Management device, management method, and management program

Abstract

To improve monitoring function in content distribution.SOLUTION: A management apparatus configured to communicate with content viewing devices that receive content includes: an acquisition unit which acquires operation information indicating operation state of each of the content viewing devices, and measurement results in each of the content viewing devices; and a processing unit which executes processing to display statistical data of the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit. The processing unit further executes processing to receive selection operation of a user of the management apparatus to select individually one of the content viewing devices, and display the operation state of the content viewing device indicated by the received selection operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management method, and a management program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, content viewing devices such as a set-top box (STB) have been known as devices used to view content on a television set. The content viewing device receives content distributed by a head-end device or the like installed in a cable television station, and plays the received content on the television set.

[0003] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 ("STB Monitoring System", [online], [searched August 26, 2021], Internet <URL: https: / / www.trafficsim.co.jp / products / p248 / >) discloses a technology for detecting reception problems by monitoring the reception status of content on a content viewing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "STB monitoring system", [online], [searched August 26, 2021], Internet〈URL: https: / / www.trafficsim.co.jp / products / p248 / 〉 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 is limited to detecting reception disturbances caused by abnormalities on the head-end device side.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a management device, a management method, and a management program that can improve the monitoring function in content distribution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The management device of the present disclosure is a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operating status of each of a plurality of content viewing devices and measurement results for each of the plurality of content viewing devices, and a processing unit that performs processing to display statistical data of the plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit, and the processing unit further performs processing to accept a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the accepted selection operation.

[0008] The management method disclosed herein is a management method in a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, and includes the steps of acquiring operation information indicating the operating status of each of a plurality of the content viewing devices, acquiring measurement results for each of the plurality of content viewing devices, performing processing to display statistical data of the acquired plurality of measurement results, and accepting a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and performing processing to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the accepted selection operation.

[0009] The management program disclosed herein is a management program used in a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, and is a program for causing a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires operating information indicating the operating status of each of a plurality of content viewing devices and measurement results for each of the plurality of content viewing devices, and a processing unit that performs processing to display statistical data of the plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the processing unit is a program that accepts a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and further performs processing to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the accepted selection operation.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a management device equipped with such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the management device, or as a content distribution system that includes the management device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the monitoring function in content distribution. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the content viewing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a processing unit in the content viewing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical data created by a processing unit in a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of statistical data created by the processing unit in the management device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a statistics display screen displayed on a display device by a processing unit in a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a statistics display screen displayed on the display device by the processing unit in the management device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation status display screen displayed on a display device by a processing unit in a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure when a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a process of displaying an operation status display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0014] (1) A management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operation status of each of a plurality of the content viewing devices and measurement results for each of the plurality of content viewing devices, and a processing unit that performs processing to display statistical data of the plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the processing unit receives a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and further performs processing to display the operation status of the content viewing device indicated by the received selection operation.

[0015] In this way, by performing a process of displaying statistical data of the measurement results for each of the plurality of content presentation devices and further performing a process of displaying the operating status of a content presentation device selected by a user from the plurality of content presentation devices, for example, if an unusual measurement result is obtained in a certain content presentation device, the operating status of the content presentation device can be checked to verify the cause of the unusual measurement result in the content presentation device, thereby improving the monitoring function in content distribution.

[0016] (2) The processing unit may further perform a process of extracting an abnormal measurement result from among the plurality of measurement results and displaying the extracted result.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to present to the user information such as the percentage of content presentation devices that have obtained abnormal measurement results among all content presentation devices.

[0018] (3) The processing unit may further perform a process of displaying identification information of the content presentation device corresponding to the extracted measurement result.

[0019] With this configuration, the user can easily select the content viewing device whose operating status is to be displayed.

[0020] (4) The processing unit may extract abnormal measurement results based on a comparison result between the plurality of measurement results and a predetermined threshold value.

[0021] With this configuration, for example, a content presentation device in which an abnormality has occurred can be detected by simple processing using a threshold value that is preset based on the specifications of the content presentation device.

[0022] (5) The processing unit may extract abnormal measurement results by performing statistical processing on the plurality of measurement results.

[0023] With this configuration, it is possible to extract content viewing devices that may have abnormalities based on the results of statistical processing, and by checking the operating status of the extracted content viewing devices, the user can take measures to prevent abnormalities from occurring in the content viewing devices, for example.

