Indication device

Abstract

To realize a network terminal system with high convenience.SOLUTION: A television receiver performs a control so as to: perform a communication with a content distribution server on an authentication on the basis of login information to a content distribution service provided from the content distribution service transmitted from two or more information terminals; receive information on the content distribution service, distributed from the content distribution server; display a content list which can be used in the two or more information terminals on the basis of the received content distribution service; and transmit shared payment information indicating a fact that a use charge of the content distribution service, included in the received content distribution service information can be shared and paid by the two or more information terminals, to the two or more information terminals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, an information terminal, and an information processing method, and particularly relates to a technique effective for content viewing by a plurality of terminal devices.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, distribution services for distributing contents such as movies and music over the Internet have been widely used. As this type of distribution service, for example, Patent Document 1 is known. Patent Document 1 describes that "a network terminal system capable of sharing a display device among a plurality of users while protecting the privacy of each person" is provided, and by operating a television receiver using a wireless terminal, the television receiver can be shared among a plurality of users and can be used properly while protecting the privacy of each person.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the technique of Patent Document 1 described above is not sufficient for the usability of users in various usage environments and usage situations.

[0005] For example, in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of users share and use a television receiver as a display device, the contract contents with content distribution providers, so-called content providers, that each person contracts with, for example, available service categories, etc. often differ from each other. Therefore, every time the content to be viewed is switched, there is a problem that the login operation from each user is required, which is inconvenient to use.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables efficient delivery of content and other information when a display device is shared using multiple terminal devices, even when each user has a different service category.

[0007] The aforementioned and other objectives and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A brief overview of some of the representative inventions disclosed in this application is as follows:

[0009] In other words, a typical display device comprises a communication unit that communicates with two or more information terminals and a content distribution server, a display unit that displays images based on the content, and a control unit. The control unit communicates with the content distribution server via the communication unit regarding authentication based on login information for the content distribution service provided by the content distribution server, which is received by the communication unit from the two or more information terminals, receives content distribution service information distributed by the content distribution server in the communication unit, displays a list of content that can be used by two or more information terminals on the display device based on the received content distribution service information in the display unit, and transmits shared payment information from the communication unit to the two or more information terminals indicating that the usage fee for the content distribution service included in the received content distribution service information can be shared and paid by two or more information terminals. The content that can be used by two or more information terminals based on the content distribution service information includes content that cannot be used by an information terminal alone. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The effects obtained by some of the representative inventions disclosed in this application can be briefly explained as follows.

[0011] This enables the creation of a highly convenient network terminal system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This block shows an example of the configuration in a network terminal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a television receiver in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless terminal in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a content distribution server in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the memory and storage configuration of the television receiver. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the memory and storage configuration of the wireless terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the memory and storage configuration of the content distribution server. [Figure 8] Figure 6 shows a data table illustrating an example of user profile information managed by the user profile generation unit. [Figure 9] Figure 4 is a data table showing examples of user authentication information and device authentication information. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of processing performed by the wireless terminal and television receiver in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a wireless terminal in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of processing performed by the wireless terminal, television receiver, and content distribution server in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 13]It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of an operation screen on a wireless terminal included in the network terminal system of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of an App menu screen of a television receiver included in the network terminal system of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the content list display screen of the television receiver included in the network terminal system of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the content detailed display screen of the television receiver included in the network terminal system of FIG. 1. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing by the wireless terminal, television receiver, and content distribution server included in the network terminal system of FIG. 1. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a login completion notification screen displayed on the television receiver. [Figure 19] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the integrated content list display screen displayed on the television receiver. [Figure 20] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the 101 sort processing selection screen displayed on the television receiver. [Figure 21] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a logout notification screen displayed on the television receiver. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in the network terminal system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 23] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the integrated login information generated by the processing of step S2201 in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the integrated service display screen by the processing of step S2207 in FIG. 22. [Figure 25] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display on the integrated service display screen by the processing of step S2207 in FIG. 22. [Figure 26]This flowchart shows an example of operation in the network terminal system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 27] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the billing menu screen after processing in step S2603. [Figure 28] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation screen during the processing of steps S2606 and S2607 in Figure 26. [Figure 29] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of initial setup information in a wireless terminal according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 30] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on a wireless terminal. [Figure 31] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing in a network terminal system according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 32] Figure 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a network connection confirmation screen in step 3104 of the process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] In the following embodiments, the description will be divided into multiple sections or embodiments where necessary for convenience. Unless otherwise specified, these are not unrelated, and one may be a modification, detail, or supplementary explanation of part or all of the other.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when referring to the number of elements (including the number of elements, numerical values, quantities, ranges, etc.), unless specifically stated or clearly limited in principle to a particular number, it is not limited to that particular number, and may be greater than or less than that number.

[0015] Furthermore, it goes without saying that in the following embodiments, the constituent elements (including elemental steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential, except in cases where they are specifically indicated or where they are clearly essential in principle.

[0016] Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of components, unless otherwise specifically stated or when it is clearly not the case in principle, it shall include those that substantially approximate or resemble such shapes, etc. The same applies to the numerical values ​​and ranges mentioned above.

[0017] Furthermore, in all the drawings used to illustrate the embodiments, the same reference numerals are generally used for identical components, and repeated explanations of them are omitted. The embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) This embodiment 1 describes an example using a service that distributes content such as video, audio, and text information over the internet (hereinafter referred to as an IPTV service), but it is not limited to this embodiment.

[0019] <About IPTV services> IPTV services can be broadly categorized into three types based on their format: streaming, download, and progressive download. Streaming involves sequentially delivering content data from a server to a client, which then plays back the received data to present it to the user, including video and audio. Therefore, a key feature is that, provided a sufficiently wide-bandwidth network is available, users can view content in near real-time.

[0020] Downloading involves the client pre-downloading and storing all content data from the server, and then viewing and playing the content after storage is complete. Therefore, if real-time viewing is not required, all content data can be delivered and stored in advance, allowing users to view the content multiple times at their desired time. A key feature is that content can be received even on networks with insufficient bandwidth.

[0021] Progressive downloads, on the other hand, fall somewhere in between these two approaches, allowing users to view content sequentially from what has been stored on their device before all content has been delivered. This eliminates the need to wait for storage to complete, shortens storage time even when bandwidth is limited, and offers the advantage of allowing users to view the content multiple times at their preferred timing after storage is complete.

[0022] In content distribution services, including IPTV services, users are often charged a usage fee by the service provider as payment for receiving the distribution service. In this case, the user is pre-registered as a legitimate user, and various information such as password, name, and address is managed using an identifier such as an ID. Note that the password may also be biometric information such as a fingerprint.

[0023] For paid content distribution, it is possible to record billing information for storage or viewing, and it is confirmed that payment of usage fees is possible through a separately specified payment method.

[0024] When using a distribution service, users must undergo user authentication, which involves verifying their registration information, such as an ID (IDentification), against their password and other management information. These authenticated users are often provided with a content viewing portal screen to select and search for content, as well as access other information distribution services.

[0025] Furthermore, many services perform device authentication via communication prior to the distribution service, verifying whether the device used by the user is one recommended by the service provider, or whether the program receiving the distribution service running on the device is a recommended program. This prevents acts that violate copyright laws, such as unauthorized copying, movement, or modification, and prevents the misuse of content.

[0026] In this case, the content may be encrypted in advance using a symmetric-key cryptography scheme, and a key for decryption may be separately received and associated with the content, so that only authenticated legitimate users can decrypt it, or only authenticated legitimate connected devices can decrypt it, or even only authorized users can decrypt it using authenticated legitimate connected devices.

[0027] Alternatively, a public-key cryptography scheme may be used, where the public and private keys are prepared by the connected device or the service provider. The private key may be sent to the connected device during user registration, and then used by the service provider and the connected device for encryption and decryption, respectively.

[0028] Generally, these decryption keys are recorded along with playback conditions such as the expiration date and number of times content can be played, and the users and devices on which playback is permitted. Hereafter, the key used for encryption will be referred to as the encryption key, and the key used for decryption as the decryption key.

[0029] In this way, IPTV service providers, acting on behalf of content and service providers, securely provide content distribution services to users and ensure reliable billing by linking user authentication, device authentication, and decryption keys.

[0030] From this point forward, users will receive the desired content and properly access services such as content playback. Furthermore, based on these services, users may also be able to retain content linked to their copyright-based playback rights.

[0031] The user then uses the content and decryption key obtained in this way to play the content on a designated device, but this is usually assumed to be the same device and the same user.

[0032] In contrast, if a single user owns multiple devices and wants to play the same content on a different device, they will be charged again for the same content, which is inconvenient.

[0033] Therefore, some services allow the same user who has the right to play the content to play it on multiple devices, within the limits of the number of devices permitted by the service provider.

[0034] Furthermore, some services allow users to download and purchase application software, similar to content, and then enjoy its functionality by running the application software on their device. For authenticated and authorized users, similar to the content example, some services allow the same user to download applications on multiple devices, within the limits of the number of devices permitted by the service provider.

[0035] <Example of a network terminal system configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration in a network terminal system according to this embodiment 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the network terminal system includes, for example, a television receiver 101, a wireless terminal 102, a wireless terminal 103, a wireless router 104, an external network 105, and a content distribution server 106.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an example in which users of wireless terminals 102 and 103 watch television programs on a television receiver 101, for example, at home or in a store. Wireless terminals 102 and 103 are information terminals, and consist of mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones.

[0038] In this scenario, for example, a user of wireless terminal 103 might visit the home of a user of wireless terminal 102, temporarily establishing the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. While Figure 1 shows an example using two wireless terminals, 102 and 103, the number of wireless terminals is not limited to these; three or more wireless terminals may be used.

[0039] The wireless router 104 is equipped with a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and can connect to an external network 105 via a communication line. The communication line such as the wireless LAN is the first network, and the external network 105 is the second network.

[0040] Furthermore, the wireless router 104 is connected to the television receiver 101, wireless terminal 102, wireless terminal 103, and the external network 105. The television receiver 101, wireless terminal 102, or wireless terminal 103 can obtain information from the internet.

[0041] Furthermore, the wireless router 104 is connected to the television receiver 101 via wired LAN or wireless LAN, and is connected to the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 via wireless LAN. Here, Wi-Fi is a wireless LAN standard established by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standard "IEEE 802.11a / IEEE 802.11b".

[0042] The content distribution server 106, which is a content distribution device, is a content management device that stores content such as video and audio and distributes content in response to requests from a television receiver 101, a wireless terminal 102, or a wireless terminal 103 connected to the network.

[0043] This content distribution server 106 is connected to an external network 105. The television receiver 101, wireless terminal 102, or wireless terminal 103 can send and receive information with the content distribution server 106, which is connected to the external network 105 via the wireless router 104, and can also receive information related to content, such as content and keys for decrypting encrypted content.

[0044] Furthermore, wireless terminals 102 and 103 can each connect to a communication network via a base station 108 using a mobile communication network, and can also send and receive information and receive content via an external network connected to the communication network.

[0045] <Hardware configuration of a television receiver> Next, we will describe the configuration of the television receiver 101.

