Information sharing system

Abstract

To simplify a cooperation processing between a service to be managed in each user and information on a TV device.SOLUTION: An information cooperation system of an embodiment, comprises: a television device; a video platform; and a television gate way that performs a connection for providing a moving image content from the video platform to the television device. The television device transmits first information containing CAS information used in the television device to the video platform. The video platform transmits second information containing code information associated with the CAS information to the television device in response to the first information. The television device transmits the code information to the television gate way in response to the second information. The television gate way coordinates a user identifier received from the video platform to an identifier of the television device on the basis of the code information received from the television device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information linking system. [Background technology]

[0002] Advances in networks have led to the emergence of a wide variety of video distribution services. Video distribution services are provided by a variety of CSPs (Contents Service Providers). By signing a contract with each CSP, users can watch videos provided by that CSP. In recent years, by linking the services managed by the CSP for each user with information on the user's TV device, users can receive content and services that better suit their preferences. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-045237 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when the above linkage is performed via a TV gateway, the user must read the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the TV device with his / her smartphone and enter the user ID and password registered in advance on the web page provided by the CSP. This makes the procedure complicated and places a heavy workload on the user.

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an information linking system that can link services managed by the CSP for each user with information on the user's TV device through procedures that are simpler than those of the conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information linking system according to an embodiment includes a television device, a video platform that distributes video content, and a television gateway that performs a connection to provide the video content from the video platform to the television device. The television device transmits first information to the video platform, the first information including CAS information used in the television device. In response to the first information, the video platform transmits second information to the television device, the second information including code information associated with the CAS information. In response to the second information, the television device transmits the code information to the television gateway. The television gateway associates a user identifier received from the video platform with an identifier of the television device based on the code information received from the television device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of the overall configuration of an information linkage system S according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the television device 2. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the television device 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the TV cloud 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the TV cloud 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the TV gateway 5. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the TV gateway 5. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the video platform 4. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the video platform 4. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of information linkage processing executed by the information linkage system S. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of information linkage processing executed by the information linkage system S. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of the overall configuration of an information linkage system S according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of information linkage processing executed by information linkage system S. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing up to program guide display including information link processing according to any one of the first to third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an information linkage system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform the same operation, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The following embodiments do not limit the disclosed technology. Each embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of the overall configuration of an information linking system S according to a first embodiment. The information linking system S includes a television device 2 (broadcast receiving device), a TV cloud 3 (server device), a video platform 4, a television gateway 5, and a user information database 6.

[0010] The television device 2 is capable of communicating with a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by a user (a contract holder with the CSP). A Conditional Access System (CAS) card for using broadcasts related to a conditional access system is inserted into the television device 2. The CAS card stores a unique identifier (ID) called CAS information and a key (scramble key) for decrypting encrypted video signals. The CAS information can be associated with an identifier of the television device 2.

[0011] The television device 2 also performs binding between the HA-ID and the MA-ID. Here, HA-ID and MA-ID are abbreviations for Home Agent ID and Mobile Agent ID, respectively. The HA-ID is an identifier for identifying the TV cloud and the television device. The MA-ID is an identifier for identifying the video platform 4 and the user (or the smartphone owned by the user, etc.), and is a composite identifier.

[0012] The TV cloud 3 is a server device capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the television device 2 via a network, and is a so-called cloud server. The TV cloud 3 may be, for example, a server device operated by the manufacturer of the television device 2. Based on the results of collecting viewing-related information (viewing information) from the television device 2, the TV cloud 3 provides various services to the television device 2 via the network, such as recommended information for viewed programs and scheduled programs, and product recommendation information based on the contents of the viewed programs.

[0013] The video platform 4 is a content providing device of the CSP, and provides content such as videos. The video platform 4 is also connected to a user information database 6.

[0014] The television gateway 5 is connected to the video platform 4, the TV cloud 3, and the television device 2. The television gateway 5 provides a standard video content selection method for television devices 2 with different functions and performance, thereby facilitating selection of more video content without impairing user convenience.

