JP2006303990A - Content reception / playback device, content distribution system, and content information notification method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify an overlap with a broadcast time of a broadcast type content that matches a user's preference before starting to view on-demand type content.
In a system capable of receiving and reproducing both an on-demand type service and a broadcast type service, a broadcast program guide of broadcast-type content is managed by a broadcast program guide storage means 205, and content characteristic information preferred by a user is included. The user preference information is managed by the user preference storage unit 208, until the time when the user is instructed to select on-demand type content and the content time overlap determination unit 212 passes the content length of the on-demand type content. When the broadcast start of the broadcast type content that matches the user preference is detected, the control unit 213 generates a content time overlap notification screen including the broadcast program guide information of the broadcast type content, and displays it to the user by the screen display. Notice.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a content reception / playback apparatus, a content distribution system, and a content information notification method for providing a user with both an on-demand content service and a broadcast content service.

  In recent years, with the spread of the Internet and the enhancement of the broadband communication environment, on-demand content services that distribute video and audio according to user demands have increased. Along with this, there are also terminal devices and systems including terminal devices that can use both broadcast-type services and on-demand type content services that distribute existing content at a predetermined scheduled time. . There are various types of content that can be used, and a method of providing information to the user so as not to miss as much as possible the content that the user likes is also used. In particular, broadcast-type content differs from on-demand content in that it is broadcast only at a fixed time, so once it is missed, it becomes difficult to view it, so there is a notification method to avoid this. .

  The conventional content time duplication notification method is realized by the processing flow as shown in FIG. 17, and it is determined whether or not the user has registered information such as user preferences in advance (step 1701). If the user is a user, the distributed content information is compared with the registered information of the user, and if the content matches, the user is notified immediately before distribution, thereby avoiding the user from overlooking it. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-250145 A

  However, in the conventional content time overlap notification method, in order to view the broadcast-type content notified by the user, it is necessary to interrupt the viewing of the content that has been viewed up to that time, and in particular, a paid on-demand type When viewing content, it may be inconvenient for the user. In addition, on-demand content may have a time limit for providing the service, and this time-limit information is not notified, so even if there is content that matches the user's preference in the on-demand content service, it may be overlooked was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a content reception / playback apparatus, a content distribution system, and content information that allow a user to not miss a broadcast-type content without interrupting viewing of the content The purpose is to provide a notification method.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a content reception / playback device, a content distribution system, and a content information notification method that can reduce the possibility of a user overlooking on-demand content.

  (1) A content reception / playback apparatus according to the present invention is a content reception / playback apparatus that can use an on-demand service that enables viewing of desired content and a broadcast service that delivers content at a predetermined time. On-demand content information storage means for storing on-demand content information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and content length information for the content provided by the on-demand service, and the on-demand content Based on the information, on-demand content selection screen generating means for generating an on-demand content selection screen that enables selection by referring to available on-demand content, and acquiring and playing the selected on-demand content On-demand content Broadcast program guide information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and broadcast time zone information indicating the broadcast start time and broadcast end time of the content provided by the broadcast type service. Broadcast program guide storing means for storing, program guide screen generating means for generating a program guide screen that can be selected by referring to broadcast-type content available to a user based on the broadcast program guide information, and the broadcast-type content Broadcast content channel selection / reproduction means for performing channel selection and reproduction, user preference storage means for storing characteristic information of content preferred by the user as user preference information, the on-demand content information, and the broadcast program guide information, Based on the user's preference by the time the content length of the specified on-demand content has elapsed Content time overlap determination means for determining whether or not the broadcast of the content-type content is started, and the user is instructed to select the on-demand content, and the content length of the on-demand content is passed by the content time overlap determination means. Content time overlap notification screen generation means for generating a content time overlap notification screen including broadcast program guide information of the broadcast type content when the broadcast start of the broadcast type content that matches the user preference is detected by the time Display means for displaying the content time overlap notification screen.

  As a result, when the user designates the start of on-demand content playback, the content time overlap determination means detects the start of broadcast of the broadcast content that matches the user preference by the time when the content length of the content has elapsed. In this case, a content time overlap notification screen including broadcast program guide information of the broadcast type content can be generated by the content time overlap notification screen generation means and notified to the user. For this reason, it is possible to confirm whether the viewing time overlaps with the content that matches the preference in the broadcast type content before the user starts viewing the on-demand type content.

  (2) Further, the present invention is the content reception / playback apparatus according to (1), wherein the content time overlap determination means is designated on demand based on the on-demand content information and the broadcast program guide information. It is determined whether or not broadcasting of the broadcast type content that matches the user preference is started by the time when the total time of the content length of the type content and the preset grace time has elapsed.

  As a result, taking into account the predetermined grace period, it is assumed that the on-demand content viewing time will be longer than the original content length due to operations such as pausing and rewinding during on-demand content viewing. Can be notified of the presence of broadcast-type content.

 (3) Further, the present invention is the content reception / playback apparatus according to the above (1) or (2), wherein the display means displays and plays back the on-demand type content and the broadcast type content, and the content The time overlap notification screen, the on-demand content selection screen, and the program guide screen are displayed.

  Thus, the content can be reproduced on the display means, and the content time overlap notification screen, the on-demand content selection screen, and the program guide screen can be displayed to notify the user.

