Distribution system

Abstract

To display an advertisement on a screen at a specified timing during program broadcasting on a linear channel, and thereby to guide viewers to a recommended program such as VOD.SOLUTION: A moving image content distribution service has a television gateway that is disposed between a video platform and a television receiver and performs connection for providing moving image content from the video platform to the television receiver. The video platform transmits an advertisement type and an advertisement start time together with data of program information as information for displaying an advertisement on a screen at a specified timing during program broadcasting of the moving image content. The television receiver recognizes the advertisement type, and displays an advertisement moving image or an advertisement image on the screen when the advertisement start time comes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to video content A delivery system such as and pertains thereto.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the evolution of the network, a large number of video distribution services have been implemented. Further, in such video distribution services, not only simple video viewing but also so-called interactive services that link video and Web information are being developed, such as guiding from video content to an EC (electronic commerce) site to purchase goods and checking details in video from Web information on the Internet (such as news and ticket information).

[0003] Also, video distribution services are provided by various CSPs (Contents Service Providers). Users can view videos provided by each CSP by contracting with the CSP. At the time of contracting, an ID and password for identifying the user are issued by each CSP.

[0004] By the way, when viewing a video distributed by each CSP on a television receiver, conventionally, the user has been inputting the ID and password by operating a remote control. The remote control of a television receiver usually has only direction keys for moving the focus up, down, left, and right and numeric keys for inputting numbers, and is not as convenient for character input as a keyboard provided in, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). For this reason, the input operation of the ID and password has become a heavy burden on the user and has hindered easy viewing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is During the broadcast of a linear channel program, an advertisement is displayed on the screen at a specified timing. This enables this.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In a video content distribution service having a TV gateway disposed between a video platform and a TV receiver for making a connection for providing video content from the video platform to the TV receiver, the video platform transmits, as information for displaying an advertisement on a screen at a specified timing during the program broadcast of the video content, an advertisement type and an advertisement start time together with program information data, and the TV receiver recognizes the advertisement type and displays an advertisement video or an advertisement image on the screen when the advertisement start time arrives.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] With the configuration of the present invention, an advertisement is displayed on the screen at a specified timing during the program broadcast of a linear channel. Thereby, it is possible to to perform induce viewers to recommended programs such as VOD.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] The present invention facilitates the selection of video content and enables the delivery of high-quality video content by connecting a plurality of video platforms and a plurality of TV receivers through a TV gateway. According to this system, not only simple video viewing but also so-called interactive services that link video and web information, such as guiding from video content to an EC (electronic commerce) site to purchase goods and checking details in video from web information on the Internet (such as news and ticket information), can be implemented.

[0011] In addition to the realization of such advanced services, in recent years, video content has been provided in various forms. For example, a video delivery service that allows users to watch desired video content at any time is called VOD (Video On Demand), and currently, there are various VOD methods.

[0012] Broadly classified, there are an advertising video delivery service called AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand), a flat-rate video delivery service called SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), and a rental-type video delivery service called TVOD (Transaction Video On Demand).

[0013] With AVOD, users can watch videos for free, but there are advertisements. Therefore, the revenue is obtained not from the viewers who watch the videos, but from the companies that place the advertisements. On the other hand, with SVOD, if a monthly fee is paid, users can watch any number of prepared video contents. Furthermore, with TVOD, single-piece video contents can be watched with restrictions, for example, for one week. Therefore, SVOD and TVOD obtain revenue from the viewers who watch the videos.

[0014] As described above, there are a variety of video distribution services. In the case of viewing by a television receiver, a video distribution system that can flexibly respond to these methods and that allows viewers to easily enjoy the videos without confusion is desired. Therefore, as a function of the above television gateway, it is necessary to support such methods.

[0015] The present invention provides a new video distribution system that enables a television gateway implemented using a network to receive video contents transmitted from a plurality of video distribution platforms by television receivers with different performances and functions, adds functions corresponding to various VOD methods such as AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and enables easier selection of video contents. In addition, in the case of AVOD, it provides a more effective method for presenting advertisement videos.

[0016] A television gateway can realize a more advanced interactive service by connecting a plurality of video platforms and a plurality of television receivers. In particular, by providing a standard method for selecting video contents for television receivers with different functions and performances, it facilitates the selection of more video contents without sacrificing user convenience.

[0017] However, in the selection of video content by a TV gateway, the delivery method mainly focuses on the linear channel in the broadcast format, that is, although it is video delivery using a network, it is a one-way continuous delivery method corresponding to time information like a broadcast. Although it is possible to present some recommended programs, it has been difficult to support various VOD methods. Thus, the provision of video content via a linear channel usually consists of free video content and advertisements, and it is a type of AVOD. However, since different video delivery services such as SVOD and TVOD are becoming popular in addition to AVOD, it is important to support these VOD methods.

[0018] In AVOD, by posting advertisements, it is possible to watch free video content. On the other hand, in SVOD, video content can be freely watched with a monthly fee, and regarding TVOD, by purchasing a single video content, it is possible to watch the content for a limited period. To support these, it is necessary to confirm the viewer's contract status, so it has been difficult to support in the conventional TV gateway system.

[0019] Also, in AVOD, in order to obtain income from companies through advertisements, an effective method of presenting advertisements is essential. Conventional TV gateways have an advertisement insertion function and a function to implement targeted advertisements for individual TV receivers, but no specific method for a more effective presentation method has been provided. In recent years, hybrid services that combine inducing from AVOD to SVOD services or selling paid content provided by TVOD have been offered. To implement such hybrid services in a conventional TV gateway, it is necessary to confirm the viewer's contract conditions and the linkage function between advertisements and VOD, so it is necessary to reasonably equip these functions.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a video distribution system. In FIG. 1, CSPs (Content Service Providers) 1301 to 1308 provide video content. The video content is input to video platforms 1311 to 1313, respectively. The video platforms 1311 to 1313 input the video content to a TV gateway 1321 and send it to TV receivers 1341 to 1350 via TV clouds 1331 to 1334.

[0021] Since each video platform has a different distribution method, each video content was received only by limited TV receivers. There are a method in which the TV gateway converts the format of the video content and a method in which a converter is built into the video platform, but in the video platforms 1311 to 1313 in FIG. 1, the method in which a converter is built in is used. Also, each TV cloud supports TV receivers with different performances and functions. The TV receivers under the management of each TV cloud are connected to have substantially the same performance and functions, and TV receivers with different performances and functions are connected to different TV clouds. By the TV cloud performing conversion for different TV receivers, it is possible to select and receive good video content even if the functions and performances are different. From the above, in a video distribution system having a TV gateway, it is possible to distribute video content of a plurality of video platforms with different formats to TV receivers with different performances and functions.

[0022] Once the video content is input into the TV via the TV gateway 1321 and the connection is established, the video stream itself can be directly input from the video platforms 1311 - 1313 to the TV receivers 1341 - 1350. Note that the TV receivers 1341 - 1350 are connected to the mobile terminals 1301 - 1310, and the combination of TV-ID (the ID attached to each of the TV receivers 1341 - 1350) and SP-ID (the ID attached to each of the viewers' mobile terminals 1301 - 1310) is performed. These combined pieces of information are stored in the combined information storage unit 1352 of TV-ID and SP-ID. Also, the viewing data output from the TV receivers 1341 - 1350 is stored in the viewing data storage unit 1351.

[0023] Based on the viewing data stored in the viewing data storage unit 1351 and the output of the combined information storage unit 1352 of TV-ID and SP-ID, content recommendation is performed in the content recommendation information storage unit 1353. The advertisement content output from the advertisement server 1355 is, based on the output of the content recommendation information storage unit 1353, selected by the recommended advertisement selection and insertion unit 1354, and the advertisement is inserted by the video platforms 1311 - 1313. Also, in the receiving-side advertisement insertion unit 1356, advertisement insertion is performed by the function of the TV receiver.

