Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

Reduces the burden of searching for the content you want to watch. [Solution] The information processing device 2 has a display processing unit 242 that displays a program guide on the display unit, which shows a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content to be distributed via VOD, and a recording processing unit 243 that executes processing to record VOD specification information based on a recording instruction to record VOD specification 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 specification information on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of recorded broadcast content.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a recording and displaying device that records broadcasted content and displays a list of the recorded content (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-003414 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, VOD (Video On Demand) has become widespread, and users can search for content they want to view from a recording display device or VOD and view the content. However, in this case, in order to find the content they want to view, the user must search a list of content recorded on the recording display device or a list of content distributed on VOD, which places a heavy burden on the user in searching for the content they want to view.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and has an object to reduce the burden of searching for content that one wants to view. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention has a display processing unit that causes a program guide on a display unit to display a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content to be distributed via VOD, and a recording processing unit that executes a process for recording VOD identification information for identifying the VOD content selected by a user in the program guide based on a recording instruction to record the VOD identification information, and the display processing unit displays information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of the recorded broadcast content.

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

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

[0009] The information processing device may further have a search processing unit that, upon receiving a recording instruction to record selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, refers to the list of VOD contents and executes a search process to search whether there is identical VOD content, which is the VOD content with the same content as the selected broadcast content, and the display processing unit may, if the identical VOD content is found as a result of executing the search process, display a message indicating that the identical VOD content is present in the list of VOD contents.

[0010] When the same VOD content is found as a result of executing the search process, the display processing unit may cause a screen to be displayed on the display unit, inquiring the user as to at least one of whether to record the selected broadcast content and whether to record the same VOD content.

[0011] The information processing device may further have a search processing unit that, upon receiving a recording instruction to record selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, executes a search process to search whether or not there is identical VOD content, which is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content, among the VOD contents identified by the recorded VOD identification information, and the display processing unit may, when the identical VOD content is found as a result of executing the search process, display on the display unit a message indicating that the VOD identification information corresponding to the identical VOD content has been recorded.

[0012] The display processing unit may cause a screen to be displayed on the display unit, inquiring to the user whether to delete the same VOD content, and the recording processing unit may execute processing for deleting the VOD specific information corresponding to the same VOD content when the user instructs on the screen to delete the same VOD content.

[0013] The search processing unit may refer to a list of VOD contents and perform a search process to search whether the same VOD content exists among the VOD contents identified by the recorded VOD identification information before performing the search process to search whether the same VOD content exists among the VOD contents identified by the recorded VOD identification information.

[0014] The information processing device may further have a search processing unit that, upon receiving the recording instruction, executes a search process to search whether or not there is an identical broadcast content, which is the recorded broadcast content, that has the same content as the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide, among the recorded broadcast content, and the display processing unit may, when the identical broadcast content is found as a result of executing the search process, display a message on the display unit indicating that the identical broadcast content has been recorded.

[0015] The display processing unit may cause a screen to be displayed on the display unit inquiring to the user whether to delete the same broadcast content, and the information processing device may further have a recording processing unit that executes processing to delete the same broadcast content when the user instructs the deletion of the same broadcast content.

[0016] The information processing device may further have a search processing unit that, upon receiving a playback instruction to play selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user on the recording list screen, refers to the list of VOD contents and executes a search process to search whether there is identical VOD content, which is the VOD content with the same content as the selected broadcast content, and the display processing unit may, when the identical VOD content is found as a result of executing the search process, display on the display unit a playback selection screen for selecting whether to play the selected broadcast content or the identical VOD content.

[0017] The information processing device may further have a judgment unit that judges whether or not the selected broadcast content has been recorded during the broadcast period from the start of broadcast to the end of broadcast upon receipt of the playback instruction, and the search processing unit may further search for whether or not the same VOD content exists on the condition that the judgment unit has determined 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, and the display processing unit may cause the display unit to display a screen asking the user whether or not to play the same VOD content if the quality of the same VOD content is higher than the quality of the selected broadcast content.