 (4) A content reception / playback apparatus according to the present invention is a content reception / playback apparatus capable of using an on-demand service that enables viewing of desired content and a broadcast service that delivers content at a predetermined time. On-demand content information storage for storing on-demand content information including content identification information, content characteristic information indicating content characteristics, content length information, and content provision date and time information for content provided by an on-demand service Means for generating an on-demand content selection screen that enables selection by referring to available on-demand content based on the on-demand content information, and the selected on-demand content Get re On-demand content reproduction means for performing content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and broadcast time zone information indicating the broadcast start time and broadcast end time of the content. Broadcast program guide storing means for storing broadcast program guide information, and program guide screen generating means for generating a program guide screen that allows a user to refer to and select broadcast-type content based on the broadcast program guide information. Broadcast content channel selection and reproduction means for selecting and reproducing the broadcast-type content; user preference storage means for storing characteristic information of content preferred by the user as user preference information; and the on-demand content periodically. For on-demand content that matches the user's preference with reference to the information, the on-demand Content availability time determination means for determining whether the time at which the content length has elapsed from the time when the content information is referenced is before the content provision date and time difference is equal to or less than a predetermined grace time, and a selection instruction For the on-demand type content that is not yet available, the time when the content length of the content has elapsed from the time when the on-demand content information is referred to by the content availability time determination means is before the content provision date and time, and the time difference is predetermined. A service provision end notice screen generating means for generating a service provision end notice screen including the corresponding on-demand content information when a thing less than the grace time is detected; and a display means for displaying the service provision end notice screen; , Are provided.

  As a result, for on-demand content that is not selected and specified by the user, the service is provided when the content availability time determination means periodically refers to the on-demand content information and the usage time limit is less than the predetermined time. The end notification screen generation unit can generate a service provision end notification screen including service provision information of the on-demand content and notify the user. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user from overlooking on-demand content that matches the user's preference due to the expiration of the content provision period.

 (5) The present invention is the content reception / playback apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the on-demand content information further includes content provision date and time information, and the on-demand content is periodically included. For the on-demand content that matches the user's preference with reference to the information, the time when the content length has passed since the time when the on-demand content information was referenced is before the provision date and time of the content, and the time difference is predetermined. Content availability time determination means for determining whether or not it is less than the grace time, and for the on-demand type content that has not been instructed to be selected, the content availability time determination means refers to the on-demand content information from the time when the content is referenced. The time when the content length passed is the content provision period Service provision end notification screen generating means for generating a service provision end notification screen including the corresponding on-demand content information when a time difference that is less than or equal to a predetermined grace time is detected before the date and time And

  This allows the user to check whether the viewing time overlaps with the content that matches the preference in the broadcast type content before the on-demand content starts, and the on-demand content that matches the user's preference You can see what will soon be discontinued. For this reason, it is possible to prevent oversight of on-demand content or broadcast content that matches the user's preference.

 (6) Further, the present invention is the content reception / playback apparatus according to the above (4) or (5), wherein the display means performs display playback of the on-demand content and the broadcast content, and the service. The provision end notification screen, the on-demand content selection screen, and the program guide screen are displayed.

  As a result, the content can be reproduced on the display means, and the service provision end notification screen, the on-demand content selection screen, and the program guide screen can be displayed to notify the user.

 (7) Further, the present invention is the content reception / playback device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, and matches the characteristic information of the content preferred by the user stored in the user preference storage means. Information relating to the selected content is extracted from both the on-demand content information and the broadcast program guide information, and includes a recommendation list screen generation means for generating a recommendation list display screen for displaying a list, and the display means includes the recommendation list. The recommendation list screen generation means displays a display screen, and when the user gives an instruction to select on-demand content on the recommendation list display screen, the playback time of the on-demand content and the user preference If a time overlap with the broadcast time of broadcast-type content that matches is detected on the recommended list screen It is intended to generate a screen to change the display of the program guide information of broadcast-based content a person to.

  As a result, the user can more easily recognize content that suits his / her preference, and can more intuitively recognize overlap of content time.

 (8) A content distribution system according to the present invention includes a content reception / playback device according to any one of (1) to (7), a broadcast program transmission device that transmits broadcast-type content, and broadcast program guide information related to the broadcast-type content. A broadcast program guide distribution device, an on-demand content transmission device for transmitting on-demand content, and a communication network for transmitting information between the devices, the broadcast program transmission device Includes broadcast content transmission control means for transmitting broadcast-type content according to the broadcast program guide information, and the broadcast program guide distribution device includes broadcast program guide distribution control means for distributing broadcast program guide information at least after the current date and time. And the on-demand content transmission device is configured to respond to a request from the content reception / playback device. On-demand content transmission control means for transmitting the type content to the request source, and on-demand content information distribution means for distributing the on-demand content information related to the on-demand type content to the request source, Broadcast program guide information is acquired from the broadcast program guide distribution device, broadcast type content receiving means for receiving broadcast type content transmitted by the broadcast program transmission device, and an acquisition request is transmitted to the on-demand content transmission device. And on-demand content receiving means for acquiring the on-demand content information and receiving the on-demand content.

  Thus, the user can prevent the broadcast-type content from being missed by checking whether the time does not overlap with the content suitable for the preference in the broadcast-type content before the start of viewing the on-demand type content. In addition, regarding on-demand content, it is possible to prevent missing content that suits the taste.

 (9) The content information notification method of the present invention is a content information notification method in a content distribution system that performs an on-demand service that enables viewing of desired content and a broadcast service that distributes the content at a predetermined time. On-demand content information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and content length information is acquired from the on-demand content information distribution means for the content provided by the on-demand service. An on-demand content selection screen generating step for generating an on-demand content selection screen that allows a user to refer to and select an on-demand content as a screen to be displayed on the display unit based on the demand content information, and the broadcast Type Broadcast program guide information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and broadcast time zone information indicating the broadcast start time and end time of the content is acquired from the broadcast program guide distribution means. Then, based on the broadcast program guide information, as a screen to be displayed on the display means, a program guide screen generating step for generating a program guide screen that can be selected by referring to the broadcast-type content that can be used by the user, Time when user preference information including characteristic information of preferred content is acquired and the content length of the specified on-demand content has elapsed based on the user preference information, the on-demand content information, and the broadcast program guide information Content that determines whether broadcast-type content that matches user preferences will start An on-demand type content selection step is performed by a user and an on-demand type content selection instruction is made. By the time when the content length of the on-demand type content has elapsed in the content time duplication determination step, A content time overlap notification screen generating step for generating a content time overlap notification screen including broadcast program guide information of the broadcast type content as a screen to be displayed on the display means when the start of broadcasting is detected, and the content time overlap notification A content time overlap notification step for displaying the screen and notifying the user.

