Content usage system, server, and content usage method

Abstract

To provide a content use system that can utilize a content asset.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a content use system comprises a database accumulating digitized data and a server accessible to the database. The server comprises means for generating use data and delivery means. The means for generating a use data generates use data in accordance with a requirement specification from the user from content data. The delivery means delivers the generated use data to users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a content utilization system, a server, and a content utilization method. [Background technology]

[0002] It is still fresh in our memory that some of the TV stations in Tokyo have begun IP simulcasting. Just as the telephone network has largely shifted from ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) to IP (Internet Protocol), broadcasting systems are also in the process of shifting. In other words, broadcast content distribution services based on IP technology are emerging. As a result, it is becoming more difficult to make a profit using the traditional advertising revenue model. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-6511 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-73830 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-334388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Broadcasting systems have a huge amount of content assets, and if we could utilize the content assets accumulated by broadcasting stations, it would be possible to create new markets. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a content utilization system, a server, and a content utilization method that can effectively utilize content assets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, a content usage system includes a database that stores digitized content data and a server that can access the database. The server includes a usage data creation means and a distribution means. The usage data creation means creates usage data from the content data for each pre-registered user according to the user's request specifications. The distribution means distributes the created usage data to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an example of a content usage system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a content usage system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the server 200. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of service provision in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of service provision in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of service provision in the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how different user needs can be solved by the embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a business model for a broadcasting station, looking from the present to the future. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an example of a content usage system according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, a cloud 400 includes a server 200 and a database 300. The cloud 400 may take the form of, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service), which provides applications (software) as a service. The cloud 400 may be operated by, for example, a service provider that encourages secondary use of various content. For example, a vendor (system vendor) that supplies a master system for a broadcasting station may become a service provider in cooperation with the broadcasting station.

[0008] Broadcast station 100A stores broadcast data 700A in a local database privately constructed within the station. Broadcast station 100N acquires broadcast data 700 from a video server on IP network 500 and broadcasts it within its own broadcast area. In the embodiment, we will not be limited to this configuration, but will also describe a technology for encouraging a variety of users to make secondary use of broadcast data.

[0009] Broadcast stations 100A to 100N can access server 200 and receive services from cloud 400. For example, users such as content distribution providers, local governments, regional public organizations, corporations, or individuals can also access cloud 400 and obtain data in the format they desire. Users are registered with service providers in advance. Users make arrangements in advance with service providers regarding the specifications (required specifications) of the secondary use data they desire, the details of charges, and so on.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a content usage system according to an embodiment. In Fig. 2, a server 200 is a computer, and includes a processor 21, a read-only memory (ROM) 23, and a random access memory (RAM) 24. The server 200 further includes a storage unit 22 such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a communication unit 25, and an optical media drive 26.

[0011] The ROM 23 stores basic programs such as a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) and a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), various setting data, etc. The RAM 24 temporarily stores programs and data loaded from the storage unit 22.

[0012] The optical media drive 26 reads digital data recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM 27. Various programs executed by the server 200 are recorded on, for example, the CD-ROM 27 and distributed. The programs stored on the CD-ROM 27 are read by the optical media drive 26 and installed in the storage unit 22.

[0013] The communication unit 25 is an interface that enables the server 200 to access the database 300, and interprets a protocol for communicating with, for example, the cloud 400. The database 300 stores content data 30a, such as broadcast content, metadata 30b associated with the content data 30a, and secondary use data 30c generated by processing these data. Both the content data 30a and the secondary use data 30c may be in, for example, an MXF file format, which is advantageous for data distribution, and the metadata 30b may be data in, for example, a CSV format or a general-purpose text format.

[0014] Various programs executed by the server 200 can be downloaded from the server via the communication unit 25, for example, and installed in the storage unit 22. The latest programs can also be downloaded from the cloud 400 via the communication unit 25 to update already installed programs. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and executes an OS (Operating System) and various application programs.

[0015] The processor 21 also includes an application data creation unit 21a, a distribution unit 21b, and a conversion unit 21c as processing functions according to the embodiment. These functional blocks can be understood as processes that are generated when a program 22a stored in the storage unit 22 is loaded into the RAM 24 and executed. In other words, the program 22a causes the server 200 to operate as the application data creation unit 21a, the distribution unit 21b, and the conversion unit 21c.

[0016] The usage data creation unit 21a creates secondary usage data 30c from the content data 30a for each pre-registered user in accordance with the specifications requested by that user. In other words, the content data 30a is processed to create secondary usage data for each user. If necessary, the usage data creation unit 21a also refers to the metadata 30b of the original content data 30a to prepare secondary usage data 30c that meets the user's request.