[0015] The television gateway 5 also has a combined information storage unit that stores combined information between the HA-ID and the MA-ID. The television gateway 5 is capable of customizing a program guide based on the combined information between the HA-ID and the MA-ID.

[0016] The user information database 6 is connected to the video platform 4 of the CSP. The user information database 6 manages, for example, a user identifier for identifying a user, an MA-ID, CAS information associated with the television device 2, and user contract information (service contract details, viewable programs, various conditions, etc.) in association with the user identifier. Therefore, by accessing the user information database 6, the video platform 4 can identify a user based on, for example, the MA-ID and check the contract details.

[0017] The configurations of each of the television device 2, the TV cloud 3 (server device), the video platform 4, and the television gateway 5 will be described below.

[0018] [Television device 2] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the television device 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the television device 2 includes an input terminal 202, tuners 203a to 203g, a signal processing unit 207, a graphics processing unit 208, an audio processing unit 209, an OSD (On Screen Display) signal generating unit 210, and a video processing unit 211.

[0019] A terrestrial digital broadcast signal received by a terrestrial broadcast receiving antenna 213 is input to the input terminal 202. The terrestrial digital broadcast signal is supplied via the input terminal 202 to tuners 203a to 203g.

[0020] The tuners 203a to 203g are tuners for terrestrial digital broadcasting, and select, from the terrestrial digital broadcasting signal supplied from the input terminal 202, a broadcasting signal of a channel designated by the control unit 216, which will be described later.

[0021] However, the television device 2 may have an input terminal to which a satellite digital broadcast signal received by a BS / CS digital broadcast receiving antenna is input. The satellite digital broadcast signal is supplied to a satellite digital broadcast tuner via the input terminal.

[0022] The signal processing unit 207 demodulates the broadcast signals supplied from the tuners 203a to 203g into broadcast signals including digital video signals and audio signals. The signal processing unit 207 also selectively performs predetermined digital signal processing on the video signals included in the digital broadcast signals, and outputs the result to the graphic processing unit 208. The signal processing unit 207 also selectively performs desired digital signal processing on the audio signals included in the digital broadcast signals, and outputs the result to the audio processing unit 209.

[0023] A plurality of external input terminals 214a to 214d are connected to the signal processing unit 207. These external input terminals 214a to 214d can receive analog video signals and audio signals from a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) recorder, which is an example of an external device. The signal processing unit 207 digitizes the analog video signals and audio signals input from the external input terminals 214a to 214d. The signal processing unit 207 also performs predetermined digital signal processing on the digitized video signals and outputs the signals to the graphic processing unit 208. The signal processing unit 207 also performs predetermined digital signal processing on the digitized audio signals and outputs the signals to the audio processing unit 209.

[0024] The graphics processing unit 208 superimposes an OSD signal generated by an OSD signal generating unit 210 on the digital video signal supplied from the signal processing unit 207 and outputs the superimposed signal to the video processing unit 211. The graphics processing unit 208 can also output either the digital video signal supplied from the signal processing unit 207 or the OSD signal generated by the OSD signal generating unit 210 to the video processing unit 211.

[0025] Video processing unit 211 converts the digital video signal or OSD signal input from graphic processing unit 208 into an analog video signal or OSD signal in a format that can be displayed on the display screen of video display unit 233, and outputs it to video display unit 233. Video display unit 233 is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display.

[0026] The audio processor 209 converts the digital audio signal input from the signal processor 207 into an analog audio signal in a format that can be reproduced by the speaker 215 , and outputs the signal to the speaker 215 .

[0027] The television device 2 further includes a control unit 216, a card holder 217, various interfaces 218 to 221, and a brightness sensor 230. The control unit 216 includes a CPU 216a, a ROM 216b, a RAM 216c, and a non-volatile memory 216d.

[0028] The control unit 216 comprehensively controls various operations of the television device 2, such as reception of broadcast signals, such as terrestrial digital broadcast signals and satellite digital broadcast signals. The control unit 216 also controls each unit of the television device 2 according to operation information from the operation unit 222 or operation information input from the remote control 238 via the light receiving unit 223.