  As a result, when the user designates the start of playback of on-demand content and the start of broadcast of the broadcast content that matches the user preference is detected by the time when the content length of the content has elapsed, A content time overlap notification screen including the broadcast program guide information of the content can be generated and notified to the user. For this reason, the user can recognize whether the viewing time overlaps with the content that matches the preference in the broadcast type content before starting to view the on-demand type content, and then selects the viewing of the on-demand type content, etc. can do.

 (10) The content reception / playback apparatus of the present invention includes a preference storage unit that stores preferences, an on-demand content information storage unit that stores the content length of on-demand content, and a broadcast-type content provided by a broadcast-type service. When the broadcast program guide storage means for storing program data composed of identification information and broadcast start time and broadcast end time, and on-demand content stored in the on-demand content information storage means are selected, the selection is made. Content time overlap determination means for determining whether or not broadcasting of broadcast-type content that matches the preference is started by the time when the content length of the on-demand content that has been made has elapsed, and duplication by the content time overlap determination means Display that indicates that there was a duplicate if it is determined It is intended and a stage.

  Thereby, when the on-demand type content is selected, and there is a broadcast type content that matches the preference in the playback time zone, it is possible to display that there is an overlap.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content reception / playback apparatus, a content distribution system, and a content information notification method that can prevent a user from overlooking broadcast-type content without interrupting content viewing. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a content reception / playback apparatus, a content distribution system, and a content information notification method that can reduce the possibility of a user overlooking on-demand content.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The content distribution system 101 includes a content reception / playback device 102 for receiving content and allowing a user to view the content, a broadcast program transmission device 103 for transmitting broadcast-type content, and a broadcast program guide distribution for distributing a broadcast program guide. A device 104; an on-demand content transmission device 105 that transmits on-demand content and on-demand content information according to a request from the content reception / playback device 102; and a communication network 106 that realizes communication between the devices. It is configured. In the example of FIG. 1, each apparatus has a configuration of one, but a plurality of apparatuses may exist.

  The broadcast program sending apparatus 103 includes a communication unit 111 for transmitting content to the outside, a content storage unit 112 for storing broadcast type content, a clock 113 for outputting date and time information, and a broadcast for storing broadcast program guide information. The program table storage unit 114 and the broadcast content transmission control unit 115 which reads the broadcast type content from the content storage unit 112 and transmits it according to the broadcast program table with reference to the broadcast program table information.

  The broadcast program guide distribution apparatus 104 includes a communication unit 121 that realizes transmission and reception with the outside, a broadcast program guide storage unit 122 that stores broadcast program guide information, a clock 123 that outputs date and time information, and a broadcast program guide storage unit 122. Broadcast program guide distribution control means 124 that controls to acquire broadcast program guide information at least after the current date and time and distribute it to the outside.

  The on-demand content transmission apparatus 105 stores communication means 131 for realizing external transmission / reception, storage means 132 for storing on-demand content and on-demand content information, and storage in response to a request from the content reception / playback apparatus 102. On-demand content information distribution means 133 that reads on-demand content information from the means 132 and distributes it to the request source, and on-demand content is read from the storage means 132 and sent to the request source in response to a request from the content reception / playback device 102 And on-demand content transmission control means 134.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the broadcast type content and the on-demand type content are distributed via the same communication network 106, but different communication networks may be used. For example, terrestrial broadcasting or satellite broadcasting may be used as a communication network for broadcast content, and the Internet may be used as a communication network for on-demand content.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the broadcast program sending device 103 and the broadcast program guide distribution device 104 are configured separately, but the broadcast program sending device 103 may have a function of storing and managing the broadcast program guide. Absent. For example, it may be multiplexed with broadcast-type content and transmitted in the same manner as a program guide of an electronic program guide (EPG) in BS digital satellite broadcast or terrestrial digital broadcast.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the content reception / playback apparatus 102. The content reception / playback apparatus 102 includes a communication unit 201 that issues requests to the outside and receives content, a combination of at least content identification information, content characteristic information, and content length for content provided by an on-demand service. On-demand content information storage means 202 that obtains and stores on-demand content information from the outside via the communication means 201, and makes it possible to refer to and select content that can be used by the user by referring to the on-demand content information An on-demand content selection screen generating unit 203 that generates a screen and an on-demand content reproducing unit 204 that issues an on-demand content distribution request and reproduces the received on-demand content. In addition, for the content provided by the broadcast-type service, the communication program table information including a set of at least content identification information, information indicating the characteristics of the content, and broadcast time zone information indicating the broadcast start time and broadcast end time of the content is communicated Broadcast program guide storage means 205 that is acquired and stored from the outside via 201; program guide screen generation means 206 that generates program selectable screens by referring to program guide information and referring to program contents available to the user; Broadcast content channel selection / reproduction means 207 for selecting and reproducing broadcast-type content.

