Content distribution system, content distribution method, and computer program

Abstract

To improve user convenience when storing content on storage over a communication network. [Solution] The system comprises a content receiving terminal that generates account information to uniquely identify a mobile terminal upon connection from the mobile terminal, a management server that registers and manages account information upon notification of account information from the content receiving terminal, and a service server that transmits content to the mobile terminal and the content receiving terminal based on the account information managed by the management server. The content receiving terminal periodically searches for nearby mobile terminals via communication, and if nearby presence of a mobile terminal is confirmed, it notifies the management server of a predetermined account expiration date for the account information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a content distribution system, a content distribution method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, cloud recording that records content such as broadcast programs received by a set-top box (STB) onto storage on a communication network has been studied (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). The cloud-recorded content can be viewed via a communication network by an STB or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, cloud recording has the following problems.

[0005] (1) For example, although a CATV (cable TV) contract is made on a per-STB basis, each family member of a CATV subscriber wants to view cloud-recorded content on their smartphone. (2) Each family member of a CATV subscriber wants to be able to watch cloud-recorded content, and furthermore, they want to be able to resume playback from where they left off if they stop watching midway. For example, they want to watch on their smartphone when they are out, and then continue watching on a large screen monitor at home. (3) Also, even though they are family, I don't want other people to know what programs I've recorded.

[0006] This invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to improve user convenience when storing content on storage over a communication network, such as in cloud recording. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a content distribution system comprising: a content receiving terminal that generates account information to uniquely identify a mobile terminal upon connection from the mobile terminal; a management server that registers and manages the account information upon notification of the account information from the content receiving terminal; and a service server that transmits content to the mobile terminal and the content receiving terminal based on the account information managed by the management server, wherein the content receiving terminal periodically searches for the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity via communication, and when the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity is confirmed, it notifies the management server of a predetermined account expiration date for the account information. One aspect of the present invention is a content distribution system in which, in the above-described content distribution system, the content receiving terminal searches for the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the mobile terminal on the local area network to which it is connected during the search. One aspect of the present invention is a content distribution system in which the service server manages content viewing records and resume positions for each account. One aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned content distribution system, wherein the service server is Based on a request from the content receiving terminal, the system transmits content information to the content receiving terminal, and based on a request from the mobile terminal, the system transmits content information to the mobile terminal. It is a content distribution system. One aspect of the present invention is a content distribution system in which, in the above-described content distribution system, the management server manages a plurality of account information registered by notification from the same content receiving terminal, the service server learns which account information takes priority for each combination of the plurality of account information, and rearranges the display priority for each combination at the time of display request based on the priority of the learned result.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a content distribution method comprising the steps of: a content receiving terminal generating account information that uniquely identifies the mobile terminal upon connection from the mobile terminal; a management server registering and managing the account information upon notification of the account information from the content receiving terminal; a service server transmitting content to the mobile terminal and the content receiving terminal based on the account information managed by the management server; and the content receiving terminal periodically searching for the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity via communication, and notifying the management server of a predetermined account expiration date for the account information when the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity is confirmed.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to execute the above-described content distribution method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve user convenience when storing content on storage on a communication network, such as in cloud recording. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a content distribution system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a STB according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a management server according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a service server according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the overall procedure of a content distribution method according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the account information of a STB according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the account information of a management server according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the account information of a management server according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of home monitor data according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 1 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 1 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 1 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 1 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 2 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 2 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 2 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory diagram of Example 3 of a cloud recording service according to an embodiment. [Figure 19]This is an explanatory diagram of Example 3 of a cloud recording service according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] This is an explanatory diagram of Example 3 of a cloud recording service according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This is an explanatory diagram of Example 4 of a cloud recording service according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a content distribution system according to one embodiment. In the example in Figure 1, the STB (set-top box) 10, management server 30, and service server 40 correspond to the content distribution system. The STB 10 also corresponds to a content receiving terminal. The service server 40 provides a cloud recording service, which includes recording content such as broadcast programs received by the STB 10 to its own storage (cloud recording) and distributing the cloud-recorded content. In the following description, account information refers to account information for using the cloud recording service.

[0013] The management server 30 and the service server 40 are connected to a communication network NW such as the Internet. The STB 10 is, for example, an STB for CATV or satellite broadcasting, and transmits the content it receives to the service server 40 via the communication network NW, thereby enabling the service server 40 to perform cloud recording. The content recorded in the cloud on the service server 40 can be viewed via the communication network NW on the STB 10 or on mobile devices 20 such as smartphones. For example, a user of a mobile device 20 can view the content recorded in the cloud on the service server 40 via the Internet.