[0024] (6) In the process of displaying the operating status, the processing unit may perform a process of displaying the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the selection operation and the measurement results of the content viewing device indicated by the selection operation in chronological order.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to compare the operation history of the content presentation device with the history of the measurement results in the content presentation device, and therefore it is possible to more accurately grasp the factors behind changes in the measurement results in the content presentation device.

[0026] (7) A management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a management method in a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, and includes the steps of acquiring operation information indicating the operating status of each of a plurality of the content viewing devices, acquiring measurement results for each of the plurality of content viewing devices, performing processing to display statistical data of the acquired plurality of measurement results, and accepting a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and performing processing to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the accepted selection operation.

[0027] In this way, by performing a process of displaying statistical data of the measurement results for each of a plurality of content presentation devices and further performing a process of displaying the operating status of a content presentation device selected by a user from the plurality of content presentation devices, for example, if an unusual measurement result is obtained in a certain content presentation device, the operating status of the content presentation device can be checked to verify the cause of the unusual measurement result in the content presentation device, thereby improving the monitoring function in content distribution.

[0028] (8) A management program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a management program used in a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, and is a program for causing a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operating status of each of a plurality of the content viewing devices and measurement results for each of the plurality of content viewing devices, and a processing unit that performs processing to display statistical data of the plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the processing unit is a program that further performs processing to accept a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the accepted selection operation.

[0029] In this way, by performing a process of displaying statistical data of the measurement results for each of the plurality of content presentation devices and further performing a process of displaying the operating status of a content presentation device selected by a user from the plurality of content presentation devices, for example, if an unusual measurement result is obtained in a certain content presentation device, the operating status of the content presentation device can be checked to verify the cause of the unusual measurement result in the content presentation device, thereby improving the monitoring function in content distribution.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0031] [Configuration and basic operation] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the content distribution system 1 includes a head end 10, a plurality of content viewing devices 11, a display device 12, and a management device 101.

[0032] The head end 10 is a device that is installed in, for example, a cable television station and distributes content such as programs received by the cable television station to content viewing devices 11 in users' homes. Content information that includes information about the content is transmitted to the content viewing devices 11 using, for example, an optical transmission path. Note that the head end 10 is just an example, and other devices may be used instead of the head end 10. In short, the content distribution system 1 only needs to include a device that distributes content to the content viewing devices 11.

[0033] The content viewing device 11 is, for example, an STB. The content viewing device 11 receives content distributed from a head end 10. The content viewing device 11 can receive content via digital broadcasting and content via IP broadcasting such as VOD (Video On Demand), and can record and play back the received content. The content viewing device 11 receives, for example, a stream in which content is divided into multiple TS (Transport Stream) packets, and plays back the content on a display device 12 connected to the content viewing device 11.

[0034] The display device 12 is, for example, a television device. The display device 12 is connected to the content presentation device 11 via, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) cable. The display device 12 displays the content played back by the content presentation device 11 on a screen.

[0035] The management device 101 is, for example, a cloud server. However, the management device 101 may also be a standalone server. The management device 101 is capable of communicating with a plurality of content presentation devices 11 via a network, and receives various types of information from each content presentation device 11, for example.

[0036] <Content viewing device> 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Since the multiple content viewing devices 11 in the content distribution system 1 have the same configuration, the following describes the configuration of one content viewing device 11. Referring to FIG. 2, the content viewing device 11 includes a stream receiving unit 111, a processing unit 112, and a storage unit 113. The storage unit 113 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0037] The stream receiving unit 111 acquires the stream via an antenna or a network such as the Internet. More specifically, the stream receiving unit 111 receives and processes broadcast packets that make up the stream, and outputs the received packets to the processing unit 112.

[0038] The stream includes, for example, audio information, video information, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information, subtitle information, and SI (Service Information).

[0039] The processing unit 112 stores the broadcast packets received from the stream receiving unit 111 in the storage unit 113. The processing unit 112 also performs processing to output content. More specifically, the processing unit 112 performs processing to play back content using information stored in the storage unit 113, and transmits the obtained video information, audio information, and the like to the display device 12. The processing unit 112 also exchanges information with the management device 101 via the network.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 3, content viewing device 11 includes a remote control signal receiving unit 1111, a broadcast receiving unit 1112, an erasing unit 1121, a recording unit 1122, a recording reservation unit 1123, a broadcast viewing unit 1124, a recording playback unit 1125, a recording DB 1131, a program information DB 1132, and a reservation management DB 1133. Content viewing device 11 is also connected to an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, which is an example of a storage medium.

