception unit 241 receives a recording instruction for the selected broadcast content. Then, the recording processing unit 244 records the selected broadcast content by storing the selected broadcast content in the storage unit 23.

[0062] When VOD content (hereinafter referred to as "same VOD content") having the same content as the selected broadcast content is viewable, the information processing apparatus 2 may present a message to that effect to the user. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 2 presents a message to the user to the effect that the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is viewable by executing the following two steps.

[0063] As a first step, upon receiving a recording instruction for the selected broadcast content by the operation reception unit 241, the search processing unit 245 refers to a list of VOD content distributed by the VOD server and executes a search process to search for the same VOD content. For example, the search processing unit 245 refers to a list of VOD content distributed in the VOD server via the management device 1, and searches for VOD content with common content identification information corresponding to the selected broadcast content as the same VDO content. The search processing unit 245 may cause the management device 1 to search for the same VOD content by transmitting the content identification information corresponding to the selected broadcast content to the management device 1.

[0064] As a second step, when there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content as a result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that there is the same VOD content in the list of the VOD content. By doing so, the information processing device 2 can notify the user that the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is viewable. If there is no same VOD content as a result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the recording processing unit 244 executes the recording process of the selected broadcast content.

[0065] When there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content, the information processing device 2 may confirm with the user whether to record the selected broadcast content. Specifically, when there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content as a result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to record the selected broadcast content. For example, the confirmation screen is provided with buttons for selecting whether to record the selected broadcast content.

[0066] In this case, when the user instructs the recording of the selected broadcast content on the confirmation screen (for example, when the button for recording the selected broadcast content is pressed on the confirmation screen), the recording processing unit 244 executes the recording process of the selected broadcast content. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can confirm with the user whether to record the selected broadcast content or not.

[0067] When there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content as a result of the search process executed by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 may cause the display device D to display a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to record the same VOD content. For example, the confirmation screen is provided with buttons for selecting whether to register the same VOD content as a favorite or not. In this case, when the user performs an operation for registering the same VOD content as a favorite on the confirmation screen (for example, when the button for recording the same VOD content is pressed on the confirmation screen), the recording processing unit 243 executes the recording process of the same VOD content. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can confirm with the user whether to record the same VOD content or not.

[0068] In the above, an example in which the information processing apparatus 2 executes a process according to whether there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD content has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the information processing apparatus 2 may execute a process according to whether there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content among one or more VOD contents registered as favorites by the user.

[0069] Specifically, first, when the operation reception unit 241 receives a recording instruction for the selected broadcast content in the program guide displayed on the display device D, the search processing unit 245 executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content among the selected VOD contents specified by the recorded VOD specific information. For example, the search processing unit 245 searches whether there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content among one or more VOD contents specified by the VOD specific information associated with the user ID in the management device 1.

[0070] Then, when there is the same VOD content as the execution result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the VOD specific information corresponding to the same VOD content is recorded. By doing so, the information processing device 2 can notify the user that the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is registered as a favorite. If there is no same VOD content as the execution result of the search process by the search processing unit 245, the recording processing unit 244 executes the recording process of the selected broadcast content.

[0071] When there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content among one or more VOD contents registered as favorites by the user, the information processing device 2 may confirm with the user whether to delete the favorite registration of the same VOD content. Specifically, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to delete the same VOD content. For example, the confirmation screen is provided with buttons for selecting whether to delete the same VOD content.

[0072] In this case, when the user instructs the deletion of the same VOD content on the confirmation screen (for example, when the button for deleting the favorite registration of the same VOD content is pressed on the confirmation screen), the recording processing unit 243 executes a process for deleting the VOD specific information corresponding to the same VOD content. For example, the recording processing unit 243 transmits a deletion request including the user ID, which is a deletion request for the VOD specific information corresponding to the same VOD content, to the management device 1, thereby causing the management device 1 to delete the VOD specific information associated with the user ID. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can prevent the occurrence of a situation where duplicate content is saved.

[0073] Note that when the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is not being distributed on the VOD server, since the same VOD content cannot exist in the list of VOD content that the user has favorited, the search processing unit 245 may first search whether the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is being distributed on the VOD server. Specifically, first, the search processing unit 245 refers to the list of distributed VOD content and executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content.

[0074] Then, when there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD content, the search processing unit 245 executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content among the selected VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information.