  Also, the content receiving / playback apparatus 102 stores user preference storage means 208 that stores user-preferred content characteristic information as user preference information, a clock 209 that provides date and time information, and video and audio of content and selection screens. Video / audio output means 210 including display means for output, operation means 211 for a user to input an operation such as content selection or playback start instruction, on-demand content specified with reference to on-demand content information and a broadcast program guide Content time overlap determination means 212 for determining whether or not broadcasting of broadcast-type content that matches the user preference is started by the time when the content length of the content has elapsed, and content playback and selection screen according to the user's operation When content is controlled and the user selects on-demand content, content And a control unit 213 for controlling to perform the time overlap determination. The control unit 213 has a function of content time overlap notification screen generation unit.

  The operation of the content reception / playback apparatus 102 and the content distribution system 101 configured as described above will be described below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a broadcast program guide. In this example, the broadcast program guide is composed of a program start date and time, a program end date and time, a channel name, a program name, and a genre that is one of the program characteristics. In this example, the genre is used as the characteristic information, but other information such as the name of the performer and the date of production may be used as the characteristic information. A plurality of pieces of information may be used as the characteristic information. Further, in this example, there are two broadcast channels, but there may be a single channel, or there may be three or more channels. When there is a single channel, the channel name is not required in the broadcast program guide.

  The operation of the broadcast program sending apparatus 103 when the broadcast program table is as shown in FIG. 3 will be described. Broadcast content is stored in the content storage unit 112 in advance. This content storage method is not particularly mentioned in the present embodiment. The broadcast program guide is stored in advance in the broadcast program guide storage means 114 in the broadcast program sending device 103. Here, the case where the broadcast program table is distributed in advance will be described. However, the broadcast content transmission control unit 115 receives the broadcast program table distributed by the broadcast program table distribution device 104 via the communication unit 111 and the broadcast program table storage unit 114. May be stored.

  The broadcast content transmission control unit 115 refers to the broadcast program table stored in the broadcast program table storage unit 114 and acquires date and time information from the clock 113. The broadcast content transmission control means 115 operates according to the broadcast start date and time and the broadcast end date and time of the broadcast program guide. The content is read from the content storage unit 112 from the broadcast start date and time described in the broadcast program guide, and is sent out via the communication unit 111. When the content end date and time is reached, the transmission is ended. This operation is executed for all contents described in the broadcast program guide.

  Next, the operation of the broadcast program guide distribution device 104 will be described. A broadcast program guide as shown in FIG. 3 is stored in advance in the broadcast program guide storage means 122 in the broadcast program guide distribution device 104. This broadcast program table storage method is not particularly mentioned in this embodiment.

  The broadcast program guide distribution control unit 124 reads the broadcast program guide from the broadcast program guide storage unit 122 and distributes the broadcast program guide via the communication unit 121. Note that the broadcast program guide distribution control means 124 may operate to periodically deliver from the communication means 121 with reference to the broadcast program guide storage means 122, or from the outside via the communication means 121. The broadcast program guide may be distributed only when a broadcast program guide distribution request is received. Also, the broadcast program guide distribution control means 124 refers to the date and time information acquired from the clock 123 and extracts only the broadcast program guide related to the content after the content including the current time between the broadcast start date and time and the broadcast end date and time. You may distribute.

  Next, the operation of the on-demand content transmission apparatus 105 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of on-demand content information. In this example, the on-demand content information includes a set of a content name, a content length, and a genre that is one of the characteristics of the content. In this example, the genre is used as the characteristic information, but other information such as the name of the performer and the date of production may be used as the characteristic information. A plurality of pieces of information may be used as the characteristic information.

  On-demand content and on-demand content information are stored in the storage unit 132 in advance. These storage methods are not particularly mentioned in this embodiment.

  When receiving the on-demand content information distribution request via the communication unit 131, the on-demand content information distribution unit 133 reads the on-demand content information from the storage unit 132 and distributes it to the request source. The on-demand content information distribution unit 133 may distribute the on-demand content information in the storage unit 132 as it is. For example, the on-demand content information distribution unit 133 converts the on-demand content information in the storage unit 132 into a content name or When a search function for searching by genre or the like is provided and an on-demand content information distribution request with a search condition is received, on-demand content information as a search result may be distributed.

  When the on-demand content transmission control unit 134 receives an on-demand content transmission request specifying a content name via the communication unit 131, the on-demand content transmission control unit 134 reads the content from the storage unit 132 and transmits the content to the request source via the communication unit 131. .

  Next, the operation of the content reception / playback apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The user preference storage unit 208 stores user preference information including characteristic information indicating the user's preference in advance. Although this storage method is not particularly mentioned in the present embodiment, for example, a user may register a favorite genre, or a genre with a high viewing frequency may be automatically registered.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of user preference information stored in the user preference storage unit 208. In this example, only one characteristic information (documentary) is described as the user preference information, but the user preference information may include a plurality of characteristic information.

  The operation means 211 includes an operation for the user to select at least viewing of broadcast-type content, an operation for displaying a broadcast program guide screen, an operation for selecting and specifying viewing of broadcast-type content on the program guide screen, and on-demand content An operation for displaying a selection screen and an operation for selecting and specifying content viewing on the on-demand content selection screen can be executed.

  When the user performs an operation for selecting viewing of the broadcast type content by the operation unit 211, the control unit 213 instructs the broadcast content channel selection / reproduction unit 207 to execute the reception and reproduction of the broadcast type content, and also the video / audio output unit 210 is instructed to receive and output the video / audio data output by broadcast content channel selection / reproduction means 207.

  The broadcast content channel selection / reproduction means 207 receives the broadcast type content via the communication means 201 and outputs the video / audio data to the video / audio output means 210. The video / audio output means 210 outputs the video / audio received from the broadcast content channel selection / playback means 207. As a result, the user can view the desired broadcast-type content.

