Program reservation device, program reservation program, address information acquisition method, and program reservation method

Abstract

To provide an excellent function relating to program reservation.SOLUTION: A program reservation device includes: a transmission unit that transmits address information that is used for communication via a network and that is encrypted using a common encryption key to a location server outside the program reservation device; a notification unit that performs notification processing for notifying a user of the common encryption key; a provision unit that provides program information via the network to a user terminal with which the common encryption key is registered; and a reception unit that receives a program reservation from the user terminal via the network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program reservation device, a program reservation program, an address information acquisition method, and a program reservation method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, so-called remote reservation technology has been developed, which allows a user to reserve a program from outside the home via a network.

[0003] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 ("About remote reservation", [online], [searched on May 10, 2021], Internet <URL: https: / / jp.sharp / support / bd / info / remote.html>) and Non-Patent Document 2 ("Notice regarding additional functions", [online], [searched on May 10, 2021], Internet <URL: https: / / jp.sharp / support / bd / doc / info_remoto.pdf>) describe applications that allow you to schedule recordings on a Blu-ray Disc recorder.

[0004] In addition, non-patent document 3 ("Hikari TV Web Member Service Manual", [online], [searched on May 10, 2021], Internet <URL: https: / / app.hikaritv.net / member / manual / index10.html>) describes the procedure for setting up remote reservations using a QR code (registered trademark). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] “About remote reservations”, [online], [searched May 10, 2021], Internet〈URL:https: / / jp.sharp / support / bd / info / remote.html〉 [Non-Patent Document 2] “Notice of additional functions”, [online], [searched on May 10, 2021], Internet〈URL:https: / / jp.sharp / support / bd / doc / info_remoto.pdf〉 [Non-Patent Document 3] “Hikari TV Web Membership Service Manual”, [online], [Retrieved May 10, 2021], Internet〈URL:https: / / app.hikaritv.net / member / manual / index10.html〉 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a need for a technology that goes beyond the technologies described in Non-Patent Documents 1-3 and is capable of realizing superior functions related to program reservation.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a program reservation device, a program reservation program, an address information acquisition method, and a program reservation method that are capable of realizing excellent functions related to program reservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The program reservation device disclosed herein includes a transmitting unit that transmits address information used for communication via a network, the address information being encrypted using a common encryption key, to a server located outside the program reservation device, a notification unit that performs a notification process to notify a user of the common encryption key, a providing unit that provides program information via the network to a user terminal in which the common encryption key is registered, and a receiving unit that accepts program reservations from the user terminal via the network.

[0009] The program reservation program disclosed herein is a program reservation program used in a user terminal that sets up program reservation in a program reservation device, and causes a computer to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires a common encryption key and an identifier of the program reservation device, a second acquisition unit that acquires address information used for communication with the program reservation device via a network, the address information corresponding to the identifier acquired by the first acquisition unit, from a server located outside the program reservation device, a decryption unit that decrypts the address information acquired by the second acquisition unit using the common encryption key acquired by the first acquisition unit, and a setting unit that sets up the program reservation in the program reservation device via the network using the address information decrypted by the decryption unit.

[0010] The address information acquisition method disclosed herein is an address information acquisition method in a user terminal that acquires address information used for communication with a program reservation device via a network, and includes the steps of acquiring a common encryption key and an identifier of the program reservation device, acquiring the address information corresponding to the acquired identifier from a server located outside the program reservation device, and decrypting the acquired address information using the acquired common encryption key.

[0011] The program reservation method disclosed herein is a program reservation method in a user terminal that sets up program reservation in a program reservation device, and includes the steps of acquiring program information from the program reservation device via a network, performing a process of displaying a list of programs using the acquired program information, accepting an operation to designate the program to be reserved, and setting up the program reservation in the program reservation device via the network in accordance with the accepted operation.

[0012] The program reservation method disclosed herein is a program reservation method in a program reservation device, and includes a step of transmitting address information used for communication via a network, the address information being encrypted using a common encryption key, to a server located outside the program reservation device, a step of performing a notification process to notify a user of the common encryption key, a step of providing program information via the network to a user terminal in which the common encryption key is registered, and a step of accepting program reservations from the user terminal via the network.

[0013] One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a program reservation device having such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of such characteristic processing. Also, one aspect of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or the whole of the program reservation device, or as a program reservation system including the program reservation device. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize excellent functions related to program reservation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a program reservation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an STB according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program guide displayed on a display unit of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the STB according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs a notification process. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flowchart defining an example of an operational procedure when the STB according to the embodiment of the present disclosure sets up program reservation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart defining an example of an operational procedure when a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure acquires address information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart defining an example of an operational procedure when a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure sets up program reservation. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence for setting a program reservation in the program reservation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a program reservation setting sequence in the program reservation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0017] (1) A program reservation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transmitting unit that transmits address information used for communication via a network, the address information being encrypted using a common encryption key, to a server located outside the program reservation device, a notification unit that performs a notification process to notify a user of the common encryption key, a providing unit that provides program information via the network to a user terminal in which the common encryption key is registered, and a receiving unit that accepts program reservations from the user terminal via the network.

[0018] In this way, by providing program information to a user terminal in which a common encryption key is registered via a network and accepting reservations for programs from the user terminal via the network, it is possible to provide program information to a user terminal and accept remote reservations from the user terminal without going through a reservation management server outside the program reservation device, thereby reducing delays in displaying a program guide and in program reservations on the user terminal. In addition, since it is not necessary to install a reservation management server on a cloud server, it is possible to build a system at low cost that allows a user terminal to make program reservations via a network. In addition, by transmitting address information encrypted using a common encryption key to a location server and notifying the user of the common encryption key, it is possible to transmit the encrypted address information from the program reservation device to the user terminal, thereby improving security when registering address information in the user terminal. Therefore, it is possible to realize excellent functions related to program reservations.

[0019] (2) The program reservation device may further include a detection unit that detects updates to the address information, and the transmission unit may be configured to transmit to the location server the updated address information detected by the detection unit, the address information being encrypted using the common encryption key.

[0020] With this configuration, the updated address information can be provided to the user terminal via the location server, so that even if the address information is updated, the program reservation device and the user terminal can maintain a state in which they can communicate with each other via the network.