[0019] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: displaying, on a display unit, a program guide displayed by a computer, a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content to be distributed via VOD; executing a process for recording VOD identification information based on a recording instruction for recording VOD identification information for identifying the VOD content selected by a user in the program guide; and displaying, on the display unit, information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of the recorded broadcast content.

[0020] A program according to a third aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display processing unit that causes a program guide on a display unit to display a program list of broadcast content to be broadcast and a program list of VOD content to be distributed via VOD, and a recording processing unit that executes a process to record VOD identification information for identifying the VOD content selected by a user in the program guide based on a recording instruction to record the VOD identification information, and the display processing unit displays information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of the recorded broadcast content. Effect of the Invention

[0021] The present invention provides an advantage in that it is possible to reduce the burden of searching for content that one wishes to view. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program guide. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording list screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording list screen. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the information processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] [Outline of Information Processing System S] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system used for managing the display of content viewed by users. The content is video work such as dramas and movies, and includes broadcast content that is broadcasted and VOD content that is distributed via VOD.

[0024] The broadcast content is a content that is permitted to be recorded, and is distributed, for example, by an RF (Radio Frequency) system or an IP (Internet Protocol) multicast system. The VOD content is a content that is prohibited from being recorded, and is distributed, for example, by an IP unicast system. 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, and is, 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. 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 a user. The information about a user includes, for example, a user ID (identification), a user attribute (for example, gender, age, etc.), a user's content viewing history, and information indicating a saved VOD content. The saved VOD content is a VOD content saved by a user as a content to be viewed later, such as by registering it as a favorite. In this specification, saving information indicating a VOD content for a user to view later may be referred to as "registering it as a favorite".

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

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

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

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

[0030] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a program guide. In the program guide shown in Fig. 2, a display column R1 showing a list of programs of broadcast content and a display column R2 showing a list of programs of VOD content are displayed in chronological order. Although one type of VOD (VOD corresponding to one VOD provider that provides VOD) is displayed in the display column R2, this is not limiting, and multiple types of VOD (VOD corresponding to each of multiple different VOD providers) may be displayed in each column.

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

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

[0033] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a recording list screen. The recording list screen shown in Fig. 3 displays broadcast content information B1, which is information indicating recorded broadcast content, and VOD content information V1, which is information indicating VOD content indicated by the acquired VOD specification information. When a user selects a VOD content on the recording list screen, the information processing device 2 plays the selected VOD content and displays the played VOD content on the display device D. Also, when a user selects a broadcast content on the recording list screen, the information processing device 2 plays the recording of the selected broadcast content and displays the played broadcast content on the display device D.

[0034] In this way, the information processing system S can display the recorded broadcast content and the VOD content registered as favorites on one screen. This allows the user to search for the content he or she wants to view from the displayed recording list screen without distinguishing between the recorded broadcast content and the VOD content registered as favorites. As a result, the information processing system S can reduce the burden on the user in searching for the content he or she wants to view. The configuration of the information processing device 2 will be described below.

[0035] [Configuration of information processing device 2] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the information processing device 2. In Fig. 4, the arrows indicate main data flows, and there may be data flows other than those shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, each block indicates a configuration in functional units, not a configuration in hardware (device) units. Therefore, the blocks shown in Fig. 4 may be implemented in a single device, or may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data may be exchanged between blocks via any means, such as a data bus, a network, or a portable storage medium.

[0036] The information processing device 2 has a connection unit 21, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24. The information processing device 2 may be configured by connecting two or more physically separated devices by wire or wirelessly. The information processing device 2 may also be configured by a cloud that is a collection of computer resources. Note that if the information processing device 2 is a television, it does not need to 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 contents of an operation by a user on the display device D. In addition, the connection unit 21 transmits data output from the control unit 24 to the display device D.

[0038] The communication unit 22 has a communication controller for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management device 1 via the network. The communication unit 22 notifies the control unit 24 of data received from the management device 1 via the network. The communication unit 22 also transmits data output from the control unit 24 to the management device 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 device 2, in which case data may be exchanged between the storage unit 23 and the control unit 24 via a network. The storage unit 23 stores in advance a program to be executed by the control unit 24.

