Video data transmission device and program

Abstract

To provide a viewing data transmission device and a program, which can store viewing data of a moving image reproduction to a personal data store managed by an individual user.SOLUTION: A viewing data transmission device comprises: an event detection part; a viewing data cooperation part; and an authentication information control part. The event detection part detects a control event for a reproduction of a moving image content, and outputs event data as data related to the event. The viewing data cooperation part transmits the event data output from the event detection part to a personal data store of an external part. The authentication information control part holds authentication information of a user for accessing the personal data store. The viewing data cooperation part performs an authentication of the personal data store by the authentication information held by the authentication information control part when transmitting the event data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a video data transmission device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, services utilizing personal data have been spreading. By utilizing personal data, service providers can provide services in a form suitable for users. By providing services suitable for users, user satisfaction is improved.

[0003] As one method of utilizing user personal data for service providers, there is a method using a Personal Data Store (PDS). Non-Patent Document 1 describes the technology of a personal data store. A personal data store is an online storage with an authentication function for an individual to manage their own personal data. The data stored in the personal data store can be viewed and managed by the individual owner. When a user wants to receive a personalized service, the user can provide the personal data stored in the personal data store to the service provider based on their own will. In order for a user to receive a service optimized for themselves, it is necessary to accumulate personal data generated by daily life activities in the personal data store.

[0004] One type of personal data is video content viewing data. Viewing data represents which video content a user has viewed. By utilizing viewing data for each user, a video distribution service can recommend videos suitable for the user's hobbies and preferences.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a method for collecting viewing data. In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when playing a video distributed from the server of a video distribution operator, viewing data is transmitted to the operator's server. As a result, the viewing data is stored in the operator's server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0007]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the destination for transmitting the viewing data is limited to the server device of the operator providing the video distribution service. That is, in the prior art, an operator providing a video distribution service provides a playback device (video player) and collects the viewing data from that playback device using the operator's dedicated server device. In such a prior art mechanism, there is a problem that the viewing data of individual users cannot be collected and stored in the personal data store used by that user. In other words, there is a problem that the user cannot select the destination for transmitting the viewing data according to their own will.

[0009] The present invention has been made based on the above recognition of problems, and aims to provide a video data transmission device and a program that can save video playback viewing data in a personal data store managed by each user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] [1] To solve the above problems, a video data transmission device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an event detection unit that detects control events for video content playback and outputs event data that is data related to the events, a video data cooperation unit that transmits the event data output by the event detection unit to an external personal data store, and an authentication information control unit that holds user authentication information for accessing the personal data store. The video data cooperation unit authenticates the personal data store using the authentication information held by the authentication information control unit when transmitting the event data.

[0011] [2] Further, an aspect of the present invention, in the above video data transmission device, further includes a video acquisition unit that receives video content distributed from an external distribution server device, a video playback unit that plays back the video content acquired by the video acquisition unit, and a playback control interface unit that controls the playback of the video in the video playback unit based on an operation from a user. The event detection unit detects the events of the control for the video playback in the video playback unit performed by the playback control interface unit.

[0012] [3] Further, an aspect of the present invention, in the above video data transmission device, further includes an authentication information input unit that receives authentication information input by a user and passes it to the authentication information control unit. The authentication information control unit holds the authentication information passed from the authentication information input unit.

[0013] [4] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described video data transmission device, the event includes at least playback of video content, pause of video content, and end of video content.

[0014] [5] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described video data transmission device, the event data includes at least information for specifying video content and date and time information.

[0015] [6] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in the above-described video data transmission device, the authentication information held by the authentication information control unit includes location information of the personal data store.