[0046] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the television receiver 101 in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0047] The display device, a television receiver 101, is connected to the antenna 201. This television receiver 101 includes a tuner / demodulation unit 202, a channel selection control unit 203, a signal separation unit 204, an audio decoding unit 205, a speaker 206, an audio output unit 207, a video decoding unit 208, a superposition unit 209, a display unit 210, a video output unit 211, a communication interface 212, an input unit 213, a control unit 214, a memory 215, a storage unit 216, and a digital interface 217, among other components. Each of these functional blocks is connected via a bus 218.

[0048] The various operating functions of the television receiver 101 are realized by an application program. This application program is stored in the storage 216, and the control unit 214 loads the program from the storage 216 into the memory 215. Then, the control unit 214 executes the application program to realize various functions.

[0049] For simplicity, the following explanation will assume that the various functions implemented by the control unit 214 by executing each application program are primarily implemented by the "various program function units" deployed in the memory 215.

[0050] The application program may be pre-stored in storage 216) of the television receiver 101 at the time of shipment. Alternatively, it may be stored on optical media such as a CD (Compact Disk) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or on a medium such as semiconductor memory, and installed on the television receiver 101 via a media connection unit (not shown).

[0051] Furthermore, it is possible to download and install the application from an external network 105 via the communication interface 212 and the wireless router 104. Note that the various functions provided by the above application program can also be implemented in hardware as processing units with similar functions. When implemented in hardware, each processing unit takes the lead in implementing its respective function.

[0052] The input unit 213 is an input device that receives input operations from the user to the television receiver 101, and this includes, for example, pointing devices such as a remote control, keyboard, or mouse.

[0053] The control unit 214 receives user input operations via the input unit 213 and controls various processing units such as the station selection control unit 203, the signal separation unit (204), the superposition unit 209, the memory 215, storage 216, the communication I / F 212, and the digital I / F 217, which are various program function units.

[0054] The tuner / demodulator unit 202 is controlled by the channel selection control unit 203 and tunes to the channel of the desired service. It selects the desired digital broadcast signal from the broadcast station 107 in Figure 1, which is received via the antenna 201, demodulates the broadcast signal, and generates a transport stream.

[0055] The channel selection control unit 203 receives instructions to select a service via the input unit 213 and controls the tuner / demodulator unit 202 to switch the channel to be selected. The channel selection control unit 203 also controls the tuner / demodulator unit 202 to switch to the service (channel number) broadcasting the currently airing event (program) and the broadcast display unit to which that service belongs, based on instructions from various program function units.

[0056] The communication interface 212 is connected to the wireless router 104 via a wired LAN or wireless LAN. The communication interface 212 sends and receives various information with the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 via the wireless router 104.

[0057] Furthermore, the communication interface 212 can send and receive various information with devices connected to the external network 105 via the wireless router 104. For example, it can receive content streams such as video and audio streams in the form of IP broadcasting or video on demand from a content distribution server 106 connected to the external network 105. The control unit 214 and the communication interface 212 constitute the information control unit, content control unit, and integrated content generation unit.

[0058] It is also possible to download video and audio streams and application programs from a content distribution server 106 connected to an external network 105. The downloaded data or information is stored, for example, in storage 216.

[0059] In addition to, or instead of, the wireless router 104 may be configured to communicate directly with external devices without going through the wireless router 104 using technologies such as Wi-Fi, IrDA®, Bluetooth®, or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0060] The communication interface 212 may implement separate chips for different communication methods, or it may be implemented as a single chip that handles multiple communication methods.

[0061] The following describes an example in which communication I / F212 sends and receives various information with wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 via wireless router 104, but as mentioned above, various information may also be sent and received directly without going through wireless router 104.

[0062] The signal separation unit 204 separates the transport stream obtained by the tuner / demodulation unit 202 and the content stream obtained via the communication I / F 212 into categories such as video data, audio data, subtitle data, and program information.

[0063] It also has the function of acquiring program information, such as program sequence information (SI), and transmitting it to other processing blocks. When a data transmission request is received from another processing unit, it transmits the specified data to the requesting unit.

[0064] The audio decoding unit 205 decodes the audio data separated by the signal separation unit 204. The audio information decoded by the audio decoding unit 205 is output from the speaker 206. The audio information decoded by the audio decoding unit 205 may also be output to an external device from the audio output unit 207.

[0065] The video decoding unit 208 decodes the video data separated by the signal separation unit 204. The video information decoded by the video decoding unit 208 is sent to the superposition unit 209.

[0066] The superposition unit 209 superimposes EPG (Electronic Program Guide) images, OSD (On Screen Display) images created by various program function units, and images generated from various information (subtitle information, subtitle superimposition, data broadcasting data, etc.) separated by the signal separation unit 204 onto the decoded video information sent from the video decoding unit 208. Various information includes, for example, subtitle information, subtitle superimposition, or data broadcasting data.

[0067] Furthermore, the superimposing unit 209 combines the browser display screen created by the browser engine 502 (described later) with the video signal, or switches between them. The video information that has passed through the superimposing unit 209 is displayed by the display unit 210, which is the first display unit.

[0068] The display unit 210, which consists of, for example, a television, a computer display, or an LCD panel, displays broadcast / streamed video, a UI for various operations, a web browser, and images stored in the storage 216.

[0069] The video information that has passed through the superimposition unit 209 may be output to an external device from the video output unit 211. The images and videos to be displayed may be images generated by an application program, or images and videos of content received via the tuner / demodulation unit 202. Alternatively, they may be images and videos received from a server on the external network 105 via the communication interface 212, or images and videos received from the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 via the communication interface 212.

[0070] Alternatively, a digital interface 217 may be provided that separates the transport stream for a predetermined program using a signal separation unit 204 and outputs the video and audio without decoding them.

[0071] The storage 216 stores application programs and various information created by the application programs. It can also store content such as video and audio streams from signals received by the tuner / demodulator 202 and the communication interface 212. The memory 215, under the control of the control unit 214, deploys the functional parts of the application programs stored in the storage 216.

[0072] The images and videos displayed on the display unit (210) can be images generated by an application program, images and videos of content received via the tuner / demodulation unit 202, images and videos received from the content distribution server 106 on the external network 105 via the communication interface 212, or images and videos received from wireless terminals 102 and 103 via the communication interface 212.

[0073] This section describes an example using a television receiver, but it is also possible to use a recorder without a display or speakers, and have the same video and audio displayed on an externally connected television receiver, display, and speakers.

[0074] Furthermore, the television receiver 101 can be replaced with an STB (set-top box) or a recorder, in which case the speaker 206 and display unit 210 can be omitted from the television receiver configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0075] Furthermore, this embodiment can also be implemented using a monitor device equipped with the aforementioned communication interface, a large tablet terminal, or an electronic whiteboard. In that case, the antenna 201, tuner / demodulation unit 202, channel selection control unit 203, and signal separation unit 204 can be omitted from the television receiver configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0076] <Hardware configuration of wireless terminals> Next, we will explain the configuration of the wireless terminal 102.

[0077] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless terminal 102 in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0078] Figure 3 describes the configuration of the wireless terminal 102, but the configuration of each part of the wireless terminal 103 is the same as that of the wireless terminal 102, so its explanation is omitted.

[0079] The wireless terminal 102 includes a tuner / demodulator 301, a signal separation unit 302, a memory 303, a storage 304, an acceleration sensor 305, a geomagnetic sensor 306, a control unit 307, a display unit 308, a communication interface 309, a mobile communication interface 310, an input unit 311, a GPS receiver 312, and a gyro sensor 313. These functional blocks are connected to each other via a bus 314.

[0080] The wireless terminal 102 stores application programs in storage 304, and the control unit 307 loads the application programs from storage 304 into memory 303. The control unit 307 then executes the application programs to realize various functions.

[0081] For simplicity, in the following explanation, the various functions that the control unit 307 implements by executing each application program will be described as being primarily implemented by the "various program function units" deployed in the memory 303.

[0082] The application program may be pre-stored in the storage 304 of the wireless terminal 102 at the time of shipment. Alternatively, it may be stored on optical media such as a CD (Compact Disk) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or on a medium such as semiconductor memory, and installed on the wireless terminal 102 via a media connection unit (not shown).

[0083] Alternatively, it may be downloaded and installed from an external network 105 via the communication interface 309 and wireless router 104. Or, it may be downloaded and installed from the base station 108, which is the source of distribution, via the mobile communication interface 310.

[0084] Furthermore, it is also possible to connect to a personal computer that has acquired the application program via the network via an external device connection interface (not shown), and then move or copy the program from the personal computer to the wireless terminal 102 for installation.

[0085] Furthermore, various functions performed by application programs can also be implemented in hardware as processing units with similar functions. When implemented in hardware, each processing unit takes the lead in performing its respective function.

[0086] The tuner / demodulator unit 301 and the signal separation unit 302 perform the same functions as the tuner / demodulator unit 202 and the signal separation unit 204 shown in Figure 2, respectively. These functions have already been explained, so their further explanation will be omitted.

[0087] The communication interface 309, which serves as both the transmitting and receiving unit, transmits and receives various information with the communication interface 212 of the television receiver 101 shown in Figure 2 via the wireless router 104 shown in Figure 1, using a wireless LAN or similar means. The communication interface 309 is also connected to an external network 105 via the wireless router 104, and transmits and receives various information with a content distribution server 106 and other devices on the external network 105.

[0088] For example, similar to the television receiver 101 mentioned above, it is possible to receive content streams such as video and audio streams in the form of IP broadcasting or video on demand from a content distribution server 106 connected to an external network 105.

[0089] Furthermore, it is possible to download video streams and application programs from content distribution servers 106 connected to an external network 105. The downloaded data or information is stored, for example, in storage 304.

[0090] In addition to the communication function with the wireless router 104, or as an alternative, it is possible to communicate directly with the television receiver 101 or other devices without going through the wireless router 104 by using wireless LAN technologies such as Wi-Fi, IrDA, Bluetooth, or NFC.

[0091] The communication interface 309 may implement separate chips for different communication methods, or it may be implemented as a single chip that handles multiple communication methods.

[0092] The mobile communication interface 310 is connected to a communication network via base station 108 using a mobile communication network such as the third-generation mobile communication system (hereinafter referred to as "3G") or LTE (Long Term Evolution), and can send and receive information with a server on the communication network.

[0093] Third-generation mobile communication systems include, for example, the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) system, the W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system, the CDMA2000 system, and the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) system.

[0094] The control unit 307 receives user operation requests via the input unit 311 and controls the signal separation unit 302, the memory 303 which is a program function unit, the display unit 308, and the communication interface 309.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 307 has the function of acquiring various information, content, or application programs from the external network 105 via the communication interface 309 and wireless router 104, or from the communication network via the mobile communication interface 310 and base station 108, and passing them to various program function units.

[0096] Storage 304 stores application programs and various information created by application programs. It can also store content such as video and audio streams from signals received from the tuner / demodulator 301, communication interface 309, or mobile communication interface 310.

[0097] The memory 303, under the control of the control unit 307, displays the functional parts of the application programs stored in the storage 304. The second display unit, the display unit 308, displays images and videos stored in the storage 304, broadcast / distributed videos, UIs and browsers for various operations, etc. The display unit 308 may be configured as an integral part of, for example, a touch panel, as described later.