[0040] The control unit 24 has an operation reception unit 241, a display processing unit 242, a recording processing unit 243, a 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), and functions as the operation reception unit 241, the display processing unit 242, the recording processing unit 243, the recording processing unit 244, the search processing unit 245, and the determination unit 246 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 23.

[0041] [Program guide display processing] First, the program guide display process executed by the information processing device 2 will be described.

[0042] The operation accepting unit 241 accepts a user's operation on the display device D. For example, when the user performs an operation to display a program guide on the display device D, the operation accepting unit 241 accepts an instruction to display the program guide. When the operation accepting unit 241 accepts the instruction to display the program guide, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a program guide showing a program list of broadcast content and a program list of VOD content.

[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 guide based on the program list of broadcast contents (the program list of broadcast contents acquired by the management device 1 from each broadcast 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 broadcast station.

[0044] As described above, the program list of the VOD content is information created by the management device 1. The management device 1 generates program list information based on information about a user identified by a user ID included in a transmission request acquired from the information processing device 2.

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

[0046] Then, the management device 1 generates a program list of the VOD content by arranging the selected VOD content in order of the time period in which the user is most likely to watch it. After that, the management device 1 transmits program list information including the generated program list of the VOD content and the program list of the broadcast content acquired from each broadcast station to the information processing device 2.

[0047] [VOD content recording processing] Next, the VOD content recording process executed by the information processing device 2 will be described.

[0048] The recording processing unit 243 executes a recording process 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, based on a recording instruction of the selected VOD content. The recording instruction of the selected VOD content is an instruction to register the selected VOD content as a favorite, specifically, an instruction to record VOD specification information for identifying the selected VOD content. The recording instruction of the selected VOD content is a process to record the VOD specification information corresponding to the selected VOD content.

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

[0050] Thereafter, the management device 1 records the user ID included in the recording request in association with the VOD specification information. The recording processing unit 243 may store the VOD specification information in the storage unit 23 or an external storage device (for example, a storage unit of the display device D or a storage unit of a recorder electrically connected to the display device D).

[0051] Here, when a user registers a selected VOD content as a favorite, there may be cases where the same broadcast content as the selected VOD content has already been recorded. In this case, the user may have forgotten that the same broadcast content as the selected VOD content (hereinafter, referred to as the "same broadcast content") has already been recorded, so it is desirable to inform the user of this fact.

[0052] Therefore, when the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content is recorded, the information processing device 2 may present a message to the user to that effect. Specifically, the information processing device 2 performs the following two steps to present a message to the user to the effect that the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content is recorded.

[0053] As a first step, the search processing unit 245, when the operation receiving unit 241 receives an instruction to record the selected VOD content, executes a search process to search whether or not the same broadcast content exists among one or more recorded broadcast contents (hereinafter referred to as "recorded broadcast contents"). For example, the metadata of the contents (broadcast contents and VOD contents) includes content identification information corresponding to the contents (e.g., content ID, content title, number of episodes of the content, etc.). The metadata of the broadcast contents is, for example, SI (Service Information) information included in the broadcast signal of the broadcast contents.

[0054] In this case, the search processor 245 searches for recorded broadcast contents having the same content identification information as the selected VOD content from among one or more recorded broadcast contents as the same broadcast content. For example, the search processor 245 searches the storage unit 23 for recorded broadcast contents having the same ID or title as the selected VOD content.

[0055] As a second step, if the same broadcast content is found as a result of the search processing 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. In this way, the information processing device 2 can inform the user that the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content has been recorded. Note that if the same broadcast content is not found as a result of the search processing by the search processing unit 245, the recording processing unit 243 executes recording processing of the selected VOD content.

[0056] However, when broadcast content is recorded, the capacity of the storage unit 23 decreases, so if 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. Therefore, if there is the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content, the information processing device 2 may confirm with the user whether or not to delete the same broadcast content. Specifically, the information processing device 2 executes the following two steps to confirm with the user whether or not to delete the same broadcast content.