[0016] [7] Further, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an event detection unit that detects a control event regarding playback of video content and outputs event data that is data related to the event, a video data cooperation unit that transmits the event data output by the event detection unit to an external personal data store, and an authentication information control unit that holds user authentication information for accessing the personal data store. The video data cooperation unit functions as a computer as a video data transmission device that authenticates the personal data store using the authentication information held by the authentication information control unit when transmitting the event data.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, event data related to an event detected by an event detection unit can be transmitted to an arbitrary personal data store in a state where it is authenticated using authentication information of a specific user. That is, the transmission destination of the video data does not have to be limited to the device of the video content distributor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] [First Embodiment] In the present embodiment, the viewing data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 operate in cooperation.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of a viewing data transmission device 1 and a video playback device 2. The video playback device 2 has a function of receiving and playing video content distributed by a distribution server device 8. The viewing data transmission device 1 receives information (viewing data) on events related to video playback from the video playback device 2. The viewing data transmission device 1 transmits the viewing data to a viewing data storage device 7. The viewing data storage device 7 is a device that realizes the function of a personal data store (PDS) and manages personal data for each user. When the viewing data transmission device 1 transmits viewing data to the viewing data storage device 7, etc., an authentication procedure as a user of the personal data store is performed. That is, the viewing data storage device 7 is an online storage with an authentication function.

[0021] The viewing data storage device 7 is operated by a service provider of the personal data store and is realized, for example, using a server-type computer. The distribution server device 8 is operated by a service provider of content distribution and is realized, for example, using a server-type computer. The viewing data storage device 7 and the distribution server device 8 may be so-called cloud servers. The viewing data transmission device 1 is realized, for example, using a terminal device using a computer and a program. The video playback device 2 is realized, for example, using a terminal device using a computer and a program for video playback. The hardware for realizing the viewing data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 may be, for example, devices such as a PC (personal computer), a tablet-type terminal, a smartphone, etc. The viewing data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 may be realized as the same hardware or as separate hardware from each other. Between the devices shown in FIG. 1, for example, communication using the Internet protocol (IP) is performed.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the viewing data transmission device 1 includes an authentication information input unit 11, an authentication information control unit 12, a viewing data cooperation unit 13, and an event detection unit 14. Further, the video playback device 2 includes a video acquisition unit 21, a video playback unit 22, a video display unit 23, and a playback control interface unit 24. Each of these functional units can be realized by, for example, a computer and a program. In addition, each functional unit has a storage means as necessary. The storage means is, for example, a variable in a program or a memory allocated by the execution of the program. Further, as necessary, non-volatile storage means such as a magnetic hard disk device or a solid state drive (SSD) may be used. Also, at least a part of the functions of each functional unit may be realized as a dedicated electronic circuit instead of a program. The functions of each part are as described below.

[0023] The authentication information input unit 11 receives the authentication information input by the user and passes the authentication information to the authentication information control unit 12. Note that the authentication information is information necessary for authentication.

[0024] The authentication information control unit 12 holds the user's authentication information for accessing the viewing data storage device 7 (personal data store). Note that the authentication information control unit 12 may hold the authentication information passed from the authentication information input unit 11. Note that the authentication information held by the authentication information control unit 12 may include the location information of the viewing data storage device 7 (personal data store). The location information is, for example, a URL. Since the authentication information has the location information of the viewing data storage device 7, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 that uses this authentication information can cooperate with the viewing data storage device 7 indicated by the location information. That is, since the authentication information is information unique to the user, the viewing data transmission device 1 can transmit viewing data to a personal data store unique to each individual user.

[0025] Note that the authentication information control unit 12 may hold the authentication information received from the authentication information input unit 11, and may also hold the authentication information received from the viewing data storage device 7 by the viewing data cooperation unit 13 after successful authentication. Once the authentication is successful, the viewing data transmission device 1 can perform the authentication procedure in the viewing data storage device 7 using the authentication information received from the viewing data storage device 7.

[0026] The viewing data cooperation unit 13 cooperates with the viewing data storage device 7 (personal data store). That is, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 exchanges viewing data and authentication information with the viewing data storage device 7. The viewing data is data having the information of the event data passed from the event detection unit 14.