[0098] The images and videos to be displayed include images generated by application programs, images and videos of content received via the tuner / demodulator 301, and images and videos received from a content distribution server 106 on an external network 105 via the communication interface 309. Alternatively, images and videos received from a television receiver 101 via the communication interface 309, and images and videos distributed from a server on a communication network via the mobile communication interface 310 are also possible.

[0099] The input unit 311 is an input device that receives input operations from the user to the wireless terminal 102, and can use, for example, physical buttons or a touch panel. The following describes an example using a touch panel, but various operations may also be performed using physical buttons.

[0100] By using the touch panel, you can freely move objects such as icons using drag and flick gestures. Dragging involves touching an object on the touch panel with your finger and moving it. Flicking involves flicking your finger across the screen.

[0101] Additionally, tapping an object once (tap operation) or double-tapping an object with your finger can activate the object or switch to a different screen. Below, these touch panel operations will be referred to as drag operation, flick operation, and tap operation.

[0102] The acceleration sensor unit 305 measures the acceleration acting on the wireless terminal 102. The control unit 307 measures the acceleration due to gravity, for example, using the acceleration sensor unit 305. By measuring the acceleration due to gravity, it is possible to determine which part of the wireless terminal 102 is facing upwards.

[0103] As a result, the top of the screen displayed on the display unit 308 can be aligned with the top measured by the acceleration sensor unit 305, allowing the screen to be displayed in a way that matches how the user holds the wireless terminal 102.

[0104] The geomagnetic sensor unit 306 measures the Earth's magnetic field by utilizing multiple magnetic sensors. The GPS receiver unit 312 receives signals transmitted from multiple satellites using GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0105] The control unit 307 can calculate the location information of the wireless terminal 102 based on the signal received by the GPS receiver 312. The gyro sensor unit 313 measures the angular velocity of the wireless terminal 102, which occurs when the user moves the wireless terminal 102.

[0106] <Hardware configuration of the content distribution server> Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content distribution server 106 in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0107] The content distribution server 106 consists of a communication interface 401, a control unit 402, a memory 403, and storage 404. These functional blocks are connected to each other via a bus 408.

[0108] The content distribution server 106 stores application programs in storage 404, and the control unit 402 loads the application programs from storage 404 into memory 403. The control unit 402 then executes the application programs to realize various functions.

[0109] For simplicity, the following explanation will describe the various functions implemented by the control unit 402 by executing each application program as being primarily implemented by the "various program function units" deployed in the memory 403.

[0110] The communication interface 401 is connected to the external network 105, and via the external network 105, it is connected to the wireless router 104, and transmits and receives various information with the communication interface 212 of the television receiver 101 and the communication interface 309 of the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103.

[0111] Furthermore, the communication I / F 401 can transmit and receive various information from the communication network via the base station 108 to the mobile communication I / F 310 of the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103.

[0112] The control unit 402 controls the communication interface 401, memory 403, and storage 404. The control unit 402 also has the function of transferring the content stored in the content 405 of the storage 404 to the television receiver 101, wireless terminal 102, or wireless terminal 103 via the communication interface 401, external network 105, or base station 108.

[0113] Storage 404 stores application programs and various information created by application programs. It also has the function of storing content 405, device authentication information 406, and user authentication information 407.

[0114] The memory 403, which is the program function unit, has its application program functions, stored in the storage 404, unfolded under the control of the control unit 402.

[0115] <Example of software configuration for a television receiver> Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the memory 215 and storage 216 in the television receiver 101 shown in Figure 2.

[0116] In Figure 5, the storage 216 stores the connected device authentication program 511, the browser program 512, the content playback program 513, various application programs 514, the account management program 515, and the content / application synchronization processing program 516.

[0117] These programs are loaded into memory 215 by the control unit 214, and the control unit 214 executes the loaded programs to realize the functions of the browser engine 502, connected device authentication unit 501, content playback unit 507, various application units 508, account management unit 509, and content / application synchronization processing unit 510.

[0118] The connected device authentication program 511, browser program 512, content playback program 513, various application programs 514, account management program 515, and content / app synchronization processing program 516 are stored in the storage 216 at the time of product shipment. Alternatively, they may be downloaded via the communication interface 212.

[0119] The control unit 214 executes these programs to implement various functions, but in the following explanation, for the sake of simplicity, it will be assumed that each functional unit within the memory 215 is primarily responsible for implementing these functions.

[0120] The browser engine 502 consists of the following functional blocks: an HTML parser 503, a database generation unit 504, a rendering unit 505, and an image processing unit 506.

[0121] The HTML parser 503 analyzes the logical structure of the HTML (HyperText Markup Language) data acquired via the control unit 214. It also interprets the acquired HTML data and converts it into internal data for use by the television receiver 101.

[0122] The database generation unit 504 generates a database relating to the HTML data structure. The rendering unit 505 generates a layout structure based on the database, which includes information on the expression format determined by each tag. Based on this layout structure, it generates a browser display screen according to the data, including size, position, and images.

[0123] The image processing unit 506 converts the acquired image files into image data such as bitmap format, based on image file information such as the placement of image files specified by image tags in the HTML data and the image file names.

[0124] The connected device authentication unit 501 compares authentication information such as user ID and password obtained from various data in the storage 216 of the television receiver 101 with authentication information transmitted from the connected device authentication unit 601 of the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103. If the device authentication information matches, it allows the connected device authentication unit 601 of the wireless terminal 102 to connect. On the other hand, if the authentication information is incorrect, it does not authenticate the connection from the connected device authentication unit 601 of the wireless terminal 102.

[0125] The authentication information stored in the various data of the storage 216 of the television receiver 101 is set in advance by input from the user using the input unit 213, or before the television receiver 101 is shipped from the factory.

[0126] Furthermore, the above authentication information can be displayed on the display unit 210 by user operation, or can be confirmed by the user through documents attached at the time of purchase of the television receiver 101. In addition, the username and MAC address of the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 may be stored as authentication information for the connected device in the storage 216 of the television receiver 101 or in a non-volatile memory (not shown).

[0127] The above is just one example of an authentication method. For example, when connecting a TV receiver 101 to a wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 via a wireless LAN, an authentication and encryption method using an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key or WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) key can be used. The authentication method and the method of encrypting the information transmitted and received upon successful authentication can be any publicly known technology and are not particularly limited.

[0128] Furthermore, when the TV receiver 101 receives and views content from the content distribution server 106 via the operation of a wireless terminal, the connected device authentication unit 501 has the function of transmitting authentication information stored in various data to the user management unit 701 of the content distribution server 106 via the communication interface 212 and the wireless router 104.

[0129] At this time, the device authentication information transmitted to the content distribution server 106 is associated with the user information of the user profile information generated by the user profile generation unit 609 of the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103. Alternatively, this information can be managed separately as information that the content distribution server 106 can recognize.

[0130] The content playback unit 507 receives data and content information of content such as movies and dramas distributed from the content distribution server 106 via the external network 105, and presents the received video and audio to the user by playing them sequentially.

[0131] This section describes the case of content distribution and playback via streaming, but as will be described later, it may also be a download service in which all content data is obtained and stored from the server in advance, and playback is performed after storage is complete. In this case, the content data is stored in content 517 of storage 216.

[0132] Information on where content playback stopped can be stored as resume information in the various data of storage 216. When the same user resumes playback of the same content, the playback stop position data can be retrieved from the resume information and used as the playback start position. Resume information is set for each user by referring to user profile information obtained from wireless terminals 102 and 103.

[0133] The various application units 508 include applications such as the browser engine 502 and the content playback unit 507 shown in Figure 5, as well as applications that the user has downloaded from the content distribution server 106 according to their preferences. Each application receives input from the user via the input unit 213 and is launched by tapping the application launch icon displayed on the display unit 210.

[0134] When the authentication of wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 is completed by the connected device authentication unit 501, the account management unit 509 sets the authenticated wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 as an authenticated user account.

[0135] Furthermore, when user profile information generated in wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 is obtained, the user count and user profile are registered and managed in association with each user ID based on that information.

[0136] Furthermore, the account management unit 509 can accept multiple user accounts simultaneously and manage each independently. For each user account, if simultaneous operation is possible, it permits the operation. If simultaneous operation is not possible and exclusive operation is required, it transmits the user information of the first user to the wireless terminal of the second user, allowing them to inquire about the transfer of usage rights to the television receiver 101 and the remaining usage time.

[0137] The content / application synchronization processing unit 510 refers to the user profile of each wireless terminal, compares the type of application downloaded to wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 with the application downloaded to the television receiver 101, and verifies consistency using the device type information described later.

[0138] Furthermore, if there are any missing applications, you can synchronize the applications on the wireless terminal and the TV receiver by downloading the corresponding applications.

[0139] Furthermore, downloadable content can be downloaded in the same manner as described above, allowing the wireless terminal and the television receiver to synchronize their applications. Additionally, when downloading applications or content, a confirmation message can be displayed on the display unit 210, and the input unit 213 may be used to select whether or not to allow the download.

[0140] <Example of software configuration for wireless terminals> Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the memory 303 and storage 304 in the wireless terminals 102 and 103 of Figure 3.

[0141] As shown in Figure 6, storage 304 stores a device authentication program 610, a browser program 611, a content playback program 612, various application programs 613, and a user profile generation program 614.

[0142] These programs are loaded into memory 303 by the control unit 307, and the control unit 307 executes the programs to realize the functions of the connected device authentication unit 601, browser engine 602, content playback unit 607, various application units 608, and user profile generation unit 609.

[0143] The device authentication program 610, browser program 611, content playback program 612, various application programs 613, and user profile generation program 614 are stored in storage 304 at the time of product shipment. Alternatively, they may be downloaded via communication I / F 309 or mobile communication I / F 310.

[0144] The control unit 307 executes these programs to realize various functions, but in the following description, it will be assumed that these functions are primarily realized by the program function unit in the memory 303.

[0145] The browser engine 602, like the browser engine 502 of the television receiver 101, is composed of the following functional blocks: an HTML parser 603, a database generation unit 604, a rendering unit 605, and an image processing unit 606.

[0146] The HTML parser 603, database generation unit 604, rendering unit 605, and image processing unit 606 are described in the same way as the browser engine 502 in Figure 5, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0147] The connected device authentication unit 601 transmits authentication information for connected devices, which has been pre-stored in various data based on input from the user using the input unit 311, to the connected device authentication unit 501 of the television receiver 101 via the communication interface 309 and wireless router 104 in order to receive authentication from the television receiver 101. For subsequent authentications, the input of authentication information can be omitted by referring to the authentication information for connected devices stored in the various data of the storage 304.

[0148] Furthermore, the connected device authentication unit 601 has the function of transmitting the authentication information stored in various data as authentication information for the content distribution destination to the user management unit 701 of the content distribution server 106, which will be described later, via the communication I / F 309 or mobile communication I / F 310.

[0149] Authentication information can also be managed separately from user profile information as information that the content distribution server 106 can recognize, associated with the user information of the user profile information generated by the user profile generation unit 609.

[0150] The content playback unit 907 receives data and content information of content such as movies and dramas distributed from a content distribution server 106 or the like via an external network 105 or a mobile communication I / F 310, and presents the received video and audio to the user by playing them sequentially.

[0151] This section describes the case of content distribution and playback via streaming, but it may also be a download service where all content data is acquired and stored in advance from the server, as in the example described later, and playback is performed after storage is complete. In that case, the content data is stored in content 615 of storage 304.