[0024] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the program guide displayed on the TV. Since the video content provided by the video platform is provided to the TV by linear delivery that continues to play at a predetermined time like a broadcast, the video content is selected by a program guide showing the same channels and times as a broadcast.

[0025] Furthermore, at the gateway, it is possible to customize the program guide by associating the SP-ID 1421 of the viewer with the TV-ID 1422 that identifies the TV. Based on the viewing tendencies of the viewers of this TV receiver, recommended contents 1401 to 1403 are overlaid and displayed on the program guide. In this example, since the ID (SP-ID) 1421 of the mobile device belonging to the video platform 1411 is associated with the ID (TV-ID) 1422 of this TV receiver, in particular, the video contents provided from the video platform 1411 are recommended.

[0026] This program guide is composed of common EPG (Electronic Programming Guide) data 1404 supplied from the TV gateway. The EPG common data 1404 is at least composed of a time table indicating time information, program metadata having information such as program descriptions, and banner data for displaying channels and the like.

[0027] With the above configuration, each video platform can input to the TV gateway without worrying about the functions (such as the size of the panel, the number of pixels, the resolution, etc.) of TV receivers having different performances and functions, and present contents to more TV receivers. Furthermore, by linking the TV receiver with a mobile terminal represented by a smartphone, instead of using single-function remote controls with different operabilities, the use of a mobile terminal realizes an improvement in the operability for advanced services, and furthermore, it is possible to perform advanced cooperative operations between a smartphone and a TV that cannot be achieved with an existing remote control.

[0028] In a video distribution system using a TV gateway, it is possible to present a program guide for TVs with different functions and capabilities, and enable viewers to select video contents distributed from various video platforms without confusion. Thus, it is an extremely effective system for linear channel-distributed video contents, but it lacks functions and is difficult to handle for other video content distribution methods.

[0029] A video gateway needs to provide functions related to hybrid services corresponding to AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD.

[0030] The present invention adds data corresponding to a plurality of new VOD distribution methods to the data forming the program guide, realizes a function of easily selecting video content distributed by AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and provides a function of more comfortably selecting video content by linear channel distribution by improving the structure of the program guide. On the other hand, by applying the added data forming the program guide to advertisement display, more effective advertisement presentation to viewers is realized.

[0031] As described above, the data constituting the program guide according to the present invention will be hereinafter described as "program guide configuration information". The program guide configuration information constitutes a hybrid video selection system for AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and enables viewing of digests of linear channels and preview video content. In addition, advertisement presentation by an overlay method and clickable VOD combining video advertisement content and VOD are possible.

[0032] Hereinafter, the configuration of the program guide configuration information, the description of the distribution method, a new method for configuring a program guide that can easily select future programs, current programs, and past programs, the configuration and presentation method of a program guide corresponding to any of the distribution methods of AVOD, TVOD, and SVOD, a more efficient advertisement presentation method combining VOD and advertisements, preview video content of future programs, digest viewing of past programs, and furthermore, an emergency message for urgently changing the program guide configuration information will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a video distribution system according to the first embodiment. CSPs (Content Service Providers) 101 to 108 provide video content. The video content is input to video platforms 111 to 113, respectively. The video platforms 111 to 113 input the video content to the TV gateway 121 and send it to TV receivers 141 to 150 via TV clouds 131 to 134.

[0034] As described above, the function of distributing video content to the TV receiver is the same as that in FIG. 1. What is significantly different from the video distribution system using the TV gateway in FIG. 1 is that subscriber databases 191 to 193 are connected to the video platforms 111 to 113. The subscriber databases 191 to 193 store and save the contract conditions of viewers who watch the video content distributed from the video platforms 111 to 113. Therefore, the video platforms 111 to 113 can confirm the contract conditions of the viewers by querying the subscriber databases 191 to 193 at any time.

[0035] On the other hand, in the video distribution system according to the present invention, the combined information storage unit 1352 for the TV-ID and SP-ID in the video distribution system shown in FIG. 1 becomes the combined information storage unit 152 for the HA-ID and MA-ID. Here, HA-ID and MA-ID are abbreviations for Home Agent ID and Mobile Agent ID, respectively. The HA-ID is an ID for identifying the TV cloud and the TV receiver, and the MA-ID is an ID for identifying the video platform and the user of the mobile terminal, and it is a composite identifier. The subscriber databases 111 to 113 can identify the user by the MA-ID and confirm the viewing conditions thereof.

[0036] Note that the TV receivers 141 to 150 are connected to the mobile terminals 171 to 180 and perform the combination of the HA-ID and the MA-ID. The combined information is stored in the combined information storage unit 152 of the MA-ID and the HA-ID. In the video distribution system according to the present invention, by linking the combined information storage unit 152 of the MA-ID and the HA-ID with the subscriber databases 191 to 193, it is possible to support various VOD distribution methods.

[0037] In addition, the viewing data storage unit 151, the content recommendation information storage unit 153, the advertising server 155, and the receiving-side advertisement insertion unit 156 perform the same operations as those in the video distribution system shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the video distribution system. In this figure, the video platform 111, the TV gateway 121, the TV cloud 131, the TV receiver 141, and the mobile terminal 109 are extracted and shown from the entire video distribution system shown in FIG. 3. Other video platforms, TV clouds, TV receivers, and mobile terminals perform the same operations.

[0039] In SVOD, it is a service in which a viewer who pays a monthly fee can watch video content without restriction. In TVOD, it is a service in which a viewer can watch a paid video content by purchasing a single video content within a limited period. On the other hand, in AVOD by linear channel distribution, video viewing can be freely performed, but advertisements will be viewed. As described above, since the viewing conditions of viewers are different depending on the VOD method, the video distribution system needs to present video content to the viewers after confirming these conditions.

[0040] In FIG. 4, let the ID for identifying the video platform 111 be PF-ID, the ID for identifying the TV gateway 121 be TG-ID, the ID for identifying the TV cloud be TC-ID, the ID for simultaneously identifying the TV and the TV cloud be HA-ID, and the ID for simultaneously identifying the user of the mobile terminal 109 and the video platform 111 be MA-ID. Also, let the ID for identifying the video content to be viewed be CT-ID. Hereinafter, the video during VOD viewing will be described.

[0041] In the TV receiver 141, a VOD viewing request is made. The TV receiver 141 simultaneously sends, via the signal 201, (1) a VOD token request, the VOD content identified by CT-ID, the PF-ID for identifying the video platform 111 that provides the video content, and the HA-ID indicating the TV receiver itself to the TV cloud 131. The VOD token request is to send a command for confirming the right to view VOD. The TV cloud 131 sends the signal 202 to the TV gateway 121 based on the obtained signal 201. The signal 202 includes (2) a VOD token request, PF-ID, CT-ID, and HA-ID. The TV gateway 121 obtains the MA-ID associated with the HA-ID by using the combined information database of the MA-ID and HA-ID it has, and identifies the viewer who has requested viewing. The TV gateway 121 sends the signal 203 to the video platform 111. The signal 203 consists of (3) a VOD token request, CT-ID, and MA-ID.

[0042] Next, the video platform 111 receives a (3) VOD token request by signal 203, queries the subscriber database 191 for the (4) MA-ID and CT-ID by signal 204, checks the registration conditions of the viewer with the MA-ID, and answers the result to the video platform 111 by signal 205. If the conditions for VOD viewing are met, the video platform 111 issues a (6) VOD token by signal 206 and sends the VOD token along with the CT-ID and MA-ID to the TV gateway 121. The TV gateway 121 acquires signal 206. The TV gateway 121 sends signal 207 to the TV cloud 131. Signal 207 contains at least the (7) VOD token. The TV cloud 131 sends the VOD token received from the TV gateway 121 to the (8) TV receiver 141 by signal 208.