[0027] Specifically, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 transmits the event data (viewing data) output by the event detection unit 14 to an external viewing data storage device 7 (personal data store). Note that when transmitting the event data to the viewing data storage device 7, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 authenticates the viewing data storage device 7 (personal data store) using the authentication information held by the authentication information control unit 12. In other words, when accessing the viewing data storage device 7, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 performs authentication as a specific user based on the authentication information held by the authentication information control unit 12. When the authentication information has the location information of the viewing data storage device 7 as described above, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 can transmit the viewing data to a specific viewing data storage device 7 according to the location information. That is, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 can cooperate with the personal data store desired by the user and transmit the viewing data independently of the distribution operator that distributes the video content.

[0028] The event detection unit 14 detects control events regarding the playback of video content and outputs event data, which is data related to the events. The event detection unit 14 passes the event data to the above-described viewing data cooperation unit 13. Specifically, the event detection unit 14 detects events regarding the control of video playback in the video playback unit 22 of the video playback device 2. In other words, the event detection unit 14 detects control events regarding the video playback in the video playback unit 22 performed by the playback control interface unit 24. The events detected by the event detection unit 14 include, for example, at least the playback of video content (starting from the beginning or in the middle of the content), the pause of video content, and the end of video content. The event detection unit 14 may further detect other events. Examples of detectable events will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Also, the event data output by the event detection unit 14 includes at least information for specifying video content and date-time information. The event data will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0029] Note that when starting cooperation with the video playback device 2 (video player), the event detection unit 14 requests (registers) the video playback unit 22 of the video playback device 2 to monitor and transfer events. Thereby, the event detection unit 14 is associated with the video playback unit 22 and can receive event data transmitted from the video playback unit 22.

[0030] The video acquisition unit 21 receives video content distributed from an external distribution server device 8.

[0031] The video playback unit 22 plays back the video content acquired by the video acquisition unit 21. Specifically, the video playback unit 22 decodes the data of the video content, passes the video and audio to the video display unit 23, and makes it outputtable.

[0032] The video display unit 23 displays the video of the video played back by the video playback unit 22. Also, the video display unit 23 may output audio together with the video.

[0033] The playback control interface unit 24 controls the playback of video in the video playback unit 22 based on operations from the user. The playback control interface unit 24 provides the user with a user interface for the user to control the playback of video. This user interface is configured using screen display and means for receiving instructions from the user (such as keyboard input, touch operations on a touch panel, voice input, etc.).

[0034] Through the user interface provided by the playback control interface unit 24, the user can select video content, start the playback of specific video content (including resuming after pausing), pause the playback of video content, end the playback of video content, seek to a specific position within the video content, and perform other such operations. These operations are related to the "events" in the playback of video content.

[0035] Figures 2 and 3 are sequence diagrams showing the procedure in which the viewing data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 operate in cooperation. Figure 2 mainly shows the processing on the video playback device 2 side. Figure 3 mainly shows the processing on the viewing data transmission device 1 side. Hereinafter, the processing flow of each device will be described according to these sequence diagrams.

[0036] First, in step S1 of FIG. 2, the event detection unit 14 of the video data transmission device 1 registers the event monitoring process in the video playback unit 22 of the video playback device 2. The event monitoring process is a process of receiving the transfer of event data when a specified event occurs. The types of events will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. The event detection unit 14 can select and register only the types of events that need to be monitored. The event detection unit 14 performs this registration of event monitoring, for example, when the video data transmission device 1 is activated. Note that the video data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 to be linked are associated with each other in advance. Alternatively, the video data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 may dynamically discover each other and pair with each other.

[0037] Next, in step S2, the playback control interface unit 24 of the video playback device 2 transmits operation event information for controlling the operation of the video playback unit 22 to the video playback unit 22. The operation event information is based on the operations by the user. The operations here are, for example, an instruction to start video playback, an instruction to temporarily stop playback, an instruction to seek the video, an instruction to change the video playback speed, etc. Note that seeking in the video is an operation of moving to a specific playback position within the video content. Note that the playback control interface unit 24 can receive operations from the user through a user interface for controlling video playback.