[0152] Furthermore, information about the content playback stop position can be stored as resume information in the various data of storage 304. When resuming playback of the same content, the playback stop position data can be retrieved from the resume information and used as the playback start position. Resume information can also be stored in the user profile information.

[0153] The various application units 608 refer to applications other than the browser engine 602 and the content playback unit 607, as well as applications that the user has downloaded from the content distribution server 106 according to their preferences.

[0154] Each application receives input from the user via the input unit 311 and is launched by tapping the application launch icon displayed on the display unit 210.

[0155] The user profile generation unit 609 has the function of generating user profile information, including user authentication information for receiving authentication from connected devices, information set by the user according to their preferences such as menus, and the titles of applications that were installed at the time of purchase or obtained through downloads or other means. Information such as settings changed by the user and newly purchased applications is updated to the latest state.

[0156] <Example of server software configuration> Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the memory 403 and storage 404 of the content distribution server 106 in Figure 4.

[0157] As shown in Figure 7, storage 404 stores the user management program 704, the content management program 705, and the content distribution program 706.

[0158] These programs are loaded into memory 403 by the control unit 402, and the control unit 402 executes the programs to realize the functions of the user management unit 701, content management unit 702, and content distribution unit 703.

[0159] The user management program 704, the content management program 705, and the content distribution program 706 can be stored in advance in the storage 404 or the like. The control unit 402 implements various functions according to these programs, but in the following description, for the sake of simplicity, it will be explained that each functional unit in the memory 403 is primarily responsible for implementing its respective function.

[0160] The user management unit 701 manages user authentication information for authenticating each user, as well as device authentication information for authenticating devices owned by users. The user authentication information and device authentication information are stored in the user authentication information 407 and device authentication information 406 of the storage 404, respectively.

[0161] The user management unit 701 obtains user authentication information, such as usernames and passwords, entered by users of wireless terminals 102 and television receivers 101 via the communication interface 401 and external network 105 using input unit 213 or input unit 311, as well as device authentication information for the devices used by the users.

[0162] The system then verifies whether the user is a legitimate registered user by comparing their credentials with pre-stored user authentication information, and whether the number of devices owned by the user is within the limit permitted by the service provider. If the user authentication information is incorrect or the number of devices exceeds the permitted limit, the system has a function to return an error message.

[0163] The content management unit 702 manages content information or application information, which consists of content or application data and information associated therewith.

[0164] Content information, such as videos, records the content ID (a management number that uniquely identifies the content), content format, content description information, content data, the size of the content and the devices suitable for displaying it, the content distribution service or the fees incurred for playing and viewing the distributed content, and the viewing period. Content description information includes, for example, the genre title, performers, and content.

[0165] Furthermore, application information records the application ID, which is a management number to uniquely identify the application, application description information, the size of the application and the devices suitable for displaying it, and the fees incurred as a result of downloading the application.

[0166] Furthermore, this various information may be recorded using a recording medium such as a hard disk and loaded into memory managed by the content management unit 702. Additionally, content or application data and data describing the content or application data may be managed separately, for example, as metadata.

[0167] To protect content encrypted using RSA encryption technology or similar methods over communication channels such as the internet from malicious third parties, key information for decrypting and playing the encrypted content may be managed. This information may be recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk and loaded into memory managed by the content management unit 702.

[0168] The content distribution unit 703 can control the distribution of content such as videos stored in the content 405 of the storage 404 to match the display performance of connected devices, based on distribution requests from devices such as wireless terminals 102, 103 and television receivers 101 via the communication I / F 401 and external network 105.

[0169] Content 405 contains content of the same nature but in multiple resolutions, and delivers content that matches the display capabilities based on the device authentication information at the time of distribution. Alternatively, content in high definition (HD) only may be stored and then down-converted as needed to match the display capabilities during distribution.

[0170] <Example data format> Figure 8 is a data table showing an example of user profile information managed by the user profile generation unit 609 in Figure 6.

[0171] Figure 8(a) shows the user profile information managed by the user profile generation unit 609 of the wireless terminal 102, and Figure 8(b) shows the user profile information managed by the user profile generation unit 609 of the wireless terminal 103.

[0172] As shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), the user profile information consists of a management number (user ID 801), a password (password 802), a unique username (username 803), configuration parameters (settings 804), application type (application type 805), downloaded content (downloaded content 806), and device type information (device type 807).

[0173] User ID 801 and password 802 are authentication information used when receiving content from the content distribution server 106. In this embodiment, the authentication information is included in the user profile information, but for security reasons, the authentication information can be omitted from the user profile information.

[0174] Username 803 is unique information for each user used when logging into the content distribution server 106. In the example shown in Figures 8(a) and (B), the username associated with wireless terminal A, which is wireless terminal 102, is "T.Matsu", and the username associated with wireless terminal B, which is wireless terminal 103, is "M.Kage".

[0175] The setting parameter 804 includes information that the user has set according to their preferences, such as menus. The application type 805 includes the titles of applications that were installed at the time of purchase or obtained through download purchases, etc.

[0176] Downloaded content 806 includes the title and other information to identify content obtained through download purchase or other means. Device type information 807 is information representing the type of device, such as a mobile terminal or tablet, the application used, such as the OS, and compatibility during content playback; a user agent may be used. A user agent is software or hardware used by a user when accessing data based on a certain protocol.

[0177] Furthermore, although this embodiment is described based on user authentication using a user ID and password, other general biometric authentication methods such as finger vein recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, facial recognition, or iris recognition may also be used, in which case the items of user authentication information will change accordingly.

[0178] Figure 9 is a data table showing examples of the contents of user authentication information 407 and device authentication information 406 in Figure 4.

[0179] Figure 9(a) is a data table of user authentication information 407 managed by the user management unit 701 of the content distribution server 106, and Figure 9(b) is a data table of device authentication information 406 managed by the user management unit 701 of the content distribution server 106.

[0180] In Figure 9(a), the user authentication information 407 managed by the user management unit 701 stores the user ID 801 (which is the management number), password 802, unique username 803, name, address, and contact information.

[0181] In this embodiment, the explanation is based on the premise of user authentication using a password, but other general biometric authentication methods such as finger vein recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, facial recognition, or iris recognition may also be used, in which case the items of user authentication information will change accordingly. The user authentication information is used as login information when logging into the content distribution service from a device such as a television receiver 101 or a wireless terminal 102.

[0182] Next, in Figure 9(b), the device authentication information 406 managed by the user management unit 701 of the content distribution server 106 includes the user ID 801, which is a management number, the password 802, the device ID 901 which indicates the device used by the user, and the model name, etc. The device authentication information 406 is information for uniquely identifying the device and is assumed to have been registered in advance by the user with the content distribution service provider.

[0183] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows that for the user with user ID 801 "00000101", it is assumed that the user owns two devices as indicated by device ID 901, namely the television receiver 101 (AB-C1000) and the wireless terminal 102 (DF-2000F), which are registered as devices.

[0184] Similarly, for the user with user ID 801 "00000102", it is assumed that wireless terminal 103 (GH-10000) is registered as equipment. Password 802 may be different from the password used for user authentication.

[0185] Device ID 901 can also use device-specific information such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address. Furthermore, it is possible to pre-associate information such as the types of playable content and video processing capacity resources with the device ID and store it in a database.

[0186] <Examples of network terminal system operation> Next, the operation of the network terminal system in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 10 to 21. Here, the wireless terminals 102 and 103 are used as operating terminals, and the operation of distributing content from the content distribution server 106 to the television receiver 101 and displaying the content on the television receiver 101 will be described.

[0187] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the wireless terminal 102 and television receiver 101 in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1. This figure 10 shows an example of information exchange between the wireless terminal 102 and the television receiver 101 when the wireless terminal 102 connects to the television receiver 101.

[0188] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the wireless terminal 102 in the network terminal system of Figure 1. Figure 11(a) shows an example of the menu screen of the wireless terminal 102, and Figure 11(b) shows an example of the connected device list display screen of the wireless terminal 102.

[0189] First, in Figure 10, when the TV operation app 1102 displayed on the menu screen 1101 in Figure 11(a) is tapped, the various application units 608 of the wireless terminal 102 receive a command to launch an app from the input unit 311 and launch the "TV operation app" app (step S1001).

[0190] When the "TV Operation App" is launched, the display unit 308 of the wireless terminal 102 displays a device list 1103 as shown in Figure 11(b) (step S1002). In Figure 11(b), if any devices connected to the network are found, they are displayed in the device list 1103 regardless of whether they are authenticated or not, and the found devices are saved in the storage 304 along with their authentication or unauthentication information.

[0191] In Figure 11(b), the device list 1103 displays, for example, "TV1 Certified" as display 1106 and "Do not connect to TV" as display 1107, indicating that "TV1" is a certified device. Display 1107, "Do not connect to TV," is the option to select when using the wireless terminal alone without performing authentication with the device. Here, TV1 refers to the television receiver 101.

[0192] The wireless terminal 102 displays "Authenticated" as shown in Figure 11(b) for devices connected to the network that have already been authenticated by the connected device authentication unit 501, i.e., devices whose device ID is registered in the device authentication information, and displays "Unauthenticated" for unauthenticated devices, i.e., devices whose device ID is not registered.

[0193] Figure 11(b) shows an example of the display when "TV1 display" has already been authenticated on the wireless terminal 102. A check mark 1105 is displayed on the selected device, allowing the user to identify which device is selected. The edit button 1104 is used to delete or add connected devices.

[0194] In Figure 11(b), when the input unit 311 selects the device to be connected, the connection device authentication unit 601 of the wireless terminal 102 transmits the connection device authentication information, which has been registered in various data in advance, to the connection device authentication unit 501 of the television receiver 101 via the communication I / F 309 and communication I / F 212 in order to receive authentication from the television receiver 101 (step S1003). Here, the case in which the television receiver 101 is selected in the process of step S1003 will be explained as an example.

[0195] When the TV receiver 101's connection device authentication unit 501 receives connection device authentication information from the wireless terminal 102, it compares the authentication information stored in various data with the authentication information transmitted from the wireless terminal 102. If the authentication information matches (step S1004: YES), it checks whether there is already an authenticated user (step S1005).

[0196] If no authenticated users exist (step S1005: NO), the connection to the wireless terminal 102 is permitted (step S1006). Once authentication of the wireless terminal 102 is complete, the account management unit 509 sets the wireless terminal 102 as an authenticated user.

[0197] If the authentication information does not match (step S1004: NO), an error message is sent to the user of the wireless terminal 102. If the authentication information does not match, a message prompting the user to re-enter the information may be displayed.

[0198] Furthermore, if there is already an authenticated user (step S1005: YES), a message can be sent to prioritize the previously authenticated wireless terminal and discontinue the use of wireless terminal 102.

[0199] If there is no response at this point, such as the TV receiver 101 being powered off, the device authentication can be performed again in step S1003 by adding a power-on command to activate the TV receiver 101. This process allows for limiting the devices that can remotely control the TV receiver 101, thereby enhancing security. Furthermore, if connecting to the same device as the previous time, step S1002 can be omitted by performing authentication automatically.

[0200] Next, when the wireless terminal 102 is notified of connection permission in step S1006, the user profile generation unit 609 of the wireless terminal 102 generates user profile information for the wireless terminal 102 (step S1007) and transmits the profile information to the television receiver 101 (step S1008).