[0014] STB10 is installed in the home of a subscriber (user) of a service such as CATV or satellite broadcasting. At the user's home, STB10 is connected to a home network HNW. The home network HNW is a LAN (Local Area Network). The home network HNW is a wireless LAN such as "Wi-Fi (registered trademark)". Mobile terminal 20 can connect to the home network HNW. Mobile terminal 20 can communicate with STB10 via the home network HNW.

[0015] A large screen monitor 50 is connected to the STB10. The STB10 can download content recorded in the cloud to the service server 40 via the communication network NW and play it back on the large screen monitor 50.

[0016] STB10 generates account information that uniquely identifies the mobile terminal 20 upon connection from the mobile terminal 20. The account information generated by STB10 is account information relating to STB10. Management server 30 registers and manages the account information upon notification of the account information from STB10. Service server 40 sends content to the mobile terminal 20 and STB10 based on the account information managed by management server 30. STB10 periodically searches for the presence of the mobile terminal 20 in the vicinity via communication, and if the presence of the mobile terminal 20 in the vicinity is confirmed, it notifies management server 30 of the predetermined account expiration date of the mobile terminal 20's account information.

[0017] [STB] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an STB according to this embodiment. In Figure 2, the STB 10 includes a tuner 11, an STB communication unit 12, an STB control unit 13, and an STB storage unit 100.

[0018] Each function of the STB10 is realized when the STB30, equipped with computer hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, executes a computer program stored in memory using the CPU.

[0019] The tuner 11 receives content such as broadcast programs.

[0020] The STB communication unit 12 communicates with devices outside the STB 10. Hereafter, communication between the STB 10 and external devices will be conducted via the STB communication unit 12.

[0021] The STB control unit 13 controls the STB 10. For example, the STB control unit 13 controls real-time viewing of content and cloud recording. For example, the STB control unit 13 creates account information 101. For example, the STB control unit 13 controls the start, end, and scheduling of cloud recording and viewing of cloud-recorded content in response to user operations.

[0022] The STB storage unit 100 stores various types of data. For example, the STB storage unit 100 stores account information 101 for the cloud recording service related to the STB 10.

[0023] [Mobile devices] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the mobile terminal 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal control unit 22, and a terminal storage unit 23.

[0024] Each function of the mobile terminal 20 is realized by the mobile terminal 20 being equipped with computer hardware such as a CPU and memory, and the CPU executing computer programs stored in memory. For example, a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC) can be used as the mobile terminal 20.

[0025] The terminal communication unit 21 communicates with external devices of the mobile terminal 20. Hereafter, communication between the mobile terminal 20 and external devices is performed via the terminal communication unit 21.

[0026] The terminal control unit 22 controls the mobile terminal 20. For example, the terminal control unit 22 controls the viewing of cloud-recorded content in response to user operations.

[0027] The terminal storage unit 23 stores various types of data. For example, the terminal storage unit 23 stores applications that run on the CPU of the mobile terminal 20.

[0028] [Management Server] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a management server according to this embodiment. In Figure 4, the management server 30 comprises a management server communication unit 31, a management server control unit 32, and a management server storage unit 300.

[0029] Each function of the management server 30 is realized by the management server 30 being equipped with computer hardware such as a CPU and memory, and the CPU executing computer programs stored in memory. The management server 30 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, or it may be configured as a dedicated hardware device. For example, the management server 30 may be configured using a server computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, each function of the management server 30 may be realized through cloud computing. Also, the management server 30 may be implemented by a single computer, or its functions may be distributed across multiple computers. Additionally, the management server 30 may be configured to launch a website using, for example, a WWW system.

[0030] The management server communication unit 31 communicates with devices outside the management server 30. Hereafter, communication between the management server 30 and devices outside the management server 30 is performed via the management server communication unit 31.

[0031] The management server control unit 32 controls the management server 30. For example, the management server control unit 32 registers and manages account information upon notification of account information from the STB 10.

[0032] The management server storage unit 300 stores various types of data. For example, the management server storage unit 300 stores account information 301 (account information_STB#1, account information_STB#2, ...) for each STB10. For example, the management server storage unit 300 stores account information_STB#1 related to STB#1. Account information_STB#1 is information about one or more accounts related to STB#1.