[0029] The CPU 216a executes programs stored in the ROM 216b to control the overall operation of the television device 2. The ROM 216b mainly stores programs executed by the CPU 216a. The RAM 216c provides a working area when the CPU 216a executes the programs. The non-volatile memory 216d stores various setting information, control information, and the like for the television device 2.

[0030] The control unit 216 is connected to a card holder 217 to which a memory card 234 can be attached and detached, via a card I / F 225. This allows the control unit 216 to transmit and receive various information to and from the memory card 234 attached to the card holder 217, via the card I / F 225.

[0031] The control unit 216 is connected to the LAN terminal 226 via the communication I / F 218. This allows the control unit 216 to transmit and receive various information to and from external devices such as the relay device 400 and a LAN-compatible HDD (Hard Disk Drive) connected to the LAN terminal 226 via the communication I / F 218. However, the communication I / F 218 may be configured to be wirelessly connectable to external devices such as the relay device 400.

[0032] The control unit 216 is connected to an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal 227 via an HDMI I / F 221. This allows the control unit 216 to transmit and receive various information to and from an external device connected to the HDMI terminal 227 via the HDMI I / F 221.

[0033] The control unit 216 is connected to a USB terminal 228 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F 219. This allows the control unit 216 to transmit and receive various information to and from a storage device 237 including a USB HDD or the like connected to the USB terminal 228 via the USB I / F 219.

[0034] The storage device 237 includes, for example, an HDD or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is configured to record, as recording data, a digital signal received by the television device 2. However, the storage device 237 may be built into the television device 2.

[0035] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the television device 2 of the first embodiment. The television device 2 includes a storage unit 241 (the ROM 216b, the RAM 216c, the non-volatile memory 216d, and the storage device 237 in FIG. 2), and a transmission unit 242, an acquisition unit 243, and a display control unit 244 as functional modules generated as a result of the CPU 216a executing a program stored in the storage unit 241.

[0036] The transmitting unit 242 transmits various information to an external device. The acquiring unit 243 acquires various information from an external device and reads out various information stored in the storage unit 241.

[0037] The display control unit 244 executes a display process for displaying various types of information on the video display unit 233 .

[0038] [TV Cloud] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the TV cloud 3. As shown in FIG.

[0039] The communication I / F 301 is an interface used for communication with an external device. The operation unit 302 has input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a display.

[0040] The storage device 305 includes, for example, an HDD, an SSD, etc., and stores various information. The CPU 303 executes various programs to control each component of the TV cloud 3. The memory 304 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and stores various programs and various data used in various arithmetic processing by the CPU 303.

[0041] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the TV cloud 3 of the first embodiment. The TV cloud 3 includes a storage unit 311 (memory 304, storage device 305), and an acquisition unit 312, a transmission unit 313, and a generation unit 314 as functional modules generated as a result of a program stored in the storage unit 311 being executed by the CPU 303.

[0042] The storage unit 311 stores programs executed by the CPU 303 and a DB (Data Base).

[0043] [TV Gateway] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the television gateway 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the television gateway 5 includes a communication I / F 501, an operation unit 502, a CPU 503, a memory 504, and a storage device 505.

[0044] The communication I / F 501 is an interface used for communication with an external device. The operation unit 502 has input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a display.

[0045] The storage device 505 includes, for example, an HDD, an SSD, etc., and stores various information. The CPU 503 executes various programs to control each component of the TV gateway 5. The memory 504 includes a ROM, a RAM, etc., and stores various programs and various data used in various arithmetic processing by the CPU 503.

[0046] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the TV gateway 5. The TV gateway 5 includes a storage unit 511 (memory 504, storage device 505), and an acquisition unit 512, a transmission unit 513, and a generation unit 514 as functional modules generated as a result of a program stored in the storage unit 511 being executed by the CPU 503.

[0047] The storage unit 511 stores programs executed by the CPU 503 and a DB (Data Base).

[0048] The acquisition unit 512 acquires various information from an external device. The transmission unit 513 transmits various information to an external device. The generation unit 514 executes an operation of generating information for the DB.