[0021] (3) The detection unit may be configured to detect an update of the address information due to a restart of a router that relays data between a LAN (Local Area Network) to which the program reservation device belongs and a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0022] With this configuration, address information changed when the router is restarted can be provided to the user terminal via the location server, so that even if the router is restarted, the program reservation device and the user terminal can maintain a state in which they can communicate with each other via the network.

[0023] (4) The notification unit may perform the notification process by displaying a two-dimensional code indicative of the common encryption key on a display device.

[0024] With this configuration, the common encryption key can be easily registered in the user terminal owned by the user.

[0025] (5) A program reservation program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a program reservation program used in a user terminal that sets up program reservation in a program reservation device, and causes a computer to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires a common encryption key and an identifier of the program reservation device, a second acquisition unit that acquires address information used for communication with the program reservation device via a network, the address information corresponding to the identifier acquired by the first acquisition unit, from a server located outside the program reservation device, a decryption unit that decrypts the address information acquired by the second acquisition unit using the common encryption key acquired by the first acquisition unit, and a setting unit that sets up the program reservation in the program reservation device via the network using the address information decrypted by the decryption unit.

[0026] In this way, the address information corresponding to the identifier of the program reservation device is obtained from the location server, and the decrypted address information is used to set the program reservation in the program reservation device via the network. This allows the program information to be obtained from the program reservation device and remote reservation from the user terminal without going through a reservation management server outside the program reservation device, thereby reducing delays in displaying the program guide and program reservation in the user terminal. In addition, since there is no need to install a reservation management server on a cloud server, a system that allows program reservation via a network by a user terminal can be constructed at low cost. Therefore, excellent functions related to program reservation can be realized.

[0027] (6) An address information acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an address information acquisition method in a user terminal that acquires address information used for communication with a program reservation device via a network, and includes the steps of acquiring a common encryption key and an identifier of the program reservation device, acquiring the address information corresponding to the acquired identifier from a server located outside the program reservation device, and decrypting the acquired address information using the acquired common encryption key.

[0028] In this way, by acquiring address information corresponding to the identifier of the program reservation device from the location server and decrypting the address information using a common encryption key, and communicating with the program reservation device using the decrypted address information, it is possible to acquire program information from the program reservation device and perform remote reservation from a user terminal without going through a reservation management server outside the program reservation device, thereby reducing delays in displaying a program guide and in program reservation on a user terminal. Also, since it is not necessary to install a reservation management server on a cloud server, it is possible to build a system at low cost that allows a user terminal to make program reservations via a network. Therefore, it is possible to realize excellent functions related to program reservation.

[0029] (7) A program reservation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a program reservation method in a user terminal that sets up program reservation in a program reservation device, and includes the steps of acquiring program information from the program reservation device via a network, performing a process of displaying a list of programs using the acquired program information, accepting an operation to designate a program to be reserved, and setting up the program reservation in the program reservation device via the network in accordance with the accepted operation.

[0030] In this way, by acquiring program information from the program reservation device via the network, displaying a list of programs, and setting program reservation in the program reservation device via the network, it is possible to acquire program information from the program reservation device and perform remote reservation from a user terminal without going through a reservation management server outside the program reservation device, thereby reducing delays in displaying a program guide and program reservation in a user terminal. Also, since it is not necessary to install a reservation management server on a cloud server, it is possible to build a system at low cost that allows a user terminal to make program reservations via a network. Therefore, it is possible to realize excellent functions related to program reservation.

[0031] (8) A program reservation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of: transmitting address information used for communication via a network, the address information being encrypted using a common encryption key, to a server located outside the program reservation device; performing a notification process for notifying a user of the common encryption key; providing program information via the network to a user terminal in which the common encryption key is registered; and accepting program reservations from the user terminal via the network.

[0032] In this way, by providing program information to a user terminal in which a common encryption key is registered via a network and accepting reservations for programs from the user terminal via the network, it is possible to provide program information to a user terminal and accept remote reservations from the user terminal without going through a reservation management server outside the program reservation device, thereby reducing delays in displaying a program guide and in program reservations on the user terminal. In addition, since it is not necessary to install a reservation management server on a cloud server, it is possible to build a system at low cost that allows a user terminal to make program reservations via a network. In addition, by transmitting address information encrypted using a common encryption key to a location server and notifying the user of the common encryption key, it is possible to transmit the encrypted address information from the program reservation device to the user terminal, thereby improving security when registering address information in the user terminal. Therefore, it is possible to realize excellent functions related to program reservations.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0034] [Configuration and basic operation] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a program reservation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 1, a program reservation system 501 includes an STB (Set Top Box) 101, a display device 111, a router 121, a user terminal 201, and an address information server 301. The STB 101 is an example of a program reservation device. The address information server 301 is an example of a location server.

[0035] The STB 101, the display device 111, and the router 121 are disposed in a subscriber home 191, which is the home of a user Y. The STB 101 belongs to a LAN in the subscriber home 191.

[0036] STB 101 is capable of, for example, receiving a stream in which content is divided into a number of packets, playing back the received content on display device 111, and recording the received content.

[0037] The router 121 relays data between the LAN to which the STB 101 belongs and the WAN 311, which is an example of a network.

[0038] The user terminal 201 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user Y, and includes a display unit 211 for displaying an operation screen and the like. The user terminal 201 is capable of communicating with the address information server 301 via a wireless base station device 312 and a WAN 311.

[0039] As described later, the user terminal 201 can communicate with the STB 101 via the wireless base station device 312, the WAN 311, and the router 121. The communication between the user terminal 201 and the STB 101 is performed according to a communication protocol such as HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). Note that the communication between the user terminal 201 and the STB 101 may be performed according to a communication protocol other than HTTP.

[0040] The user terminal 201 is capable of setting program reservation in the STB 101. More specifically, the user terminal 201 is capable of setting recording reservation as program reservation setting in the STB 101.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an STB according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 2, the STB 101 includes a stream receiving unit 11, a remote control signal receiving unit 12, an STB processing unit 13, an STB communication unit 14, an address acquiring unit 15, a storage unit 16, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 17. The STB processing unit 13 is an example of a notification unit and an example of a reception unit. The STB communication unit 14 is an example of a transmission unit and an example of a provision unit. The address acquiring unit 15 is an example of a detection unit.