[0201] The television receiver 101 associates the received profile information with the authenticated user count from the process in step S1004 and saves it as user profile information for the wireless terminal 102 in the various data of the storage 216 (step S1009).

[0202] Next, we will explain the case where the device connection between the wireless terminal 102 and the television receiver 101 is terminated after the television receiver 101 has been operated using the wireless terminal 102.

[0203] When the user taps the "End" button (not shown) displayed on the display unit 308 of the wireless terminal 102, it sends operation information to the television receiver 101 indicating the termination of the device connection (step S1010). The television receiver 101 erases the user profile information acquired from the wireless terminal 102 (step S1011), sends a device connection termination message to the wireless terminal 102, and logs out (step S1012).

[0204] Here, as explained in Figures 8(a) and (b), the user profile information includes authentication information such as user ID 801 and password 802, setting parameter information such as menus 804, application type 805 which is a preferred app, downloaded content 806 which is a preferred content, and device type information 807.

[0205] Furthermore, by independently storing this information in correspondence with the device authentication information of the wireless terminal 102, the settings, device status, etc., can be used in the same state as the wireless terminal 102 when the television receiver 101 is used continuously.

[0206] Furthermore, if the profile information saved in step S1009 is changed during operation of the television receiver 101, the updated data can be saved as the latest data. The updated profile information can also be imported into the wireless terminal 102 before terminating the device connection in step S1010.

[0207] Next, the television receiver 101 and the content distribution server 106 exchange information about the content, and the operation when the content list is displayed on the television receiver 101, as well as the operation when the content is displayed, will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0208] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the wireless terminal 102, television receiver 101, and content distribution server 106 in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0209] Figure 12 shows the sequence (S1001-S1009) in Figure 10, in which profile information is transmitted from the wireless terminal 102 to the television receiver 101 and stored, with the addition of new steps S1201-S1210.

[0210] The television receiver 101 transmits operation screen information to the wireless terminal 102 for displaying an operation screen on the display unit 308 of the wireless terminal 102 (step S1201). Based on the operation screen information, the wireless terminal 102 displays an operation screen on the display unit 308 as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of an operation screen on the wireless terminal 102 of the network terminal system in Figure 1.

[0211] As shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), the operation screen 1301 displays operation buttons 1303 and 1304 corresponding to the connected device. The connected device display 1302 shows the currently connected device.

[0212] Furthermore, by flicking the operation screen 1304 left or right, you can switch between operation screens for the operation buttons. In Figure 13(a), flicking to the left will switch to the operation screen shown in Figure 13(b). Conversely, by performing the reverse operation, you can return from Figure 13(b) to the operation screen shown in Figure 13(a).

[0213] Figure 13 shows two operation screens, but each device can have one or more operation screens. Furthermore, the button layout on the operation screens can be changed as desired, and they can be automatically or manually rearranged in order of frequency of use. The triangle mark 1305 is used to exit the operation screen; tapping the triangle mark 1305 closes the operation screen 3101 and returns to the menu screen shown in Figure 11(a).

[0214] Here, in step S1201, operation screen information is obtained from the television receiver 101, but the acquisition of operation screen information can be omitted by implementing a pre-downloaded application program on the wireless terminal 102.

[0215] In Figure 13(b), when the input unit 311 of the wireless terminal 102 taps button 1306 of the App menu on the operation screen, it sends "operation information (selection)" for button 1306 of the App menu to the television receiver 101 (step S1203).

[0216] When the control unit 214 of the television receiver 101 receives "operation information (selection)" from button 1306 of the App menu, it refers to the user profile information saved in step S1009 of Figure 10 and displays the App menu screen 1401 shown in Figure 14 on the display unit 210 based on the user settings of the wireless terminal 102.

[0217] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the App menu screen of the television receiver 101 in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0218] Although not shown in the diagram, in step S1009 of Figure 10, the application indicated by the app launch icon object in the App menu, based on the saved user profile information, may not exist in the App menu of the television receiver 101.

[0219] In this case, the content / application synchronization processing unit 510 can synchronize applications between the wireless terminal 102 and the television receiver 101 by searching for a compatible application and downloading it from the content distribution server 106.

[0220] Next, when the cursor / select button 1307 on the operation screen 1301 of the wireless terminal 102 is tapped, "operation information (selection)" is transmitted in the same manner as in step S1203, and the television receiver 101 selects, for example, the "content distribution service" icon 1402 in the App menu screen 1401 based on the received "operation information (selection)" (step S1204).

[0221] The various application units 508 of the television receiver 101 receive a command to start a browser and start the browser engine 502 (step S1205). The browser engine 502 refers to the user profile information saved in step S1009 of Figure 10 and accesses the content distribution server 106 of the content viewing portal that has been pre-configured on the wireless terminal 102.

[0222] Here, the address of the content viewing portal can be selected from a list of addresses pre-configured in the user profile information settings parameters, for example, in the "Preferences" section, or the last accessed address can be saved and accessed from that address.

[0223] The browser engine 502 then sends a request message requesting resources such as web content compliant with HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) to the content distribution server 106 from the external network 105 via the communication interface 212 and the wireless router 104.

[0224] The content delivery server 106 creates a response message corresponding to the received request message and sends it back. The returned response message is input to the browser engine 502 via the external network 105.

[0225] The response message contains an embedded HTML document. The HTML parser 503, database generation unit 504, rendering unit 505, and image processing unit 506 of the browser engine 502 work together to generate a browser display screen based on the HTML document, and display the login screen of the content viewing portal on the display unit 210 (step S1206).

[0226] The control unit 214, on the login screen displayed by the above process, notifies the browser engine 502 of the login information, including the entered username and password, using the same operation information as in step S1203, and sends the received string as a request message to the content distribution server 106 (step S1207).

[0227] The content distribution server 106 refers to the user authentication information stored in the user authentication information 407 by the user management unit 701 and authenticates the user if they are a legitimate registered user (step S1206).

[0228] In Figure 12, the login screen is displayed in step S1206, assuming that the user's authentication information is not included in the user profile information for security reasons. However, it is also possible to automatically perform authentication by referring to the user ID and password of the user profile information saved in step S1009 in Figure 10. In this case, the process in step S1206 can be omitted.

[0229] Next, once the authentication for the process in step S1208 is complete, the content management unit 702 of the content distribution server 106 sends the content list information back to the browser engine 502 as a response message (step S1209).

[0230] The content list information transmitted here is information for displaying a list of content managed by the content management unit 702, and includes information for identifying the managed content.

[0231] When the browser engine 502 receives content list information from the content management unit 702, it refers to the content ID for uniquely identifying the content, content description information (genre title, cast, content, etc.), the fee for playback and viewing the content, and the viewing period, and displays a content list display screen on the display unit 210 as shown in Figure 15 (step S1210). The content description information includes the genre title, cast, and content.

[0232] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the content list screen of the television receiver 101 of the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0233] In Figure 15, the content title display 1501 shows the content title, viewing fee, and viewing period. The back button 1503 is a button that, when tapped, returns to the previous level, allowing the user to return to the previous genre level.

[0234] Figure 15 shows that the button 1504 for Japanese films has been selected from the movie genres. The "End" button 1505 is an operation unit that instructs the user to stop watching content by tapping it.

[0235] In the screen shown in Figure 15, when the title 1502 of the content to be viewed is selected on the content list display screen based on the operation information of the wireless terminal 102, the content details display screen 1601 shown in Figure 16 is displayed.

[0236] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the content details display screen of the television receiver 101 of the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0237] In Figure 16, the content details section 1602 displays the title, cast, and content details. The preview button 1604 is an operation unit that instructs the user to display a portion of the content so that they can check a part of the content before purchasing it. The index screen 1603 is a still image representing a scene from the content, and by selecting the preview button 1604, a portion of the content can be displayed as a video.

[0238] The purchase buttons 1605a and 1605b are the control buttons for selecting and purchasing content. In Figure 16, there are purchase buttons 1605a and 1605b, each associated with HD (High Definition) and SD (Standard Definition) quality content, respectively, for selecting and purchasing content. The back button 1606 is the control button for returning to the content list display screen in Figure 15, that is, for switching the display to the content list display screen.

[0239] In the content details display screen shown in Figure 16, when either the purchase button 1605a or 1605b is selected based on the operation information of the wireless terminal 102 (step S1211), the control unit 214 transmits content selection information to the content distribution server 106 (step S1212).

[0240] Content selection information includes information that identifies the desired content and, if necessary, information that identifies whether the desired content is in HD or SD quality.

[0241] The content distribution server 106 generates key information for decrypting the content identified based on the content selection information and transmits the key information to the television receiver 101 (step S1213).

[0242] The key information consists of a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted content, as well as a content ID, expiration date, or number of uses for each piece of content. Note that the step of transmitting this key information (step S1213) is only required if the content requires encryption; it may be omitted if encryption is not required.

[0243] The television receiver 101 receives key information from the content distribution server 106, and once it is ready to receive the content, it sends a request to start content distribution (step S1214). Upon receiving the request to start distribution from the television receiver 101, the content distribution unit 703 of the content distribution server 106 starts distributing content to the television receiver 101 (step S1215).

[0244] In the screen shown in Figure 11(b), when the user taps "Play" on the operation screen 1213 via the input unit 311 (step S1216), the wireless terminal 102 transmits operation information ((Play)) to the television receiver 101 (step S1217).

[0245] Upon receiving operation information (playback), the television receiver 101 performs content playback processing on the content playback unit 507. If a decryption key is available, it is used to decrypt the encrypted content information and start playback of the content (step S1218).

[0246] In the operation screen shown in Figure 13(b), if the stop operation button on operation screen 1304 is selected (step S1219), the wireless terminal 102 transmits operation information (stop) to the television receiver 101 (step S1220), and the television receiver 101 transmits a distribution stop request to the content distribution server 106 (step S1221).

[0247] When the content distribution server 106 receives a request to stop distribution from the television receiver 101, or when the content distribution server 106 detects the end of the content (step S1222), it stops distributing the content (step S1223) and sends a content distribution termination notice to the television receiver 101 (step S1224).

[0248] When the television receiver 101 receives a notification that content distribution has ended, it stops playing the content (step S1225). Here, the television receiver 101 may also be configured to return to the state before content playback started after stopping playback in step S1219.

[0249] Furthermore, if playback is stopped after processing in step S1219, information about the content playback stop position is saved as resume information in the user profile information of the wireless terminal 102 in storage 216.

[0250] Then, when playback is initiated again via the wireless terminal 102 and playback of the same content is resumed by the same user, the content playback unit 507 of the television receiver 101 can obtain the playback stop position data from the resume information and resume playback using that as the playback start position.

[0251] Alternatively, the content distribution server 106 can store information about the content playback stop position. In this case, the content distribution server 106 transmits the content playback stop position information along with the content information during the processing of step S1215.

[0252] As a result, the television receiver 101 can start distribution from a playback start position calculated based on the playback stop position information obtained from the content distribution server 106 along with the content information.

[0253] Furthermore, while we have described the operation flow when receiving content from the content distribution server 106 and playing the content, it is also possible to acquire and store all of the content data at the timing of step S1215 in Figure 12, and then play the content after the storage is complete. In this case, the processes of steps S1222 and S1223 in Figure 12 become unnecessary.