[0043] The TV receiver 141 sends signal 209 to the video platform. Signal 209 is composed of the (9) VOD token obtained from signal 208 and the CT-ID that identifies the video content. The video platform 111 identifies the URL indicating the location of the video from the obtained CT-ID and checks the validity of the VOD token. After confirming that the VOD token is valid, by signal 210, the (10) video stream is delivered from the video platform 111 to the TV receiver 141.

[0044] The above video controls whether the VOD content meets the VOD viewing conditions.

[0045] Next, an explanation of the data constituting the program guide in this embodiment will be given. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of program guide configuration information (program guide viewing information), which is the data constituting the program guide. In this embodiment, the program guide configuration information 301 is transmitted from the video platform 111 and sent to the TV receiver 141 via the TV gateway 121 and the TV cloud 131.

[0046] Here, the program schedule composition information 301 is composed of operator information 302 identified by PF-ID, channel information 303 identified by Service_id, program information 304 identified by Event_id, CM information 305 identified by CM_id, and VOD information 306 identified by Vod_id. Also included are a time table 311 indicating the position of a program on the time axis, and layout information 321 indicating the display position of an advertisement.

[0047] The operator information 302 includes an operator ID (PF-ID), an operator name, an operator thumbnail image, and a logo.

[0048] The channel information 303 includes a service ID (Service_id), a service name, a service description, a genre, a parental rating, a service thumbnail image, a logo, paid / free information, and a video URL (all programs included in the channel are distributed in the same way).

[0049] The program information 304 includes a program ID (Event_id), a program name, a program description, a start date, a start time, the length of the program, a genre, a parental rating, a program thumbnail image, a video URL, a program type, a sub-video URL, paid / free information, and series identification information.

[0050] The CM information 305 includes an advertisement ID (CM_id), a CM title, an advertisement identifier (AD-ID), a start date, a start time, the length of the CM, a genre, a replaceable flag, and a CM video.

[0051] The VOD information 306 includes a VOD ID (Vod_id), a content name, a content identifier (CT-ID), a content description, the length of the content, a genre, a parental rating, a program thumbnail image, a video URL, paid / free information, and series identification information.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a program guide configured using program guide configuration information. The video platform 111 supplies the program guide configuration information to the TV gateway 121. The TV gateway 121 distributes the program guide configuration information acquired from the video platform 111 to the TV cloud 131.

[0053] The program guide configuration information by the TV cloud 131 already includes the past program guide configuration information that has been distributed from the TV gateway 121 and the program guide configuration information scheduled to be distributed in the future. By making it possible to view the missed programs later, the convenience of program selection for viewers is improved. The TV cloud 131 transmits the past program guide and the future program guide to the TV receiver 141.

[0054] When configuring the past program guide in the TV receiver 141, the operator information 402 of the program guide configuration information is used to identify which video platform the channel is configured on. For example, the channel of the program guide is displayed by the channel information 403, and the arrangement and description of each program are configured by the program information 404 to 406. The time line of the program guide is presented by the time table information 407. These are programs that have already been distributed in the past and can be freely selected.

[0055] Furthermore, a list of VOD contents is presented in this program guide. This selects and presents the VOD information included in the program guide configuration information. Each VOD information has a CT-ID indicating the content. Once it is stored in the VOD information database 432, the VOD content is selected by the recommendation selection unit 431 and presented on the program guide. Similar to the programs broadcast in the past, since the VOD content can be freely selected, a comfortable program selection function can be provided to the viewer. That is, although the past program guide is not the latest content for the viewer, it gives the convenience of being able to freely select without time constraints. In this embodiment, the VOD content display is arranged only in the past program guide, but currently, it can be arranged in the future program guide using the same data and movement.

[0056] In the past, current, and future program guides of FIG. 6, the programs provided by the video platform are displayed as channels. In this figure, Channel A1 and Channel A2 are the channels provided by Video Platform A, and Channel B1 is the channel provided by Video Platform B. The VOD contents 1 to 4 displayed in each program guide can select and display the VOD information provided by the video platform that distributes the program content focused by the viewer using a remote control or the like. That is, when the viewer focuses on Content A11 using a remote control or the like, the VOD provided by the video platform is displayed on the program guide screen.

[0057] On the other hand, in the current program guide configuration information of the television receiver 141, the current program guide 411 is configured based on the currently broadcast program. Also, in the future program guide, the programs scheduled for distribution are presented from the operator information 422, channel information 423, program information 425 to 426, and time table 427 included in the future program guide configuration information.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a video playback sequence from the program guide. In the television receiver 141, when the program guide button on the remote control is pressed, first, the current program guide 511 is displayed. By selecting a program from the current program guide 511, the video content 512 is played. These can be switched by using the up and down keys on the remote control or entering the channel number, or another program 513 can be directly selected. Also, even during viewing, by pressing the program guide button, it is possible to return to the original current program guide 514.

[0059] On the other hand, in the current program guide 511, by pressing the scroll down button, the future program guide 521 is presented. When a program is selected from the future program guide 521, since it has not been distributed yet, a program description screen 522 is presented. Here, if a preview video can be played, a preview button is presented, and by pressing it, the preview video 523 is played. When the preview video ends, it returns to the future program guide 524.

[0060] Scrolling up from the current program guide 511 presents the past program guide 501. The past program guide 501 presents programs and VOD content that were distributed in the past. When VOD content is selected, the process proceeds to the VOD selection sequence 505. The VOD selection sequence will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0061] When a program is selected from the past program guide 501, a program description screen 502 is presented once. Here, if a digest of the past program is viewable, a digest button is presented, and pressing it plays the digest 506. Pressing the play button on the program description screen 502 plays the video content of the past program, and when it ends, the process returns to the past program guide 504. Playing the digest video can make content selection more convenient.

[0062] As described above, in the future program guide, by watching the preview video of the scheduled distribution, and in the past program guide, by watching the digest, the convenience of program viewing can be improved. Also, since the past program guide shows a display where VOD can be selected, it enables viewing of desired VOD content.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the VOD viewing sequence from the program guide. In the television receiver 141, pressing the program guide button on the remote control presents the current program guide 611. Selecting a program from the current program guide 611 plays the program 612. An advertisement video 613 is inserted during or at the end of the main video of the program 612, and a VOD button is presented together with the advertisement video 613. Pressing the VOD button presents a VOD description screen 614. At this time, if the VOD is a service by SVOD, the description screen 614 is presented, and if it is a service by TVOD, the description screen 621 is presented. A play button is presented on the description screen 614, and a purchase button and the price are presented on the description screen 621.

[0064] Here, when the VOD viewing button is pressed, three branches occur. The first branch is when the viewer is not registered as a monthly billing member, and it proceeds to the membership registration screen 615. The membership registration app 625 operates on the smartphone to perform membership registration. Further, it proceeds to the ID binding screen 616, presents a QR code (registered trademark) on the TV screen, and the HA-ID of the TV receiver and the MA-ID which is the membership ID are combined by the ID binding app 626 operating on the smartphone.

[0065] The second branch is when the viewer is already registered as a member on the explanation screen 614, and it proceeds to the ID binding screen 616. When the ID binding is completed, it proceeds to the SVOD explanation screen 617 again, and by pressing the viewing button, the VOD video 618 is played. In the case of TVOD, the TVOD explanation screen 627 is presented, the predetermined purchase amount is paid, and it proceeds to video viewing 618. When the playback of the VOD video ends, it returns to the main video 619.

[0066] The third branch is when the ID binding is already completed. By pressing the viewing button from the SVOD explanation screen 614, it directly proceeds to the VOD video playback 618.