[0033] [Service Server] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a service server according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, the service server 40 includes a service server communication unit 41, a service server control unit 42, a service server storage unit 400, and a service server recording unit 410.

[0034] Each function of the service server 40 is realized by the service server 40 being equipped with computer hardware such as a CPU and memory, and the CPU executing computer programs stored in memory. The service server 40 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, or it may be configured as a dedicated hardware device. For example, the service server 40 may be configured using a server computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, each function of the service server 40 may be realized through cloud computing. Also, the service server 40 may be implemented by a single computer, or its functions may be distributed across multiple computers. Additionally, the service server 40 may be configured to launch a website using, for example, a WWW system.

[0035] The service server communication unit 41 communicates with devices outside the service server 40. Hereafter, communication between the service server 40 and devices outside the service server 40 is conducted via the service server communication unit 41.

[0036] The service server control unit 42 controls the service server 40. For example, the service server control unit 42 controls cloud recording and the distribution of cloud-recorded content. For example, the service server control unit 42 sends content to the mobile terminal 20 and STB 10 based on account information managed by the management server 30.

[0037] The service server storage unit 400 stores the content received from each STB 10. The service server storage unit 400 is equipped with a storage unit 401 (storage_STB#1, storage_STB#2, ...) for each STB 10. The service server storage unit 400 stores the content received from each STB 10 in the storage unit 401 corresponding to that STB 10. For example, content received from STB#1 is stored in storage_STB#1.

[0038] The service server recording unit 410 records a viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1, viewing log_STB#2, ...) for each STB10. For example, the service server recording unit 410 records viewing log_STB#1 for STB#1.

[0039] Viewing Log_STB#1 is a record of the content viewed by the account associated with STB#1. Viewing Log_STB#1 shows which account associated with STB#1 viewed which content (content ID), from where (start time of viewing within the content) to where (end time of viewing within the content), etc.

[0040] Furthermore, the Viewing Log_STB#1 contains the resume position of the content viewed for each account associated with STB#1. The resume position of a particular piece of content for a given account is the point in the content where viewing was stopped (the viewing stop time within the content, indicating where viewing stopped). Based on the resume position in Viewing Log_STB#1, each account can resume playback from where it left off during the next viewing session.

[0041] [Content distribution method] Next, the content distribution method according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the overall procedure of the content distribution method according to this embodiment. The overall procedure of the content distribution method according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0042] In the following example according to this embodiment, the STB10 installed in the user's home will be referred to as STB#1. The family living in the user's home consists of three people: "Dad," "Mom," and their daughter "Hanako." In addition, Dad's mobile device 20 may be referred to as "Dad's smartphone," Mom's mobile device 20 as "Mom's smartphone," and Hanako's mobile device 20 as "Hanako's smartphone."

[0043] Furthermore, as an example according to this embodiment, the mobile devices 20 (Dad's smartphone, Mom's smartphone, and Hanako's smartphone) of family members living in the user's home (Target User's home) where STB#1 is installed are mobile devices that can use the cloud recording service. Also, mobile devices 20 connected to the home network HNW within the Target User's home are considered to be mobile devices 20 of family members living in the Target User's home. Therefore, mobile devices 20 connected to the home network HNW within the Target User's home are mobile devices that can use the cloud recording service. For mobile devices that can use the cloud recording service, that is, mobile devices 20 connected to the home network HNW within the Target User's home, an account for using the cloud recording service is created.

[0044] The following provides detailed instructions on how to create an account for using the cloud recording service, register account information, use the cloud recording service based on account information, and manage account information.

[0045] (Step S1) The mobile device 20 (here, let's call it "Dad's Smartphone" as an example) connects to the home network HNW. Note that the mobile device 20 is set to "Do not use random MAC (Media Access Control) addresses on this network" within the home network HNW.

[0046] Next, Dad launches the terminal application for the cloud recording service (hereinafter simply referred to as the terminal application) on his smartphone. The terminal application generates a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) ​​upon its first launch and stores the generated UUID on Dad's smartphone.

[0047] Next, Dad uses a terminal application on his smartphone to perform a network scan within the home network (HNW). As a result of this network scan, a list of devices within the home network (HNW), including hostnames and IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, is displayed on Dad's smartphone screen.

[0048] Next, Dad uses the terminal application on his smartphone to select STB#1 from the list of devices on the home network HNW. This establishes a communication connection between Dad's smartphone and STB#1 using STB#1's IP address.