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

[0058] As a second step, the recording processing unit 244 executes a process for deleting the identical broadcast content when the user instructs deletion of the identical broadcast content on the confirmation screen (for example, when a button for deleting the identical broadcast content is pressed on the confirmation screen). The recording processing unit 244 deletes the identical broadcast content stored in the storage unit 23, for example. In this way, the information processing device 2 can easily secure the capacity of the recording destination for the broadcast content.

[0059] [Recording processing of broadcast content] Next, the broadcast content recording process executed by the information processing device 2 will be described.

[0060] The recording processing unit 244 executes recording processing of a broadcast content (hereinafter referred to as a "selected broadcast content") selected by a user in the program guide displayed on the display device D, based on a recording instruction 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 to record a selected broadcast content selected in the program guide displayed on the display device D, the operation receiving unit 241 receives an instruction to record 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 having the same content as the selected broadcast content (hereinafter referred to as "same VOD content") is available for viewing, the information processing device 2 may present a message to that effect to the user. Specifically, the information processing device 2 performs the following two steps to present a message to the user that the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is available for viewing.

[0063] As a first step, the search processing unit 245, when the operation receiving unit 241 receives an instruction to record the selected broadcast content, refers to a list of VOD contents distributed by the VOD server and executes a search process to search for whether or not there is identical VOD content. For example, the search processing unit 245 refers to a list of VOD contents distributed in the VOD server via the management device 1, and searches for VOD contents having the same content identification information corresponding to the selected broadcast content as identical VOD content. The search processing unit 245 may cause the management device 1 to search for the identical 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 the search processing unit 245 executes a search process to find identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the identical VOD content is present in the list of VOD content. In this manner, the information processing device 2 can inform the user that the identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is available for viewing. Note that when the search processing unit 245 executes a search process to find identical VOD content, the recording processing unit 244 executes a recording process of the selected broadcast content.

[0065] When there is identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content, the information processing device 2 may confirm with the user whether or not to record the selected broadcast content. Specifically, when there is identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content as a result of execution of the search process by the search processing device 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a confirmation screen that inquires of the user whether or not to record the selected broadcast content. For example, the confirmation screen is provided with a button for selecting whether or not to record the selected broadcast content.

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

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

[0068] In the above, an example has been described in which the information processing device 2 executes a process according to whether or not there is an identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD contents, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 2 may execute a process according to whether or not there is an identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content among one or more VOD contents registered in the user's favorites.

[0069] Specifically, first, the search processing unit 245 executes a search process for searching whether or not there is an identical VOD content among the selected VOD content identified by the recorded VOD specification information, when the operation reception unit 241 receives an instruction to record the selected broadcast content in the program guide displayed on the display device D. For example, the search processing unit 245 searches whether or not there is an identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content among one or more VOD contents identified by the VOD specification information associated with a user ID in the management device 1.

[0070] Then, when the same VOD content is found as a result of the search processing by the search processing unit 245, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that VOD specification information corresponding to the same VOD content is recorded. In this manner, the information processing device 2 can inform the user that the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is registered in the favorites. Note that, when the same VOD content is not found as a result of the search processing by the search processing unit 245, the recording processing unit 244 executes recording processing of the selected broadcast content.

[0071] When the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is among one or more VOD contents registered in the user's favorites, the information processing device 2 may confirm with the user whether or not to delete the same VOD content from the favorites. Specifically, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a confirmation screen inquiring of the user whether or not to delete the same VOD content. For example, the confirmation screen is provided with a button for selecting whether or not to delete the same VOD content.

[0072] In this case, when the user instructs deletion of the same VOD content on the confirmation screen (for example, when a 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 specification information corresponding to the same VOD content. For example, the recording processing unit 243 deletes the VOD specification information associated with the user ID by sending a deletion request for the VOD specification information corresponding to the same VOD content, the deletion request including the user ID, to the management device 1. In this way, the information processing device 2 can prevent the occurrence of a situation in which duplicate content is stored.

[0073] If the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is not distributed in the VOD server, the search processor 245 may first search whether the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content is distributed in the VOD server, since the same VOD content cannot exist in the list of VOD content registered in the user's favorites. Specifically, the search processor 245 first refers to the list of distributed VOD contents and executes a search process to search whether the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content exists.