[0067] On the other hand, when selecting the VOD content in the past program guide 601, it proceeds to the SVOD explanation screen 614 or the TVOD explanation screen 621. Hereinafter, the video 618 is played in the same sequence, and at the end, it returns to the past program guide 629.

[0068] Through the above sequence, VOD can be easily viewed. Note that the operation of obtaining the VOD token explained in FIG. 4 is performed to realize this viewing sequence. When selecting viewing from the explanation screen 614, the sequence for obtaining the VOD token operates. If the acquisition of the VOD token fails, it proceeds to the membership registration screen 615 or the ID binding screen 616. After the ID binding is completed, by pressing the viewing button again from the SVOD explanation screen 617, it enters the operation of obtaining the VOD token again. After obtaining the VOD token, the main video 619 is played.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an advertisement presentation sequence. There are three types of advertisement presentation patterns, which are in-stream insertion presentation 701, overlay display 711, and clickable VOD 721.

[0070] For the in-stream insertion, which is the first pattern, after the main content before 702 is played, advertisement 703 is presented, and then the main content after 704 is presented. On the screen, the main content moving image 705 is presented, and after the advertisement moving image 706 is presented, the main content moving image 707 is played. This pattern is an example of inserting advertisement moving image content into so-called video content.

[0071] For the overlay display, which is the second pattern, the advertisement is presented overlaid on the main content moving image. Since in-stream insertion inserts the advertisement in terms of time and thus the time is extended, in contrast, the overlay display has the feature that it directly overlays the advertisement on the main content moving image and thus is not affected by the length of the video content. When the main content video 712 is being played, the advertisement is overlaid starting from the video screen 715 to become the video screen 716 and then the video screen 717. Here, according to the information in the advertisement that automatically presents the program, the overlaid advertisement is automatically erased and the transition is made to the video screen 717. In this presentation method, as described above, no temporal insertion occurs, but a part of the screen is hidden.

[0072] The third pattern is clickable VOD 721, which is a combination of in-stream insertion presentation 701 and overlay display 711. Similar to in-stream, the advertisement 723 is played from the main content video 722, and then the main content video 724 is played. At that time, the transition is made from the state of the video screen 725 to the advertisement video screen 723 and then the video screen 726. Here, buttons are presented in the advertisement video content, and when pressed, the explanation screen 728 is displayed, and when the play button is further pressed, the VOD content 729 is played. If the button is not pressed on the advertisement screen 726, the main content video 724 is played as soon as the advertisement 723 ends. When the VOD content 729 ends, the video content 730 of the same channel is played.

[0073] In each case, the state of the program schedule configuration information is shown as 741, 742, and 743. When implementing in-stream insertion, the program schedule configuration information 741 is composed of operator information, channel information, program information, and advertisement information. The same applies to the case of overlay display. In the case of clickable VOD, VOD information is further included in the advertisement information. In the case of overlay display and clickable VOD, the screen is configured according to the layout information shown in FIG. 10.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the layout information of an advertisement. When presenting the overlay display screen 802 from the main video 801, the screen is configured according to the layout information 805 in the program schedule configuration information. The layout information 805 includes information on the coordinates of the video, the size of the video, and the coordinates and size of the still image, and can configure the L-shaped display 802 or the display 803 that overlaps a rectangular area. When automatically performing the overlay display, the overlay display is automatically performed according to the automatic start flag and start time in the CM information in the program schedule configuration information.

[0075] In this example, two patterns are exemplified as clickable presentations. The first pattern is a clickable advertisement, and after pressing the button, other EC sites or information can be presented. The second pattern is clickable VOD, and it can be presented according to the sequence shown in FIG. 9.

[0076] In the case of clickable VOD, from the main video screen 801, the advertisement video 842 is played, and by pressing the button 842 presented in the advertisement video 842, the VOD description screen 823 is entered. Here, by pressing the play button, the VOD video 824 is played. The presentation position of the button 842 in the advertisement video 822 is determined by the layout information 825. The play button on the VOD description screen 823 is also arranged according to the layout information.

[0077] In the case of clickable ads, the button 841 is presented based on the layout information 815 in the ad video 812. When the button 841 is pressed, the product screen 813 of the e-commerce site is presented. Here, for example, it is also possible to present a detailed information screen or the like.

[0078] As described above, a flexible screen configuration can be achieved based on the layout information included in the program schedule configuration information.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation example of ad presentation in the current program using the program schedule configuration information. The current program schedule 901 displays the content currently being distributed. The program schedule configuration information 900 includes the operator information 902 and the channel information 903. The channel information 903 includes program information 904, 906, 908, and the program information 904 includes ad information 905, the program information 906 includes ad information 907, the program information 908 includes ad information 909, and further, the ad information 909 includes VOD information 910.

[0080] Each piece of program information describes the program start time and the program end time, and the ad information also describes the ad start time and the end time.

[0081] The above information included in the program schedule configuration information constitutes the program schedule, and the main video and ads 921 - 927 are played. The screens presented simultaneously are shown as 931 - 937.

[0082] The program information 904 describes the program start time 8:00 and the end time 9:00. Further, the ad information describes the start time 8:30 and the end time 8:35. The main video starts at 8:00, the ad is played from 8:30, and the playback continues from 8:35 back to the main video.

[0083] Program 924 starts at 9:00. The next program is shown. In program information 906, the start time 9:00 and end time 11:00 are described. In advertisement information 907, the start time 10:00 and end time 10:05 are described, and it is indicated that it will be displayed by overlay. Based on this information, the playback of the main video 924 starts at 9:00. Automatically, from 10:00 during the playback of the main video, a still-image advertisement is displayed. The presented screen is shown in 934. The advertisement is displayed as a still image overlaid on the main video. The overlaid still-image advertisement disappears at 10:05.

[0084] Furthermore, in the next program information, the start time 11:00 and end time 12:00 are described, and in the advertisement information, the start time 11:30 and end time 11:40 are described. For this advertisement, it is described that by pressing a button, it will direct to another screen. Based on this information, the next program 925 starts at 11:00. Advertisement 926 starts at 11:30, and as shown in advertisement screen 936, a button is presented for this advertisement. When the viewer presses the button, it enters the VOD sequence and presents the VOD selection screen 938. Thereafter, it operates according to the VOD sequence shown in Figure 8. If the button is not pressed, the playback of the main video 927 continues, and as shown in video screen 937, the advertisement disappears.

[0085] In this way, a program is composed of program guide configuration information. Separately, the playback of the operation stream is performed based on the metadata (manifest file) included in the video stream. As an example, FIG. 11 shows the case where a video stream is played back by MPEG DASH, which is an international standard. In MPEG DASH, an MPD (Media Presentation Description) is used for the playback of the video stream. In the MPD, the video stream is defined by Periods. For example, program 921 based on this embodiment is composed of MPD#1:951, and video 921 is played back. Advertisement 922 is played back by Period#2:942, and video 923 is played back by Period#3:943. Similarly, the next video 924 of the program is played back by Period#1:944 of MPD#2:952. Furthermore, the next program plays video 925 by Period#1:945 of MPD#3:953. Advertisement 926 is played back by Period#2:946, and video 927 is played back by Period#3:947. In this example, one MPD is associated with one program, but depending on the operation, different associations are also possible. For example, it is also possible to associate one MPD with two or more programs and define them with multiple Periods.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation example of advertisement presentation in a past program using program guide configuration information. The program guide configuration information is composed of operator information 1002, channel information 1003, program information 1004, advertisement information 1005, and VOD information 1006. Based on these information, the past program guide 1001 is displayed. Video 1021, advertisement 1022, and video 1023 are played back according to the program information 1004 included in the channel information 1003. Here, although there are descriptions of the program start time 8:00 and end time 9:00, in order to indicate the time when it was distributed in the past, the selection of the program can be freely made.