[0017] Metadata, for example, is the broadcast date and time of a commercial (commercial message) content. Other metadata may also include attributes such as product information for the promotional target of the commercial content, the sponsor, the performers, the age, gender, and generation of the promotional target, the start and end times of the commercial broadcast, whether or not subtitles are present, the industry, the product name, the content, and the image resolution (low-res, HD, 4K, etc.). In particular, when handling data in MXF file format, both commercial content and program content are accompanied by detailed metadata. Metadata can also be understood as broadcast operation data for operating a broadcasting system.

[0018] The distribution unit 21b distributes the secondary use data 30c created by the use data creation unit 21a to the destination user. The conversion unit 21c converts broadcast data 700A stored in, for example, a tape archive device of the broadcast station 100A into digital data with the consent of the broadcast station 100A, to generate content data 30a. Note that it is not essential that the function of generating content data from broadcast data be provided as a function of the server 200. For example, the broadcast station may generate content data itself and upload it to the database 300. Alternatively, conversely, the function of the conversion unit 21c may be implemented in the cloud 400, and the content data may be made available as a service of the cloud 400.

[0019] Furthermore, a billing server 600 may be provided in the cloud 400. The billing server 600 is responsible for processing billing for users registered with the service provider according to the required specifications of the secondary use data. For example, the billing server 600 can bill users based on a flat-rate service (subscription format) according to the rank of the contract content.

[0020] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure by the server 200. The server 200 generates content data 30a from broadcast data accumulated in a broadcast station, for example, and stores the content data 30a in the database 300 (step S1). The server 200 also creates secondary use data 30c for each registered user and stores the data in the database 300 (step S2). The server 200 then distributes the secondary use data 30c to each user (step S3). The above processing procedure is repeatedly executed. Note that steps S1 to S3 do not have to be executed in this order, and any of the steps may be executed simultaneously in parallel. Next, multiple embodiments will be described based on the above configuration.

[0021] [First embodiment] 4 is a diagram showing an example of service provision in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the user is a sales company (retailer). In this case, the usage data creation unit 21a creates secondary usage data 30c including a broadcast schedule of commercial content for sales promotion related to the sales company.

[0022] In Figure 4, a product vendor (sales company) has a need to create a highly accurate production plan based on, for example, current inventory and demand forecasts, taking into account the possibility of future supply and demand adjustment services. Therefore, a broadcasting station / broadcasting vendor, acting as a service provider, provides retailers with the broadcast dates of products featured in commercials and programs as a "broadcast start date and time provision service." This broadcast date is one form of secondary use data 30c generated from content data 30a and metadata 30b.

[0023] By knowing the broadcast dates of product-related commercials in advance, retailers can optimize product inventory and product lineups. Furthermore, they can implement product lineup and pre-sales campaigns, change recommendation services, and develop efficient sales strategies. In other words, retailers receiving the service can obtain significant benefits in return for the service contract, such as reviewing their sales strategies, forecasting demand, providing feedback to future sales strategies, and even developing strategies for new revenue generation. Service providers, such as broadcasting stations, can also charge fees in return for providing services, thereby freeing themselves from reliance on advertising revenue models. Thus, according to the first embodiment, a win-win business model can be established for both service recipients and service providers. As a result, the first embodiment makes it possible to provide a content utilization system, server, and content utilization method that can effectively utilize content assets.

[0024] [Second embodiment] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of service provision in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a case is assumed in which a distribution company is the user. In this case, the usage data creation unit 21a creates secondary usage data 30c including content data approved by a content holder other than the distribution company. For example, a case is assumed in which a distribution company secondary uses content assets of a local broadcasting station with permission.

[0025] In Figure 5, local broadcasting stations can use a master transmission function integrated with three media (for example, 2K / 4K / online distribution) as a service of the cloud 400. An infrastructure vendor, acting as a service provider, provides a cloud master provision service to local broadcasting stations. Simply put, the cloud master provision service is a service that implements the functions of a master transmission device as a service of the cloud 400. Furthermore, the infrastructure vendor can also play a role in coordinating online distribution services.

[0026] Different secondary use data 30c is generated for different distribution providers A, B, C, etc., and is distributed to each of the distribution providers A, B, C via a CDN (Content Delivery Network). Each distribution provider can provide viewers with a wide selection of content, and can differentiate itself from other companies by receiving content that suits the characteristics of the provider from the broadcast data bank (server 200, database 300, cloud 400).