[0042] The stream receiving unit 11 acquires a stream via an antenna or a network such as the Internet. More specifically, the stream receiving unit 11 receives broadcast packets that constitute the stream, and outputs the received broadcast packets to the STB processing unit 13.

[0043] The stream includes, for example, audio information, video information, subtitle information, SI information (Service Information), and EIT (Event Information Table).

[0044] The payload of each broadcast packet constituting the stream includes, for example, a part or the whole of a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream).

[0045] The PES processed in the STB 101 includes, for example, an image PES that stores an image and an audio PES that stores an audio. The payloads of the image PES and audio PES contain encoded images and audio, respectively. The header of the PES contains a stream ID that is an identifier of the PES, and a PTS (Presentation Time Stamp) that indicates the timing at which the image or audio contained in the payload of the PES should be output.

[0046] The storage unit 16 includes a program information DB 161, which is a database of broadcast programs, and a reservation management DB 162, which is a database of reserved programs. The storage unit 16 also stores an STB_ID, which is an identifier of the STB 101.

[0047] In the program information DB 161, as program information, an EIT acquired from a stream by the stream receiving unit 11 and a program table based on an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) created using the EIT, etc. are registered. The stream receiving unit 11 periodically acquires an EIT, so that the program information DB 161 is periodically updated.

[0048] In the reservation management DB 162, the program title, the program start time, and the program end time of each program are registered.

[0049] The remote control signal receiving unit 12 receives a remote control signal from a remote control, and outputs to the STB processing unit 13 operation information that indicates an operation by user Y and is included in the received remote control signal.

[0050] The STB processing unit 13 records a program. For example, the STB processing unit 13 receives operation information indicating that a recording should be reserved from the remote control signal receiving unit 12. The STB processing unit 13 refers to a program guide registered in the program information DB 161 in the storage unit 16, and registers information about the program indicated by the operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 12 in the reservation management DB 162. The STB processing unit 13 then refers to the reservation management DB 162, and records the program in question according to the start time of the program.

[0051] More specifically, the STB processing unit 13 controls the stream receiving unit 11 based on the information registered in the reservation management DB 162 to acquire broadcast packets corresponding to the program to be recorded, and stores the acquired broadcast packets in the HDD 17.

[0052] Moreover, the STB processing unit 13 plays back the program. More specifically, the STB processing unit 13 controls the stream receiving unit 11 in accordance with the operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 12 to acquire broadcast packets corresponding to the program indicated by the operation information, performs processing to reproduce the content using information and the like contained in the acquired broadcast packets, and transmits the acquired video information, audio information, and the like to the display device 111.

[0053] The STB processing unit 13 also plays back recorded programs that are programs stored in the HDD 17. More specifically, the STB processing unit 13 acquires, from the HDD 17, broadcast packets corresponding to the recorded programs indicated by the operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 12. The STB processing unit 13 then performs processing to play back the content using information, etc., contained in the acquired broadcast packets, and transmits the acquired video information, audio information, etc. to the display device 111.

[0054] (Acquisition of address information by STB) The address acquisition unit 15 acquires address information Ad used for communication via the WAN 311. Specifically, the address acquisition unit 15 acquires address information Ad indicating the WAN side IP address of the router 121 and the port number of the STB 101.

[0055] More specifically, when STB 101 is started, address acquisition unit 15 acquires address information Ad by communicating with router 121 according to the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) protocol. Address acquisition unit 15 stores the acquired address information Ad in storage unit 16.

[0056] For example, the address obtaining unit 15 detects an update of the address information Ad.

[0057] Here, the address information Ad can be updated by restarting the router 121. The address acquisition unit 15 detects the update of the address information Ad due to the restart of the router 121. Then, the address acquisition unit 15 acquires the updated address information Ad by communicating with the router 121 according to the UPnP protocol. Upon acquiring the updated address information Ad, the address acquisition unit 15 erases the address information Ad stored in the storage unit 16, and stores the acquired address information Ad in the storage unit 16.

[0058] (STB sends address information) The storage unit 16 stores a common encryption key Kc used to encrypt the address information Ad. For example, the STB processing unit 13 generates the common encryption key Kc at the first startup and stores it in the storage unit 16. Alternatively, the common encryption key Kc is stored in the storage unit 16 by the manufacturer of the STB 101 at the time of shipment.

[0059] When the address information Ad is stored in the storage unit 16 by the address acquisition unit 15, the STB processing unit 13 acquires the address information Ad and the common encryption key Kc from the storage unit 16, and encrypts the address information Ad using the common encryption key Kc. Hereinafter, the encrypted address information Ad is also referred to as "address information Adenc." The STB processing unit 13 outputs the address information Adenc obtained by encrypting the address information Ad to the STB communication unit 14.

[0060] The STB communication unit 14 transmits the address information Adenc encrypted using the common encryption key Kc to the address information server 301 outside the STB 101. More specifically, the STB communication unit 14 receives the address information Adenc, which has been acquired by the address acquisition unit 15 when the STB 101 is started and encrypted by the STB processing unit 13, from the STB processing unit 13. Then, the STB communication unit 14 acquires the STB_ID from the storage unit 16, and transmits an address setting packet including the address information Adenc received from the STB processing unit 13 and the acquired STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the router 121 and the WAN 311.

[0061] For example, the STB communication unit 14 transmits address information Adenc, which is updated address information Ad detected by the address acquisition unit 15 and encrypted using the common encryption key Kc, to the address information server 301. More specifically, the STB communication unit 14 receives address information Adenc, which was acquired by the address acquisition unit 15 when the router 121 was restarted and encrypted by the STB processing unit 13, from the STB processing unit 13. Then, the STB communication unit 14 acquires STB_ID from the storage unit 16, and transmits an address setting packet including the address information Adenc received from the STB processing unit 13 and the acquired STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the router 121 and the WAN 311.

[0062] The address information server 301 receives an address setting packet from the STB 101 via the router 121 and the WAN 311, and stores the address information Adenc and the STB_ID contained in the received address setting packet in a storage unit (not shown) in association with each other.

[0063] (Notification processing by STB) The storage unit 16 stores an access key Ka used to authenticate the user terminal 201. For example, the STB processing unit 13 generates the access key Ka at the first startup and stores it in the storage unit 16. Alternatively, the access key Ka is stored in the storage unit 16 by the manufacturer of the STB 101 at the time of shipment.