[0041] The remote control signal receiving unit 1111 and the broadcast receiving unit 1112 are included in the stream receiving unit 111 shown in Fig. 2. The erasing unit 1121, the recording unit 1122, the recording reservation unit 1123, the broadcast viewing unit 1124, and the recording playback unit 1125 are included in the processing unit 112 shown in Fig. 2. The recording DB 1131, the program information DB 1132, and the reservation management DB 1133 are stored in the memory unit 113 shown in Fig. 2.

[0042] The recording DB 1131 is a database of recorded programs, and stores the content file name, program title, genre, start time, end time, content length, etc. of each program.

[0043] The program information DB 1132 is a database of broadcast programs. In the program information DB 1132, program information is registered, such as an event information table (EIT) acquired from a stream by the broadcast receiving unit 1112, and a program guide based on an EPG created using the EIT, etc. The broadcast receiving unit 1112 periodically acquires the EIT, and the program information DB 1132 is periodically updated.

[0044] The reservation management DB 1133 is a database of reserved programs, and the program title, program start time, program end time, etc. of each program are registered in the reservation management DB 1133.

[0045] The remote control signal receiving unit 1111 receives a remote control signal from the remote control operation unit 151 in the remote control 15, and outputs operation information indicating the user's operation contained in the received remote control signal to the erasing unit 1121, the recording unit 1122, the recording reservation unit 1123, the broadcast viewing unit 1124, and the recording playback unit 1125.

[0046] The broadcast receiving unit 1112 receives the stream via an antenna or a network. That is, the broadcast receiving unit 1112 acquires broadcast packets that make up the stream via an antenna or a network. The broadcast receiving unit 1112 stores the acquired broadcast packets in the storage unit 113. The broadcast packets are, for example, IP packets including TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) packets.

[0047] The recording reservation unit 1123 refers to the program guide registered in the program information DB 1132 in accordance with the operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 1111, and registers information about the program indicated by the operation information in the reservation management DB 1133.

[0048] The recording reservation unit 1123 refers to the reservation management DB 1133 and outputs a recording instruction to the recording unit 1122 according to the start time of the program.

[0049] The recording unit 1122 records a program indicated by the operation information in accordance with the operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 1111. The recording unit 1122 also records a program indicated by a recording instruction in accordance with a recording instruction received from the recording reservation unit 1123. More specifically, the recording unit 1122 controls the broadcast receiving unit 1112 in accordance with the operation information or the recording instruction to obtain broadcast packets corresponding to the program indicated by the operation information or the recording instruction, and stores the obtained broadcast packets as a content file in the HDD 14, and also registers recording information for the program in the recording DB 1131.

[0050] The broadcast viewing unit 1124 plays back broadcast programs. More specifically, the broadcast viewing unit 1124 controls the broadcast receiving unit 1112 in accordance with operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 1111 to acquire broadcast packets corresponding to the program indicated by the operation information, performs processing to play back content using information, etc. included in the acquired broadcast packets, and transmits the acquired video information, audio information, etc. to the display device 12.

[0051] The recording / playback unit 1125 plays back recorded programs. More specifically, in accordance with the operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 1111, the recording / playback unit 1125 acquires broadcast packets corresponding to the program indicated by the operation information from the HDD 14. The recording / playback unit 1125 then performs processing to play back the content using information, etc. contained in the acquired broadcast packets, and transmits the acquired video information, audio information, etc. to the display device 12.

[0052] In accordance with the operation information received from the remote control signal receiving unit 1111 , the erasing unit 1121 erases from the HDD 14 the broadcast packets corresponding to the program indicated by the operation information, and erases from the recording DB 1131 the recording information relating to that program.

[0053] 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a processing unit in a content viewing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, processing unit 112 in content viewing device 11 includes a measurement result acquisition unit 1126, a motion information acquisition unit 1127, and a transmission processing unit 1128.