[0027] Furthermore, the distribution company can obtain, for example, viewer rating data as the secondary use data 30c. By providing feedback based on this viewer rating data to the next program production, the distribution company can expect to acquire new revenues.

[0028] In this way, the second embodiment also makes it possible to build a business model that is advantageous for both the service recipient and the service provider, and therefore makes it possible to provide a content utilization system, server, and content utilization method that can effectively utilize content assets.

[0029] [Third embodiment] 6 is a diagram showing an example of service provision in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the user is a local government. In this case, the usage data creation unit 21a extracts disaster information related to the registered local government from the content data 30a and creates secondary usage data 30c including this disaster information.

[0030] Local governments often struggle to collect disaster information. Currently, they often rely on indirect methods, such as recognizing text from a single frame of a captured television screen to obtain the latest disaster information. Therefore, broadcasters and broadcasting vendors, as service providers, extract disaster information from content data and provide it to local governments as "disaster information services." In other words, obtaining disaster information from content data provided by public infrastructure allows for more direct access to reliable disaster information. This also has the potential to predict disasters, helping to ensure the safety of local residents and accelerating initial response and forecasting by accelerating information gathering. Furthermore, it can be used to more easily grasp the extent of damage or to provide feedback to disaster forecasts, providing significant benefits for local residents from a disaster prevention perspective. Service providers can also expect to generate new revenue by providing reliable disaster prevention information.

[0031] Therefore, the third embodiment also makes it possible to build a business model that is advantageous for both service recipients and service providers, and to provide a content utilization system, server, and content utilization method that can effectively utilize content assets.

[0032] 7 is a diagram for explaining how different user needs can be met by the embodiments. The technical concept of the embodiments can be expressed by the concept of Broadcast data as a Service (BaaS), which is centered around a broadcast data bank.

[0033] In FIG. 7, retailers can satisfy their need to "conduct efficient sales campaigns" by receiving a service (advance commercial broadcast schedule information service) from BaaS. By receiving services from BaaS (2K / 4K / online distribution 3-media integrated master + CDN linked service), distribution companies can meet the need to "increase the amount of content available to broadcasters." By receiving services from BaaS (efficient disaster information collection and prediction services), local governments can solve the problem of "struggling to collect disaster information."

[0034] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a business model for broadcasting stations, looking ahead from the present to the future. Until now, broadcasting stations have relied mainly on advertising revenue as their main source of income. Instead, by digitizing accumulated broadcast data and uploading it to the cloud 400, broadcasting stations can become, so to speak, operators of BaaS, thereby gaining new revenue sources. The technology described in the embodiments can be said to support broadcasting stations in becoming such service providers. One candidate for such a support entity could be the supplier of the master equipment (infrastructure vendor). For infrastructure vendors, too, there is the possibility of new revenues being generated by the creation of new markets and business opportunities.

[0035] As described above, the embodiment makes it possible to build a system that is advantageous for all three parties: broadcast stations, users, and infrastructure vendors. In other words, the embodiment makes it possible to realize a system that can unearth broadcast data that is, so to speak, dormant at broadcast stations and transform the value chain.

[0036] As a result, according to the above-described embodiments, it is possible to provide a content utilization system, a server, and a content utilization method that can promote the secondary use and reuse of accumulated content assets and effectively utilize content assets, and furthermore, it is possible to effectively utilize broadcast operation data.

[0037] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, it is possible to implement some or all of the functions of the server 200 in the cloud 400. While the embodiment has been described as a SaaS implementation, other cloud implementations are known, such as PaaS (Platform as a Service), which provides a platform for running applications as a service, or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), which provides resources such as server devices, central processing units, and storage as a service (public cloud). The content usage system of the embodiment can be realized in either of these forms.

[0038] Furthermore, a program for realizing the content utilization system according to the embodiment can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The content utilization system can be realized by loading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system. The term "computer system" may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0039] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 21...processor, 21a...usage data creation unit, 21b...distribution unit, 21c...conversion unit, 22...memory unit, 22a...program, 23...ROM, 24...RAM, 25...communication unit, 26...optical media drive, 30a...content data, 30b...metadata, 30c...secondary use data, 100A, 100N...broadcast station, 200...server, 300...database, 400...cloud, 500...IP network, 600...billing server, 700...broadcast data, 700A...broadcast data.

Claims

1. A conversion means for digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcast station having a broadcasting system to generate content data; a database that stores the content data and metadata that accompanies the content data and serves as broadcasting operation data for operating the broadcasting system, in association with the content data; a server that can access the database; The server a usage data creating means for creating usage data from the content data, for each pre-registered sales company, in accordance with a request specification from the sales company, based on the content data and metadata corresponding to the content data, the usage data including a broadcast schedule of commercial message content to be promoted by the sales company; and a distribution means for distributing the created usage data to the sales company.