[0087] When video 1021 is selected, an explanation screen 1041 is once presented. When the play button is pressed, the main video 1021 is played back. Furthermore, advertisement video 1032 is played back, and after the advertisement video ends, the main video screen 1033 appears.

[0088] In the past program guide of FIG. 12, the programs provided by the video platform are displayed as channels. In this figure, Channel A1 and Channel A2 are the channels provided by Video Platform A, and Channel B1 is the channel provided by Video Platform B. The VOD contents 1 to 4 displayed in each program guide can select and display the VOD information provided by the video platform that distributes the program content focused by the viewer using a remote control or the like. That is, when the viewer focuses on Content A11 using a remote control or the like, the VOD provided by the video platform is displayed on the program guide screen. In this embodiment, the VOD content display is arranged only in the past program guide, but currently, it can be arranged in the current and future program guides using the same data and movement.

[0089] On the other hand, when a VOD is selected, the VOD video 1024 is played. Here, before being played, the VOD explanation screen 1042 is presented, and when the play button is pressed, the VOD video (VOD content 1) is played. At that time, the video screen becomes the VOD video screen 1034. When the VOD video ends, it returns to the past program guide screen 1035.

[0090] Similar to the current program guide, the relationship between the past program guide and the playback of the operation stream by MPEG DASH will be described. The main video 1021 of this case is played by Period #1: 1051 of MPD #1: 1050. The advertisement 1022 is played by Period #2: 1052, and the main video 1023 is played by Period #3: 1053. Regarding the VOD, the VOD video 1024 is played by Period #1: 1054 of MPD #2: 1060. Similar to the operation of the current program guide, it is also possible to operate based on the relationship between one MPD and multiple programs.

[0091] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the periodic update of the program guide configuration information. The program guide configuration information 1111 is periodically updated, for example, on a daily basis. The program guide configuration information includes operator information, channel information, program information, advertisement information, and VOD information.

[0092] Periodically, the TV gateway 121 requests program guide configuration information from the video platform 111 by signal 1101. The video platform 111 sends the program guide configuration information to the TV gateway 121 by signal 1102. The TV gateway 121 turns on the update flag 1121, which is normally off, as soon as it obtains the updated program guide configuration information. The TV cloud 131 periodically checks the update flag 1121 of the TV gateway 121 by signal 1103. If the update flag 1121 is on, it acquires the program guide configuration information by signal 1104 and distributes it to the TV receiver 141 by signal 1105. Immediately after the TV cloud 131 acquires the program guide configuration information, the update flag 1121 turns off. However, if there are multiple TV clouds, the update flag 1121 turns off after confirming that all TV clouds have acquired the program guide configuration information. Also, when acquiring the program guide configuration information from the TV gateway 121, in order to ensure greater security, it is possible to maintain security by encrypting it with a key previously distributed to the TV cloud 131.

[0093] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the update of an emergency message. As shown in FIG. 5, since the program guide configuration information has a large amount of information and includes thumbnail images etc. inside, it is updated at a long cycle, for example, on a daily basis. Therefore, for example, in the case of an emergency such as when a live relay program is extended and the program guide needs to be changed, it is difficult to respond, so an emergency message function for performing change processing with a minimum necessary size is required. The format of the emergency message is shown in 1210.

[0094] <Emergency message ID><Channel ID><Target program ID><Target item><Process><Process content> Here, since the <Emergency message ID> is issued uniquely within the operator, it is composed of <Operator ID + Unique ID> and is denoted as Emsg_id. <Channel ID> is the Service_id that identifies each channel, and <Target Program ID> is the Event_id that identifies the program. <Target Item> is each item within the program information. <Process> includes deletion, overwrite (modification), and addition, and the specific content is defined as <Processing Content>. For example, when changing the end time of a program that starts at 8:00 and ends at 9:00 to 9:30, <Process> is modification, and <Processing Content> is to send 9:30 to the target program.

[0095] Video platform 111 sends an emergency message to TV gateway 121 via signal 1201. TV gateway 121 turns on emergency flag 1221, which is normally off. TV cloud 131 checks emergency flag 1221 via signal 1202. At this time, TV cloud 131 checks it in a shorter period than the check of the aforementioned update flag 1121. For example, it checks in a period of 10 minutes to 30 minutes. TV cloud 131 acquires the emergency message via signal 1203. TV cloud 131 distributes the acquired emergency message to TV receiver 141 via signal 1204. Here, since the distribution of the emergency message is carried out in a shorter time than the distribution of the program guide configuration information, each TV receiver controls the reception timing and disperses the access according to the preset offset time so that the transmissions do not concentrate.

[0096] Figure 15 is a configuration diagram of the television receiver 141. The broadcast is received by the antenna 1501, and the broadcast content converted into a digital stream by the tuner 1502 is converted into an audio signal and a video signal by the signal processing unit 1503. The audio signal is processed by the audio processing unit 1504, and the audio is reproduced by the speaker 1506. Also, the video signal is processed by the video processing unit 1505, and the video is reproduced by the video display unit 1507. The CPU 1509 is connected to the memory 1508 and the non-volatile memory 1510, and the control program is executed to control the tuner 1502 and the signal processing unit 1503. Note that the user's operation is input from the remote control 1513 to the receiving unit 1512 and then input to the control program. The communication interface 1511 receives the video content and the content selection screen distributed from the network and processes them with the control program of the CPU 1509.

[0097] The configuration of FIG. 6 and the playback sequence of FIG. 7 accumulate the program guide configuration information of FIG. 5 obtained via the communication interface 1511 in the memory 1508, and the CPU 1509 uses the software executed internally to segment the program information based on the current time and generate the current program guide, the past program guide, and the future program guide.

[0098] Figure 16 is a configuration diagram of the video platform 111. The CPU 1602 is connected to the memory 1601 and the storage device 1603 and executes the control program. The operator controls the operation by the operation unit 1605. The communication interface 1604 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, distribution of video, and input / output of content selection information. Note that the video processing unit 1606 encodes the input video content and generates a stream for video distribution without encryption. As shown in this figure, the video platform 111 can be said to be a server.

[0099] Figure 17 is a configuration diagram of the TV gateway 121. The CPU 1702 is connected to the memory 1701 and the storage device 1703, and a predetermined processing program operates. The communication interface 1704 performs input / output from / to the video platform and input / output to / from the TV cloud. It performs input of past program schedule configuration information, input of future program schedule configuration information, input of current program schedule configuration information from the video platform, output of past program schedule configuration information, output of future program schedule configuration information, and output of current program schedule configuration information to the TV cloud. The video platform is still controlled by the operator through the operation unit 1705. As shown in this figure, the TV gateway 121 can be said to be a server.

[0100] Figure 18 is a configuration diagram of the TV cloud 131. The communication interface 2004 receives the program schedule configuration information output from the TV gateway. The program schedule configuration information is converted into a predetermined format that can be displayed by the TV receiver by software operating on the CPU 2002 and the memory 2001, and is stored in the storage 2003. The operator controls the software through the operation unit 2005. The data stored in the storage 2003 is received by the TV receiver shown in FIG. 15. As shown in this figure, the TV cloud 131 can be said to be a server.

[0101] Hereinafter, with reference to the TV receiver 141 in FIG. 15, the video platform 111 in FIG. 16, the TV gateway 121 in FIG. 17, and the TV cloud 131 in FIG. 18, the configuration of the program schedule shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

[0102] The program guide configuration information stored in the storage device 1603 of the video platform 111 in FIG. 16 is output by the communication interface 1604, received by the communication interface 1704 of the TV gateway 121 in FIG. 17, and temporarily stored by the storage device 1703. The stored program guide configuration information is output from the communication interface 1704 and received by the TV cloud 131 in FIG. 18. In the TV cloud 131 in FIG. 18, the received program guide configuration information is converted into a format that can be displayed on the TV receiver 141. Here, the converted data format is, for example, HTML5 that can be displayed by a browser operating on the TV receiver 141.