[0064] The STB processing unit 13 performs a notification process to notify the user Y of the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID. For example, as the notification process, the STB processing unit 13 performs a process to display a QR code (registered trademark) indicating the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID on the display device 111. The QR code is an example of a two-dimensional code.

[0065] More specifically, a user Y of the STB 101 performs a registration operation on the remote control to register the user terminal 201 as a program reservation terminal.

[0066] The STB processing unit 13 receives operation information indicating the registration operation by the user Y from the remote control signal receiving unit 12, and acquires the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID from the storage unit 16. Then, the STB processing unit 13 performs processing to display on the display device 111 a QR code indicating the acquired common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID.

[0067] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 3, user terminal 201 includes reading unit 21, terminal communication unit 22, device processing unit 23, storage unit 24, and display unit 211. Reading unit 21 is an example of a first acquisition unit. Device communication unit 22 is an example of a second acquisition unit. Device processing unit 23 is an example of a decryption unit and an example of a setting unit.

[0068] The reader 21 obtains the common encryption key Kc and the STB_ID.

[0069] More specifically, the user Y performs a reading operation on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 211 of the user terminal 201 to cause the user terminal 201 to read the QR code displayed on the display device 111 .

[0070] The reading unit 21 reads the QR code displayed on the display device 111 in accordance with the reading operation of the user Y, and acquires the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID indicated by the QR code. The reading unit 21 stores the acquired common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID in the storage unit 24.

[0071] (Acquisition of address information by user terminal) The terminal communication unit 22 acquires, from the address information server 301, the address information Adenc that corresponds to the STB_ID acquired by the reading unit 21.

[0072] For example, when the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID are stored in the memory unit 24 by the reading unit 21, the terminal communication unit 22 acquires the STB_ID from the memory unit 24 and transmits an address request packet including the acquired STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311.

[0073] Referring again to Figure 1, when the address information server 301 receives an address request packet from the user terminal 201, it generates an address distribution packet including address information Adenc corresponding to the STB_ID included in the address request packet, and transmits the generated address distribution packet to the user terminal 201, which is the sender of the address request packet.

[0074] Referring again to FIG. 3, when the terminal communication unit 22 in the user terminal 201 receives an address distribution packet from the address information server 301 via the WAN 311 and the wireless base station device 312, it acquires the address information Adenc from the received address distribution packet and stores it in the memory unit 24.

[0075] The terminal processing unit 23 decrypts the address information Adenc acquired by the terminal communication unit 22, using the common encryption key Kc acquired by the reading unit 21. More specifically, when the address information Adenc is stored in the storage unit 24 by the terminal communication unit 22, the terminal processing unit 23 decrypts the address information Adenc, using the common encryption key Kc stored in the storage unit 24. The terminal processing unit 23 stores in the storage unit 24 the address information Ad obtained by decrypting the address information Adenc.

[0076] The terminal communication unit 22 is capable of communicating with the STB 101 via the wireless base station device 312 , the WAN 311 and the router 121 , using the address information Ad stored in the storage unit 24 by the terminal processing unit 23 .

[0077] (Displaying program guide on user terminal) For example, user Y performs a display operation on the operation screen displayed on display unit 211 of user terminal 201 to cause display unit 211 to display a program guide.

[0078] The terminal processing unit 23 obtains the access key Ka and the address information Ad from the storage unit 24 in accordance with the operation of the user Y, and generates a program information request packet including the access key Ka and the address information Ad and addressed to the STB 101. Then, the terminal processing unit 23 outputs the generated program information request packet to the terminal communication unit 22.

[0079] The terminal communication unit 22 receives the program information request packet from the terminal processing unit 23 , and transmits the received program information request packet to the router 121 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 .

[0080] 1 again, router 121 receives a program information request packet from user terminal 201 via wireless base station device 312 and WAN 311, and relays the received program information request packet to STB 101. For example, if the port number indicated by address information Ad included in the received program information request packet matches the port number of STB 101, router 121 transmits the program information request packet to STB 101. On the other hand, if the port number indicated by address information Ad included in the received program information request packet does not match the port number of STB 101, router 121 discards the program information request packet.

[0081] Referring back to FIG. 2, when STB communication section 14 in STB 101 receives the program information request packet from router 121 , it outputs the received program information request packet to STB processing section 13 .

[0082] The STB processing unit 13 provides program information via the WAN 311 to the user terminal 201 in which the common encryption key Kc is registered.

[0083] More specifically, the STB processing unit 13 receives a program information request packet from the STB communication unit 14 and acquires an access key Ka from the received program information request packet. The STB processing unit 13 compares the acquired access key Ka with the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 16 as an authentication process for the user terminal 201.

[0084] If the access key Ka acquired from the program information request packet matches the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 16, the STB processing unit 13 acquires the program information from the program information DB 161 in the storage unit 16, generates a program information packet including the acquired program information and addressed to the user terminal 201 that is the sender of the program information request, and outputs the generated program information packet to the terminal communication unit 22. On the other hand, if the access key Ka acquired from the program information request packet does not match the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 16, the STB processing unit 13 discards the program information request packet without generating a program information packet.

[0085] The STB communication unit 14 transmits the program information packet received from the STB processing unit 13 to the router 121 .

[0086] Referring again to FIG. 3, when the terminal communication unit 22 in the user terminal 201 receives a program information packet from the STB 101 via the router 121, the WAN 311 and the wireless base station device 312, it obtains program information from the received program information packet and outputs it to the terminal processing unit 23.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a program guide displayed on a display unit of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] 4, terminal processing unit 23 receives program information from terminal communication unit 22 and performs processing to display a list of programs, that is, a program guide, on display unit 211 of user terminal 201 using the received program information.

[0089] (Program reservation settings via user terminal) For example, user Y performs a designation operation on the operation screen displayed on display unit 211 of user terminal 201 to designate a program to be scheduled for recording from among the programs in the program guide displayed on display unit 211.

[0090] 3, the terminal processing unit 23 accepts a designation operation from the user Y and sets a recording reservation in the STB 101 via the WAN 311 using the address information Ad and the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 24. More specifically, the terminal processing unit 23 obtains the access key Ka and the address information Ad from the storage unit 24 in accordance with the operation by the user Y, and generates a recording reservation setting packet addressed to the STB 101, including the access key Ka and the address information Ad, and indicating the program to be recorded. The terminal processing unit 23 then outputs the generated recording reservation setting packet to the terminal communication unit 22.