[0049] [Video Platform] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the video platform 4. The CPU 402 is connected to the memory 401 and the storage device 403, and executes a control program. An operator controls the operation through the operation unit 405. The communication interface 404 is connected to the network, and performs input / output of video content, output of past program guide configuration information, output of future program guide configuration information, output of current program guide configuration information, video distribution, and input / output of content selection information. The video processing unit 406 encodes the input video content, does not encrypt it, and generates a stream for video distribution. As shown in this diagram, the video platform 4 can be said to be a server.

[0050] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the video platform 4. The video platform 4 includes a storage unit 410 (memory 401, storage device 403), and an acquisition unit 411, a transmission unit 412, and a generation unit 413 as functional modules generated as a result of a program stored in the storage unit 410 being executed by a CPU 402.

[0051] The storage unit 410 stores programs executed by the CPU 402 and a DB (Data Base).

[0052] The acquisition unit 411 acquires various information from an external device. The transmission unit 412 transmits various information to an external device. The generation unit 413 executes an operation of generating information for the DB.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of information linking processing executed by the information linking system S. Here, the information linking processing is processing in which CAS information associated with the television device 2 is exchanged for an authorization code on the video platform 4 side, and the television gateway 5 links the identifier of the television device 2, the user identifier, and viewable service ID information.

[0054] [Information Linkage Processing] Next, a description will be given of information linkage processing executed by the information linkage system S. The information linkage processing executed by the information linkage system S utilizes CAS information associated with the television device 2 to simplify linkage between services managed by the CSP side for each user and information on the TV device on the user side.

[0055] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of information linking processing executed by the information linking system S. Note that in the information linking processing shown in Fig. 10, it is assumed that permission has been obtained in advance from the user to pass the CAS information associated with the television device 2 to the video platform 4. Also, if permission has been obtained from the user, it is assumed that viewable service ID information is obtained using the CAS information.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 10, the television device 2 transmits an authorization code issuance request to the TV cloud 3 (step S101).

[0057] In response to the authorization code issuance request from the television device 2, the TV cloud 3 transmits a response including a random character string state in addition to the authorization code code to the television device 2 (step S102).

[0058] The television device 2 transmits an OAuth token endpoint request to the TV cloud 3 (step S103). Upon receiving the OAuth token endpoint request from the television device 2, the TV cloud 3 transmits an OAuth token endpoint request including a PF-ID, HA-ID, and TC-ID to the television gateway 5 (step S104). Here, the PF-ID is an identifier (ID) that identifies a video platform. The HA-ID is an identifier that simultaneously identifies a television and a TV cloud. The TC-ID is an identifier that identifies a TV cloud.

[0059] The TV gateway 5 receives the OAuth token endpoint request from the TV cloud 3 and responds with an OAuth token endpoint including a code and a state to the TV cloud 3 (step S105). The TV cloud 3 acquires the OAuth token endpoint from the response from the TV gateway 5, and transmits the OAuth token endpoint as a response to the token endpoint request from the television device 2 (step S103) (step S106).

[0060] The television device 2 transmits to the video platform 4 a client ID (client_id) issued in advance by the video platform 4, a client secret (client_secret), and CAS information associated with the television device 2, and makes a user information inquiry request (step S107). Note that the CAS card storing the CAS information can be taken to another television device 2 by removing and inserting it. The television device 2 checks whether the currently inserted CAS card is a registered one.

[0061] In response to the user information inquiry request from the television device 2, the video platform 4 refers to the user information database 6 and checks the subscription information of the client (step S108). That is, the video platform 4 checks whether the client included in the user information inquiry request has subscribed (contracted) or not, and if so, checks the service ID that can be viewed.

[0062] The video platform 4 associates the CAS information included in the user information inquiry request with the user identifier (user ID) in the user information database 6. Furthermore, the video platform 4 issues a PS (Pre-Share Code) code associated with the CAS information and associates it with the user identifier (step S109). Here, the PS code is associated one-to-one with the CAS information and is a random character string for managing the CAS information on the video platform 4 side. The PS code is an example of code information.