[0054] The measurement result acquisition unit 1126 acquires the measurement results of the content presentation device 11. More specifically, the content presentation device 11 includes a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature of the content presentation device 11. The measurement result acquisition unit 1126 acquires the measurement results of the temperature sensor, for example, at measurement timing according to a predetermined measurement cycle Ca. As an example, the measurement cycle Ca is 12 hours. That is, the measurement result acquisition unit 1126 acquires the measurement results twice a day.

[0055] For example, the measurement result acquisition unit 1126 acquires, as the measurement results of the temperature sensor, a measured temperature Tcur that is the current temperature of the content presentation device 11 and a maximum temperature Tmax that is the maximum temperature in the most recent predetermined period of time of the content presentation device 11. Then, the measurement result acquisition unit 1126 stores in the storage unit 113 measurement information A1 that includes the acquired measurement result, the acquisition time, and the ID of the content presentation device 11.

[0056] The motion information acquisition unit 1127 acquires motion information B1 indicating the operational state of the content presentation device 11. More specifically, the motion information acquisition unit 1127 acquires the motion information B1 at an acquisition timing according to a predetermined acquisition cycle Cb, for example.

[0057] For example, the operation information acquisition unit 1127 acquires, as operation information B1, at least one of information indicating the startup state of the content presentation device 11, information indicating the state of reception processing of broadcast packets by the broadcast receiving unit 1112, information indicating the state of program recording processing by the recording unit 1122, information indicating the state of software update processing in the content presentation device 11, information indicating the state of communication according to Bluetooth (registered trademark) in the content presentation device 11, information indicating the connection state between the content presentation device 11 and the external HDD 14, information indicating the usage state of applications in the content presentation device 11, and information indicating the detection state of an error in the content presentation device 11. Then, the operation information acquisition unit 1127 adds the acquisition time and the ID of the content presentation device 11 to the acquired operation information B1 and stores the operation information B1 in the storage unit 113.

[0058] The transmission processing unit 1128 transmits the measurement information A1 and the operation information B1 to the management device 101 via the network.

[0059] For example, every time the measurement result acquisition unit 1126 stores measurement information A1 in the storage unit 113, the transmission processing unit 1128 acquires the measurement information A1 from the storage unit 113 and transmits the acquired measurement information A1 via the network to the management device 101. Also, for example, every time the operation information acquisition unit 1127 stores operation information B1 in the storage unit 113, the transmission processing unit 1128 acquires the operation information B1 from the storage unit 113 and transmits the acquired operation information B1 to the management device 101 via the network.

[0060] <Management device> 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, management device 101 includes an acquisition unit 21, a processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23. Acquisition unit 21 and processing unit 22 are implemented by processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Storage unit 23 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0061] The acquisition unit 21 acquires operation information indicating the operation state of each of the plurality of content presentation devices 11 and measurement results for each of the plurality of content presentation devices 11. More specifically, the acquisition unit 21 receives measurement information A1 from each content presentation device 11 in the content distribution system 1 via the network, and stores the received measurement information A1 in the storage unit 23. The acquisition unit 21 also receives operation information B1 from each content presentation device 11 in the content distribution system 1 via the network, and stores the received operation information B1 in the storage unit 23.

[0062] When the acquisition unit 21 stores multiple pieces of measurement information A1 corresponding to multiple content viewing devices 11 in the memory unit 23, the processing unit 22 acquires each piece of measurement information A1 from the memory unit 23 and creates statistical data of the temperature measurement results for the multiple content viewing devices 11 based on each piece of acquired measurement information A1.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of statistical data created by a processing unit in a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 shows box plots Gb1 and Gb2, which are examples of statistical data. In Fig. 6, the vertical axis represents temperature [degrees].

[0064] Referring to Figure 6, the processing unit 22 creates a box-and-whisker plot Gb1 showing the distribution of maximum temperatures Tmax in multiple content viewing devices 11 and a box-and-whisker plot Gb2 showing the distribution of measured temperatures Tcur in multiple content viewing devices 11 based on each measurement information A1 acquired from the memory unit 23.

[0065] The processing unit 22 stores statistical information indicating the created box-and-whisker plots Gb1 and Gb2 in the storage unit 23.