[0049] Next, Dad creates an account (account name "Dad") by operating the terminal application on his smartphone. As a result, Dad's smartphone notifies STB#1 of the account name "Dad" and the UUID (which is created and retained when the terminal application is first launched).

[0050] (Step S2) STB#1 uses the IP address of the connected dad's smartphone as a search key to obtain the MAC address of the dad's smartphone from the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table of the router in the home network HNW.

[0051] (Step S3) STB#1 creates account information 101 with the account name "Papa" and stores the created account information 101 in the STB storage unit 100.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of account information 101 of STB10 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 7, account information 101 includes information such as account name, UUID, MAC address, and expiration date. In account information 101, the account name and UUID are information notified from Papa Smartphone to STB#1. The MAC address is information obtained by STB#1 from the router's ARP table. The expiration date is set to a predetermined period (for example, two days from the creation date of account information 101).

[0053] (Step S4) STB#1 notifies the management server 30 of the account information 101 for the created account name "Papa". Based on the account information 101 for the account name "Papa" notified by STB#1, the management server 30 registers (stores) the account information for the account name "Papa" in account information 301 (account information_STB#1). Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of account information 301 of the management server 30 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 8, account information 301 includes information such as account name, UUID, and expiration date. In account information 101, the account name, UUID, and expiration date are information included in account information 101 notified from STB#1 to the management server 30.

[0054] (Step S5 (S5-1, S5-2)) Dad uses the cloud recording service on his smartphone while out. When Dad's smartphone accesses the service server 40, it notifies the service server 40 of the UUID it holds. The service server 40 queries the management server 30 for the corresponding account using the UUID notified by Dad's smartphone. The management server 30 checks whether the account information 301 for the UUID exists and its expiration date. If the management server 30 confirms that the account information 301 for the UUID exists and is within its expiration date, it responds to the service server 40 with "Allow cloud recording service"; otherwise, it responds to the service server 40 with "Do not allow cloud recording service". If the response from the service server 40 is "Allow cloud recording service", the service server 40 provides the cloud recording service to Dad's smartphone. On the other hand, if the response from the service server 40 is "Do not allow cloud recording service", the service server 40 does not provide the cloud recording service to Dad's smartphone.

[0055] (Step S6) STB#1 periodically performs a network scan within the home network HNW to attempt to find the MAC address of account information 101. STB#1 sets the expiration date of account information 101 whose MAC address is found through the network scan within the home network HNW to a predetermined date (for example, two days from the date the MAC address was found). For example, if STB#1 finds the MAC address of account information 101 for account name "Papa" through the network scan within the home network HNW, it updates the expiration date of account information 101 for account name "Papa" from "July 7, 2025" (see Figure 7) to "July 9, 2025".

[0056] (Step S7) STB#1 notifies the management server 30 of the update to the expiration date of account information 101 for account name "Papa": "July 9, 2025". As a result, the management server 30 updates the expiration date of account information for account name "Papa" in account information 301 (account information_STB#1) to "July 9, 2025" as shown in Figure 9.

[0057] As described above, STB#1 stores the MAC address of the father's (father's smartphone) account information 101, and periodically performs a network scan to check if the father's smartphone is connected to the home network HNW using its MAC address. If such a connection is confirmed, the expiration date of the father's smartphone account is renewed. Therefore, when the father returns home (the target user's home) and connects his smartphone to the home network HNW, he can use the cloud recording service on his smartphone.

[0058] In the example above, we used Dad's (Dad's smartphone) account information as an example, but the same applies to Mom (Mom's smartphone) and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone).

[0059] STB#1 may generate home monitoring data, as illustrated in Figure 10, from the results of the periodic network scan within the home network HNW in step S6. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of home monitoring data according to this embodiment. In the home monitoring data of Figure 10, the time each of Dad, Mom, and Hanako spends at home is shown in graph format for each day of the week. STB#1 may also enable the home monitoring data to be displayed on Dad's smartphone, Mom's smartphone, and Hanako's smartphone, which are connected to the home network HNW, as well as on a large screen monitor 50.