[0103] The converted data is output to the TV receiver 141 in FIG. 15 by the communication interface 2004. In the TV receiver 141 in FIG. 15, not only video content but also a content selection screen is received from the communication interface 1511. The content selection screen mentioned here corresponds to the past program guide, current program guide, and future program guide shown in FIG. 6.

[0104] Hereinafter, the sequence of the program guide in FIG. 6 and the program guide in FIG. 7 will be described using the TV receiver 141 in FIG. 15. The program guide configuration information that has been converted into a displayable data format by the TV cloud 131 in FIG. 18 is received by the communication interface 1511. Here, the program guide configuration information includes information for the past one week and the future one week, and according to the current time, the current program, past program guide, and future program guide shown in FIG. 6 are displayed. Here, the sent program guide configuration information is compared with the current time, the part determined to be past information is divided and displayed as the past program guide, the part determined to be future information is divided and displayed as the future program guide, and if it is determined that it is currently being distributed, it is displayed as the current program guide. These display operations are performed by software operating on the CPU 1509 shown in FIG. 15.

[0105] Figure 7 shows the sequence of the program guide. The past program guide 501, the current program guide 511, and the future program guide 521 shown in Figure 7 correspond to the past program guide 401, the current program guide 411, and the future program guide 421 shown in Figure 6. The operations in Figure 7 are implemented by software that operates on the CPU 1509 of the television receiver 141 shown in Figure 15.

[0106] · Composition of Program Guide Configuration Information In a video distribution system configured by a TV gateway, in addition to operator information, channel information, program information, and a time table, the "program guide configuration information" composed of advertisement information, VOD information, and layout information indicating the display position of advertisements supports not only AVOD realized by linear distribution but also SVOD and TVOD. · By superimposing the VOD selection screen on the program guide of linear distribution and using the sequence of the TV gateway to confirm the viewer's contract conditions, any content of AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD can be selected and viewed. · The current program and past programs are seamlessly displayed based on the program guide configuration information of past distributions and the program guide configuration information of future distribution schedules. For past programs, digest playback is performed, and for future programs, preview videos are played. · Method of Presenting Advertisements Based on the advertisement information and layout information included in the above "program guide configuration information", advertisements inserted into the main video temporally, advertisements displayed by overlapping spatially with the main video, and further advertisements realized by combining these are presented. · By pressing a button on an advertisement inserted temporally, information on a separate service site is displayed, or a service for viewing VOD video content is realized. · Method of Obtaining and Modifying Program Guide Configuration Information The "program guide configuration information" is updated by periodically checking the update flag of the TV gateway. The modification of the "program guide configuration information" is implemented by an emergency message sent separately, and the emergency message checks the emergency flag in a relatively short period. · In a TV gateway that is arranged between a video platform and a TV and provides a connection for providing video content from the video platform to the TV, the TV gateway receives a video-on-demand token request including an ID for identifying the video platform 111 from the TV transmitted by a TV cloud arranged between the TV and the TV gateway, an ID for identifying video content to be viewed, and an ID for simultaneously identifying the TV cloud, and transmits to the video platform an ID for simultaneously identifying the user of the mobile terminal and the video platform (hereinafter referred to as CT-ID) and an ID for identifying video content to be viewed (hereinafter referred to as MAID). Assuming that the video platform has conditions for enabling VOD viewing based on the CT-ID and MA-ID, the TV gateway receives a video-on-demand token including the CT-ID and MA-ID, and transmits the video-on-demand token to the TV cloud based on the result of receiving the video-on-demand token from the video platform.

[0107] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment, which is one embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. Since this embodiment is a modification of the other embodiments described above, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the other embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0108] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation up to ID binding in a video distribution system. This figure, similar to FIG. 4, extracts and shows the video platform 111, the TV gateway 121, the TV cloud 131, the TV receiver 141, and the mobile terminal 109 from the entire video distribution system shown in FIG. 3. Other video platforms, TV clouds, TV receivers, and mobile terminals perform similar operations.

[0109] In the first embodiment, an example of the operation of the video distribution system was described with reference to FIG. 4. In this embodiment, mainly, the flow up to storing information in the ID binding information DB (database) 120, which is the operation before the operation shown in FIG. 4, will be described.

[0110] The ID association information DB 120 is stored in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) provided in the TV gateway 121 (or accessible by the CPU 1702 of the TV gateway 121). The ID association information DB 120 stores information exemplified in the form of a table in FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0111] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a member and their right status stored in the ID association information DB 120. More specifically, the table shown in FIG. 20 stores by associating an HA-ID, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, a user profile, etc. with the MA-ID. The access token is a token indicating that access to the TV cloud 131 is permitted. The expiration date is the expiration date of the access token, and when the expiration date is exceeded, the access token becomes invalid. The refresh token is a token used when acquiring a new access token and expiration date.

[0112] Here, the MA-ID is an ID that simultaneously identifies the user of the mobile terminal 109 and the video platform 111. Here, the mobile terminal 109 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the user, for example. The HA-ID is an ID that simultaneously identifies the TV receiver 141 and the TV cloud 131. Therefore, when the user has a plurality of playback devices (for example, the TV receiver 141), a plurality of HA-IDs may be associated with one MA-ID. Also, for each HA-ID associated with the MA-ID, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, etc. are stored.

[0113] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of information for identifying a playback device (e.g., the television receiver 141) stored in the ID binding information DB 120. More specifically, the table shown in FIG. 21 stores by associating an MA-ID, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, etc. with the HA-ID. The access token is a token indicating that access to the video platform 111 is permitted. The expiration date is the expiration date of the access token, and when the expiration date is exceeded, the access token becomes invalid. The refresh token is a token used when acquiring a new access token and expiration date.

[0114] Here, there may be a case where a user uses VOD services provided by a plurality of video platforms 111 with one playback device (e.g., the television receiver 141). In this case, there may be a possibility that a plurality of MA-IDs are associated with one HA-ID. Also, for each MA-ID associated with the HA-ID, an access token, a refresh token, an expiration date, etc. are stored.

[0115] Returning to FIG. 19, the transmission and reception of signals up to ID binding will be described in chronological order. First, when the television receiver 141 receives an operation requesting VOD viewing, such as a remote control operation, it requests a (1) QR code (registered trademark) from the television cloud 131 by the signal 1901. The signal 1901 at least includes the HA-ID.

[0116] The television cloud 131 that has received the (1) QR code request transmits information for causing the television receiver 141 to display a (2) QR code by the signal 1902. Here, the QR code of the signal 1902 includes at least information capable of specifying a PF-ID for identifying the video platform 111 that provides the VOD content and an HA-ID indicating the television receiver itself. The television receiver 141 that has received the signal 1902 displays a QR code on the screen.

[0117] Next, the mobile terminal 109 captures the QR code displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 141 and, based on the information obtained by decoding it, performs (3) a Web access via signal 1903. The access destination at this time is the TV gateway 121. The TV gateway 212 that has received signal 1903 performs (4) an authentication request on the video platform 111 indicated by the PF-ID included in the QR code via signal 1904.

[0118] The video platform 111 that has received signal 1904 performs (5) an ID registration confirmation via signals 1905 to 1906. In this ID registration confirmation, the video platform 111 requests the user to perform a login operation via the mobile terminal 109.