[0091] The terminal communication unit 22 receives a recording reservation setting packet from the terminal processing unit 23 , and transmits the received recording reservation setting packet to the router 121 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 .

[0092] 1 again, router 121 receives a recording reservation setting packet from user terminal 201 via wireless base station device 312 and WAN 311, and relays the received recording reservation setting packet to STB 101. For example, if the port number indicated by address information Ad included in the received recording reservation setting packet matches the port number of STB 101, router 121 transmits the recording reservation setting packet to STB 101. On the other hand, if the port number indicated by address information Ad included in the received recording reservation setting packet does not match the port number of STB 101, router 121 discards the recording reservation setting packet.

[0093] Referring back to FIG. 2, the STB processing unit 13 in the STB 101 accepts a reservation for a program from the user terminal 201 via the WAN 311 .

[0094] More specifically, when STB communication section 14 in STB 101 receives a recording reservation setting packet from router 121 , it outputs the received recording reservation setting packet to STB processing section 13 .

[0095] The STB processing unit 13 receives a recording reservation setting packet from the STB communication unit 14 and acquires the access key Ka from the received recording reservation setting packet. The STB processing unit 13 compares the acquired access key Ka with the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 16 as an authentication process for the user terminal 201.

[0096] If the access key Ka acquired from the recording reservation setting packet matches the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 16, the STB processing unit 13 accepts the reservation of the program. Specifically, the STB processing unit 13 registers information about the program indicated by the received recording reservation setting packet in the reservation management DB 162. The STB processing unit 13 then refers to the reservation management DB 162 and records the program according to the start time of the program. On the other hand, if the access key Ka acquired from the recording reservation setting packet does not match the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 16, the STB processing unit 13 discards the recording reservation setting packet without registering information about the program in the reservation management DB 162.

[0097] When the STB processing unit 13 registers information regarding the program indicated by the recording reservation setting packet in the reservation management DB 162, it generates a reservation completion packet addressed to the user terminal 201, the sender of the recording reservation setting packet, indicating that the recording reservation setting has been completed, and outputs the generated reservation completion packet to the terminal communication unit 22.

[0098] The STB communication unit 14 transmits the reservation completion packet received from the STB processing unit 13 to the router 121 .

[0099] Referring back to FIG. 3, when the terminal communication unit 22 in the user terminal 201 receives the reservation completion packet via the router 121, the WAN 311 and the wireless base station device 312, it outputs the received reservation completion packet to the terminal processing unit .

[0100] The terminal processing unit 23 receives the reservation completion packet from the terminal communication unit 22 and performs processing to display on the display unit 211 of the user terminal 201 a screen indicating that the recording reservation has been completed.

[0101] (Variations of Program Reservation Settings by User Terminal) For example, the STB_ID stored in the storage unit 16 of the STB 101 is an identifier capable of determining the contract status of the broadcasting service in the STB 101. Specifically, the STB_ID is a DRM (Digital Rights Management) ID such as an ACAS (Advanced Conditional Access System) ID.

[0102] The terminal processing unit 23 receives a designation operation from the user Y, acquires an STB_ID from the storage unit 24 in accordance with the designation operation, and generates a recording permission confirmation packet including the acquired STB_ID and addressed to the address information server 301 for inquiring about the permission of recording the program. Then, the terminal processing unit 23 outputs the generated recording permission confirmation packet to the terminal communication unit 22.

[0103] The terminal communication unit 22 receives the recording permission confirmation packet from the terminal processing unit 23 and transmits the received recording permission confirmation packet to the address information server 301 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 .

[0104] The address information server 301 receives a recording permission confirmation packet from the user terminal 201 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311, and determines the contract status of the STB 101 based on the STB_ID included in the received recording permission confirmation packet. Then, based on the contract status of the STB 101, the address information server 301 determines whether the program indicated in the received recording permission confirmation packet can be viewed and recorded on the STB 101.

[0105] If the address information server 301 determines that the program indicated in the received recording possibility confirmation packet can be viewed and recorded on the STB 101, it transmits a recording possibility packet indicating the result of the determination to the user terminal 201 via the WAN 311 and the wireless base station device 312.

[0106] On the other hand, if the address information server 301 determines that the program indicated in the received recording possibility confirmation packet cannot be viewed or recorded on the STB 101, it transmits a recording impossible packet indicating the result of the determination to the user terminal 201 via the WAN 311 and the wireless base station device 312.

[0107] When the terminal processing unit 23 in the user terminal 201 receives a recording ready packet from the address information server 301, it generates a recording reservation setting packet as described above, and outputs the generated recording reservation setting packet to the terminal communication unit 22.

[0108] On the other hand, when the terminal processing unit 23 in the user terminal 201 receives a recording impossible packet from the address information server 301, it performs processing to display on the display unit 211 of the user terminal 201 a screen indicating that the program specified by user Y's specification operation cannot be recorded under the current contract content.

[0109] (Re-acquisition of address information by user terminal) As described above, the address information Ad can be updated when the router 121 is restarted.

[0110] When the terminal communication unit 22 transmits a program information request packet including the pre-update address information Ad to the router 121, the program information request packet is discarded by the router 121 or the STB 101, and therefore the program information packet does not arrive from the router 121.

[0111] If the program information packet does not arrive within a predetermined time after sending the program information request packet, the terminal communication unit 22 again obtains the address information Adenc from the address information server 301 by sending an address request packet to the address information server 301 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311.

[0112] The terminal processing unit 23 uses the common encryption key Kc to decrypt the address information Adenc newly acquired by the terminal communication unit 22. Then, the terminal processing unit 23 generates a program information request packet including the address information Ad and the access key Ka obtained by the decryption, and outputs the generated program information request packet to the terminal communication unit 22.

[0113] Similarly, when the terminal communication unit 22 sends a recording reservation setting packet including the address information Ad before the update to the router 121, the recording reservation setting packet is discarded by the router 121 or the STB 101, and no reservation completion packet arrives from the router 121.