2. A conversion means for digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcast station having a broadcasting system to generate content data; a database that stores the content data and metadata that accompanies the content data and serves as broadcasting operation data for operating the broadcasting system, in association with the content data; a server that can access the database; The server a usage data creating means for creating usage data from the content data, including content data approved by a content holder different from the distributor, for each distributor registered in advance, in accordance with a required specification from the distributor, based on the content data and metadata corresponding to the content data; and a distribution means for distributing the created usage data to the distribution business.

3. A conversion means for digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcast station having a broadcasting system to generate content data; a database that stores the content data and metadata that accompanies the content data and serves as broadcasting operation data for operating the broadcasting system, in association with the content data; a server that can access the database; The server a usage data creation means for extracting disaster information relating to each pre-registered local government from the content data in accordance with specifications required by the local government based on the content data and metadata corresponding to the content data, and creating usage data including the disaster information; and a distribution means for distributing the created usage data to the local government.

4. A content utilization system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metadata is at least one of the broadcast date and time of commercial message content, information on the product being promoted by the commercial content, the provider company, the performers, the age, gender, and generation of the promotional target, the start and end times of the commercial broadcast, whether or not subtitles are present, the industry, the product name, the content, or the image resolution.

5. 2. The content utilization system according to claim 1, further comprising a billing server that bills the registered sales company in a subscription format according to the required specifications.

6. 3. The content utilization system according to claim 2, further comprising a billing server that bills the registered distributor in a subscription format according to the required specifications.

7. A content utilization system as described in claim 3, further comprising a billing server that charges the registered local government in a subscription format according to the required specifications.

8. A server that can access a database that stores content data generated by digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcast station equipped with a broadcast system, and that stores metadata that accompanies the content data and serves as broadcast operation data for operating the broadcast system in association with the content data, a usage data creating means for creating usage data from the content data, for each pre-registered sales company, in accordance with a request specification from the sales company, based on the content data and metadata corresponding to the content data, the usage data including a broadcast schedule of commercial message content to be promoted by the sales company; and a distribution means for distributing the created usage data to the sales company.

9. A server that can access a database that stores content data generated by digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcasting station equipped with a broadcasting system, and that stores metadata that accompanies the content data and serves as broadcast operation data for operating the broadcasting system in association with the content data, a usage data creating means for creating usage data from the content data, including content data approved by a content holder different from the distributor, for each distributor registered in advance, in accordance with a required specification from the distributor, based on the content data and metadata corresponding to the content data; and a distribution means for distributing the created usage data to the distribution business.

10. A server that can access a database that stores content data generated by digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcasting station equipped with a broadcasting system, and that stores metadata that accompanies the content data and serves as broadcast operation data for operating the broadcasting system in association with the content data, a usage data creation means for extracting disaster information relating to each pre-registered local government from the content data in accordance with specifications required by the local government based on the content data and metadata corresponding to the content data, and creating usage data including the disaster information; and a distribution means for distributing the created usage data to the local government.

11. A process in which content data generated by digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcasting station equipped with a broadcasting system is stored, and a server having access to a database that stores metadata associated with the content data as broadcast operation data for operating the broadcasting system in association with the content data creates usage data from the content data, including a broadcast schedule for commercial message content to be promoted by a pre-registered sales company, for each sales company based on the content data and the metadata corresponding to the content data, in accordance with the specifications required by the sales company; and a step of the server distributing the created usage data to the sales company.

12. A process in which content data generated by digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcasting station equipped with a broadcasting system is stored, and a server having access to a database that stores metadata associated with the content data as broadcast operation data for operating the broadcasting system in association with the content data creates usage data from the content data, including content data approved by a content holder other than the distribution company, for each pre-registered distribution company, based on the content data and the metadata corresponding to the content data, in accordance with the required specifications from the distribution company; and a step of the server distributing the created usage data to the distributor.

13. A process in which content data generated by digitally converting broadcast data stored in a broadcasting station equipped with a broadcasting system is stored, and a server that can access a database that stores metadata associated with the content data as broadcast operation data for operating the broadcasting system in association with the content data extracts disaster information related to the local government from the content data for each pre-registered local government in accordance with the specifications required by the local government, based on the content data and the metadata corresponding to the content data, and creates usage data including the disaster information; and a step in which the server distributes the created usage data to the local government.

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