[0038] Next, in step S3, the video playback unit 22 controls video playback based on the operation event information received in step S2. In this example, the video playback unit 22 requests the video acquisition unit 21 to acquire the video content to be played back. At this time, the video playback unit 22 passes the identification information of the video content to be acquired to the video acquisition unit 21.

[0039] Next, in step S4, the video acquisition unit 21 requests the distribution server device 8 to transfer the data of the video content.

[0040] Next, in step S5, the distribution server device 8 transmits the data of the video content corresponding to the request in step S4 to the video acquisition unit 21.

[0041] Next, in step S6, the video acquisition unit 21 transfers the data of the video content received in step S5 to the video playback unit 22.

[0042] Although the process in which the video playback device 2 requests and receives the video data from step S3 to S6 has been described, for example, when stopping the playback of the video, the video playback device 2 stops the data request to the distribution server device 8.

[0043] Next, in step S7, the video playback unit 22 decodes the data received in step S6, converts it into display data, and passes the display data to the video display unit 23. The video display unit 23 displays the received display data on the screen. The user can view the video displayed by the video display unit 23.

[0044] Next, in step S8, the video playback unit 22 transmits the data of the event related to the playback of the video to the event detection unit 14 on the side of the viewing data transmission device 1 in response to the above series of operations. Here, the types of events transmitted to the event detection unit 14 are "play" (start of video playback), "timeupdate" (update of video playback position), etc. In this step, the video playback unit 22 also transmits information for specifying the video content (for example, the URL of the video content) and information on the video playback position (relative time within the video content) to the event detection unit 14. An example of the configuration of the event data transmitted by the video playback unit 22 to the event detection unit 14 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0045] Proceed to the process of FIG. 3. Step S8 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as step S8 described in FIG. 2 above.

[0046] Next, in step S9 of FIG. 3, the event detection unit 14 transfers the data received from the video playback unit 22 in step S8 to the viewing data cooperation unit 13.

[0047] Next, in step S10, the viewing data cooperation unit 13 requests the authentication information control unit 12 for the authentication information for accessing the personal data service. When receiving this request, the authentication information control unit 12 checks whether it holds the authentication information of the personal data service at that time. If not, the authentication information control unit 12 obtains the authentication information according to the procedures of the next steps S11 and S12.

[0048] Next, in step S11, the authentication information control unit 12 instructs the authentication information input unit 11 to obtain the authentication information. In response, the authentication information input unit 11 displays a user interface for the user to input the authentication information. The authentication information input unit 11 receives the authentication information input by the user. The authentication information of the personal data store is, for example, (1) a URL, a user ID, and a password. Alternatively, the authentication information is, for example, (2) a URL and authentication token information. Not limited to what is exemplified here, the authentication information may be in other forms. Note that the above URL is the location information for accessing the personal data service.

[0049] Next, in step S12, the authentication information input unit 11 transfers the authentication information obtained through the user interface in step S11 to the authentication information control unit 12. The authentication information control unit 12 receives this authentication information.

[0050] Next, in step S13, the authentication information control unit 12 transfers the obtained authentication information to the viewing data cooperation unit 13.

[0051] Next, in step S14, the viewing data linking unit 13 transmits the authentication information received in step S13 to the viewing data storage device 7 (personal data store). In this example, the location of the viewing data storage device 7 is indicated by the URL included in the received authentication information. However, the viewing data linking unit 13 may also grasp the location of the viewing data storage device 7 by other means. By the processing of this step, the viewing data transmission device 1 attempts to authenticate with the viewing data storage device 7 using the authentication information of a specific user. On the side of the viewing data storage device 7 that has received the authentication information, the authentication information is verified.