[0114] If the terminal communication unit 22 does not receive a reservation completion packet within a specified time after sending a recording reservation setting packet, it transmits an address request packet to the address information server 301 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 to again obtain the address information Adenc from the address information server 301.

[0115] The terminal processing unit 23 uses the common encryption key Kc to decrypt the address information Adenc newly acquired by the terminal communication unit 22. Then, the terminal processing unit 23 generates a recording reservation setting packet including the address information Ad and the access key Ka obtained by the decryption, and outputs the generated recording reservation setting packet to the terminal communication unit 22.

[0116] [Operation flow] Each device in the program reservation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer including a memory, and an arithmetic processing unit such as an MCU in the computer reads out from the memory and executes a program including some or all of the steps of the following flowcharts and sequences. Each of the programs of the multiple devices can be installed from the outside. Each of the programs of the multiple devices is distributed in a state stored in a recording medium or via a communication line.

[0117] FIG. 5 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the STB according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs a notification process.

[0118] 5, first, STB 101 communicates with router 121 according to the UPnP communication protocol to obtain address information Ad indicating the WAN side IP address of router 121 and the port number of STB 101 (step S102).

[0119] Next, the STB 101 encrypts the address information Ad using the common encryption key Kc, and transmits an address setting packet including the address information Adenc and the STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the router 121 and the WAN 311 (step S104).

[0120] Next, the STB 101 waits for a registration operation to register the user terminal 201 as a program reservation terminal (NO in step S106), and when it accepts a registration operation from the user Y (YES in step S106), it performs a notification process. More specifically, as the notification process, the STB 101 performs a process of displaying a QR code indicating the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID on the display device 111 (step S108).

[0121] FIG. 6 is a flowchart defining an example of an operational procedure when the STB according to the embodiment of the present disclosure sets up program reservation.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6, first, the STB 101 waits for a program information request packet and a recording reservation setting packet from the user terminal 201 (NO in step S112). When the STB 101 receives a program information request packet from the user terminal 201 (YES in step S112 and YES in step S114), it obtains an access key Ka from the received program information request packet and compares the obtained access key Ka with the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16 (step S116).

[0123] Next, if the access key Ka acquired from the program information request packet does not match the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16 (NO in step S118), the STB 101 discards the received program information request packet (step S120).

[0124] Next, the STB 101 waits for a new program information request packet and a new recording reservation setting packet from the user terminal 201 (NO in step S112).

[0125] On the other hand, if the access key Ka acquired from the program information request packet matches the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16 (YES in step S118), the STB 101 provides the program information to the user terminal 201, which is the sender of the program information request packet, via the WAN 311. More specifically, the STB 101 transmits a program information packet including the program information to the user terminal 201 via the router 121, the WAN 311, and the wireless base station device 312 (step S122).

[0126] Next, the STB 101 waits for a new program information request packet and a new recording reservation setting packet from the user terminal 201 (NO in step S112).

[0127] On the other hand, when the STB 101 receives a recording reservation setting packet from the user terminal 201 (YES in step S112 and NO in step S114), it obtains the access key Ka from the received recording reservation setting packet and compares the obtained access key Ka with the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16 (step S124).

[0128] Next, if the access key Ka acquired from the recording reservation setting packet does not match the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16 (NO in step S126), the STB 101 discards the received recording reservation setting packet (step S128).

[0129] Next, the STB 101 waits for a new program information request packet and a new recording reservation setting packet from the user terminal 201 (NO in step S112).

[0130] On the other hand, if the access key Ka acquired from the recording reservation setting packet matches the access key Ka stored in the storage unit 16 (YES in step S126), the STB 101 accepts the reservation of the program. More specifically, the STB 101 registers information about the program indicated by the recording reservation setting packet in the reservation management DB 162 (step S130).

[0131] Next, the STB 101 transmits a reservation completion packet to the user terminal 201 via the router 121, the WAN 311, and the wireless base station device 312 (step S132).

[0132] Next, the STB 101 waits for a new program information request packet and a new recording reservation setting packet from the user terminal 201 (NO in step S112).

[0133] FIG. 7 is a flowchart defining an example of an operational procedure when a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure acquires address information.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 7, first, the user terminal 201 waits for a read operation to read the QR code displayed on the display device 111 (NO in step S202). When the user terminal 201 receives a read operation from the user Y (YES in step S202), the user terminal 201 reads the QR code displayed on the display device 111 in accordance with the read operation and obtains the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID indicated by the QR code (step S204).

[0135] Next, the user terminal 201 acquires address information Adenc corresponding to the STB_ID from the address information server 301. More specifically, the user terminal 201 transmits an address request packet including the STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311, and receives an address distribution packet including the address information Adenc corresponding to the STB_ID from the address information server 301. Then, the user terminal 201 acquires the address information Adenc from the received address distribution packet (step S206).

[0136] Next, the user terminal 201 decrypts the address information Adenc using the common encryption key Kc, and stores the obtained address information Ad in the storage unit 24 (step S208).

[0137] FIG. 8 is a flowchart defining an example of an operational procedure when a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure sets up program reservation.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 8, first, the user terminal 201 waits for a display operation to display a program guide (NO in step S302), and upon receiving a display operation from user Y (YES in step S302), transmits a program information request packet addressed to the STB 101, including the access key Ka and address information Ad, to the router 121 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 (step S304).

[0139] Next, if the user terminal 201 does not receive the program information packet within a predetermined time after transmitting the program information request packet (NO in step S306), the user terminal 201 reacquires the address information Ad. More specifically, the user terminal 201 acquires the address information Adenc corresponding to the STB_ID from the address information server 301, decrypts the address information Adenc using the common encryption key Kc, and stores the obtained address information Ad in the storage unit 24. That is, the process of steps S206 and S208 in FIG. 7 is performed (step S308).

[0140] Next, the user terminal 201 transmits a new program information request packet including the access key Ka and the address information Ad to the router 121 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 (step S304).

[0141] On the other hand, when the user terminal 201 receives a program information packet from the STB 101 via the router 121, the WAN 311, and the wireless base station device 312 (YES in step S306), it acquires program information from the received program information packet (step S310).

[0142] Next, the user terminal 201 performs processing to display a program guide on the display unit 211 using the acquired program information (step S312).