[0066] 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of statistical data created by a processing unit in a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 shows histograms Gh1 and Gh2, which are examples of statistical data. In Fig. 7, the vertical axis represents temperature [degrees];

[0067] Referring to Figure 7, the processing unit 22 creates a histogram Gh1 showing the distribution of maximum temperatures Tmax in multiple content viewing devices 11 and a histogram Gh2 showing the distribution of measured temperatures Tcur in multiple content viewing devices 11 based on each measurement information A1 acquired from the memory unit 23.

[0068] The processing unit 22 stores statistical information indicating the created histograms Gh1 and Gh2 in the storage unit 23.

[0069] For example, the processing unit 22 extracts abnormal measurement results from the multiple measurement results based on a comparison result between the multiple measurement results and a predetermined threshold. More specifically, the processing unit 22 compares multiple maximum temperatures Tmax indicated by the multiple pieces of measurement information A1 acquired from the storage unit 23 with a predetermined threshold. Then, the processing unit 22 extracts one or more maximum temperatures Tmax that are greater than the threshold from the multiple maximum temperatures Tmax as abnormal measurement results.

[0070] Alternatively, the processing unit 22 extracts abnormal measurement results from the plurality of measurement results by statistically processing the plurality of measurement results. More specifically, the processing unit 22 extracts one or more maximum temperatures Tmax as abnormal measurement results by clustering the plurality of maximum temperatures Tmax indicated by the plurality of pieces of measurement information A1 acquired from the storage unit 23.

[0071] When one or more abnormal measurement results are extracted, the processing unit 22 performs a notification process to notify the user of the management device 101 that an abnormal measurement result has been detected. For example, as the notification process, the processing unit 22 sends an email to the user's information terminal, with an attached image including box plots Gb1, Gb2 and histograms Gh1, Gh2, indicating that an abnormal measurement result has been detected.

[0072] The processing unit 22 may be configured to extract abnormal measurement results using different threshold values ​​depending on the content viewing device 11. Specifically, the processing unit 22 extracts abnormal measurement results using different threshold values ​​depending on the contract details of the user of the content viewing device 11. This makes it possible to extract more measurement results from the content viewing devices 11 of premium users, for example, and therefore to provide advanced support services to premium users.

[0073] (Statistical data display) The processing unit 22 performs processing to display statistical data of the multiple measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 21.

[0074] More specifically, for example, after the user checks the contents of the email, the user performs an operation C1 on the management device 101 to display the statistical data.

[0075] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a statistics display screen displayed on a display device by a processing unit in the management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the processing unit 22 accepts an operation C1 by a user and performs processing to display a statistics display screen Sc1 including the created box plots Gb1 and Gb2 and histograms Gh1 and Gh2 on a display device (not shown).

[0076] For example, the processing unit 22 further performs processing to display the extracted results of the abnormal measurement results. More specifically, the processing unit 22 performs processing to display a statistics display screen Sc1 that further includes extracted data DT1 indicating the number of abnormal devices that are content presentation devices 11 corresponding to the extracted abnormal measurement results and the ratio of abnormal devices to all content presentation devices 11 in the content distribution system 1.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 22 further performs processing to display the ID of the content presentation device 11 corresponding to the extracted measurement result. More specifically, the processing unit 22 performs processing to display a statistics display screen Sc1 that further includes abnormal device data DT2 indicating a correspondence relationship between the ID of the abnormal device, the maximum temperature Tmax of the abnormal device extracted as the abnormal measurement result, and the acquisition time of the maximum temperature Tmax. The ID of the content presentation device 11 is an example of identification information of the content presentation device 11.

[0078] 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a statistics display screen displayed on the display device by the processing unit in the management device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the processing unit 22 performs processing to display the statistical data in more detail in response to a user operation.

[0079] More specifically, for example, the user performs an operation C2 using the mouse to move the cursor Cu onto the 80° C. bin in the histogram Gh1 on the statistics display screen Sc1 as an operation to display the details of the histogram Gh1.

[0080] The processing unit 22 receives the operation C2 from the user and performs processing to display the detailed data DT3 of the 80° C. bin in the histogram Gh1.

[0081] (Displays operating status) The processing unit 22 receives a selection operation C3 from the user of the management device 101 to individually select one of the multiple content viewing devices 11, and further performs processing to display the operating status of the content viewing device 11 indicated by the received selection operation C3.