  Next, an operation when the user instructs display of the broadcast program guide screen by the operation means 211 will be described. The program guide screen generation means 206 receives the broadcast program guide via the communication means 201 and stores it in the broadcast program guide storage means 205. Here, an example is shown in which the program guide screen generation means 206 receives a broadcast program guide sent unilaterally, but the program guide screen generation means 206 sends it to the broadcast program guide distribution device 104 via the communication means 201. Alternatively, a broadcast program guide distribution request may be issued and a broadcast program guide may be received as a response.

  When the user instructs display of the broadcast program guide screen by the operation means 211, the control means 213 requests the program guide screen generation means 206 to generate the program guide screen, and also makes the program guide screen generation means to the video / audio output means 210. The output of the program guide screen output by 206 is instructed. The program guide screen generation means 206 acquires the current date and time from the clock 209, refers to the broadcast program guide stored in the broadcast program guide storage means 205, and generates a program guide screen for programs after the currently broadcast program. And output to the video / audio output means 210. The video / audio output means 210 outputs the program guide screen output from the program guide screen generation means 206. As a result, the user can view the program guide screen.

  FIG. 6 shows the broadcast program guide as shown in FIG. 3, the current date is 12:30 on January 25, 2005, and the broadcast program guide screen displayed when the selected channel is 1 is shown in FIG. An example is given. In this example, the currently viewed program is displayed so that the user can easily recognize it by changing the display color on the program guide. In addition, a cursor is displayed so as to surround the program, and this cursor can be moved onto the program information being broadcast on another channel on the program guide screen by the operating means 211.

  When the user moves the cursor on the information of the program N of channel 2 and performs a channel selection specifying operation by the operation unit 211 while the program table screen is displayed, the control unit 213 performs the program table generation unit 206. The channel information acquisition request corresponding to the position on the program guide screen designated by the user is issued. The program guide generation unit 206 returns the channel information to the control unit 213. The control unit 213 issues a channel switching request to the broadcast content channel selection / playback unit 207 and instructs the video / audio output unit 210 to output the video / audio output by the broadcast content channel selection / playback unit 207. The broadcast content channel selection / reproduction means 207 switches the receiving channel to the requested channel, receives the content, and outputs the video / audio to the video / audio output means 210. The video / audio output unit 210 outputs the video / audio data output from the broadcast content channel selection / playback unit 207. Thereby, the user can view the broadcast type content of the channel selected on the program guide screen.

  Next, an operation when the user instructs display of the on-demand content information screen by the operation unit 211 will be described. When the control unit 213 receives an instruction to display the on-demand content information screen, the control unit 213 issues an on-demand content selection screen generation request to the on-demand content selection screen generation unit 203 and also the on-demand content selection screen to the video / audio output unit 210. An instruction to output an on-demand content selection screen output by the generation unit 203 is given. The on-demand content selection screen generation unit 203 periodically issues an on-demand content information distribution request to the on-demand content transmission device 105 via the communication unit 201, and the received on-demand content information is stored in the on-demand content information storage unit. 202.

  In this example, the on-demand content selection screen generation unit 203 periodically acquires the on-demand content information, but when the on-demand content selection screen generation request is received by the control unit 213, the on-demand content transmission device 105 The on-demand content information distribution request may be issued to receive the on-demand content information.

  Upon receiving the on-demand content selection screen generation request, the on-demand content selection screen generation unit 203 refers to the on-demand content information stored in the on-demand content information storage unit 202, generates an on-demand content selection screen, Output to the video / audio output means 210. The video / audio output means 210 outputs an on-demand content selection screen. Thereby, the user can view the on-demand content selection screen.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of an on-demand content selection screen displayed when the on-demand content information is as shown in FIG. In this example, a cursor is displayed so as to surround the content information, and this cursor can be moved onto each content information on the on-demand content selection screen by the operation means 211.

  When the user moves the cursor on the on-demand content selection screen by the operation unit 211 and performs an operation for selecting and specifying arbitrary content while the on-demand content selection screen is displayed, the control unit 213 causes the cursor to move. The content name acquisition request is issued to the on-demand content selection screen generation means 203 together with the position information on the screen. The on-demand content selection screen generation unit 203 returns the content name of the content displayed at the position of the received position information on the screen to the control unit 213. The control unit 213 designates the received content name and issues an on-demand content selection request to the content time duplication determination unit 212.

  The operation of the content time overlap determination unit 212 will be described with reference to FIG. The content time overlap determination unit 212 refers to the clock 209 to acquire the current date and time information (step 801), and refers to the on-demand content information storage unit 202 to acquire the content length of the content (step 802). The broadcast program guide storage means 205 is referred to and the broadcast program guide of the first entry is referred to (step 803). The time zone from the current date and time to the date and time when the content length of the on-demand content has passed is compared with the time zone information in the broadcast program table to determine whether or not they overlap (step 804). If the time zones overlap, it is further determined whether or not the characteristic information of the broadcast program guide matches the user preference information of the user preference storage means 208 (step 805). The entry information is held as duplicate program information (step 806). The broadcast program guide storage means 205 is referred to determine whether or not the next entry exists (step 807). If there is, the next entry information is referred to (step 808), and the process returns to step 804. The above processing is repeated until there are no more entries. When there is no unreferenced entry in the broadcast program table storage means 205, it is determined whether duplicate program information is held (step 809). If duplicate program information is not held, a notification that there is no content time overlap is returned to the control means 213 (step 810). When duplicate program information is held, a notification of content time overlap detection is returned to the control means 213, and a duplicate program list screen for displaying a list of broadcast programs of duplicate programs is generated and output to the video / audio output means 210. (Step 811).