[0063] The video platform 4 transmits a response to the user information inquiry request of step S107 to the television device 2 (step S110). The response includes information indicating that the client has subscribed (true) or has not subscribed (false), and if the client has subscribed, information on available service IDs (serviceids) and a PS code (pscode:string). The available service ID information (serviceids) is an example of user contract information, such as information on available service IDs by contract and information on limited-time free broadcasts.

[0064] The television device 2 uses the OAuth token endpoint and the PS code acquired in step S106 to <pscode>&state= <state>), and the link is automatically executed (step S111).

[0065] The television gateway 5 transmits a token request to the video platform 4 (step S112). The token request includes the following information: "client_id":<client_id> , "grant_type":"authorization_code" "code": <pscode> "redirect_uri":<redirect_uri>

[0066] In response to the token request from the television gateway 5, the video platform 4 returns the following information for subscribed users (step S113): "access_token":<access token> "token__type”:<token type> "refresh_token”:<refresh token> "serviceids”:[available serviceids] "id_token":<id token> On the other hand, an error will occur for non-subscribed users.

[0067] The television gateway 5 combines or updates the MA-ID and the HA-ID based on the information received in step S113 (step S114). That is, the television gateway 5 associates the identifier of the television device 2, the user identifier, and the viewable service information based on the information received in step S113.

[0068] As described above, the information linking system S according to the first embodiment includes the television device 2, the video platform 4 that distributes video content, and the television gateway 5 that makes a connection to provide the video content from the video platform 4 to the television device 2. The television device 2 transmits first information including CAS information used in the television device 2 to the video platform 4. In response to the first information, the video platform 4 transmits second information including a PS code that is code information associated with the CAS information to the television device 2. In response to the second information, the television device 2 transmits the code information to the television gateway 5. The television gateway 5 links the user identifier received from the video platform 4 based on the code information received from the television device 2 with the identifier of the television device 2.

[0069] Therefore, by using the PS code associated with the CAS information, it is possible to automatically realize a link between the user identifier and the identifier of the television device 2. Therefore, in this link, it is not necessary to read the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the TV device with the user's smartphone and input the user identifier and password registered in advance on the web page provided by the CSP. In other words, the user only needs to give permission to use the CAS information. As a result, it is possible to link the services managed by the CSP for each user with the information on the user's TV device through a procedure that is simpler than before.

[0070] For example, when linking a service subscribed to by a user with information on a TV device, from the viewpoint of protecting personal information, it is necessary to obtain consent from the user regarding the services and purposes of use to be provided using the linked information. Even in such a case, according to the information linking system S of the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically realize linking between a user identifier and an identifier of the television device 2 by using a PS code associated with the CAS information.

[0071] Second embodiment An information linking system S according to the second embodiment will be described. In the information linking system S according to the second embodiment, for example, a public key is provided in advance to the manufacturer of the television device 2, and identifier linking is performed using PS information obtained by encrypting CAS information with the public key. The overall configuration of the information linking system S according to the second embodiment is the same as the example shown in FIG.

[0072] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of information linkage processing executed by the information linkage system S. Note that, in the information linkage processing shown in Fig. 11, it is assumed that permission has been obtained in advance from the user to pass the CAS information associated with the television device 2 to the video platform 4. Furthermore, if permission has been obtained from the user, it is assumed that viewable service ID information is obtained using the CAS information.

[0073] In FIG. 11, steps S201 to S206 are the same processes as steps S101 to S106 shown in FIG.

[0074] The television device 2 encrypts the CAS information associated with itself with the public key acquired in advance, and generates a PS code (step S207).

[0075] The television device 2 uses the OAuth token endpoint and the PS code acquired in step S206 to <pscode>&state= <state>), and the link is automatically executed (step S208).

[0076] The television gateway 5 transmits a token request to the video platform 4 (step S209). The token request includes the following information: "client_id":<client_id> , "grant_type":"authorization_code" "code": <pscode> "redirect_uri":<redirect_uri>

[0077] The video platform 4 decrypts the encrypted CAS information (i.e., PS code) included in the token request using the private key (step S210). The video platform 4 also refers to the user information database 6 using the decrypted CAS information to confirm the subscription information of the client (step S211). That is, the video platform 4 confirms whether the client associated with the token request has subscribed (contracted) or not, and if so, confirms the service ID that can be viewed.