[0075] The display processing unit 242 executes the recording process of the selected broadcast content when, for example, there is no identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD content. Further, when there is identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD content and there is no identical VOD content among the selected VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the identical VOD content is viewable. Further, when there is identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD content and there is identical VOD content among the selected VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the VOD specific information corresponding to the identical VOD content is recorded. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can present information to the user according to whether or not the identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content can be viewed and whether or not the identical VOD content is registered as a favorite.

[0076] When the quality of the identical VOD content is higher than that of the selected broadcast content in at least one of the video and audio of the content, the information processing apparatus 2 may present a message to the user indicating that the identical VOD content with higher quality than the selected broadcast content is viewable. The quality of the video of the content is, for example, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. The quality of the audio of the content is, for example, surround modes such as 2.1ch, 5.1ch, 7.1ch, audio bit rate, compression method, etc.

[0077] For example, the metadata of the broadcast content and the VOD content includes information indicating the quality of at least one of the video and audio of the content. In this case, when the quality of the identical VOD content is higher than that of the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the identical VOD content with higher quality than the selected broadcast content is viewable.

[0078] The display processing unit 242 determines that the quality of the same VOD content is higher than that of the selected broadcast content when, for example, the video of the same VOD content is at least any one of high resolution (e.g., 4K, 8K, etc.), high frame rate (e.g., 60fps, 120fps, etc.), high bit rate, advanced encoding method (e.g., H.266, etc.), and HDR support. Also, the display processing unit 242 determines that the quality of the same VOD content is higher than that of the selected broadcast content when, for example, the audio of the same VOD content is at least any one of high bit rate, lossless compression, and multi-channel audio.

[0079] When the display processing unit 242 determines that the quality of the same VOD content is higher than that of the selected broadcast content, a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to record the same VOD content or a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to view the same VOD content may be displayed on the display device D. By doing so, the information processing device 2 can prompt the user to view higher-quality content. Also, the information processing device 2 can allow the user to view the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content immediately without waiting for the recording of the selected broadcast content.

[0080] When the content playback time (broadcast time) of the same VOD content is longer than that of the selected broadcast content (e.g., when the same VOD content is a director's cut version, etc.), the information processing device 2 may present a message to the user indicating that the same VOD content with a longer playback time than the selected broadcast content is viewable.

[0081] For example, the metadata of broadcast content and VOD content includes information indicating the screening time of the content. In this case, when the screening time of the same VOD content is longer than that of the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the same VOD content with a screening time longer than that of the selected broadcast content is viewable. By doing so, the information processing device 2 can prompt the user to view content with a longer screening time.

[0082] [Display Processing of Recording List Screen] Next, the display processing of the recording list screen executed by the information processing device 2 will be described.

[0083] The display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display information indicating the recorded broadcast content and information indicating the VOD content registered as a favorite. Specifically, the display processing unit 242 displays, on the recording list screen, information indicating the recorded broadcast content and information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information.

[0084] For example, first, when the user performs an operation to display the recording list screen on the display device D, the operation reception unit 241 receives an instruction to display the recording list screen. When the operation reception unit 241 receives an instruction to display the recording list screen, the display processing unit 242 transmits a request to the management device 1 to transmit VOD specific information associated with the user. The transmission request includes the user ID.

[0085] Then, the display processing unit 242 acquires the VOD specific information associated with the user ID included in the transmission request, and causes the display device D to display a recording list screen including the information indicating the recorded broadcast content stored in the storage unit 23 and the information indicating the VOD content specified by the acquired VOD specific information. The information indicating the VOD content is, for example, information included in the VOD specific information, information acquired from the management device 1 or the VOD server based on the content identification information included in the VOD specific information, and the like.

[0086] The content displayed on the recording list screen is, for example, displayed in the order of recording and recording date and time, but is not limited to this, and may be displayed separately according to the type of content (broadcast content and VOD content).

[0087] The display processing unit 242 may cause the display device D to display various information regarding the VOD content as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information. For example, the display processing unit 242 may display the title of the VOD content as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information.

[0088] In addition, the display processing unit 242 may display, for example, information indicating that the VOD content is VOD as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information. Further, the display processing unit 242 may display the viewing permission period of the VOD content as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information. The viewing permission period is a period defined as a period during which viewing of the VOD content is permitted.

[0089] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a recording list screen. On the recording list screen shown in FIG. 5, broadcast content information B2, which is information indicating the recorded broadcast content, and VOD content information V2, which is information indicating the VOD content indicated by the acquired VOD specific information, are displayed. The VOD content information V2 displays the title of the VOD content, a VOD mark indicating that the VOD content is VOD, and the viewing permission period of the VOD content. In this way, the information processing apparatus 2 can cause the user to recognize that the content is VOD content by displaying the VOD mark. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 can cause the user to recognize until when the VOD content can be viewed by displaying the viewing permission period of the VOD content.