[0060] [Example 1 of a cloud recording service] Next, with reference to Figures 11-14, Example 1 of the cloud recording service according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, if a mobile device 20 has an account created, it can use the cloud recording service whether it is connected to a home network HNW or to a communication line outside the home (e.g., an internet connection). Furthermore, by identifying the mobile device 20 by its UUID, it is possible to manage information for each mobile device 20 (account) such as who (which account) recorded the content in the cloud, who (which account) viewed the cloud-recorded content, and how far each person (which account) viewed the cloud-recorded content (resume position). In addition, based on this information, it is possible to differentiate the display of information related to the cloud recording service and perform resume playback for each mobile device 20 (account).

[0061] (Step S11) The mobile terminal 20 (here, let's call it Papa's smartphone as an example) sends the UUID contained in Papa's smartphone account information 101 to the service server 40 via Papa's operation, and queries the cloud recording service. The service server 40 obtains the account name "Papa" (which is within its validity period) related to STB#1 from the management server 30 using the UUID received from Papa's smartphone. The service server 40 identifies the viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1) related to the obtained account name "Papa" for STB#1.

[0062] Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of the viewing log 411 according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 12, for each of the programs A, B, and C recorded by Papa in the cloud, it includes the recorder "Papa" and the resume position for each account. For example, for program A, the recorder is Papa, Papa's resume position is at 30 minutes and 50 seconds, and Hanako's resume position is at 10 minutes and 10 seconds.

[0063] Furthermore, the recorder, "Dad," can configure settings so that the content he records is not displayed to others, "Mom" and "Hanako." Specifically, a "hide others" flag is set for each account, and if Dad turns his own "hide others" flag "ON," the content he records will not be displayed to "Mom" and "Hanako." This allows Dad to prevent other family members from knowing what programs he has recorded. In the example in Figure 12, Dad's "hide others" flag is "OFF," so the content he records is displayed to "Mom" and "Hanako."

[0064] (Step S12) The service server 40 notifies the dad's smartphone of the contents of the cloud recording based on the identified viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1). The dad's smartphone displays the contents of the cloud recording notified by the service server 40 on its screen.

[0065] Figure 13 shows an example of the screen configuration of the mobile terminal 20 according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 13, the contents of the cloud recording notified by the service server 40 are displayed on the screen. Specifically, the "Dad Recording" screen displayed on the dad's smartphone shows icons "A", "B", and "C" representing programs A, B, and C that Dad has recorded in the cloud. On the "All" screen, icons representing all content recorded in the cloud by all accounts related to STB#1, "Dad", "Mom", and "Hanako", are displayed.

[0066] Dad can watch his desired program by selecting icons "A," "B," or "C" displayed on the "Dad Recording" screen of his smartphone. For example, if he wants to watch program A, he selects icon "A" on the "Dad Recording" screen of his smartphone. This causes Dad's smartphone to request the service server 40 to distribute program A. In response to this request, the service server 40 begins distributing program A to Dad's smartphone. At this time, the service server 40 displays a message to Dad's smartphone to resume playback from the current position (in other words, a message to resume playback).

[0067] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of the mobile terminal 20 according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 14, the playback screen of content distributed from the service server 40 is displayed. Specifically, the playback screen of program A distributed from the service server 40 is displayed on the Papa Smartphone. A resume playback button 201 for resuming playback is provided on the playback screen of program A. In the example of the resume playback button 201 in Figure 14, the string "Continue" indicating that resume playback will be performed is displayed on the resume playback button 201.

[0068] When Dad presses the resume playback button 201, a resume playback request is sent from Dad's smartphone to the service server 40. In response to the resume playback request, the service server 40 starts streaming program A from Dad's resume position of "30 minutes and 50 seconds" (see Figure 12). Dad's smartphone plays program A streamed from the service server 40. Therefore, playback of program A on Dad's smartphone starts from Dad's resume position of "30 minutes and 50 seconds". As a result, Dad can continue watching program A from where he left off last time, at "30 minutes and 50 seconds".

[0069] In the above example 1 of the cloud recording service, we used the example of a cloud recording service on Dad's (Dad's smartphone) but the same applies to Mom's (Mom's smartphone) and Hanako's (Hanako's smartphone).

[0070] [Cloud recording service example 2] Next, with reference to Figures 15-17, an example 2 of the cloud recording service according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the cloud recording service using STB#1 at the target user's home displays only the information of people present at the target user's home on the large screen monitor 50. Therefore, information of people who are not present at the target user's home is not displayed on the large screen monitor 50.

[0071] (Step S21) STB#1 periodically performs a network scan within the home network HNW and attempts to find the MAC address of account information 101. In this example, only the MAC address of Dad's smartphone is found, while the MAC addresses of Mom's smartphone and Hanako's smartphone are not found.