[0052] Next, in step S15, the viewing data storage device 7 transmits the verification result of the authentication information to the viewing data linking unit 13 of the viewing data transmission device 1. If the verification result in step S14 is normal, the viewing data transmission device 1 can write or read the personal data of the user. If the verification result in step S14 is incorrect, the viewing data transmission device 1 will receive information indicating an error. Hereinafter, the processing when the authentication result is normal will be continued.

[0053] Next, in step S16, the viewing data linking unit 13 transfers the authentication information received in step S15 to the authentication information control unit 12. The authentication information control unit 12 stores the authentication information.

[0054] Next, in step S17, the viewing data linking unit 13 transmits the data received from the video playback unit 22 of the video playback device 2 in step S8 to the viewing data storage device 7 as viewing data. When transmitting this data, the viewing data linking unit 13 attaches the authentication information required for authentication of the viewing data storage device 7 (personal data store). The viewing data storage device 7 receives the transmitted viewing data and stores it in the storage device. The viewing data storage device 7 manages this viewing data as the personal data of the authenticated user.

[0055] Note that the viewing data linking unit 13 may transmit the data of each event to the viewing data storage device 7 one by one each time, or may transmit the data of a plurality of events to the viewing data storage device 7 after aggregating them to some extent. An example of the viewing data transmitted by the viewing data linking unit 13 to the viewing data storage device 7 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0056] Next, in step S18, the viewing data storage device 7 transmits information indicating completion of saving of the viewing data (viewing data reception confirmation) to the viewing data linking unit 13 of the viewing data transmission device 1.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the types of events related to the reproduction of video content. As shown in the figure, there may be a plurality of types of events. In the example shown, as event names, there are play (reproduction), pause (temporary stop), seeking (during seek), seeked (seek completed), ended (ended), timeupdate (time update), etc. The occurrence conditions of these events are as follows. play is an event indicating that the reproduction of the video has started. pause is an event indicating that the reproduction of the video has been temporarily stopped. seeking is an event indicating that the seek operation of the video has started (is in progress). seeked is an event indicating that the seek operation of the video has been completed. ended is an event indicating that the end of the played video has been reached and the reproduction has stopped. timeupdate is an event indicating that the reproduction position of the video has been updated. For example, each time the reproduction position of the video content advances by a predetermined amount, this timeupdate event occurs. For example, this timeupdate event occurs every time a predetermined time such as every 1 second, every 10 seconds, or every 1 minute elapses during the reproduction of the video. Note that events other than those exemplified here may be processed by the video reproduction device 2 and the viewing data transmission device 1. When any of these events occurs in the video reproduction unit 22 of the video reproduction device 2, the event detection unit 14 of the viewing data transmission device 1 detects the event.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of event data passed from the video playback unit 22 of the video playback device 2 to the event detection unit 14 of the video data transmission device 1. As shown in the figure, the event data is data representing one event. The event data is data having each item of a current time (date and time information), an event name, a video playback position, and a video URL (information for specifying video content). The meaning of each item is as follows.

[0059] The current time is data representing the date and time when the event occurred. This date and time is data represented in a format such as "YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss.ttt±ZZ:ZZ", for example. Here, YYYY represents the year, MM represents the month, DD represents the day, and "T" is a fixed character. Also, hh represents the hour, mm represents the minute, ss represents the second, and ttt represents a millisecond. Also, ±ZZ:ZZ represents the amount of time difference from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). In the example shown in the figure, the current time is 10:00:00 (24-hour format) on December 10, 2020, and the time zone is a time zone 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (for example, Japan Standard Time).

[0060] The event name is character data representing the type of event. The event name is as described with reference to FIG. 4. In the example shown in the figure, the event name is "play".

[0061] The video playback position is the time position in the video content, represented as a numerical value in seconds. The video playback position is represented as a relative time with the start of the video content being 0.0. In the example shown in the figure, the video playback position is 0.0 seconds.

[0062] The video URL is string information representing the location of the video content to be played back. If the video content is different, the video URL is also different. That is, the data of the video URL can be used as information for specifying (identifying) the video content. In the example shown in the figure, the video URL is "https: / / sample.com / test.mpd".