[0074] Then, when the list of distributed VOD contents contains identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content, the search processing unit 245 executes a search process to search whether or not the identical VOD content exists among the selected VOD contents identified by the recorded VOD identification information.

[0075] For example, when there is no identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD contents, the display processing unit 242 executes a recording process of the selected broadcast content. Also, when there is an identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD contents and there is no identical VOD content in the selected VOD contents specified by the recorded VOD specification information, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the identical VOD content is viewable. Also, when there is an identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content in the list of distributed VOD contents and there is an identical VOD content in the selected VOD contents specified by the recorded VOD specification information, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the VOD specification information corresponding to the identical VOD content is recorded. In this way, the information processing device 2 can present to the user information according to whether the identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content has been viewed and whether the identical VOD content has been registered as a favorite.

[0076] When the same VOD content has a higher quality of at least one of the video and sound of the content than the selected broadcast content, the information processing device 2 may present a message to the user that the same VOD content with a higher quality than the selected broadcast content is available for viewing. The video quality of the content is, for example, the resolution, the frame rate, the bit rate, etc. The sound quality of the content is, for example, the surround format such as 2.1ch, 5.1ch, 7.1ch, etc., the audio bit rate, the compression format, 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 same 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 message indicating that the same VOD content with higher quality than the selected broadcast content is available for viewing.

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

[0079] When the display processing unit 242 determines that the same VOD content is of higher quality than the selected broadcast content, the display device D may display a confirmation screen inquiring the user as to whether to record the same VOD content, or a confirmation screen inquiring the user as to whether to view the same VOD content. In this way, the information processing device 2 can encourage the user to view content of higher quality. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 can allow the user to immediately view the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content, without waiting for the selected broadcast content to be recorded.

[0080] When the same VOD content has a longer broadcast time (broadcast duration) than the selected broadcast content (for example, when the same VOD content is a director's cut version), the information processing device 2 may present the user with a message that the same VOD content, which has a longer broadcast time than the selected broadcast content, is available for viewing.

[0081] For example, metadata of broadcast content and VOD content includes information indicating the broadcast time of the content. In this case, when the broadcast time of the same VOD content is longer than the broadcast time 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, which has a longer broadcast time than the selected broadcast content, is available for viewing. In this way, the information processing device 2 can encourage the user to view the content with the longer broadcast time.

[0082] [Recording list screen display process] Next, a display process of the recording list screen executed by the information processing device 2 will be described.

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

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

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

[0086] The contents displayed on the recording list screen are displayed, for example, in the order of recording and the date and time when they were recorded, but this is not limiting, and they may be displayed according to the type of content (broadcast content and VOD content).

[0087] The display processing unit 242 may display various information related to the VOD content on the display device D as information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information. For example, the display processing unit 242 displays the title of the VOD content as information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information.

[0088] Furthermore, the display processing unit 242 may display, for example, information indicating that the VOD content is VOD, as information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information. Furthermore, the display processing unit 242 may display the viewing permission period of the VOD content, as information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information. The viewing permission period is a period determined as a period during which viewing of the VOD content is permitted.

[0089] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a recording list screen. The recording list screen shown in Fig. 5 displays broadcast content information B2, which is information indicating recorded broadcast content, and VOD content information V2, which is information indicating VOD content indicated by the acquired VOD specification information. 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 device 2 can make the user recognize that the content is VOD content by displaying the VOD mark. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 can make the user 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 a playback process for the VOD content. For example, when the user first performs an operation to play the selected VOD content selected on the recording list screen, the operation receiving unit 241 receives a playback instruction to play the selected VOD content. Then, the display processing unit 242 receives data of the selected VOD content from the management device 1 or the VOD server, and displays the received selected VOD content on the display device D.

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

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

[0093] As a first step, when the operation receiving unit 241 receives an instruction to play the selected broadcast content selected by the user on the recording list screen, the search processing unit 245 refers to a list of VOD contents distributed in the VOD server and executes a search process to search whether or not there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content. The search processing unit 245 may execute the search process depending on whether or not the recording of the selected broadcast content is complete. "Whether or not the recording of the selected broadcast content is complete" refers to whether or not the selected broadcast content was recorded during the broadcast period from the start of broadcasting to the end of broadcasting.