[0143] Next, the user terminal 201 waits for a designation operation to specify a program to be scheduled for recording (NO in step S314), and upon receiving a designation operation from user Y (YES in step S314), sets up a recording reservation in the STB 101 via the WAN 311 using the address information Ad and the access key Ka in accordance with the designation operation. More specifically, the user terminal 201 transmits a recording reservation setting packet addressed to the STB 101, including the access key Ka and the address information Ad, to the router 121 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 (step S316).

[0144] Next, if the user terminal 201 does not receive a reservation completion packet within a predetermined time after transmitting the recording reservation setting packet (NO in step S318), the user terminal 201 reacquires the address information Ad. More specifically, the user terminal 201 acquires the address information Adenc corresponding to the STB_ID from the address information server 301, decrypts the address information Adenc using the common encryption key Kc, and stores the obtained address information Ad in the storage unit 24. That is, the processes of steps S206 and S208 in Fig. 7 are performed (step S320).

[0145] Next, the user terminal 201 transmits a new recording reservation setting packet, which includes the access key Ka and the address information Ad, to the router 121 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 (step S316).

[0146] On the other hand, when the user terminal 201 receives a reservation completion packet from the STB 101 via the router 121, the WAN 311, and the wireless base station device 312 (YES in step S318), it performs a process of displaying a screen indicating that the recording reservation has been completed on the display unit 211 (step S322).

[0147] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence for setting a program reservation in the program reservation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 9, first, the STB 101 acquires the address information Ad (step S402).

[0149] Next, the STB 101 encrypts the address information Ad using the common encryption key Kc, and transmits an address setting packet including the encrypted address information Adenc and the STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the router 121 and the WAN 311 (step S404).

[0150] Next, the STB 101 accepts a registration operation from the user Y to register the user terminal 201 as a program reservation terminal, and performs a process of displaying the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and a QR code indicating the STB_ID on the display device 111 (step S406).

[0151] Next, the user terminal 201 receives a reading operation from user Y to read the QR code displayed on the display device 111, and reads the QR code displayed on the display device 111 in accordance with the reading operation, and obtains the common encryption key Kc, access key Ka, and STB_ID indicated by the QR code (step S408).

[0152] Next, the user terminal 201 transmits an address request packet including the STB_ID to the address information server 301 (step S410).

[0153] Next, the address information server 301 receives the address request packet from the user terminal 201, and transmits an address distribution packet including the address information Adenc corresponding to the STB_ID to the user terminal 201 (step S412).

[0154] Next, the user terminal 201 receives an address distribution packet from the address information server 301, obtains the address information Adenc from the received address distribution packet, decrypts the address information Adenc using the common encryption key Kc, and stores the obtained address information Ad in the memory unit 24 (step S414).

[0155] Next, the user terminal 201 accepts a display operation from the user Y for displaying the program guide, and transmits a program information request packet including the access key Ka and the address information Ad, addressed to the STB 101 (step S416).

[0156] Next, the STB 101 receives a program information request packet from the user terminal 201, and if the access key Ka obtained from the program information request packet matches the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16, it transmits a program information packet containing program information addressed to the user terminal 201 (step S418).

[0157] Next, user terminal 201 receives the program information packet from STB 101, acquires the program information from the received program information packet, and performs processing to display the program guide on display unit 211 using the acquired program information (step S420).

[0158] Next, the user terminal 201 accepts a designation operation from the user Y to designate a program for which recording should be reserved, and transmits a recording reservation setting packet, including the access key Ka and the address information Ad, addressed to the STB 101 (step S422).

[0159] Next, the STB 101 receives a reservation setting packet from the user terminal 201, and if the access key Ka obtained from the reservation setting packet matches the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16, it registers information regarding the program indicated by the recording reservation setting packet in the reservation management DB 162 (step S424).

[0160] Next, the STB 101 transmits a reservation completion packet addressed to the user terminal 201 (step S426).

[0161] Next, user terminal 201 receives the reservation completion packet from STB 101, and performs processing to display on display unit 211 a screen indicating that recording reservation has been completed (step S428).

[0162] 10 is a diagram showing another example of the sequence of setting program reservation in the program reservation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows another example of the sequence after step S414 in FIG.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 10, first, STB 101 detects an update of address information Ad caused by rebooting router 121, and acquires the updated address information Ad (step S502).

[0164] Next, the STB 101 encrypts the updated address information Ad using the common encryption key Kc, and transmits an address setting packet including the encrypted address information Adenc and the STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the router 121 and the WAN 311 (step S504).

[0165] Next, the user terminal 201 accepts a display operation from the user Y for displaying the program guide, and transmits a program information request packet including the access key Ka and the address information Ad, addressed to the STB 101 (step S506).

[0166] Next, if the user terminal 201 does not receive a program information packet within a predetermined time after transmitting the program information request packet, the user terminal 201 transmits an address request packet including the STB_ID to the address information server 301 via the wireless base station device 312 and the WAN 311 (step S508).

[0167] Next, the address information server 301 receives the address request packet from the user terminal 201, and transmits an address distribution packet including the address information Adenc corresponding to the STB_ID to the user terminal 201 (step S510).

[0168] Next, the user terminal 201 receives an address distribution packet from the address information server 301, obtains the address information Adenc from the received address distribution packet, decrypts the address information Adenc using the common encryption key Kc, and stores the obtained address information Ad in the memory unit 24 (step S512).

[0169] Next, the user terminal 201 transmits a program information request packet including the access key Ka and the newly acquired address information Ad, addressed to the STB 101 (step S514).

[0170] Next, the STB 101 receives a program information request packet from the user terminal 201, and if the access key Ka obtained from the program information request packet matches the access key Ka stored in the memory unit 16, it transmits a program information packet including program information to the user terminal 201 (step S516).

[0171] Next, the user terminal 201 receives the program information packet from the STB 101, acquires the program information from the received program information packet, and performs processing to display the program guide on the display unit 211 using the acquired program information (step S518).

[0172] Note that, although the user terminal 201 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to set a recording reservation as a program reservation setting in the STB 101, this is not limiting. The user terminal 201 may be configured to set a viewing reservation as a program reservation setting in the STB 101 instead of or in addition to the recording reservation setting.

[0173] In addition, in the STB 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the address acquisition unit 15 is configured to detect updates to the address information Ad and acquire the updated address information Ad, but this is not limited to this. The address acquisition unit 15 may be configured not to detect updates to the address information Ad.