[0254] Furthermore, in step S1213, when transmitting key information, the television receiver 101 can also store the key information received from the content distribution server 106 in the storage 216. Alternatively, the key information can be discarded each time, and the key information can be retrieved from the content distribution server at the time of processing in step S1218 each time content is played.

[0255] Furthermore, if the user wants to play part of the content downloaded from the content distribution server 106 on the wireless terminal 102 and then continue playing it on the television receiver 101, the content / app synchronization processing unit 510 of the television receiver 101 can synchronize the downloaded content between the wireless terminal 102 and the television receiver 101 based on the user profile information.

[0256] In this case, when the wireless terminal 102 is used independently, the content playback unit 607 performs content playback processing, similar to the content playback unit 507 of the television receiver 101.

[0257] Next, the operation when wireless terminals 102 and 103 simultaneously access the television receiver 101, when the television receiver 101 and the content distribution server 106 exchange content information, and when the content list is displayed on the television receiver 101 will be explained with reference to Figure 17.

[0258] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the wireless terminals 102 and 103, the television receiver 101, and the content distribution server 106 in the network terminal system shown in Figure 1.

[0259] Figure 17 shows a sequence that adds the operation of the wireless terminal 103 to the operation of the wireless terminal 102, television receiver 101, and content distribution server 106 shown in Figure 12.

[0260] First, following the processing of steps S1001 to S1009 of the sequence in Figure 10, in which the wireless terminal 102 transmits profile information to the television receiver 101 and stores it, in step S1201, the television receiver 101 transmits operation screen information to the wireless terminal 102 to display the operation screen on the display unit 308 of the wireless terminal 102 (step S1201).

[0261] In step S1202, the wireless terminal 102 displays the operation screen shown in Figure 13 on the display unit 308 based on the operation screen information. Figure 13 shows an example of the operation screen display of the wireless terminal 102. As Figure 13 has been described above, its explanation will be omitted.

[0262] Similarly, following the processing in steps S1001 to S1009 of the sequence in Figure 10 in which the wireless terminal 103 transmits and stores profile information to the television receiver 101, in step S1701, the television receiver 101 transmits operation screen information to the wireless terminal 103 to display an operation screen on the display unit 308 of the wireless terminal 103 (step S1201). In step S1702, the wireless terminal 103 displays an operation screen on the display unit 308 based on the operation screen information, as shown in Figure 13.

[0263] Based on the sequence of operations so far, the television receiver 101 can identify that the wireless terminals 102 and 103 are in a state where they can access the television receiver 101 simultaneously.

[0264] Here, assume that the cursor / decision button 1307 on the operation screen 1301 of any one of the wireless terminals that can access the TV receiver 101 simultaneously is tapped. In FIG. 17, it is assumed that the cursor / decision button 1307 on the operation screen 1301 of the wireless terminal 102 is tapped in the process of step S1203, and the following description will continue.

[0265] When the cursor / decision button 1307 on the operation screen 1301 of the wireless terminal 102 is tapped, "operation information (selection)" is transmitted in the same manner as the process of step S1203, and the TV receiver 101 displays the login screen of the content viewing portal on the display unit 210 according to the processes of steps S1204 to S1206 of the operation sequence shown in FIG. 12.

[0266] The control unit 214 notifies the browser engine 502 of the login information of the user name and password input from the wireless terminal 102 with the same operation information as in the process of step S1203 on the login screen displayed by the above process, and transmits the received character string to the content distribution server 106 as a request message (step S1207).

[0267] The content distribution server 106 refers to the user authentication information stored in the user authentication information 407 by the user management unit 701, and authenticates the user if it is a regular registered user (step S1208).

[0268] When the authentication in the process of step S1208 is completed, the content management unit 702 of the content distribution server 106 returns the content list information that can be viewed by the user of the wireless terminal 102 to the browser engine 502 as a response message (step S1209).

[0269] Subsequently, the TV receiver 101 displays a login screen similar to that in step S1206 for the wireless terminal 103 (step S1703). The control unit 214 notifies the browser engine 502 of the login information including the username and password input from the wireless terminal 103 based on the operation information similar to that in step S1203 on the login screen displayed by the same process as above, and transmits the received string as a request message to the content distribution server 106 (step S1705).

[0270] The content distribution server 106 refers to the user authentication information stored in the user authentication information 407 by the user management unit 701, and authenticates the user if the user is a regular registered user (step S1706).

[0271] When the authentication in step S1706 is completed, the content management unit 702 of the content distribution server 106 returns the list information of the contents that the user of the wireless terminal 103 can view to the browser engine 502 as a response message (step S1707).

[0272] The TV receiver 101 repeats the operation sequence of the processes in steps S1703 to S1707 for all wireless terminals that are in a simultaneously accessible state and have not yet logged in.

[0273] Note that the TV receiver 101 may temporarily store the login information including the username and password input from the wireless terminals 102 and 103 in the memory 215, and after the input from the wireless terminals 102 and 103 is completed, sequentially transmit all the login information stored in the memory 215 to the content distribution server 106.

[0274] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the login completion notification screen displayed on the TV receiver.

[0275] The television receiver 101 may display a login completion notification screen 1801, as shown in Figure 18, each time user authentication is completed by the content distribution server 106, that is, after the processing in step S1208 and the processing in step S1706, respectively.

[0276] In this case, the notification message displayed may include message 1802, which notifies the name of the newly logged-in user, and message 1803, which notifies the names of all logged-in user names.

[0277] Next, the control unit 214 of the television receiver 101 creates an integrated content list (step S1708) and displays the integrated content list display screen on the display unit 210 (step S1709). The integrated content list combines the content list information that can be viewed by the user of the wireless terminal 102, which was transmitted by the process in step S1209, and the content list information that can be viewed by the user of the wireless terminal 103, which was transmitted by the process in step S1407.

[0278] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the integrated content list display screen 1901 shown on the television receiver 101.

[0279] The integrated content list display screen 1901 may include the title name 1902 and the username name 1903, as shown in Figure 19, so that it is clear which title corresponds to which username.

[0280] In the example of the integrated content list display screen 1901, the display 1904 for titles 1-3 indicates that the content is viewable by user name: T.Matsu, and the display 1905 for titles 4 and 5 indicates that the content is viewable by user name: M.Kage. User name: T.Matsu is a user of wireless terminal 102, and user name: M.Kage is a user of wireless terminal 103 and television receiver 101.

[0281] Furthermore, before the television receiver 101 integrates the content list information in step S1708, it may display a sorting selection screen 2001 as shown in Figure 20, allowing the wireless terminal 102 or wireless terminal 103 to select whether to display it as display 2004 or display 2005.

[0282] Display 2004 generates and displays a list sorted according to the order of title names, such as alphabetically. Display 2005 generates and displays a list sorted according to the order of usernames, such as alphabetically.

[0283] At this time, a message 2002 indicating all logged-in usernames, i.e., usernames whose content will be integrated, and a message 2003 explaining the operation of the television receiver 101, which states that "the content available to each user will be displayed together in a list," may be displayed.

[0284] If, after each user has operated the television receiver 101 via the wireless terminals 102 and 103, they wish to terminate the device connection between the wireless terminals 102 and 103 and the television receiver 101, they can simply log out one by one according to the operation sequence shown in Figure 10, which consists of steps S1010 to S1012.

[0285] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the logout notification screen displayed on the television receiver 101.

[0286] When wireless terminals 102 and 103 log out, they may display a logout notification screen 2101 on the television receiver 101, as shown in Figure 21, and a message 2102 indicating which user logged out.

[0287] Also, when a user (M.Kage) is viewing content associated with their account, as shown by the display 1905 of the titles 4 and 5 in FIG. 19, if that user (M.Kage) logs out, the television receiver 101 may send a distribution stop request (step S1221) to the content distribution server 106, and make the content immediately unavailable for viewing.

[0288] Alternatively, for example, the television receiver 101 may control so that a certain period, such as the period until the end of the content or the period until the power of the television receiver 101 is turned off, can continue to be viewed.

[0289] That is, until these certain periods pass, the television receiver 101 may not send a distribution stop request (step S1221) to the content distribution server 106. Also, for a certain period after that user (M.Kage) logs out, for example, 24 hours, the content may be repeatedly viewed as many times as desired.

[0290] That is, during that certain period, the television receiver 101 may continue to hold the login information (username and password) of the logged-out user (M.Kage) in the memory 215, and in the process of step S1705 shown in FIG. 17, may send the login information regarding the logged-out user (M.Kage).

[0291] At this time, as shown in FIG. 21, a message 2103 indicating the period during which the content can be viewed may be displayed.

[0292] As described above, when multiple users use their respective wireless terminals 102 and 103 to share and simultaneously log in to the television receiver 101, the lists of content associated with each user's account can be integrated and displayed together.

[0293] Thereby, the usability of the network terminal system can be improved.

[0294] (Embodiment 2) <overview> In this second embodiment, wireless terminals 102 and 103 simultaneously log in to the content distribution server 106 via the television receiver 101, thereby enabling them to obtain value-added services, i.e., value-added services, from the content distribution server 106.

[0295] It should be noted that value-added services are expected to be prepared in advance by the service providers who provide the content.

[0296] <Examples of network terminal system operation> Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the network terminal system according to this second embodiment.

[0297] In this second embodiment, we will highlight the differences compared to the first embodiment. The network terminal system configuration, the software configuration of the television receiver 101, and the software configuration of the wireless terminal 102 are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will omit their explanation.

[0298] Figure 22 is a flowchart corresponding to Figure 17 of Embodiment 1, and the differences between it and Embodiment 1 will be highlighted in the following explanation.

[0299] In the flowchart shown in Figure 22, the processes in step S2202 and step S2205 differ significantly from the operation sequence shown in Figure 17.

[0300] Step S2202 involves sending the integrated login information, described later, from the television receiver 101 to the content distribution server 106. Step S2205 involves the content distribution server 106 creating an integrated service menu.

[0301] In Figure 22, first, following the sequence in Figure 10, which is steps S1001 to S1009, in which the wireless terminal 102 transmits profile information to the television receiver 101 and stores it, in step S1201, the television receiver 101 transmits operation screen information to the wireless terminal 102 for displaying the operation screen on the display unit 308 of the wireless terminal 102 (step S1201).

[0302] In step S1202, the wireless terminal 102 displays an operation screen on the display unit 308 as shown in Figure 13, based on the operation screen information. Also, following steps S1001 to S1009, which are the sequence in Figure 10 in which profile information is transmitted to and stored by the television receiver 101 from the wireless terminal 103, in step S1701, the television receiver 101 transmits operation screen information to the wireless terminal 103 for displaying the operation screen on the display unit 308 of the wireless terminal 103 (step S1701). In step S1702, the wireless terminal 103 displays an operation screen on the display unit 308 as shown in Figure 13, based on the operation screen information.

[0303] When the cursor / select button 1307 on the operation screen 1301 of the wireless terminal 102 is tapped, "operation information (selection)" is transmitted in the same manner as in step S1203, and the television receiver 101 displays the content viewing portal login screen on the display unit 210 according to the operation sequence of steps S1204 to S1206 shown in Figure 12.

[0304] The control unit 214, using the same operation information as in step S1203, temporarily stores the login information, including the username and password entered from the wireless terminal 102, into the memory 215 on the login screen displayed by the above process.