[0072] (Step S22) STB#1 sends the UUID contained in the account information 101 of the Papa smartphone whose MAC address was discovered to the service server 40 and queries the cloud recording service. The service server 40 obtains the account name "Papa" (which is within its validity period) related to STB#1 from the management server 30 using the UUID received from STB#1. The service server 40 identifies the viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1) related to the obtained account name "Papa". The viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1) is the same as in Figure 12.

[0073] (Step S23) Based on the identified viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1), the service server 40 notifies STB#1 of the contents of the cloud recording. STB#1 displays the contents of the cloud recording notified by the service server 40 on the large screen monitor 50.

[0074] Figure 16 shows an example of the screen configuration of the large-screen monitor 50 according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 16, the contents of the cloud recording notified by the service server 40 are displayed on the large-screen monitor 50. Specifically, the display screen of the large-screen monitor 50 shows icons "A", "B", and "C" representing programs A, B, and C that Dad has recorded in the cloud, as Dad information 501.

[0075] Dad can watch his desired program by selecting icons "A", "B", or "C" displayed on the large screen monitor 50. For example, if he wants to watch program A, Dad selects icon "A" on the large screen monitor 50. This causes STB#1 to request the service server 40 to distribute program A. In response to this request, the service server 40 begins distributing program A to STB#1. At this time, the service server 40 displays a message to STB#1 to resume playback of program A from its current position (in other words, a message to resume playback).

[0076] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of the large-screen monitor 50 according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 17, the playback screen of content distributed from the service server 40 is displayed. Specifically, the playback screen of program A distributed from the service server 40 is displayed on the large-screen monitor 50. A resume playback button 502 for resuming playback is provided on the playback screen of program A. In the example of the resume playback button 502 in Figure 17, the resume playback button 502 displays the string "Continue from (30:50)" indicating the resume position of program A, "30 minutes 50 seconds" (see Figure 12).

[0077] When Dad presses the resume playback button 502, a resume playback request is sent from STB#1 to the service server 40. In response to the resume playback request, the service server 40 starts streaming program A from Dad's resume position "30 minutes 50 seconds". STB#1 plays program A streamed from the service server 40 on the display screen of the large screen monitor 50. Therefore, on the large screen monitor 50, playback of program A starts from Dad's resume position "30 minutes 50 seconds". As a result, Dad can continue watching program A from where he left off last time, "30 minutes 50 seconds".

[0078] In the above example 2 of the cloud recording service, we used the example of a cloud recording service on Dad's (Dad's smartphone) but the same applies to Mom's (Mom's smartphone) and Hanako's (Hanako's smartphone).

[0079] [Example 3 of a cloud recording service] Next, with reference to Figures 18-20, Example 3 of the cloud recording service according to this embodiment will be described. Example 3 of the cloud recording service, similar to Example 2 of the cloud recording service described above, displays only the information of people at home in the target user's home on the large screen monitor 50 when using the STB#1 for cloud recording at the target user's home. However, in Example 3 of the cloud recording service, multiple mobile devices 20 are connected to the home network HNW. Specifically, Dad's smartphone and Hanako's smartphone are connected to the home network HNW, while Mom's smartphone is not.

[0080] (Step S31) STB#1 periodically performs a network scan within the home network HNW and attempts to find the MAC address of account information 101. In this example, only the MAC addresses of Dad's smartphone and Hanako's smartphone are found, while the MAC address of Mom's smartphone is not found.

[0081] (Step S32) STB#1 sends the UUIDs (Papa smartphone UUID and Hanako smartphone UUID) contained in the account information 101 of Papa smartphone and Hanako smartphone whose MAC addresses have been discovered to the service server 40 and queries the cloud recording service. The service server 40 obtains the account name "Papa" (within the expiration date) and the account name "Hanako" (within the expiration date) related to STB#1 from the management server 30 using the Papa smartphone UUID and Hanako smartphone UUID received from STB#1. The service server 40 identifies the viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1) related to the obtained account name "Papa" and the viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1) related to the account name "Hanako". The viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1) related to the account name "Papa" is the same as in Figure 12. The viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1) related to the account name "Hanako" is not shown, but has the same configuration as in Figure 12.

[0082] (Step S33) Based on the identified viewing log 411 (viewing log_STB#1), the service server 40 notifies STB#1 of the contents of the cloud recording. STB#1 displays the contents of the cloud recording notified by the service server 40 on the large screen monitor 50.