[0094] Specifically, first, the determination unit 246 determines whether or not the selected broadcast content was recorded during the broadcast period of the selected broadcast content when the operation reception unit 241 receives a playback instruction for the selected broadcast content. For example, the metadata of the broadcast content includes information indicating the broadcast period.

[0095] In this case, the determination unit 246 determines that the selected broadcast content was recorded during the broadcast period 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 (e.g., 1 minute, 10 minutes, etc.). On the other hand, the determination unit 246 determines that the selected broadcast content was not recorded during the broadcast period 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.

[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 or not the selected broadcast content was recorded during the broadcast period based on whether or not the broadcast start time included in the metadata of the selected broadcast content matches the time when recording of the selected broadcast content began.

[0097] Then, the search processing unit 245 further searches for whether or not there is the same VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content, on the condition that the determination unit 246 has determined that the selected broadcast content has not been recorded during the broadcast period. In this way, the information processing device 2 can execute the search process according to the recording result of the selected broadcast content.

[0098] As a second step, when there is an identical VOD content corresponding to the selected broadcast content as a result of the search processing 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 the selected broadcast content or the identical VOD content. For example, the display processing unit 242 displays the playback selection screen as a pop-up on the recording list screen, and when the selected broadcast content is selected, executes playback processing of the selected broadcast content, and when the identical VOD content is selected, executes playback processing of the identical VOD content. In this way, the information processing device 2 allows the user to decide which content to play.

[0099] The information processing device 2 may display a playback selection screen on the display device D according to a difference in quality of at least one of video and sound between the selected broadcast content and the same VOD content. Specifically, when the quality of the same VOD content is higher than the quality of the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit 242 displays a playback selection screen on the display device D to inquire of the user whether to play back the same VOD content.

[0100] In this way, the information processing device 2 can encourage the user to view higher quality content. Note that, when the quality of the selected broadcast content and the quality of the same VOD content are the same or the quality of the selected broadcast content is higher, the display processing unit 242 executes the playback process of the selected broadcast content.

[0101] Here, as the number of times a certain VOD content is played increases, the load on the VOD server increases, which may result in a decrease in quality of the playback of the VOD content, such as a delay in the playback of the VOD content, etc. Therefore, the information processing device 2 may present to the user information according to the number of times the VOD content selected by the user on the recording list screen has been played.

[0102] Specifically, first, when the operation reception unit 241 receives an instruction to play the selected VOD content on the recording list screen, the display processing unit 242 acquires information indicating the current number of times the selected VOD content has been played from the management device 1 or the VOD server. Then, when the acquired number of times the selected VOD content has been played exceeds a predetermined threshold, the display processing unit 242 causes the display device D to display a message indicating that the playback quality of the VOD content may be degraded. The predetermined threshold may be preset in the information processing device 2, or may be acquired from the management device 1 or the VOD server. Furthermore, when the acquired number of times the selected VOD content has been played exceeds the predetermined threshold, and the same broadcast content corresponding to the selected VOD content has been recorded, the display processing unit 242 may cause the display device D to display a confirmation screen for inquiring the user whether to play the selected VOD content or the same broadcast content.

[0103] In this way, the information processing device 2 can make the user aware that there is a possibility that the playback quality may be degraded. Note that, when the same VOD content has higher quality of at least one of the video and audio of the content than the selected broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, or when the same VOD content has a longer broadcast time than the selected broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, the information processing device 2 may present the user with information according to the number of playbacks of the same VOD content.

[0104] [Processing of information processing device 2] Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing executed by the information processing device 2. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the information processing device 2. This processing starts when the operation accepting unit 241 accepts an instruction to display the recording list screen (S1).

[0105] The display processing unit 242 acquires VOD specification 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 specification information (S3).

[0106] The operation reception unit 241 receives an instruction to play back 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 a playback process for the selected VOD content (S5).