[0082] More specifically, for example, the user selects at least one of the IDs of the content presentation devices 11 in the abnormal device data DT2 on the statistics display screen Sc1. Then, as a selection operation C3, the user performs an operation of using the mouse to move the cursor Cu onto the selected ID and click to specify the ID.

[0083] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation status display screen displayed on a display device by a processing unit in the management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10, the processing unit 22 accepts a selection operation C3 by a user and performs processing to display, on a display device (not shown), an operation status display screen Sc2 including operation data Dbeh indicating the operation status of the content presentation device 11 having the ID specified by the selection operation C3.

[0084] More specifically, the processing unit 22 acquires operation information including the ID designated by the selection operation C3 from the storage unit 23, and creates, based on the acquired operation information, time-series operation data Dbeh indicating the operation history of the content presentation device 11 having the ID. Then, the processing unit 22 performs processing to display the operation status display screen Sc2 including the created operation data Dbeh.

[0085] For example, the processing unit 22 performs processing to generate and display operation data Dbeh including a startup history indicating the startup timing Ton of the content viewing device 11, a reception history indicating the packet reception period Tr by the content viewing device 11, and a recording history indicating the program recording period Trec by the content viewing device 11.

[0086] In addition, the processing unit 22 may be configured to generate operation data Dbeh that further includes a software update history in the content viewing device 11, or may be configured to generate operation data Dbeh that further includes a communication history in the content viewing device 11 according to Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be configured to generate operation data Dbeh that further includes a history of the connection status with the HDD 14 in the content viewing device 11, or may be configured to generate operation data Dbeh that further includes an application usage history in the content viewing device 11, or may be configured to generate operation data Dbeh that further includes an error detection history in the content viewing device 11.

[0087] The processing unit 22 may also be configured to generate operation data Dbeh that includes a reception history that can identify at least one of the reception period of broadcast packets, the reception period of packets for downloading various data, the period during which the average value of the packet signal level over a specified period is equal to or greater than a specified value, and the period during which the maximum value of the packet signal level over a specified period is equal to or greater than a specified value.

[0088] The processing unit 22 may also be configured to generate operation data Dbeh that includes a recording history that can recognize at least one of the following: a period during which the program was successfully recorded; a period during which the scheduled program could not be successfully recorded because the power of the content viewing device 11 was turned off; a period during which the scheduled program could not be successfully recorded because the HDD 14 was not connected; and a period during which the scheduled program could not be successfully recorded because an authentication error occurred on the HDD 14.

[0089] For example, in the process of displaying the operating status of the content viewing device 11, the processing unit 22 performs a process of displaying in chronological order the operating status of the content viewing device 11 indicated by the selection operation C3 and the measurement results of the content viewing device 11 indicated by the selection operation.

[0090] More specifically, the processing unit 22 performs processing to display an operating status display screen Sc2 that further includes temperature data Dtemp that shows, in chronological order, the maximum temperature Tmax and the measured temperature Tcur in the content viewing device 11 having the ID specified by the selection operation C3.

[0091] For example, the processing unit 22 displays, in the temperature data Dtemp, a portion where the maximum temperature Tmax exceeds a predetermined threshold in a color different from a portion where the maximum temperature Tmax is below the threshold. Also, for example, the processing unit 22 displays, in the temperature data Dtemp, a portion where the measured temperature Tcur exceeds a predetermined threshold in a color different from a portion where the measured temperature Tcur is below the threshold.

[0092] For example, the horizontal axis is common to the operation data Dbeh and the temperature data Dtemp. This allows the temperature history and operation history of the content presentation device 11 to be compared, so that by checking the operation history of the content presentation device 11 at the time when the temperature of the content presentation device 11 became an abnormal value, it is possible to verify the cause of the temperature becoming an abnormal value. Furthermore, by checking multiple types of operation history of the content presentation device 11, it is possible to verify the cause of the temperature becoming an abnormal value from multiple perspectives.

[0093] [Operation flow] Each device in the content distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer including a memory, and a processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads from the memory and executes a program including some or all of the steps in the following flowcharts and sequences. The programs for each of the devices can be installed externally. The programs for each of the devices are distributed in a state stored on a recording medium or via a communication line.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure when a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a process of displaying an operation status display screen.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 11, first, management device 101 receives operation information B1 from each content presentation device 11 in content distribution system 1 via the network (step S11).