[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of viewing data transmitted from the viewing data transmission device 1 to the viewing data storage device 7. In the illustrated example, the viewing data is tabular data and corresponds to 12 events. The number of events transmitted from the viewing data transmission device 1 side to the viewing data storage device 7 side in one transmission is not limited to 12. The number may be any integer greater than or equal to 0. In this figure, for convenience, row numbers of the data are assigned. As shown in the figure, the viewing data is data having each item of the current time, the event name, the video playback position, and the video URL. Each of these data items is as already described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0064] Regarding the data example shown in FIG. 6, all the video URLs are "https: / / sample.com / test.mpd". This indicates that all of the 12 events shown here relate to the playback of one type of video content. The illustrated data example represents the following time-series events. At 10:00:00 on December 10, 2020, the event "play" occurred. At this point, the playback of the video content has started. The playback position at this time is "0.0 seconds". Thereafter, the event "timeupdate" occurred every 1 second until 10:00:05. This represents that the update of the playback position is repeatedly performed because the playback of the video continues. And at 10:00:05, the event "pause" occurred. This represents that the playback of the video content was temporarily stopped by the user's operation. And at 10:00:10, 5 seconds later, the event "play" occurred. This event represents that the playback started from the position of "5.0 seconds", which was the playback position at the previous pause. Thereafter, the event "timeupdate" occurred every 1 second until 10:00:14. This represents that the update of the playback position is repeatedly performed because the playback of the video continues.

[0065] As illustrated herein, the viewing data, which is a series of events, represents the user's video content viewing behavior.

[0066] As described above, according to the present embodiment, event data (data related to events for controlling video playback) regarding the events detected by the event detection unit 14 can be transmitted to any personal data store in a state where it is authenticated using the authentication information of a specific user. That is, the destination of the viewing data does not have to be limited to the device of the video content distribution operator.

[0067] That is, when the user views an Internet video using the Internet video player (video playback device 2), the viewing data can be stored in the personal data store managed by the user himself / herself without going through the server of the video distribution operator. In that personal data store, the viewing data is managed as data unique to the individual user.

[0068] For the distribution operator, it is possible to provide the viewing data without taking the trouble of collecting the user's viewing data and passing it to the user's personal data store. Any personal data store can be used. By including the location information of the personal data store as part of the authentication information, it is also possible to accumulate the viewing data in different personal data stores for each individual.

[0069] The personal viewing data accumulated in the personal data store can be utilized for analysis such as viewing trends. By analyzing the viewing data, it becomes possible to grasp the preferences of the individual user and recommend content that is particularly suitable for the individual user.

[0070] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that descriptions of matters already described in the previous embodiment may be omitted below. Here, the description will focus on matters specific to this embodiment. In the first embodiment, the viewing data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 operated in cooperation with each other. In contrast, in this embodiment, the viewing data transmission device itself has functions such as acquiring video from a distribution server and playing and displaying the video.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the viewing data transmission device according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the viewing data transmission device 3 includes an authentication information input unit 11, an authentication information control unit 12, a viewing data cooperation unit 13, an event detection unit 14, a video acquisition unit 21, a video playback unit 22, a video display unit 23, and a playback control interface unit 24. Each part (authentication information input unit 11, authentication information control unit 12, viewing data cooperation unit 13, event detection unit 14, video acquisition unit 21, video playback unit 22, video display unit 23, and playback control interface unit 24) constituting the viewing data transmission device 3 of this embodiment has the same name and similar functions as each functional part in the first embodiment. That is, the viewing data transmission device 3 of this embodiment has the functions of both the viewing data transmission device 1 and the video playback device 2 in the first embodiment.

[0072] The viewing data transmission device 3 of this embodiment is realized by, for example, a computer (PC, tablet terminal device, smartphone) and a program.

[0073] The operation procedure of the viewing data transmission device 3 of this embodiment is the same as the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 in the first embodiment.