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

[0108] 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system S according to a modified example. The information processing system S further includes a user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 is a terminal used by a user, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. A dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as a "dedicated app") for viewing 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 modified example has a function for complying with 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's operation on a dedicated application 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 device 2 causes the user terminal 3 to display the recorded broadcast content, the load on the local area network in which the information processing device 2 is located increases due to the transmission of the recorded broadcast content to the user terminal 3. Furthermore, when the information processing device 2 causes the user terminal 3 to display the recorded broadcast content, the information processing device 2 converts the image quality of the recording direction content for display on the user terminal 3, but may not be able to perform the conversion according to the performance of the user terminal 3. Therefore, when the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content is distributed by the VOD server, it is preferable to give priority to playing the same VOD content. Therefore, when the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content instructed to be played by the user is viewable, the information processing device 2 may cause the user terminal 3 to play the same VOD content.

[0111] For example, first, when a user performs an operation to play back the recorded broadcast content in a dedicated application of the user terminal 3, the information processing device 2 executes a search process for the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content. As the search process for the same VOD content, the information processing device 2 searches for whether the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content has been distributed, and determines whether the user can view the distributed same VOD content. For example, the metadata of the VOD content includes viewing conditions (e.g., unlimited viewing, purchase, etc.) for the VOD content, and the information processing device 2, for example, refers to contract information indicating the contents of the contract made by the user in the VOD (e.g., whether the user is a VOD member, etc.) or the user's purchase history of VOD content in the VOD, and determines whether the user can view the same VOD content.

[0112] Then, when the execution result of the search process indicates that the user can view the same VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content, the information processing device 2 transmits content identification information corresponding to the same VOD content to the user terminal 3. The user terminal 3 then plays the VOD content distributed by the VOD server and corresponding to the content identification information acquired from the information processing device 2. In this way, the information processing device 2 can reduce the load on the local area network in which the information processing device 2 exists and allow the user terminal 3 to play high-quality content.

[0113] If the information processing device 2 finds no identical VOD content corresponding to the recorded broadcast content as a result of the search process, the information processing device 2 transmits data of the recorded broadcast content to the user terminal 3, thereby causing the recorded broadcast content to be played back.

[0114] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 2 executes a process for recording the VOD identification information based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD identification information in a program guide that displays a program list of broadcast content and a program list of VOD content, and 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 content.

[0115] In this way, the information processing device 2 can display the recorded broadcast content and the VOD content registered in the favorites on one screen. This allows the user to search for the content he or she wants to view from the displayed recording list screen without distinguishing between the recorded broadcast content and the VOD content registered in the favorites. As a result, the information processing device 2 can reduce the burden on the user in searching for the content he or she wants to view.

[0116] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to "build resilient infrastructure, promote industry, innovation and infrastructure."

[0117] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, 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 of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by distributing or integrating functionally or physically in any unit. In addition, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effect of the new embodiment resulting from the combination combines the effect of the original embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Management device 2. Information processing equipment 21 Connection 22 Communications Department 23 Memory section 24 Control Unit 241 Operation reception section 242 Display processing unit 243 Recording Processing Unit 244 Recording Processing Unit 245 Search processing unit 246 Judgment section 3. User terminal S Information Processing System

Claims

1. a display processing unit that displays on a display unit a program guide that displays a program list of broadcast contents to be broadcasted and a program list of VOD contents to be distributed via VOD (Video On Demand); a recording processing unit that executes a recording process of the selected broadcast content based on a recording instruction of the broadcast content selected by a user from a program list of the broadcast content in the program guide; a recording processing unit that executes a process for recording VOD specification information for specifying the VOD content selected by the user from a program list of the VOD content in the program guide, based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD content selected by the user as content to be viewed later; having The display processing unit displays, on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of the broadcast content recorded by the recording processing unit, information indicating the recorded broadcast content and information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information. Information processing device.