[0090] When a VOD content is selected on the recording list screen, the display processing unit 242 executes the playback process of the VOD content. For example, first, when an operation for playing the selected VOD content selected by the user on the recording list screen is performed, the operation reception unit 241 receives a playback instruction for playing the selected VOD content. Then, the display processing unit 242 receives the data of the selected VOD content from the management device 1 or the VOD server, and causes the display device D to display the received selected VOD content.

[0091] Also, when a broadcast content is selected on the recording list screen, the display processing unit 242 executes the process of playing the broadcast content. For example, first, when an operation for playing the selected broadcast content selected by the user on the recording list screen is performed, the operation reception unit 241 receives a playback instruction for playing the selected broadcast content. Then, the display processing unit 242 plays the selected broadcast content stored in the storage unit 23, and causes the display device D to display the played selected broadcast content.

[0092] When VOD content with the same content as the selected broadcast content is being distributed in the VOD server, the information processing device 2 may confirm with the user which content to play. Specifically, the information processing device 2 confirms with the user which content to play by executing the following two steps.

[0093] As the first step, when the operation reception unit 241 receives a playback instruction for the selected broadcast content selected by the user on the recording list screen, the search processing unit 245 refers to the list of VOD content being distributed in the VOD server, and executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content. The search processing unit 245 may execute the search process according to whether the recording of the selected broadcast content is complete. "Whether the recording of the selected broadcast content is complete" is whether the selected broadcast content is recorded during the broadcast period from the start of the broadcast to the end of the broadcast.

[0094] Specifically, first, when the operation reception unit 241 receives a reproduction instruction for the selected broadcast content, the determination unit 246 determines whether the selected broadcast content was recorded during its broadcast period. For example, the metadata of the broadcast content includes information indicating the broadcast period.

[0095] In this case, when the difference between the broadcast period included in the metadata of the selected broadcast content and the recording period during which the selected broadcast content was recorded is within a predetermined threshold (for example, 1 minute, 10 minutes, etc.), the determination unit 246 determines that the selected broadcast content was recorded during the broadcast period. On the other hand, when the difference between the broadcast period included in the metadata of the selected broadcast content and the recording period during which the selected broadcast content was recorded is not within the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 246 determines that the selected broadcast content was not recorded during the broadcast period.

[0096] Also, for example, the metadata of the broadcast content includes information indicating the broadcast start time of the broadcast content, and the determination unit 246 may further determine whether the selected broadcast content was recorded during its broadcast period based on whether the broadcast start time included in the metadata of the selected broadcast content matches the time when the recording of the selected broadcast content started.

[0097] Then, the search processing unit 245 further searches for whether there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content on the condition that the determination unit 246 determines that the selected broadcast content was not recorded during the broadcast period. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can execute the search processing according to the recording result of the selected broadcast content.

[0098] As a second step, when there is identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content as a result of the search process executed by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a playback selection screen for selecting whether to play either the selected broadcast content or the identical VOD content. For example, the display processing unit 242 causes the playback selection screen to be displayed pop-up on the recording list screen. When the selected broadcast content is selected, the playback process of the selected broadcast content is executed. When the identical VOD content is selected, the playback process of the identical VOD content is executed. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can allow the user to determine which content to play.

[0099] The information processing apparatus 2 may cause the display device D to display the playback selection screen according to at least a difference in quality between the video and audio of the selected broadcast content and the identical VOD content. Specifically, when the quality of the identical VOD content is higher than the quality of the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a playback selection screen for asking the user whether to play the identical VOD content.

[0100] By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can prompt the user to view higher-quality content. Note that when the quality of the selected broadcast content is the same as or higher than the quality of the identical VOD content, the display processing unit 242 executes the playback process of the selected broadcast content.

[0101] Here, as the number of plays of a certain VOD content increases, the load on the VOD server increases, and thus the quality associated with the playback of the VOD content may deteriorate, such as a delay occurring in the playback of the VOD content. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 2 may present the user with information corresponding to the number of plays of the VOD content selected by the user on the recording list screen.