[0074] According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, there is an advantage that the playback function and the viewing data transmission function can be integrated and used.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of each device in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Each device (video data transmission device 1, video playback device 2, video data transmission device 3, video data storage device 7, distribution server device 8) can be realized using a computer. As shown in the figure, the computer includes a central processing unit 901, a RAM 902, an input / output port 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, etc., and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technologies. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions included in a program read from the RAM 902 and the like. The central processing unit 901 writes data to the RAM 902, reads data from the RAM 902, and performs arithmetic operations and logical operations according to each instruction. The RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element included in the RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using the address. Note that RAM is an abbreviation for "random access memory". The input / output port 903 is a port for the central processing unit 901 to exchange data with external input / output devices and the like. The input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. The input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via the input / output port 903. The bus 906 is a common communication path used inside the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data in the RAM 902 via the bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses the input / output port via the bus 906.

[0076] Incidentally, at least some of the functions of the viewing data transmission device 1, video playback device 2, viewing data transmission device 3, viewing data storage device 7, and distribution server device 8 in the above-described embodiments can be realized by a computer and a program. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the "computer system" shall include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. That is, the "computer-readable recording medium" may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes those that temporarily and dynamically hold a program, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in that case. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the aforementioned functions, and may further be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system for realizing the aforementioned functions.

[0077] As described above, a plurality of embodiments have been explained, but the present invention can also be implemented in the following modified examples.

[0078] As a modification, the video playback unit 22 in the first or second embodiment may also transmit viewing data (information specifying the type of playback operation event, date and time, video content, etc.) to the server of the distribution operator who operates the distribution server device 8. Also in this case, the event detection unit 14 detects an event in the video playback unit 22 and passes data related to the detected event to the viewing data cooperation unit 13. The viewing data cooperation unit 13 transmits the data of this event as viewing data to the viewing data storage device 7. That is, in this modification, the viewing data is sent not only to the viewing data storage device 7 but also to the distribution operator side.

[0079] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included.

Industrial Applicability

[0080] The present invention can be used, for example, to accumulate and utilize viewing data (viewing history) of content in a PDS or the like managed by an individual. That is, it can be used at least in the content distribution business and related industries. However, the scope of use of the present invention is not limited to those exemplified here.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1 Viewing data transmission device 2 Video playback device 3 Viewing data transmission device 7 Viewing data storage device (personal data store device) 8 Distribution server device 11 Authentication information input unit 12 Authentication information control unit 13 Viewing data cooperation unit 14 Event detection unit 21 Video acquisition unit 22 Video playback unit 23 Video display unit 24 Playback control interface unit 901 Central Processing Unit 902 RAM 903 Input / Output Port 904, 905 Input / Output Device 906 Bus

Claims

**Claim 1**: An event detection unit that is associated with the video playback unit by requesting the external video playback unit to monitor and transfer events, receives event data, which is data regarding the events, from the video playback unit, detects control events for video content playback, and outputs the event data. A viewing data linking unit that transmits the event data output by the event detection unit to an external personal data store. An authentication information control unit that holds user authentication information for accessing the personal data store. The viewing data transmission device is provided with: When transmitting the event data, the viewing data linking unit authenticates the personal data store using the authentication information held by the authentication information control unit. A viewing data transmission device. **Claim 2**: An authentication information input unit that receives authentication information input by the user and passes it to the authentication information control unit. The viewing data transmission device further includes: The authentication information control unit holds the authentication information passed from the authentication information input unit. The viewing data transmission device according to Claim 1. **Claim 3**: The events include at least video content playback, video content pause, and video content end. The viewing data transmission device according to Claim 1 or 2. **Claim 4**: The event data includes at least information identifying video content and date-time information. The viewing data transmission device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. **Claim 5**: The authentication information held by the authentication information control unit includes location information of the personal data store. The viewing data transmission device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4. **Claim 6**: A program for causing a computer to function as the viewing data transmission device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

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