  In this example, the time zone from the current date to the date when the content length of the on-demand content has passed is used as the information to be compared with the time zone of the broadcast program guide in step 804. It is also possible to use a time zone up to the date and time when the set grace time is added. When viewing on-demand content, there is a possibility that a user may perform a pause operation or a rewind operation, and viewing may be performed for a time longer than the content length. Therefore, it is effective to add a grace period.

  When the control unit 213 receives a notification that there is no content time overlap from the content time overlap determination unit 212, the control unit 213 issues a playback start request for the on-demand content to the on-demand content playback unit 204 and turns on the video / audio output unit 210. An instruction to output the video / audio data output from the demand content reproduction means 204 is given. The on-demand content reproduction unit 204 issues a request for transmitting the on-demand content to the on-demand content transmission apparatus 105 via the communication unit 201, receives the on-demand content, and outputs the video / audio data to the video / audio output unit 210. The video / audio output unit 210 outputs the video / audio output from the on-demand content playback unit 204.

  When the control unit 213 receives a notification of content time overlap detection from the content time overlap determination unit 212, the control unit 213 instructs the video / audio output unit 210 to output the duplicate program list screen generated by the content time overlap determination unit 212. The audio output means 210 outputs a duplicate program list screen.

  FIG. 9 shows the user preference information as shown in FIG. 5, the broadcast program table as shown in FIG. 3, the on-demand content information as shown in FIG. 4, and used at 12:30 on January 25, 2005. 7 shows an example of a duplicate program list screen that is output when the user instructs to select on-demand content 1. On the duplicate program list screen, information on the broadcast program that overlaps with the on-demand content viewing specified by the user is displayed, and the on-demand content viewing confirmation is confirmed, and the user recognizes the overlap with the broadcast program. It is possible to select whether or not to view on-demand content. In this example, buttons indicating whether to watch or stop viewing are displayed on the screen, and a cursor indicating the currently selected one is displayed, so that the user can select and decide at will.

  When the user selects and inputs with the operation means 211, the control means 213 passes the position information on the screen of the button selected by the user to the content time overlap determination means 212, and the content time overlap determination means 212 determines from the position information that the user It is determined whether or not the content viewing has been selected and returned to the control means 213.

  When the user selects content viewing, the control unit 213 issues the content playback request to the on-demand content playback unit 204 and outputs the video / audio output from the on-demand content playback unit 204 to the video / audio output unit 210. To start viewing the content.

  When the user stops viewing the content, the control unit 213 instructs the video / audio output unit 210 to output the video / audio output from the on-demand content selection screen generation unit 203, and the on-demand content selection screen before the content selection is selected. Return to.

  Although an example of returning to the on-demand content selection screen has been shown here, the channel information is acquired by issuing a channel information acquisition request for the first entry of the duplicate program to the content time overlap determination unit 212 to select the broadcast content channel. The playback unit 207 and the video / audio output unit 210 may be controlled to output the broadcast program of the channel.

  In the content reception / playback apparatus 102 and the content distribution system 101 according to the first embodiment as described above, when the user selects and designates on-demand content viewing, the content time overlap determination unit 212 of the content reception / playback apparatus 102 It is determined whether or not there is broadcast-type content that matches the user preference information in the user preference storage means 208 in a broadcast program in a broadcast time zone that overlaps the viewing period of on-demand content, and if there is, it notifies the user It has become. Thus, the user can recognize the presence of broadcast-type content that matches his / her preference before starting viewing of the on-demand content, and can then select viewing of the on-demand content.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a content distribution system 101 and a content reception / playback apparatus 102 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the content distribution system 101 and the content reception / playback apparatus 102 are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the functions of the content time overlap determination unit 212 and the control unit 213 of the content receiving / playback apparatus 102 are different from those of the first embodiment, and the content time overlap determination unit 212 has the function of the content availability time determination unit. And the control unit 213 has a function of a service provision end notification screen generation unit.

  An example of on-demand content information in the second embodiment is shown in FIG. In this example, the on-demand content information is composed of a set of a content name, a content length, a content provision time limit, and a genre that is one of the characteristics of the content. In this example, the genre is used as the characteristic information, but other information such as the name of the performer and the date of production may be used as the characteristic information. A plurality of pieces of information may be used as the characteristic information.

  The operation of the content time overlap determination unit 212 of the content reception / playback apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG. The current date and time information is acquired by referring to the clock 209 (step 1101), and the on-demand content information of the first entry in the on-demand content information storage unit 202 is referenced (step 1102). It is determined whether or not the characteristic information of the entry matches the user preference information stored in the user preference storage unit 208 (step 1103). If it matches, the content length has elapsed from the current date and time. It is determined whether the time from the date and time to the provision deadline date and time matches a preset grace time (step 1104). If they match, the entry information is held as time limit information (step 1105). It is determined whether or not the next entry exists in the on-demand content information (step 1106). If there is, the next entry information is referred to (step 1107), and the process returns to step 1103 until there are no more entries. Repeat the process so far.

  When there is no unreferenced entry in the on-demand content information storage unit 202, it is determined whether or not time limit information is retained (step 1108). When the deadline information is held, the deadline information detection notification is issued to the control unit 213, and the deadline notification list screen for displaying the deadline information as a list is generated and output to the video / audio output unit 210 (step 1109). Wait for notification from the control means 213 (step 1110). If the time limit information is not held, the process waits for a predetermined time (step 1111). When a notification from the control means 213 is received at step 1110 or when a predetermined time has elapsed at step 1111, the process returns to step 1101 and these processes are repeatedly executed.