[0102] Specifically, first, when the operation reception unit 241 receives a reproduction instruction for the selected VOD content on the recording list screen, the display processing unit 242 acquires information indicating the number of reproductions of the selected VOD content at the current time from the management device 1 or the VOD server. Then, when the number of reproductions of the acquired selected VOD content exceeds a predetermined threshold, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the reproduction quality of the VOD content may deteriorate. The predetermined threshold may be determined in advance in the information processing device 2, or may be acquired from the management device 1 or the VOD server. Further, when the number of reproductions of the acquired selected VOD content exceeds a predetermined threshold and the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content is recorded, the display processing unit 242 may cause the display device D to display a confirmation screen for asking the user whether to reproduce the selected VOD content or the same broadcast content.

[0103] By doing so, the information processing device 2 can make the user recognize that the reproduction quality may deteriorate. Note that when the quality of at least one of the video and audio of the same VOD content is higher than that of the selected broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, or when the screening time of the same VOD content is longer than that of the selected broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, the information processing device 2 may present information corresponding to the number of reproductions of the same VOD content to the user.

[0104] [Processing of Information Processing Device 2] Subsequently, the processing flow executed by the information processing device 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the information processing device 2. This processing starts when the operation reception unit 241 receives a display instruction for the recording list screen (S1).

[0105] The display processing unit 242 acquires the VOD specific information associated with the user ID in the management device 1 (S2). The display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a recording list screen including information indicating the recorded broadcast content and information indicating the VOD content specified by the acquired VOD specific information (S3).

[0106] The operation reception unit 241 receives a reproduction instruction for the selected VOD content selected by the user on the recording list screen displayed on the display device D (S4). Then, the display processing unit 242 executes the reproduction process of the selected VOD content (S5).

[0107] <Modification Example> In the above, an example in which the information processing system S controls the display of the content on the display device D has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the information processing system S may control the display of the content on the user terminal.

[0108] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system S according to the modification example. The information processing system S further includes a user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 is a terminal used by the user, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. A dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated app") for viewing the recorded broadcast content and VOD content recorded in the information processing device 2 is installed in the user terminal 3.

[0109] The information processing device 2 according to the modification example has a function for supporting DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) (registered trademark). The information processing device 2 executes a program guide display process, a VOD content recording process, a broadcast content recording process, and a recording list screen display process in response to a user operation in the dedicated app of the user terminal 3, and causes the user terminal 3 to display a screen according to the execution result.

[0110] Here, when the information processing apparatus 2 causes the user terminal 3 to display the recorded broadcast content, the load on the local area network where the information processing apparatus 2 is located increases due to transmitting the recorded broadcast content to the user terminal 3. Also, when the information processing apparatus 2 causes the user terminal 3 to display the recorded broadcast content, the information processing apparatus 2 converts the image quality and the like of the recorded broadcast content for display on the user terminal 3, but there may be cases where the conversion cannot be performed according to the performance of the user terminal 3. Therefore, when the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content is being distributed on the VOD server, it is desirable to preferentially play back the same VOD content. Thus, when the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content instructed by the user to be played back is viewable, the information processing apparatus 2 may cause the user terminal 3 to play back the same VOD content.

[0111] For example, first, when the user performs an operation for playing back the recorded broadcast content in the dedicated application of the user terminal 3, the information processing apparatus 2 executes a search process for the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content. The information processing apparatus 2 searches, for example, as the search process for the same VOD content, whether the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content is being distributed, and identifies whether the user can view the distributed same VOD content. For example, the metadata of the VOD content includes the viewing conditions (e.g., free viewing, purchase, etc.) of the VOD content, and the information processing apparatus 2 refers to, for example, the contract information indicating the content contracted by the user in the VOD (e.g., whether the user is a member of the VOD) or the purchase history of the user's VOD content in the VOD, and identifies whether the user can view the same VOD content.

[0112] When the information processing apparatus 2 can play the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content as the execution result of the search process, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits the content identification information corresponding to the same VOD content to the user terminal 3. After that, the user terminal 3 plays the VOD content distributed in the VOD server and corresponding to the content identification information acquired from the information processing apparatus 2. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can reduce the load on the local area network where the information processing apparatus 2 exists and cause the user terminal 3 to play high-quality content.

[0113] Note that when there is no same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content as the execution result of the search process, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits the data of the recorded broadcast content to the user terminal 3 to play the recorded broadcast content.

[0114] [Effects of the present embodiment] As described above, based on the recording instruction for recording the VOD specific information in the program guide in which the program list of the broadcast content and the program list of the VOD content are displayed, the information processing apparatus 2 executes the process for recording the VOD specific information, and in the recording list screen for displaying the recording list of the recorded broadcast content, the information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information is displayed.