[0078] In response to the TV gateway 5, the video platform 4 returns the following information for users who have already subscribed (step S212): "access_token":<access token> "token__type”:<token type> "refresh_token”:<refresh token> "serviceids”:[available serviceids] "id_token":<id token> On the other hand, an error will occur for non-subscribed users.

[0079] The television gateway 5 combines or updates the MA-ID and the HA-ID based on the information received in step S214 (step S213). That is, the television gateway 54 associates the identifier of the television device 2, the user identifier, and the viewable service ID information based on the information received in step S212.

[0080] The information linking system S according to the second embodiment described above includes a television device 2, a video platform 4 that distributes video content, and a television gateway 5 that makes a connection to provide the video content from the video platform 4 to the television device 2. The television device 2 transmits first information to the television gateway 5, the first information including a PS code as code information obtained by encrypting CAS information used in the television device 2. In response to a request from the television gateway 5 using the first information, the video platform 4 decrypts the CAS information and transmits a user identifier and user contract information associated with the PS code to the television gateway 5. The television gateway 5 associates the user identifier received from the video platform 4 based on the PS code received from the television device 2 with the identifier of the television device 2.

[0081] Therefore, by utilizing the PS code associated with the CAS information, it is possible to automatically realize linkage between the user identifier, the user contract information, and the identifier of the television device 2. As a result, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to link the services managed by the CSP side for each user with the information of the TV device on the user side through a procedure that is simpler than in the past.

[0082] Third embodiment An information linking system S according to the third embodiment will be described. The information linking system S according to the third embodiment is an example of a case where there is no association between a user identifier and CAS information on the video platform 4 side.

[0083] 12 is a diagram showing an overview of an example of the overall configuration of an information linking system S according to a third embodiment. Compared with the information linking system S according to the first embodiment, the information linking system S according to the third embodiment further includes a smartphone 1 (terminal).

[0084] The smartphone 1 is an example of an information terminal owned by a user of the television device 2. The smartphone 1 includes a communication I / F (Interface), an audio input unit (microphone), a group of sensors, a display unit, a graphic controller, a touch panel controller, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a camera, a speaker, etc. The smartphone 1 is capable of wireless communication with the video platform 4 and the TV cloud 3 via a base station.

[0085] Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of information linkage processing executed by the information linkage system S. Note that, in the information linkage processing shown in Fig. 13 as well, it is assumed that permission has been obtained in advance from the user to pass the CAS information associated with the television device 2 to the video platform 4. It is also assumed that the television device 2 has acquired a PS code by any of the information linkage processing shown in Fig. 10 or Fig. 11.

[0086] In FIG. 13, steps S301 to S306 are the same processes as steps S101 to S106 shown in FIG.

[0087] The television device 2 generates a two-dimensional barcode including the OAuth token endpoint acquired in step S306 and the PS code acquired separately, and displays it, for example, on the screen (step S307).

[0088] The smartphone 1 reads the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the television device 2, accesses the television gateway 5 via the Web, and automatically executes cooperation using the OAuth token endpoint and the PS code (step S308).

[0089] The television gateway 5 transmits a token request to the video platform 4 (step S309). The token request includes the following information: "client_id":<client_id> , "grant_type”:”authorization "code”: <pscode> "redirect_uri":<redirect_uri>

[0090] The smartphone 1 accesses the web and performs member registration and login to the video platform 4 (steps S310 and S311).

[0091] In response to the access from the smartphone 1, the video platform 4 associates the user identifier, the subscription information, and the CAS information and registers them in the user information database 6 (step S312).

[0092] In response to the TV gateway 5, the video platform 4 returns the following information for users who have already subscribed (step S313): "access_token":<access token> "token__type”:<token type> "refresh_token”:<refresh token> "serviceids”:[available serviceids] "id_token":<id token> On the other hand, an error will occur for non-subscribed users.