  Upon receiving the time limit information detection notification from the content time overlap determination unit 212, the control unit 213 superimposes the time limit notification list screen output by the content time overlap determination unit 212 on the currently output video. To output. The video / audio output means 210 outputs the deadline notification list screen output by the content time overlap determination means 212 to be superimposed on the currently output video.

  In FIG. 12, the on-demand content information is as shown in FIG. 4, the user preference information is as shown in FIG. 5, the current date and time is 12:30 on January 25, 2005, and a preset grace period is set. It shows an example of a deadline notification list screen that is output when the time is 30 minutes. In this example, the deadline notification list screen is displayed near the corner of the display screen so as not to disturb the display of the currently viewed video as much as possible. The deadline notification list screen displays that the on-demand content provision deadline date and time that matches the user's preference is imminent, and enables the selection of on-demand content viewing. In this example, buttons indicating whether or not to view are displayed on the screen, and a cursor indicating the currently selected one is displayed so that the user can select and decide at will.

  When the user selects and inputs with the operation means 211, the control means 213 passes the position information on the screen of the button selected by the user to the content time overlap determination means 212, and the content time overlap determination means 212 determines from the position information that the user It is determined whether or not the content viewing has been selected and returned to the control means 213. Thereafter, the content time overlap determination unit 212 stops outputting the deadline notification list screen, exits step 1110 in FIG. 11, and repeats the processing from step 1101 in FIG.

  When the user selects content viewing, the control unit 213 issues the content playback request to the on-demand content playback unit 204 and outputs the video / audio output from the on-demand content playback unit 204 to the video / audio output unit 210. To start viewing the content.

  When the user selects not to view the content, the control unit 213 instructs the video / audio output unit 210 to stop outputting the deadline notification list screen output by the content time overlap determination unit 212 and restores the original screen state. .

  In the content receiving / playback apparatus 102 and the content distribution system 101 according to the second embodiment as described above, the content time overlap determination unit 212 determines whether or not the provision deadline date of on-demand content that matches the user's preference is approaching. When the provision deadline date is approaching, the user is notified so that viewing of the on-demand content can be selected. This can reduce the possibility that the user misses on-demand content that matches the preference.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a content distribution system 101 and a content reception / playback apparatus 102 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a content reception / playback apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the recommendation list screen generation unit 1301 refers to the on-demand content information in the on-demand content information storage unit 202, the broadcast program guide in the broadcast program guide storage unit 205, and the user preference information in the user preference storage unit 208. A recommendation list screen for displaying a list of broadcast program guide information and on-demand content information that matches the user's preference is generated, and the operation means 211 can be instructed by the user to display the recommendation list screen. . Other components are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The operation of the content reception / playback apparatus 102 configured as described above will be described below. When the user instructs display of the recommendation list screen using the operation unit 211, the control unit 213 issues a recommendation list screen generation request to the recommendation list screen generation unit 1301 and also recommends the recommendation list screen generation unit 1301 to the video / audio output unit 210. Instructs to output the recommendation list screen output by.

  The operation of the recommendation list screen generation unit 1301 for generating the recommendation list screen will be described with reference to FIG. The recommendation list screen generation unit 1301 reads user preference information from the user preference storage unit 208 (step 1401), acquires the current date and time from the clock 209 (step 1402), and stores the current date and time in the broadcast program table storage unit 205. The first entry in the broadcast program table is referred to (step 1403). It is determined whether the broadcast time zone includes the current date and time or after the current date and time, and the characteristic information matches the user preference (step 1404), and if it matches, the entry information is registered in the recommendation list screen ( Step 1405). It is determined whether there is a next entry (step 1406). If there is an entry, the next entry is referred to (step 1407), and the process returns to step 1404 to process all entries.

  Next, the first entry information in the on-demand content information storage unit 202 is referred to (step 1408). It is determined whether or not the characteristic information of the entry matches the user preference information (step 1409), and if it matches, the entry information is registered in the recommendation list screen (step 1410). It is determined whether or not the next entry exists (step 1411). If there is, the next entry information is referred to (step 1412), and the process returns to step 1409 to process all entries. After the process is completed for all entries, a recommendation list screen is output (step 1413).

  FIG. 15 shows the broadcast program table as shown in FIG. 3, the on-demand content information as shown in FIG. 4, the user preference information as shown in FIG. 5, and the current date and time 12: January 25, 2005: The example of the recommendation list screen displayed when it is 30 is shown. In this example, program D is displayed as broadcast-type content, and content 3 is displayed as on-demand content. In this example, a cursor is displayed so as to surround the content information, and this cursor can be moved on each content information on the recommendation list screen by the operation means 211.

  When the user selects broadcast content on the recommendation list screen, the operation is the same as when the user selects the broadcast content on the broadcast program guide screen, and the broadcast content is output from the video / audio output means 210.

  When on-demand content is selected on the recommendation list screen, the content time overlap determination determination unit 212 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and determines whether or not there is broadcast-type content with overlapping time. When there is no broadcast type content with overlapping time, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed to output video / audio of on-demand type content.

  If there is broadcast-type content with overlapping time, the content time overlap determination unit 212 does not generate the duplicate program list screen, notifies the control unit 213 of the duplicate program list information, and the control unit 213 displays the duplicate program list information. The recommendation list screen generation unit 1301 notifies the recommendation list screen generation unit 1301, and the broadcast type content included in the duplicate program list information is output after changing the display on the recommendation list screen to notify the user.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a recommendation list screen when a duplicate program is detected. Broadcast-type content with overlapping time is displayed on the recommendation list screen, and it is possible to select and input whether or not to view on-demand content on this screen. In FIG. 16, it is displayed that the program D is a duplicate program by changing the display color of the program D, and “This program starts while viewing the content 3. “” And a selection button for “view” or “do not watch” are displayed.