[0083] Figure 19 shows an example of the screen configuration of the large-screen monitor 50 according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 19, the contents of the cloud recording notified by the service server 40 are displayed on the large-screen monitor 50. Specifically, the display screen of the large-screen monitor 50 shows icons "A", "B", and "C" representing programs A, B, and C that Papa has recorded in the cloud, respectively, as Papa information 501. Furthermore, the display screen of the large-screen monitor 50 shows icons "G" and "H" representing programs G and H that Hanako has recorded in the cloud, respectively, as Hanako information 503.

[0084] Papa or Hanako can watch their desired program by selecting the icon "A", "B", "C", "G", or "H" displayed on the large screen monitor 50. For example, if they want to watch program A, Papa or Hanako selects the icon "A" displayed on the large screen monitor 50. This causes STB#1 to request the service server 40 to distribute program A. In response to this request, the service server 40 begins distributing program A to STB#1. At this time, the service server 40 displays a message to STB#1 to resume playback from where Papa or Hanako left off (in other words, a message to resume playback).

[0085] Figure 20 shows an example of the screen configuration of the large-screen monitor 50 according to this embodiment. In the example in Figure 20, the playback screen of content distributed from the service server 40 is displayed. Specifically, the playback screen of program A distributed from the service server 40 is displayed on the large-screen monitor 50. Resume playback buttons 502 and 504 for performing resume playback are provided on the playback screen of program A. In the example of the resume playback buttons 502 and 504 in Figure 17, the resume playback buttons 502 and 504 display strings indicating the resume position. The resume playback button 502 displays the string "Continue (30:50)" indicating the resume position of Papa in program A at "30 minutes 50 seconds" (see Figure 12). The resume playback button 504 displays the string "Continue (10:10)" indicating the resume position of Hanako in program A at "10 minutes 10 seconds" (see Figure 12).

[0086] For example, when Dad presses the resume playback button 502, a resume playback request is sent from STB#1 to the service server 40. In response to the resume playback request, the service server 40 starts streaming program A from Dad's resume position "30 minutes 50 seconds". STB#1 plays program A streamed from the service server 40 on the display screen of the large screen monitor 50. Therefore, on the large screen monitor 50, playback of program A starts from Dad's resume position "30 minutes 50 seconds". As a result, Dad can continue watching program A from where he left off last time, at "30 minutes 50 seconds".

[0087] For example, when Hanako presses the resume playback button 504, a resume playback request is sent from STB#1 to the service server 40. In response to this resume playback request, the service server 40 starts streaming program A from Hanako's resume position "10 minutes and 10 seconds". STB#1 plays program A streamed from the service server 40 on the display screen of the large screen monitor 50. Therefore, on the large screen monitor 50, playback of program A starts from Hanako's resume position "10 minutes and 10 seconds". As a result, Hanako can continue watching program A from where she left off last time, at "10 minutes and 10 seconds".

[0088] In the above example 3 of the cloud recording service, we used the combination of Dad (Dad's smartphone) and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone) as an example, but the same applies to other combinations of Dad (Dad's smartphone), Mom (Mom's smartphone), and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone).

[0089] [Example 4 of a cloud recording service] Next, with reference to Figure 21, Example 4 of the cloud recording service according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the service server 40 (service server control unit 42) learns which account is prioritized for each combination of multiple accounts (Dad, Mom, Hanako) related to STB#1, and rearranges the display priority for each combination of accounts at the time of a display request based on the priority of the learned results. For example, in a cloud recording service using STB#1 at the target user's home, the service server learns whose cloud recording content was selected and played back among the multiple people at home in the target user's house, and whose resume position was selected and resumed playback. Based on the priority of this learned result, the service server 40 (service server control unit 42) determines the display priority when displaying information on the large screen monitor 50 for each combination of accounts at the time of a display request from STB#1.

[0090] Figure 21 shows an example of the learning results for account display priority by the service server 40. In the example shown in Figure 21(1), the account display priority is shown by a circled number for each combination of Dad (Dad's smartphone), Mom (Mom's smartphone), and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone). When all three—Dad (Dad's smartphone), Mom (Mom's smartphone), and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone)—are at home, Dad (Dad's smartphone) is ranked 1st and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone) is ranked 2nd. When both Dad (Dad's smartphone) and Mom (Mom's smartphone) are at home, Mom (Mom's smartphone) is ranked 1st. When both Dad (Dad's smartphone) and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone) are at home, Hanako (Hanako's smartphone) is ranked 1st. When both Mom (Mom's smartphone) and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone) are at home, Mom (Mom's smartphone) is ranked 1st.