[0093] The television gateway 5 combines or updates the MA-ID and the HA-ID based on the information received in step S313 (step S314). That is, the television gateway 5 associates the identifier of the television device 2, the user identifier, and the viewable service ID information based on the information received in step S313.

[0094] According to the information linkage system S of the third embodiment described above, even if there is no association between a user identifier and CAS information on the video platform 4 side, it is possible to realize linkage between a user identifier and an identifier of a television device 2 by using a PS code associated with the CAS information. As a result, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to link a service managed by the CSP side for each user with information on a TV device on the user side through a procedure that is simpler than the conventional procedure.

[0095] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing up to program guide display including information link processing according to any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0096] 14, a CAS information usage permission screen is displayed on the screen of the smartphone 1 (step SA1). This display inquires of the user as to whether or not to permit the use of the CAS information.

[0097] The user responds via the CAS information usage permission screen displayed on the screen of the smartphone 1 as to whether or not he or she permits use of the CAS information (step SA2).

[0098] If the user permits use of the CAS information (Yes in step SA2), the information linking process according to either the first or second embodiment is executed (step SSA3).

[0099] As a result of the information linking process in step SA3, it is determined on the video platform 4 side whether or not the CAS information and the user's service identifier have been linked (step SA4).

[0100] If it is determined that the CAS information and the user's service identifier are not linked (No in step SA4), an ID linking screen and a two-dimensional barcode are displayed on the screen of the television device 2, and information linking processing according to the third embodiment is executed. That is, since the CAS information and the user identifier are not yet linked on the video platform 4 side, the information linking processing according to the third embodiment guides the user to register (create) a user identifier and a service identifier.

[0101] On the other hand, if it is determined that the CAS information and the user's service identifier are linked (Yes in step SA4), the television device 2 requests and acquires viewable services (contents) from the TV cloud 3 and the TV gateway 5 (step SA6).

[0102] If the user does not permit use of the CAS information (No in step SA2), the television device 2 acquires the currently viewable services (contents) (step SA6).

[0103] The television device 2 generates and displays a program guide corresponding to the content acquired in step SA6 (step SA7).

[0104] [Variations] In each of the above-described embodiments, an information linking system S having a TV cloud 3 has been described as an example. However, the configuration of the information linking system S is not limited to this example. For example, the information linking system S may have a configuration in which the television device 2 and the television gateway 5 directly communicate with each other without having the TV cloud 3.

[0105] Each function described in each of the above embodiments can also be realized by a program executable by a computer. That is, a program for realizing the transmission method described in each of the above embodiments can be stored in a memory, and the program can be read from the memory by a processing circuit of a computer, and the software and hardware resources can work together to construct the transmission system or the transmission method described in each of the above embodiments.

[0106] Although several embodiments (and modifications) of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...smartphone, 2...television device, 3...TV cloud, 4...video platform, 5...television gateway, 6...user information database (DB), S...information linkage system< / pscode> < / pscode> < / state> < / pscode> < / pscode> < / state> < / pscode>

Claims

1. A television device; A video platform that distributes video content; a television gateway that provides a connection for providing video content from the video platform to the television device; An information linkage system comprising: The television device transmits first information including CAS information used in the television device to the video platform; the video platform transmits, in response to the first information, second information to the television device, the second information including code information associated with the CAS information; the television device transmits the code information to the television gateway in response to the second information; the television gateway associates a user identifier received from the video platform with an identifier of the television device based on the code information received from the television device; Information integration system.

2. A television device; A video platform that distributes video content; a television gateway that provides a connection for providing video content from the video platform to the television device; An information linkage system comprising: The television device transmits first information including code information obtained by encrypting CAS information used in the television device to the television gateway; the video platform, in response to a request from the television gateway using the first information, decodes the code information and transmits a user identifier associated with the code information to the television gateway; the television gateway associates the user identifier received from the video platform with an identifier of the television device based on the code information received from the television device; Information integration system.

3. a TV cloud in communication with the television device and the television gateway; the television device communicates with the television gateway via the television cloud; 3. The information linking system according to claim 1 or 2.

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