2. the display processing unit displays, as information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information, a title of the VOD content and information indicating that the VOD content is VOD; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the display processing unit displays, as information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information, a viewing permission period, the period being set as a period during which viewing of the VOD content is permitted; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The information processing device further includes a search processing unit that, upon receipt of a recording instruction for recording a selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, refers to a list of the VOD contents and executes a search process for searching whether or not there is an identical VOD content, which is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content; the display processing unit, when the identical VOD content is found as a result of the execution of the search process, displays a message indicating that the identical VOD content is found in a list of the VOD contents. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. When the same VOD content is found as a result of the search process, the display processing unit causes the display unit to display a screen inquiring a user about at least one of whether to record the selected broadcast content and whether to record the same VOD content. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The information processing device further includes a search processing unit that, upon receipt of a recording instruction for recording a selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user in the program guide, executes a search process for searching whether or not there is an identical VOD content, which is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content, among the VOD contents identified by the recorded VOD identification information; when the same VOD content is found as a result of the search process, the display processing unit displays a message indicating that the VOD identification information corresponding to the same VOD content is recorded on the display unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The display processing unit displays a screen on the display unit to inquire of a user whether to delete the same VOD content; the recording processing unit executes a process for deleting the VOD identification information corresponding to the same VOD content when the user instructs deletion of the same VOD content on the screen. The information processing device according to claim 6.

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

9. The information processing device further includes a search processing unit that executes a search process to search whether or not there is an identical broadcast content, which is the recorded broadcast content, having the same content as the VOD content selected by the user in the program guide, among the recorded broadcast content, which is the recorded broadcast content, when the recording instruction is received; when the identical broadcast content is found as a result of the search process, the display processing unit displays a message indicating that the identical broadcast content is recorded on the display unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The display processing unit displays on the display unit a screen inquiring to a user whether to delete the same broadcast content; the recording processing unit executes a process for deleting the identical broadcast content when the user instructs the deletion of the identical broadcast content. The information processing device according to claim 9.

11. The information processing device further includes a search processing unit that, upon receipt of a playback instruction for playing a selected broadcast content, which is the broadcast content selected by the user on the recording list screen, refers to the list of VOD contents and executes a search process for searching whether or not there is an identical VOD content, which is the VOD content having the same content as the selected broadcast content; When the same VOD content is found as a result of the search process, the display processing unit displays a playback selection screen for selecting whether to play the selected broadcast content or the same VOD content on the display unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. the information processing device further includes a determination unit that determines, upon receipt of the playback instruction, whether or not the selected broadcast content has been recorded during a broadcast period from a broadcast start to a broadcast end; The search processing unit further searches for whether or not the same VOD content exists on the condition that the determination unit has determined that the selected broadcast content has not been recorded during the broadcast period. The information processing device according to claim 11.

13. 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; When the quality of the same VOD content is higher than the quality of the selected broadcast content, the display processing unit causes a screen to be displayed on the display unit, the screen inquiring of a user as to whether or not to reproduce the same VOD content. The information processing device according to claim 11.

14. The computer executes displaying, on a display unit, a program guide showing a program list of broadcast contents to be broadcasted and a program list of VOD contents to be distributed via VOD; executing a recording process for the selected broadcast content based on a recording instruction for the broadcast content selected by a user from a program list of the broadcast content in the program guide; executing a process for recording VOD specification information for specifying the VOD content selected by the user from a program list of the VOD content in the program guide, based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD content selected by the user as content to be viewed later; displaying information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information together with information indicating the recorded broadcast content on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of the recorded broadcast content; An information processing method comprising the steps of:

15. Computer, a display processing unit that displays on a display unit a program guide that displays a program list of broadcast contents to be broadcasted and a program list of VOD contents to be distributed via VOD; a recording processing unit that executes a recording process of the selected broadcast content based on a recording instruction of the broadcast content selected by a user from a program list of the broadcast content in the program guide; and a recording processing unit that executes a process for recording VOD specification information for specifying the VOD content selected by the user from a program list of the VOD content in the program guide, based on a recording instruction for recording the VOD content selected by the user as content to be viewed later; Function as a The display processing unit displays, on a recording list screen that displays a recording list of the broadcast content recorded by the recording processing unit, information indicating the recorded broadcast content and information indicating the VOD content identified by the recorded VOD identification information. program.

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