[0096] Next, the management device 101 receives the measurement information A1 from each content presentation device 11 in the content distribution system 1 via the network (step S12).

[0097] Next, the management device 101 creates box plots Gb1 and Gb2 and histograms Gh1 and Gh2 based on the plurality of pieces of measurement information A1 (step S13).

[0098] Next, the management device 101 extracts one or more maximum temperatures Tmax as abnormal measurement results based on the results of comparing the multiple maximum temperatures Tmax indicated by each of the multiple measurement information A1 with a predetermined threshold value, or by statistically processing the multiple maximum temperatures Tmax indicated by each of the multiple measurement information A1 (step S14).

[0099] Next, the management device 101 performs a notification process to notify the user of the management device 101 that an abnormal measurement result has been detected (step S15).

[0100] Next, the management device 101 accepts an operation C1 by the user for displaying statistical data, and performs processing to display a statistical display screen Sc1 including box plots Gb1 and Gb2 and histograms Gh1 and Gh2 (step S16).

[0101] Next, the management device 101 accepts the user's selection operation C3 and performs a process of displaying an operation status display screen Sc2 including operation data Dbeh showing the operation status of the content viewing device 11 having the ID specified by the selection operation C3 in chronological order, and temperature data Dtemp showing the maximum temperature Tmax and measured temperature Tcur in the content viewing device 11 in chronological order (step S17).

[0102] In the management device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit 22 is configured to perform a notification process to notify the user of the management device 101 that an abnormal measurement result has been detected when one or more abnormal measurement results are extracted, but this is not limited to this. The processing unit 22 may be configured not to perform the notification process. In this case, for example, each time the processing unit 22 creates box plots Gb1, Gb2 and histograms Gh1, Gh2, the processing unit 22 performs a process to display a statistics display screen Sc1 including the created box plots Gb1, Gb2 and histograms Gh1, Gh2.

[0103] Furthermore, in the management device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit 22 is configured to perform processing to display the statistics display screen Sc1 including the extracted data DT1, but this is not limited to this. The processing unit 22 may be configured to perform processing to display the statistics display screen Sc1 that includes the box plots Gb1, Gb2 and the histograms Gh1, Gh2 but does not include the extracted data DT1.

[0104] Furthermore, in the management device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit 22 is configured to perform processing to display the statistics display screen Sc1 including the abnormal device data DT2 indicating the ID of the abnormal device, but this is not limited to this. The processing unit 22 may also be configured to perform processing to display the statistics display screen Sc1 including the extracted data DT1 but not including the abnormal device data DT2.

[0105] Furthermore, in the management device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing unit 22 is configured to perform processing to display the operation status display screen Sc2 including the operation data Dbeh indicating the operation status of the content presentation device 11 in chronological order and the temperature data Dtemp indicating the maximum temperature Tmax and the measured temperature Tcur of the content presentation device 11 in chronological order, but this is not limited to this. The processing unit 22 may also be configured to perform processing to display the operation status display screen Sc2 including the operation data Dbeh but not including the temperature data Dtemp.

[0106] Alternatively, the content presentation devices 11 in the content distribution device 1 may be grouped according to the version or revision of the content presentation device 11, i.e., according to differences in the firmware of the content presentation device 11 or the state of modification of the printed circuit board, and the technology of the present disclosure may be applied to each group. More specifically, the processing unit 21 groups the content presentation devices 11 according to the version or revision of the content presentation device 11 and creates box plots Gb1, Gb2 and histograms Gh1, Gh2 for each group. The processing unit 21 also extracts abnormal measurement results using a threshold value set for each group. The processing unit 22 then performs processing to display the box plots Gb1, Gb2 and histograms Gh1, Gh2 created for each group by the acquisition unit 21.

[0107] However, there is a demand for technology that can improve the monitoring function in content distribution. More specifically, a content distribution system 1 includes a large number of content presentation devices 11, for example, several tens of content presentation devices 11. Of the large number of content presentation devices 11 in the content distribution system 1, only a small number, for example, ten or less, of content presentation devices 11 will experience an abnormality. There is a demand for technology that can individually grasp the status of each content presentation device 11 in which an abnormality has occurred and take appropriate action.