[0115] By doing so, the information processing apparatus 2 can display the recorded broadcast content and the favorite-registered VOD content on one screen. As a result, the user can search for the content to be viewed from the recording list screen on which the recorded broadcast content and the favorite-registered VOD content are displayed without distinguishing them. As a result, the information processing apparatus 2 can reduce the burden on the user to search for the content to be viewed.

[0116] In addition, the present invention enables contribution to Goal 9, "Build the infrastructure for industry and technological innovation," of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations.

[0117] As described above, the present invention has been explained using embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically dispersing and integrating it in any unit. Also, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination have the effects of the original embodiments combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 1 Management device 2 Information processing device 21 Connection part 22 Communication part 23 Storage part 24 Control part 241 Operation reception part 242 Display processing part 243 Recording processing part 244 Video recording processing part 245 Search processing part 246 Judgment part 3 User terminal S Information processing system

Claims

1. A display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a program guide in which a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content to be distributed in VOD (Video On Demand) are displayed; A recording processing unit that executes a process for recording VOD specific information for specifying the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD specific information; having The display processing unit displays information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of the recorded broadcast content. An information processing apparatus.

2. The display processing unit displays, as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information, the title of the VOD content and information indicating that the VOD content is VOD. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The display processing unit displays a viewing permission period defined as a period during which viewing of the VOD content is permitted as information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The information processing apparatus further includes a search processing unit that, upon receiving a recording instruction for recording selected broadcast content that is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, refers to the list of VOD content and executes a search process for searching for the same VOD content that is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content. When there is the same VOD content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit displays a message indicating that there is the same VOD content in the list of VOD content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. When there is the same VOD content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit causes the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to record the selected broadcast content and / or whether to record the same VOD content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The information processing apparatus further includes a search processing unit that executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content as the selected broadcast content among the VOD contents specified by the recorded VOD specification information, upon receiving a recording instruction for recording the selected broadcast content that is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide. When there is the same VOD content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the VOD specification information corresponding to the same VOD content is recorded. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The display processing unit causes the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to delete the same VOD content. When the user instructs deletion of the same VOD content on the screen, the recording processing unit executes a process for deleting the VOD specification information corresponding to the same VOD content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. Before executing the search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content among the VOD contents specified by the recorded VOD specification information, the search processing unit refers to a list of the VOD contents and executes the search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The information processing apparatus further includes a search processing unit that executes a search process for searching whether there is the same broadcast content, which is the recorded broadcast content, in the recorded broadcast content that is the broadcast content recorded upon receiving the recording instruction and has the same content as the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide. When there is the same broadcast content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the same broadcast content has been recorded. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The display processing unit causes the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to delete the same broadcast content. When the user instructs to delete the same broadcast content, the information processing apparatus further includes a recording processing unit that executes a process for deleting the same broadcast content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. When receiving a playback instruction for playing the selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user on the recording list screen, the information processing apparatus further includes a search processing unit that refers to the list of VOD content and executes a search process for searching whether there is the same VOD content, which is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content. When there is the same VOD content as a result of the execution of the search process, the display processing unit causes the display unit to display a playback selection screen for selecting whether to play using either the selected broadcast content or the same VOD content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

12. When receiving the playback instruction, the information processing apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines whether the selected broadcast content was recorded during the broadcast period from the start of the broadcast to the end of the broadcast. The search processing unit further searches for whether there is the same VOD content on the condition that the determination unit determines that the selected broadcast content has not been recorded during the broadcast period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The metadata of the broadcast content and the VOD content includes information indicating at least the quality of either the video or the audio of the content. When the quality of the same VOD content is higher than the quality of the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit causes the display unit to display a screen for asking the user whether to play the same VOD content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

14. Executed by a computer A step of causing a display unit to display a program guide in which a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content distributed in VOD are displayed; Executing a process for recording VOD identification information based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD identification information for identifying the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide; In a recording list screen for displaying a recording list of the recorded broadcast content, causing the display unit to display information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD identification information; An information processing method having the above.

15. A computer A display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a program guide in which a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content distributed in VOD are displayed, and A recording processing unit that executes a process for recording the VOD identification information based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD identification information for identifying the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide, Function as The display processing unit causes information indicating the VOD content specified by the recorded VOD specific information to be displayed on a recorded program list screen that displays a recorded program list of the broadcast content that has been recorded. Program.

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