[0305] Similarly, the television receiver 101 displays a login screen for the wireless terminal 103, similar to the process in step S1206 (step S1703). The control unit 214, using the same operation information as in step S1203 (step S1704), temporarily stores the login information, including the username and password entered from the wireless terminal 103, into the memory 215 on the login screen displayed by the same process as described above.

[0306] Next, the television receiver 101 generates integrated login information (step S2201) and sends it to the content distribution server 106 (step S2202).

[0307] <Example of integrated login information> Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of integrated login information 2301 generated by the processing in step S2201 of Figure 22.

[0308] As shown in Figure 23, the integrated login information 2301 has a flag 2302 and login information 2303 and 2304. Flag 2302 is a flag that distinguishes it from general login information. Login information 2303 and 2304 are login information for all users attempting to log in simultaneously. In this case, login information 2303 is the login information for wireless terminal 102, and login information 2303 is the login information for wireless terminal 103.

[0309] Upon receiving the integrated login information 2301, the content distribution server 106 refers to the user authentication information stored in the user authentication information 407 by the user management unit 701 and authenticates all users included in the integrated login information if they are legitimate registered users. Specifically, user authentication is performed for the wireless terminal 102 in step S2203 and for the wireless terminal 103 in step S2204.

[0310] After all user authentication is complete, the content distribution server 106 generates integrated service information (step S2205) and transmits the integrated service information to the television receiver 101 (step S2206). At this time, the content of the integrated service may be changed according to the number of users included in the integrated login information.

[0311] The television receiver 101 displays the integrated service display screen 2401 shown in Figure 24, which is generated based on the received integrated service information (step S2207).

[0312] <Example of the integrated service display screen> Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the integrated service display screen after processing in step S2207 of Figure 22.

[0313] The integrated service display screen 2401 may include a message 2402 indicating the added value obtained when wireless terminals 102 and 103 simultaneously log in to the content distribution server via the same television receiver 101.

[0314] The example shown in Figure 24 demonstrates that, as an added value, users can access premium titles—content that is not normally viewable when logged in using only a single wireless device.

[0315] Furthermore, the integrated service information transmitted from the content distribution server 106 includes content list information 2403, and a message 2404 is displayed indicating that Title 1 in the content list information 2403 is a newly available premium title.

[0316] In this case, the content distribution server 106 may generate content list information 2403 so that premium titles are displayed higher than regular titles. Alternatively, the television receiver 101 may sort and display the content list information 2403 so that premium titles are displayed higher than regular titles.

[0317] <Other examples of the integrated service display screen> Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display on the integrated service display screen resulting from the processing in step S2207 of Figure 22.

[0318] The integrated service display screen 2501 shown in Figure 25 may include a message 2502 indicating the added value obtained when wireless terminals 102 and 103 simultaneously log in to the content distribution server via the same television receiver 101.

[0319] The example shown in Figure 25 demonstrates that, as an added value, users can view paid content at a lower cost than they would normally pay when logged in using only a single wireless terminal.

[0320] Furthermore, the integrated service information sent from the content distribution server 106 includes content list information 2503, and message 2504 is displayed in content list information 2503.

[0321] Message 2504 indicates that viewing Titles 1 through 4 in HD quality will cost the same as viewing them in SD quality (for example, 300 yen).

[0322] In this case, the content distribution server 106 may generate the content list information 2403 in such a way that it is clear which content has been changed, by highlighting the changed content with blinking or bold text, or by displaying the content before and after the change side by side.

[0323] In the case of Figure 25, the part that shows the changed content is, for example, the HD viewing fee, and the content before and after the change corresponds to the display of ¥500 → ¥300.

[0324] As a result, by sending integrated login information—which combines the login information of multiple users into a single login—to the content delivery server, users can access special services that they cannot obtain individually, namely integrated services.

[0325] This can increase the added value of network terminal systems.

[0326] (Embodiment 3) <overview> In this third embodiment, we will describe an example in which multiple wireless terminals simultaneously log in to a content distribution server via the same television receiver, thereby enabling the content distribution server to provide value-added services. In particular, we will describe a value-added service where the billing process is enhanced.

[0327] This value-added service allows multiple users to share the cost of viewing or using content; in other words, it's a split-the-bill service.

[0328] It should be noted that this value-added service is expected to be prepared in advance by the service provider that delivers the content.

[0329] <Examples of network terminal system operation> Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the network terminal system according to this third embodiment.

[0330] In Figure 26, the operations shown in Figure 22 of Embodiment 2, from step S1011 when wireless terminals 102 and 103 begin processing, to steps S2203 and S2204 when user authentication is performed, are identical (common). Then, the operations from step S2205 onwards for creating integrated service information shown in Figure 22 are replaced with the operations from step S2601 onwards for creating integrated service information shown in Figure 26.

[0331] In Figure 26, the content distribution server 106 generates integrated service information regarding billing (step S2601) and transmits it to the television receiver 101 (step S2602). Based on the received integrated service information, the television receiver 101 generates and displays a billing menu display screen (step S2603).

[0332] <Example of the billing menu display screen> Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the billing menu display screen 2701 after the processing in step S2603 of Figure 26.

[0333] The billing menu display screen 2701 may include a message 2702 indicating the added value obtained by wireless terminals 102 and 103 simultaneously logging into the content distribution server 106 via the same television receiver 101.

[0334] Figure 27 shows an example of a value-added service: the viewing fee can be split, or shared, between the users (T. Matsu and M. Kage) of wireless terminals 102 and 103 who are logged into the television receiver 101.

[0335] Furthermore, the integrated service information sent from the content distribution server (106) includes content list information 2703, and displays message 2704 indicating the viewing fee when title 1 is split among multiple viewers.

[0336] Furthermore, the billing menu display screen 2701 may include messages 2705 and 2706 that show the breakdown of how users share the charges. Alternatively, the billing menu display screen 2701 may be configured to display multiple messages 2705 and 2706 showing different payment breakdowns as options, allowing the user to select a payment breakdown from among these options. In that case, the details of the payment breakdown for each option 2707 and 2708 may be displayed.

[0337] In Figure 26, the television receiver 101 displays the billing menu screen in step S2603 described above, and then transmits the respective operation screen information to each wireless terminal 102, 103 (steps S2604, S2605).

[0338] Each wireless terminal 102, 103 displays its respective operation screen on its respective display unit 308 (steps S2606, S2607).

[0339] <Example of the operation screen display> Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation screen during the processing of steps S2606 and S2607 in Figure 26.

[0340] Figure 28(a) shows an example of the display of the operation screen 2801a on the wireless terminal 102, and Figure 28(b) shows an example of the display of the operation screen 2801a on the wireless terminal 103.

[0341] In Figure 28(a), the operation screen 2801a may include a message 2802a indicating that it contains the same content as the content list information 2703 displayed on the television receiver 101.

[0342] Alternatively, the user interface 2801a may be configured to display a message 2803a prompting approval for splitting the bill, as well as options 2806a to indicate approval and options 2807a to indicate rejection, allowing each user to make a selection.

[0343] Furthermore, an option 2808a to change the amount to be shared may be displayed, and when the user taps this option 2808a, the user of the wireless terminal 102 (T. Matsu) may enter the amount to be paid from the operation screen 1301) shown in Figure 13(a), for example.

[0344] The example in operation screen 2801a shows the situation after tapping option 2808a and entering the payment amount using a method not shown.

[0345] Message 2804a, indicating the amount payable by the user of wireless terminal 102 (T. Matsu) (¥3,000), and message 2805a, indicating the amount payable by the user of wireless terminal 103 (M. Kage) (¥2,000), are displayed.

[0346] In this case, the amount to be paid by the user of wireless terminal 102 (T. Matsu) may be highlighted to distinguish it from the amount to be paid by users other than wireless terminal 102. Alternatively, for example, the fee to be paid by the user displayed at the bottom, (M. Kage) in the example of Figure 28(a), may be automatically calculated to be the remaining amount after subtracting the total amount paid by other users from the viewing fee for title 1 (¥5,000), and message 2805a may be displayed.

[0347] Next, in Figure 28(b), the messages 2802b, 2803b, 2806b, 2807b, and 2808b displayed on the operation screen 2801b are identical in content to the messages 2802a, 2803a, 2806a, 2807a, and 2808a displayed on the operation screen 2801a shown in Figure 28(a), respectively.

[0348] On the other hand, message 2804b, which indicates the amount to be paid by the user of wireless terminal 103 (M. Kage) (¥2,000), is displayed higher in the list, while message 2805b, which indicates the amount to be paid by another user (T. Matsu) (¥3,000), is displayed lower in the list.

[0349] In other words, the display order may be sorted so that the amount paid by each wireless terminal 102 and 103 is at the top, and then displayed on each operation screen.

[0350] As a result, by sending a unified login information, which combines the login information of multiple users into a single login, to the content distribution server, it becomes possible for multiple users to share the cost of viewing paid content.

[0351] This will further improve the convenience of network terminal systems.

[0352] (Embodiment 4) <overview> In this fourth embodiment, we will describe the initial settings for each wireless terminal 102, 103 user to pre-set whether or not content sharing and splitting of viewing fees are permitted in each operation described in embodiments 1 to 4, that is, each operation in which wireless terminals 102, 103 simultaneously access the television receiver 101.

[0353] Hereafter, we will refer to sharing content with other users or splitting viewing fees as "viewing sharing."

[0354] <Example of initial settings> Figure 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of initial setup information in wireless terminals 102 and 103 according to this embodiment 4.

[0355] Initial setup information is stored in the storage 304 shown in Figure 3, which is located in the wireless terminals 102 and 103. It is also assumed that each user will configure the initial setup information using the wireless terminals 102 and 103.

[0356] Figure 29(a) shows an example of initial setup information where viewing sharing is enabled or disabled 2902 for each service category 2901. Service category 2901 includes identification information to distinguish each service.

[0357] Furthermore, the viewing share option 2902 includes a flag to indicate whether viewing share is permitted (permitted) or not (not permitted). In the example shown in Figure 29(a), it indicates that viewing share is permitted for general movies and games, but viewing share is not permitted for R18-rated movies, i.e., movies containing content inappropriate for minors under 18.

[0358] Figure 29(b) shows an example of initial settings where viewing sharing is enabled or disabled for each content or app category 2903.

[0359] The content and app classification 2903 includes identification information to distinguish each provider. Additionally, the viewing share eligibility 2904 includes a flag to indicate whether viewing share is permitted (yes) or not (no).

[0360] In the example shown in Figure 29(b), it is indicated that viewing sharing is permitted for content with titles A and C, but not for content with title B.

[0361] Figure 29(c) shows an example of initial settings where viewing sharing is enabled or disabled for each provider category 2905, such as content providers and network providers.

[0362] Provider classification 2905 includes identification information to distinguish each provider. Additionally, viewing sharing permission 2906 includes a flag to indicate whether viewing sharing is permitted (permitted) or not (not permitted).

[0363] In the example shown in Figure 29(c), it is indicated that viewing sharing is permitted for content and apps provided by companies A and C, but not for content and apps provided by company B.

[0364] Figure 29(d) shows an example of initial settings where viewing sharing is enabled or disabled (2906) for each billing category (2907).