[0119] Here, supplementary explanations are provided regarding the display state and operation reception on the mobile terminal 109 side. When the user requests VOD viewing of the TV receiver 141 using the remote control, a QR code is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 141. The mobile terminal 109 captures this QR code and displays the Web page led by the QR code on the screen of the mobile terminal 109. The Web page at this time is provided by, for example, the TV gateway 121. Also, the Web page at this time includes, for example, an operation button for confirming whether to permit the request for the user's login operation on the next screen. When the user operates this operation button, a screen for the user to input the ID and password specified in the VOD viewing contract is displayed on the mobile terminal 109. The screen for inputting the ID and password at this time is provided by the video platform 111. Through this screen, the video platform 111 accepts the input of the user's ID and password and completes the (5) ID registration confirmation via signals 1905 to 1906.

[0120] Return to the description according to FIG. 19. The video platform 111 transmits the user ID and password to the subscriber database 191 via signal 1905. If the user ID and password are valid in the VOD viewing contract, the subscriber database 191 transmits the MA-ID to the video platform 111 via signal 1906.

[0121] After completing the ID registration confirmation in (5) and obtaining the MA-ID, the video platform 111 transmits a (6) response to the TV gateway 121 via signal 1907. Up to this point, the TV gateway 121 recognizes that the user has a VOD viewing contract with the video platform 111.

[0122] The TV gateway 121 that has received the (6) response then transmits a (7) token request to the video platform 111 via signal 1908. The video platform 111 that has received the (7) token request transmits a (8) VPF token response to the TV gateway 121 via signal 1909.

[0123] The TV gateway 121 that has received the (8) VPF token response then transmits a (9) token request to the TV cloud 131 via signal 1910. The TV cloud 131 that has received the (9) token request transmits a (10) TVC token response to the TV gateway 121 via signal 1911.

[0124] The TV gateway 121 that has received the (10) TVC token response then transmits a (11) profile request to the video platform 111 via signal 1912. The video platform 111 that has received this transmits a (12) profile and MA-ID to the TV gateway 121 via signal 1913.

[0125] The TV gateway 121 that has received the profile and MA-ID of (12) then sends a profile request of (13) to the TV cloud 131 via signal 1914. The TV cloud 131 that has received this sends the profile and HA-ID of (14) via signal 1915.

[0126] Through the flow up to this point, the TV gateway 121 obtains the MA-ID and HA-ID associated with the user's profile. Next, the TV gateway 121 performs (15) ID binding to store the binding information of the MA-ID and HA-ID (for example, the information illustrated in table format in FIGS. 20 and 21) in the ID binding information DB 120.

[0127] Thus, according to this embodiment, when a user first views VOD on a certain playback device (TV receiver 141), an input operation on the mobile terminal 109 can be enabled. The mobile terminal 109 is, for example, a smartphone, which is a terminal easy for character input. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to perform the input operation of IDs and passwords that conventionally had to be done using a remote control by the mobile terminal 109, and thus it becomes possible to greatly reduce the complexity of the input operation.

[0128] Also, according to this embodiment, without managing the IDs and passwords that enable a user to log in to the video platform 111 at the TV receiver 141 or the TV cloud 131, as long as the token is valid, it is possible to enable the TV receiver 141 to connect to the video platform 111. That is, the IDs and passwords, which are information to be kept confidential, are managed only by the video platform 111, and it is possible to eliminate the risk of leakage from other devices (TV gateway 121, TV cloud 131, TV receiver 141).

[0129] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the signal flow related to ID provision in the TV gateway 121. This figure shows the signal flow during the second and subsequent VOD viewings by a user having a certain VOD viewing contract using a certain playback device.

[0130] The TV gateway 121 includes a combined information reference unit 1706 which is a functional unit realized by the CPU 1702 executing a predetermined program. When the communication I / F (Interface) 1704 receives the MA-ID from the video platform 111, the combined information reference unit 1706 refers to the ID combination information DB 120 to obtain the HA-ID corresponding to the MA-ID and transmits this to the TV cloud 131. Also, when the communication I / F (Interface) 1704 receives the HA-ID from the TV cloud 131, the combined information reference unit 1706 refers to the ID combination information DB 120 to obtain the MA-ID corresponding to the HA-ID and transmits this to the video platform 111. More specifically, it is as described with reference to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment.

[0131] As a means for displaying an advertisement on the screen at a timing specified during program broadcasting (a program of linear video content distribution) via the network, the video platform 111 provides the following information in the program metadata.

[0132] (1) Advertisement ID: The key of the advertisement ID metadata is set to ad_id. ad_id is a number for identifying an advertisement. A decimal number from 1 to 16,777,214 numbered for each operator.

[0133] (2) Advertisement type: The key of the advertisement type metadata is described as ad_type. ad_type is a character string for identifying the advertisement type. When ad_type is an in-stream advertisement, instream is described after the key. When the ad_type is a still image, describe "image" after the key. When the ad_type is Instream and image, it will automatically start when it reaches the start time to start the ad. When the ad_type is a clickable still image, describe "clickable_image" after the key. When the ad_type is described as clickable_image, a click button will be displayed, and the still image will be displayed by button operation. When the ad_type is clickable video details, describe "clickable_video_details" after the key. When the ad_type is described as clickable_video_details, a click button will be displayed, and the video details information will be displayed by button operation. When the ad_type is a banner ad, describe "banner" after the key. When described as banner, it will be used as a banner ad in the program schedule (e.g., the current program schedule).

[0134] (3) Ad image: The key for the metadata of the ad image is described as ad_information. There are subordinate keys in the metadata key of ad_information. When the subordinate key of ad_information is img_url, in the case of a still image or a clickable still image for the ad type, describe the URL string indicating the location of the image after the key. In the case of a clickable still image, it will transition after the button is pressed. When the subordinate key of ad_information is pos[x,y,w,h], describe the numbers indicating the display position of the still image display position.

[0135] (4) Video element display position: When the metadata key is the display position of the Video element, it is described as video_x_y_w_h. video_x_y_w_h has subordinate keys. The subordinate keys of video_x_y_w_h are described as pos[x,y,w,h]. pos[x,y,w,h] describes numerical values indicating the display position coordinates (x,y,w,h) of the playing video displayed on the screen at the start time.

[0136] (5) Start time: When the metadata key is the start time, it is described as start_time. After the key of start_time, describe the offset time from the start of the program where the advertisement starts. The description example is hh:mm:ss. For banner advertisements, start_time is not used.

[0137] (6) Length of advertisement: When the metadata key is the length of the advertisement, it is described as duration. After Duration, describe the time that is the length of the advertisement. The description example is hh:mm:ss. For banner advertisements, duration is not used.

[0138] (7) Video information to introduce When the metadata key is the video information to introduce, it is described as vod_id. After vod_id, describe the value that identifies the video numbered for each platform to link to the video information to be introduced. Describe a decimal number from 1 to 16,777,214.

[0139] (8) Clickable button: When the metadata key is the clickable button, it is described as clickable_button. clickable_button has subordinate keys. If the key below clickable_button is img_url, describe img_url after the clickable_button key. If the ad type after the img_url key is clickable still image or clickable video details, describe the URL string indicating the location of the button image. If the key below clickable_button is pos[x,y,w,h], describe pos[x,y,w,h] after the clickable_button key. After pos[x,y,w,h], describe the numerical values for the clickable button display position. The following shows an example of sending metadata for inserting an advertisement into video data linearly distributed from the video platform 111 based on the above.

[0140] { "ad_id":1, "ad_type":"clickable_image", "ad_information":{ "img_url":"http: / / www.aaa.co.jp / AD_Information / img.png", "pos":[100,100,200,200] } "video_x_y_w_z":{ “pos”:[100,100,200,200] } "start_date":"20200930", "start_time":"19:30:00", "duration":"00:30:00", "vod_id":100, "clickable_button":{ "img_url":"http: / / www.aaa.co.jp / Clickable_button / img.png", "pos":[100,100,200,200] } }

[0141] The video platform 111 sends the metadata based on the keys described above to the TV receiver 141. When sending the metadata, it may be routed through the TV gateway 121 and the TV cloud 131, or sent directly.