[0174] In addition, in the STB 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the address acquisition unit 15 is configured to detect an update of the address information Ad due to a restart of the router 121, but this is not limited to this. The address acquisition unit 15 may be configured to detect an update of the address information Ad due to a factor other than the restart of the router 121.

[0175] Furthermore, in the STB 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the STB processing unit 13 is configured to perform a process of displaying a QR code indicating the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID on the display device 111 as the notification process, but this is not limited to this. The STB processing unit 13 may be configured to perform a process of displaying a character string indicating the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID on the display device 111 as the notification process. The STB processing unit 13 may be configured to perform a process of notifying the user of the common encryption key Kc, the access key Ka, and the STB_ID by voice as the notification process.

[0176] However, a technology capable of realizing an excellent function for reserving a program is desired. More specifically, in a system in which a reservation management server that provides program information is installed on a cloud server, as in the technology described in Non-Patent Documents 1-3, program reservation is performed by a user terminal via the reservation management server, so it takes time from when a program to be reserved is designated by a user on the user terminal until the program reservation on the STB is completed.

[0177] In contrast, in the STB 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the STB communication unit 14 transmits address information Adenc used for communication via the WAN 311, which is encrypted using a common encryption key Kc, to an address information server 301 outside the STB 101. The STB processing unit 13 performs a notification process for notifying the user of the common encryption key Kc. The STB communication unit 14 provides program information via the WAN 311 to the user terminal 201 in which the common encryption key Kc is registered. The STB processing unit 13 accepts program reservations from the user terminal 201 via the WAN 311.

[0178] In this way, by providing program information to the user terminal 201 in which the common encryption key Kc is registered via the WAN 311 and accepting program reservations from the user terminal 201 via the WAN 311, it is possible to provide program information from the STB 101 to the user terminal 201 and to perform program reservations on the STB 101 by the user terminal 201 without going through a reservation management server outside the STB 101, so that delays in displaying a program guide on the user terminal 201 and program reservations can be reduced. In addition, since there is no need to install a reservation management server on a cloud server, a system that allows the user terminal 201 to make program reservations via a network can be constructed at low cost. In addition, by transmitting address information Adenc encrypted using the common encryption key Kc to the address information server 301 and notifying the user of the common encryption key Kc, the encrypted address information Adenc can be transmitted from the STB 101 to the user terminal 201, so that security can be improved when registering address information Ad in the user terminal 201. Therefore, the STB 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can realize excellent functions related to program reservations.

[0179] The above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0180] The above description includes the following additional features. [Appendix 1] A program reservation device, a transmitting section for transmitting address information used for communication via a network, the address information being encrypted using a common encryption key, to a server located outside the program reservation device; a notification unit that performs a notification process to notify a user of the common encryption key; a providing unit that provides program information via the network to a user terminal in which the common encryption key is registered; a reception unit that receives a reservation for a program from the user terminal via the network, The notification unit further notifies a user of an identifier of the program reservation device, which is capable of determining a contract status of a broadcast service in the program reservation device.

[0181] [Appendix 2] A program reservation program used in a user terminal that sets program reservation in a program reservation device, comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires a common encryption key and an identifier of the program reservation device; a second acquisition unit that acquires the address information corresponding to the identifier acquired by the first acquisition unit from a location server outside the program reservation device; a decryption unit that decrypts the address information acquired by the second acquisition unit, using the common encryption key acquired by the first acquisition unit; a setting unit that sets the program reservation in the program reservation device via the network using the address information decoded by the decoding unit; It is a program to function as the first acquisition unit acquires the identifier capable of determining a contract status of a broadcasting service in the program reservation device, [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 11 Stream receiver 12 Remote control signal receiver 13 STB processing section 14 STB Communication Department 15 Address Acquisition Section 16 Memory section 17 HDD 21 Reading unit 22 Terminal communication unit 23 Terminal Processing Section 24 Memory section 101 STB 111 Display device 121 Router 161 Program Information DB 162 Reservation Management DB 191 Subscriber home 201 User terminal 301 Address Information Server 311WAN 312 Wireless base station equipment 501 Program Reservation System

Claims

1. A program reservation device, a transmitting section for transmitting address information used for communication via a network, the address information being encrypted using a common encryption key, to a server located outside the program reservation device; a notification unit that performs a notification process to notify a user of the common encryption key; a providing unit that provides program information via the network to a user terminal in which the common encryption key is registered; a reception unit that receives reservations for programs from the user terminal via the network.

2. The program reservation device further comprises: a detection unit that detects an update of the address information, 2. The program reservation device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting section transmits to the location server the address information after update detected by the detecting section, the address information being encrypted using the common encryption key.

3. 3. The program reservation device according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit detects an update of the address information caused by a restart of a router that relays data between a LAN (Local Area Network) to which the program reservation device belongs and a WAN (Wide Area Network).

4. 4. The program reservation device according to claim 1, wherein the notification section performs a process of displaying a two-dimensional code indicative of the common encryption key on a display device as the notification process.

5. A program reservation program used in a user terminal that sets program reservation in a program reservation device, comprising: Computer, a first acquisition unit that acquires a common encryption key and an identifier of the program reservation device; a second acquisition unit that acquires address information used for communication with the program reservation device via a network, the address information corresponding to the identifier acquired by the first acquisition unit, from a server located outside the program reservation device; a decryption unit that decrypts the address information acquired by the second acquisition unit, using the common encryption key acquired by the first acquisition unit; a setting unit that sets the program reservation in the program reservation device via the network using the address information decoded by the decoding unit; A program reservation program to function as a.

6. 1. A method for acquiring address information in a user terminal for acquiring address information used for communication with a program reservation device via a network, comprising: obtaining a common encryption key and an identifier of the program reservation device; acquiring the address information corresponding to the acquired identifier from a server located outside the program reservation device; and decrypting the acquired address information using the acquired common encryption key.

7. A program reservation method in a program reservation device, comprising: a step of transmitting address information used for communication via a network, the address information being encrypted using a common encryption key, to a server located outside the program reservation device; a step of performing a notification process for notifying a user of the common encryption key; providing program information via the network to a user terminal in which the common encryption key is registered; and accepting a reservation for the program from the user terminal via the network.

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