[0365] The content and app classification 2907 includes identification information to distinguish each provider. Additionally, the viewing share eligibility 2908 includes a flag to indicate whether viewing share is permitted (yes) or not (no).

[0366] In the example shown in Figure 29(d), it is indicated that viewing is permitted for content and apps where companies A and C are the paying customers, but viewing is not permitted for content and apps where company B is the paying customer.

[0367] Furthermore, the service category 2901 shown in Figure 29(a) and the content / app category 2903 shown in Figure 29(b) may be extracted by the television receiver 101 from the electronic program guide (EPG) associated with each content sent from the content distribution server 106 and transmitted to the wireless terminal 102, or they may be extracted by the wireless terminal 102.

[0368] In this way, the service category 2901 or content / app category 2903 extracted from each piece of content may be compared with the service category 2901 or content / app category 2903 stored in storage 304), and if the service category 2901 or content / app category 2903 extracted from each piece of content is not stored in storage 304, it may be added to storage 304.

[0369] Furthermore, the provider category 2905 shown in Figure 29(c) and the billing destination category 2907 shown in Figure 29(d) may be added to the storage 304 when a contract is made with a new provider or billing destination using the wireless terminal 102.

[0370] The wireless terminal 102 stores and retains this initial setup information in each storage 304, and the user profile generation unit 609 generates user profile information for the wireless terminal 102 (step S1007 in Figure 10). Then, it transmits the profile information to the television receiver 101 (step S1008 in Figure 10). The wireless terminal 103 performs the same operation.

[0371] The television receiver 101 refers to the content of the profile information transmitted regarding whether viewing is shareable (2902, 2904, 2906, 2908) and displays only the content that matches the "viewing shareable" condition on the aforementioned content list display screens 1501, 1901, integrated service display screens 2401, 2501, and billing menu display screen 2701. In addition, content that does not match the "viewing share not" condition is not displayed on the respective screens 1501, 1901, 2401, 2501, and 2701.

[0372] <Example of initial setup screen display> Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the initial setup screen displayed on the wireless terminal 102.

[0373] In Figure 30(a), the initial setup screen 3001 displays options 3002, 3003, 3004, and 3005 for selecting which initial setup to perform from the initial setup information shown in Figures 29(a), 29(b), 29(c), and 29(d).

[0374] In other words, option 3002 is an option to switch to the screen for initial setup shown in Figure 29(a), and option 3003 is an option to switch to the screen for initial setup shown in Figure 29(b).

[0375] Furthermore, option 3004 is an option to switch to the screen for initial setup shown in Figure 29(c), and option 3005 is an option to switch to the screen for initial setup shown in Figure 29(d).

[0376] The initial setup screen 3001 may display an option 3006 to return to the screen before entering the initial setup screen 3001. When the user of the wireless terminal 102 taps and selects option 3002 shown in Figure 30(a), the wireless terminal 102 displays, for example, the initial setup screen 3007 shown in Figure 30(b).

[0377] In Figure 30(b), the initial setup screen 3007 is the screen for performing the initial setup shown in Figure 29(a), and displays options 3008, 3009, and 3010, respectively.

[0378] Option 3008 selects whether or not to allow viewing sharing of general movies, according to the pre-set service category 2901. Option 3009 selects whether or not to allow viewing sharing of R18-rated movies, and option 3010 selects whether or not to allow viewing sharing of games.

[0379] These options 3008, 3009, and 3010 are each accompanied by an option 3011 for selecting either "viewing shareable" or "viewing share not available." The user of the wireless terminal 102 taps one of these options to make a selection, and the result of that selection is displayed in option 3011.

[0380] Alternatively, the initial setup screen 3007 may display an option 3012 to return to the screen before entering this initial setup screen 3007, i.e., the initial setup screen 3001.

[0381] Note that the initial setup screen and its operation displayed when the user selects options 3003, 3004, or 3005 in the initial setup screen 3001 shown in Figure 30(a) are the same as the initial setup screen and its operation explained using Figure 30(b), so their illustration and explanation are omitted.

[0382] As described above, when multiple users perform "viewing sharing," by storing flag information indicating whether viewing sharing is permitted for each category on each user's wireless terminal, it is possible for multiple users to share and view only the content of the categories they wish to share, without disclosing the content of categories they do not wish to share (such as titles or content names) to other users.

[0383] (Embodiment 5) <overview> In this embodiment, we will describe a technique in which some of the operations (steps S1001 to S1002) of the operations (steps S1001 to S1009 in Figure 10) for exchanging information between the wireless terminal 102 and the television receiver 101 shown in Figure 10 are replaced with the operations described below (steps S3101 to S3104).

[0384] <Examples of network terminal system operation> Figure 31 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the network terminal system according to this embodiment 5.

[0385] The operation shown in Figure 31 is the same as described above, but with steps S1001 to S1002 of the operation (steps S1001 to S1009) in Figure 10 where information is exchanged between the wireless terminal 102 and the television receiver 101, replaced by steps S3101 to S3104 in Figure 31. The configuration of the network terminal system is the same as in Figure 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0386] In Figure 31, the television receiver 101 starts up the "Terminal Search App," which acts as a terminal detection unit (step S3101). This "Terminal Search App" is stored in storage 216 and is an application program that broadcasts a connection request (step S3102) to search for wireless terminals within the same local network that can be accessed via the wireless router 104. The "Terminal Search App" is started by a timer (not shown) provided by the television receiver 101. The start is periodic, for example, once every few minutes.

[0387] Note that the "Terminal Search App" can be implemented using commonly known technologies, therefore, illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted. This connection request may include information that allows the user to identify the device that made the connection request, as well as a device ID. The information that allows identification may be, for example, the model name of the television receiver 101 (AB-C1000), and the device ID may be, for example, 3D:4F:1E:00:xx:xx.

[0388] Upon receiving a connection request, the wireless terminal 102 determines in step S3103 whether it is already connected to the television receiver 101. If it is already connected (YES), it sends a connection status response to the television receiver 101 indicating that it is connected, and then terminates its operation.

[0389] On the other hand, if the connection is not established (NO), the display unit 308 displays a network connection confirmation screen to ask the user whether it is OK to connect (step S3104).

[0390] Figure 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the network connection confirmation screen 3201 in step 3104 of Figure 31. This Figure 32 shows an example of the display of the network connection confirmation screen 3201 on, for example, a wireless terminal 102.

[0391] The network connection confirmation screen 3201 includes a message 3202 indicating that a connection request has been received from the television receiver, an option 3203 indicating to "accept the connection", and an option 3204 indicating to "reject the connection".

[0392] Message 3202 may also include information that allows the user to identify the device that initiated the connection request, such as the model name (AB-C1000) and device ID (3D:4F:1E:00:xx:xx) of the television receiver 101 mentioned above.

[0393] If the user selects option 3203 indicating "approval" by tapping or other means (step S3104: YES), the process in step S1003 is carried out. On the other hand, if the user selects option 3204 indicating "rejection" (step S3104: NO), a connection request rejection response is sent back to the television receiver 101 and the operation ends.

[0394] The processes in steps S1003 to S1009 shown in Figure 31 are identical to the processes in steps S1003 to S1009 shown in Figure 10, and have already been explained, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0395] Furthermore, in response to the wireless terminal 102 that has sent a connection request rejection response, the television receiver 101 may be controlled to prevent it from issuing a connection request in the process of step S3102 for a certain period of time, for example, one hour.

[0396] Alternatively, the wireless terminal 102 that has sent back a connection request rejection response may be controlled to automatically send back a connection rejection request for a certain period of time, for example, one hour, even if a connection request is received.

[0397] Furthermore, if the television receiver 101 broadcasts a connection request in step S3102 and does not receive a connection status response from the already connected wireless terminal 102, the television receiver 101 may, similar to the process in step S1011 shown in Figure 10, erase the user profile information obtained from the wireless terminal 102 and automatically log out the wireless terminal 102.

[0398] As a result, the television receiver 101 broadcasts a connection request to the wireless terminal 102 located on the same local network, thereby eliminating the need for the user of the wireless terminal 102 to actively log in to the television receiver 101.

[0399] This will further improve the convenience of network terminal systems.

[0400] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0401] In the embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the present invention can be implemented in the same manner using a TV receiver equipped with a display unit 210, but it can also be implemented in the same manner using an STB (set-top box) or recorder with an external display unit. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be implemented in the same manner using a monitor device equipped with a communication interface, a large tablet terminal, or an electronic whiteboard.

[0402] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

[0403] Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0404] 101 Television receiver 102 Wireless terminals 103 Wireless terminals 104 Wireless Router 105 External Network 106 Content distribution server 107 broadcasting stations 108 Base Station 201 Antenna 202 Tuner / Demodulator 203 Station Selection Control Unit 204 Signal separation section 205 Audio Decoding Unit 206 speakers 207 Audio Output Section 208 Video Decoding Unit 209 Overlapping section 210 Display section 211 Video Output Section 213 Input section 214 Control Unit 215 memory 216 storage 218 Bus 301 Tuner / Demodulator 302 Signal separation section 303 memory 304 Storage 305 Acceleration Sensor Unit 306 Geomagnetic Sensor Unit 307 Control Unit 308 Display section 311 Input Section 312 GPS receiver 313 Gyro Sensor Unit 314 Bus 402 Control Unit 403 memory 404 Storage 405 Content 406 Device Authentication Information 407 User Authentication Information 408 Bus 501 Connected Device Authentication Section 502 Browser Engine 503 HTML parser 504 Database Generation Unit 505 Rendering Unit 506 Image Processing Unit 507 Content Playback Department 508 Various Application Sections 509 Account Management Department 510 Content and App Synchronization Processing Unit 511 Connected Device Authentication Program 512 Browser Programs 513 Content Playback Program 514 Various Application Programs 515 Account Management Program 516 Content and App Synchronization Processing Program 517 contents 601 Connected Device Authentication Section 602 Browser Engine 603 HTML parser 604 Database Generation Unit 605 Rendering Unit 606 Image Processing Unit 607 Content Playback Unit 608 Various Application Sections 609 User Profile Generation Unit 610 Device Certification Program 611 Browser Programs 612 Content Playback Program 613 Various Application Programs 614 User Profile Generation Program 615 contents 701 User Management Department 702 Content Management Department 703 Content Distribution Department 704 User Management Program 705 Content Management Program 706 Content Distribution Program

Claims

1. A display device, A communication unit that communicates with two or more information terminals and with a content distribution server, A display unit that displays video based on content, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit, Based on login information for different content distribution services provided by the content distribution server, transmitted from two or more information terminals and received by the communication unit, authentication communication is performed with the content distribution server via the communication unit. The communication unit receives content distribution service information distributed from the aforementioned content distribution server. Based on the received content distribution service information, the display unit displays a list of content that can be used by two or more information terminals on the display device. Display device.

2. In the display device according to claim 1, The control unit, The information terminal capable of accessing the display device is detected via the communication unit. When an accessible information terminal is detected, connection request information is sent to the detected information terminal via the communication unit. The login information is obtained from the information terminal with which a connection has been established via the communication unit. Control it so that Display device.

3. In the display device according to claim 1, The communication unit communicates with two or more information terminals via a first network and with the content distribution server via a second network. Display device.

4. In the display device according to claim 3, The first network is an in-home network, and the second network is an external network. Display device.

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