[0108] In contrast, in the management device 101 of the present disclosure, the acquisition unit 21 acquires operation information indicating the operation status of each of the multiple content presentation devices 11, and measurement results for each of the multiple content presentation devices 11. The processing unit 22 performs processing to display statistical data of the multiple measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 21. The processing unit 22 further performs processing to accept a selection operation from the user of the management device 101 to individually select one of the multiple content presentation devices 11, and to display the operation status of the content presentation device 11 indicated by the accepted selection operation.

[0109] In this way, by performing a process of displaying statistical data of the measurement results for each of the multiple content presentation devices 11 and further performing a process of displaying the operating status of a content presentation device 11 selected by a user from the multiple content presentation devices 11, for example, if an unusual measurement result is obtained in a certain content presentation device 11, the operating status of the content presentation device 11 can be checked to verify the cause of the unusual measurement result in the content presentation device 11. This makes it possible to individually understand and deal with the status of a small number of content presentation devices 11 in which an abnormality has occurred, for example, among many content presentation devices 11. Therefore, the monitoring function in content distribution can be improved.

[0110] The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0111] The above description includes the following additional features. [Appendix 1] A management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating an operation state of each of the plurality of content presentation devices and a measurement result of each of the plurality of content presentation devices; a processing unit that performs processing to display statistical data of the plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit, the processing unit further performs a process of receiving a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content presentation devices, and displaying the operation state of the content presentation device indicated by the received selection operation; The processing unit is a management device that performs processing to display, as the operating status, at least one of a startup history indicating the startup timing of the content viewing device, a reception history indicating the period during which content was received by the content viewing device, and a recording history indicating the period during which programs were recorded by the content viewing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Content distribution system 10 Headend 11 Content viewing device 12 Display device 14 HDD 15 Remote Control 21 Acquisition Department 22 Processing section 23 Memory section 101 Management device 111 Stream receiver 112 Processing section 113 Storage section 151 Remote control operation section 1111 Remote control signal receiver 1112 Broadcast receiving unit 1121 Eraser 1122 Recording Department 1123 Recording Reservation Department 1124 Broadcast Viewing Section 1125 Recording and playback unit 1126 Measurement result acquisition unit 1127 Operation status acquisition unit 1128 Transmission Processing Unit 1131 Recording DB 1132 Program Information DB 1133 Reservation Management DB Gb1,Gb2 box plot Gh1, Gh2 histogram DT1 Extracted Data DT2 Abnormal device data DT3 detailed data Sc1 statistics display screen Sc2 Operation status display screen Cu cursor Tmax Maximum temperature Tcur temperature measurement Ton startup timing Tr reception period Trec Recording Period Dbeh operation data Dtemp temperature data

Claims

1. A management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating an operation state of each of the plurality of content presentation devices and a measurement result of the temperature of each of the plurality of content presentation devices; a processing unit that performs processing to display statistical data of the plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit, The processing unit receives a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and further performs processing to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the received selection operation.

2. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit further performs a process of extracting an abnormal measurement result from among the plurality of measurement results and displaying the extracted result.

3. The management device according to claim 2 , wherein the processing unit further performs processing for displaying identification information of the content presentation device corresponding to the extracted measurement result.

4. The management device according to claim 2 , wherein the processing unit extracts abnormal measurement results based on a comparison result between the plurality of measurement results and a predetermined threshold value.

5. The management device according to claim 2 , wherein the processing unit extracts abnormal measurement results by performing statistical processing on the plurality of measurement results.

6. The management device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit, in the process of displaying the operating status, performs a process of displaying the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the selection operation and the measurement results of the content viewing device indicated by the selection operation in chronological order.

7. A management method in a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, comprising: acquiring operation information indicating an operation state of each of the plurality of content viewing devices; acquiring a temperature measurement result of each of the plurality of content viewing devices; a step of performing processing to display statistical data of the acquired multiple measurement results; A management method including a step of accepting a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and performing processing to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the accepted selection operation.

8. A management program used in a management device capable of communicating with a content viewing device that receives content, Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating an operation state of each of the plurality of content presentation devices and a measurement result of the temperature of each of the plurality of content presentation devices; a processing unit that performs processing to display statistical data of the plurality of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit; It is a program to function as The processing unit receives a selection operation from a user of the management device to individually select one of the plurality of content viewing devices, and further performs processing to display the operating status of the content viewing device indicated by the received selection operation.

Images