[0142] On the TV 141 side, the following operations are performed according to the type of advertisement in the metadata.

[0143] In the case of an in-stream advertisement: In the case of an in-stream advertisement, the TV receiver 141 performs the operations as shown in Fig. 23. When the TV receiver 141 recognizes from the received metadata that ad_type is instream, it displays the advertisement video included in the content. Information on the start, during, and end of playback of the corresponding stream is notified to the TV gateway 121.

[0144] Advertisement image display: In the case of advertisement image display, the TV receiver 141 operates as shown in Fig. 24. When the TV receiver 141 recognizes from the metadata that ad_type is image, it overlays and displays the advertisement image (ad_Information_img_url) on the video when the start time arrives. Logs of the resulting advertisement image display, deletion, and operations are sent to the TV gateway 121. If the Video element display position (video_x_y_w_h) is specified, the video is scaled and the advertisement image is overlaid and displayed. It is automatically deleted when the Duration has elapsed since the start time. It can be deleted using the color keys on the TV remote control. In the case where an advertisement image is displayed over an advertisement video, the in-stream advertisement and the image advertisement are each defined.

[0145] Advertisement image display from clickable buttons: The display of the advertisement image from the clickable button operates as shown in Figure 25. When the TV receiver 141 recognizes from the metadata that ad_type is clickable_image, at the start time, as shown in A-1 of Figure 25, the clickable button image (clickable_button) is displayed at the specified position on the video, and the focus is set on the clickable button image. The results of the advertisement image display, deletion, and operation logs are sent to the TV gateway 121 as shown in A-2 of Figure 25. When the user presses (clicks) the decision button on the remote control, as shown in B-1 of Figure 25, the logs of the advertisement image display, deletion, and operation results are sent to the TV gateway 121. Then, as shown in B-3 of Figure 25, the advertisement image (ad_Information.img_url) is overlaid and displayed. If the Video element display position (video_x_y_w_h) is specified, the video is scaled as shown in B-2 of Figure 25, and the advertisement image is overlaid and displayed. After the advertisement image is overlaid and displayed, as shown in B-4 of Figure 25, the logs of the advertisement image display, deletion, and operation results are sent to the TV gateway 121. ad_Information.img_url generates a file name according to the following rules and then performs the acquisition process. If ad_information.img_url is https: / / xxxx / xxxx / image_$(TC-ID)_$(MODEL).png, and TC-ID is aaaa and the TV model name is bbbb, it is replaced with https: / / xxxx / xxxx / image_aaaa_bbbb.png and a notification is sent to the TV gateway 121. When the advertisement display period has elapsed or the user performs a deletion operation with the remote control, as shown in B-5 of Figure 25, the display of the advertisement image is stopped and the video is displayed full screen. After this process is completed, as shown in B-6 of Figure 25, the logs of the advertisement image display, deletion, and operation results are sent to the TV gateway 121. If the user does not perform an operation within the advertisement display period (duration) as shown in C-1 of FIG. 25, the advertisement image is not displayed and the clickable button image is erased. After this process is completed, as shown in C-2 of FIG. 25, the logs of the resulting advertisement image display, erasure, and operation are sent to the TV gateway 121.

[0146] Induction from clickable button to VOD: The induction from the clickable button to VOD is performed as shown in FIG. 26. When the TV receiver 141 recognizes that ad_type is clickable_video_detailes from the metadata, at the start time as shown in A-1 of FIG. 26, the clickable button image (clickable_button) is displayed at the specified position on the video, and the focus is set on the clickable button image. After this process is completed, as shown in A-2 of FIG. 26, the logs of the resulting advertisement image display, erasure, and operation are sent to the TV gateway 121. When the user presses the decision button on the remote control, as shown in B-1 of FIG. 26, the logs of the advertisement image display, erasure, and operation are sent to the TV gateway 121. Then, as shown in B-2 of FIG. 26, the linear channel and AVOD playback are stopped. And, as shown in B-3 of FIG. 26, the logs of the advertisement image display, erasure, and operation of the stopped result are sent to the TV gateway 121. Further, as shown in B-4 of FIG. 26, the detailed screen of the video information (VOD-ID) to be introduced is displayed. And, as shown in B-5 of FIG. 26, the result is sent to the TV gateway 121 as the VOD detailed information display log. If the user does not perform an operation within the advertisement display period (duration), the clickable button image is erased as shown in B-7 of FIG. 26. When the erasure process is completed, as shown in B-8 of FIG. 26, the logs of the advertisement image display, erasure, and operation are sent to the TV gateway 121. After the user plays the VOD by operation as shown in B-6 of FIG. 26, if the clickable advertisement was displayed and transitioned on the linear channel program, the process transitions to the playback process of the linear channel of the service_id stored in the last channel. When transitioning from an advertisement displayed on AVOD other than the linear channel as in B-9 of Fig. 26, return to the program guide with the service_id and event_id stored in the last channel. If the event_id has already exceeded the display period, display the oldest event_id within the display period.

[0147] Banner advertisement display: The banner advertisement display shows the banner advertisement in the program guide (e.g., the current program guide) when the TV receiver 141 recognizes that the ad_type is banner from the metadata. The types of advertisements are three types: guidance to recommended VOD, point linkage using ID binding, and advertisement image display. The TV gateway 121 manages the advertisement frame display in the current program guide and can switch the advertisements displayed for each HA-ID. To determine which advertisements and how many to display, information is obtained from the TV gateway via the TV cloud using the PF-ID of the current program guide being displayed as a parameter. The number of advertisement frames is either 0 or 3. In the case of 3, three ad_ids are obtained. The online program guide application retrieves the corresponding... from the CDN of the program guide data <ad-id>.json is obtained and the banner image is displayed. When the user clicks on the banner, processing is performed according to the ad_type. The image of the banner to be displayed in the current program schedule is that of the obtained ad_id <ad-id>It is specified by URL in the.json. [Appendix] In a video content delivery service having a TV gateway disposed between a video platform and a TV receiver for making a connection to provide video content from the video platform to the TV receiver, the video platform transmits, as information for displaying an advertisement on the screen at a specified timing during the program broadcast of the video content, the advertisement type and the start time of the advertisement together with the program information data, and the TV receiver recognizes the advertisement type and displays an advertisement video or an advertisement image on the screen when the start time of the advertisement arrives. A video content delivery service characterized by the above.

Industrial Applicability

[0148] In the linear delivery of video content, by adding advertisement information to the program schedule configuration information, when a user views the linear-delivered video content, the user can be exposed to advertisements and induced to VOD. Thereby, the range of program selection by viewers can be widened.

Explanation of Signs

[0149] 101~108…CSP (Content Service Provider) 109 … Mobile terminal 111 … Video platform 120 … ID combination information DB 121 … TV gateway 131 … TV cloud 141 … TV receiver 191 … Subscriber database 301 … Program schedule configuration information 1706… Combination information reference section

Claims

【Claim 1】 In a distribution system having a TV gateway disposed between a video platform and a TV receiver for making a connection to provide video content from the video platform to the TV receiver, the video platform transmits, together with program metadata, to the TV receiver information such as an advertisement ID, advertisement type, advertisement image, Video element display position, advertisement start time, advertisement length, video information to be introduced, and information regarding a clickable button as information for displaying an advertisement on a screen at a timing specified during program broadcast of the video content, the TV receiver, displays an advertisement video or advertisement image on the screen based on the advertisement ID, the advertisement type, the advertisement image, the Video element display position, the advertisement start time, and the advertisement length, displays a clickable button image at the advertisement start time based on the information regarding the clickable button, and displays the video information to be introduced in response to an operation on the clickable button image, A distribution system characterized by the above.

Images