[0091] When the contents of cloud recordings or the playback screen of cloud-recorded content are displayed on the large screen monitor 50, the display priority of the information displayed on the large screen monitor 50 is determined according to the account display priority corresponding to the combination of multiple people present at the target user's home.

[0092] For example, in the example of account display priority shown in Figure 21(1), if both Papa (Papa's smartphone) and Hanako (Hanako's smartphone) are at home, Hanako's (Hanako's smartphone) information will be prioritized and displayed on the large screen monitor 50. Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 21(2), when the contents of a cloud recording are displayed on the large screen monitor 50, Hanako's information 503 (icons "G" and "H" indicating programs G and H recorded by Hanako in the cloud) will be displayed with priority over Papa's information 501 (icons "A", "B", and "C" indicating programs A, B, and C recorded by Papa in the cloud). Also, as illustrated in Figure 21(3), when the playback screen of program A is displayed on the large screen monitor 50, the resume playback button 504 indicating Hanako's resume position "10 minutes 10 seconds" for program A will be displayed with priority over the resume playback button 502 indicating Papa's resume position "30 minutes 50 seconds" for program A.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, for example, each family member of a CATV subscriber can view cloud-recorded content on their own smartphone. Furthermore, each family member of a CATV subscriber can view cloud-recorded content, and even resume playback from where they left off if they stop watching midway. For example, they can watch on their smartphone while out and about, and then continue watching on a large-screen monitor at home. In addition, they can prevent other family members from knowing what programs they have recorded. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve user convenience when content is stored on storage on a communication network, such as cloud recording.

[0094] Furthermore, this will enable improvements in overall service quality, such as in content distribution systems, and will contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): "Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0095] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0096] For example, a computer program to implement the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, if a WWW system is used, the "computer system" also includes the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment). "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage device such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, flash memory, other writable non-volatile memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0097] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10...STB (Content Receiving Terminal), 11...Tuner, 12...STB Communication Unit, 13...STB Control Unit, 100...STB Storage Unit, 20...Mobile Terminal, 21...Terminal Communication Unit, 22...Terminal Control Unit, 23...Terminal Storage Unit, 30...Management Server, 31...Management Server Communication Unit, 32...Management Server Control Unit, 300...Management Server Storage Unit, 40...Service Server, 41...Service Server Communication Unit, 42...Service Server Control Unit, 400...Service Server Storage Unit, 410...Service Server Recording Unit, 50...Large Screen Monitor, NW...Communication Network, HNW...Home Network

Claims

1. A content receiving terminal that generates account information to uniquely identify the mobile terminal upon connection from the mobile terminal, Upon notification of the account information from the content receiving terminal, a management server registers and manages the account information, The system includes a service server that transmits content to the mobile terminal and the content receiving terminal based on the account information managed by the management server, The content receiving terminal periodically searches for the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity via communication, and if the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity is confirmed, it notifies the management server of the predetermined account expiration date of the account information. Content distribution system.

2. In the search, the content receiving terminal searches for the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the mobile terminal within the local area network to which it is connected. The content distribution system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned service server manages content viewing records and resume positions for each account information. The content distribution system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned service server, Based on a request from the aforementioned content receiving terminal, the content information is transmitted to the aforementioned content receiving terminal. Based on a request from the aforementioned mobile terminal, the content information is transmitted to the aforementioned mobile terminal. The content distribution system according to claim 1.

5. The management server manages multiple account information registered by notifications from the same content receiving terminal, The service server learns which account information takes priority for each combination of the multiple account information, and rearranges the display priority for each combination at the time of the display request based on the priority of the learned results. The content distribution system according to claim 1.

6. The content receiving terminal generates account information that uniquely identifies the mobile terminal upon connection from the mobile terminal, The management server registers and manages the account information upon notification of the account information from the content receiving terminal, The service server transmits content to the mobile terminal and the content receiving terminal based on the account information managed by the management server. The content receiving terminal periodically searches for the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity via communication, and if the presence of the mobile terminal in the vicinity is confirmed, it notifies the management server of the predetermined account expiration date of the account information. Content distribution methods including those mentioned above.

7. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the content distribution method described in claim 6.

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