  Here, when the on-demand content viewing is selected and when not viewing is selected, the operation is the same as when the selection is made on the duplicate program list screen of the first embodiment.

  In the content reception / playback apparatus 102 and the content distribution system 101 according to the third embodiment as described above, the recommended list screen generation unit 1301 displays a list of contents that match the user's preference, so that the user's own preference is displayed. The possibility of missing content that matches is further reduced. In addition, when the user selects and designates on-demand content viewing from the recommendation list screen, the content time overlap determination unit 212 stores the user preference in the broadcast program in the broadcast time zone that overlaps the viewing period of the on-demand content. The presence or absence of broadcast-type content that matches the user preference information of the means 208 is determined, and if it exists, the user is notified on the recommendation list screen, so that the user can check his / her own content before starting to view the on-demand content. It is possible to more intuitively recognize the presence of broadcast-type content that matches the preferences, and then to select viewing of on-demand content.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can recognize the overlap with the broadcast time of the broadcast type content that matches the user's preference before the start of viewing the on-demand type content. It is possible to prevent the broadcast-type content from being missed without having to interrupt the viewing of the content-type content. In addition, when the on-demand content provision deadline date and time that matches the user's preference is imminent, the user can be notified of that fact, thereby preventing the user from overlooking. In addition, listing broadcast-type content and on-demand content that matches user preferences makes it easier for users to recognize content that matches preferences, and more intuitively understands overlap in content time it can.

  The present invention has an effect that enables a user not to miss broadcast-type content without interrupting viewing of the content, and reduces the possibility that the user misses on-demand content as well. It has an effect that can be made. The present invention is useful for a content reception / playback apparatus, a content distribution system, a content information notification method, and the like that provide both on-demand content service and broadcast content service to users.

The figure which shows the structure of the content delivery system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the content receiving / reproducing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the broadcast program guide in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the example of the on-demand content information in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the example of the user preference information in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the example of the broadcast program guide screen in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the on-demand content selection screen in 1st Embodiment The flowchart for operation | movement description of the content time duplication determination means of the content receiving / reproducing apparatus in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the duplication program list screen in 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the example of the on-demand content information in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the content time duplication determination means of the content receiving / reproducing apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the time limit notification list screen in 2nd Embodiment The figure which shows the structure of the content receiving / reproducing apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the recommendation list screen production | generation means of the content receiving / reproducing apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the recommendation list screen in 3rd Embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the duplicate program information on the recommendation list screen in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing example of the conventional content time duplication notification system

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Content distribution system 102 Content receiving / reproducing apparatus 103 Broadcast program transmission apparatus 104 Broadcast program schedule distribution apparatus 105 On-demand content transmission apparatus 106 Communication network 111 Communication means 112 Content storage means 113 Clock 114 Broadcast program schedule storage means 115 Broadcast content transmission control means 121 Communication means 122 Broadcast program guide storage means 123 Clock 124 Broadcast program guide distribution control means 131 Communication means 132 Storage means 133 On-demand content information distribution means 134 On-demand content transmission control means 201 Communication means 202 On-demand content information storage means 203 On Demand content selection screen generation means 204 On-demand content reproduction means 205 Broadcast program guide storage means 206 Program guide screen generation means 207 Ceiling tuning reproducing means 208 user preference storage section 209 Clock 210 audio-video output unit 211 operation unit 212 content times overlap determination unit 213 control unit 1301 recommendations list screen generating means

Claims (10)

A content reception / playback apparatus that can use an on-demand service that enables viewing of desired content and a broadcast service that distributes content at a predetermined time,
On-demand content information storage means for storing on-demand content information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and content length information for the content provided by the on-demand service;
An on-demand content selection screen generating means for generating an on-demand content selection screen that enables selection by referring to available on-demand content based on the on-demand content information;
On-demand content playback means for acquiring and playing back the selected on-demand content;
A broadcast program storing broadcast program guide information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and broadcast time zone information indicating the broadcast start time and broadcast end time of the content provided by the broadcast type service Table storage means;
A program guide screen generating means for generating a program guide screen that allows the user to refer to and select broadcast-type content available based on the broadcast program guide information;
Broadcast content channel selection / reproduction means for selecting and reproducing the broadcast type content;
User preference storage means for storing characteristic information of content preferred by the user as user preference information;
Based on the on-demand content information and the broadcast program guide information, it is determined whether broadcasting of broadcast-type content that matches the user preference is started by the time when the content length of the specified on-demand content has elapsed Content time overlap determination means to
The user is instructed to select on-demand content, and the content time overlap determination means detects the start of broadcast of broadcast-type content that matches the user preference by the time when the content length of the on-demand content has elapsed. A content time overlap notification screen generating means for generating a content time overlap notification screen including broadcast program guide information of the broadcast type content,
Display means for displaying the content time overlap notification screen;
A content reception / playback apparatus comprising: The content reception / playback apparatus according to claim 1,
The content time overlap determination means is based on the on-demand content information and the broadcast program guide information until the time when the total time of the content length of the specified on-demand content and a preset grace time has elapsed. A content reception / playback apparatus that determines whether broadcasting of broadcast-type content that matches user preferences is started. The content reception / playback apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The content receiving / reproducing apparatus that displays and reproduces the on-demand type content and the broadcast type content and displays the content time overlap notification screen, the on-demand content selection screen, and the program guide screen. A content reception / playback apparatus that can use an on-demand service that enables viewing of desired content and a broadcast service that distributes content at a predetermined time,
On-demand content information for storing on-demand content information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, content length information, and content provision date and time information for content provided by the on-demand service Storage means;
An on-demand content selection screen generating means for generating an on-demand content selection screen that allows a user to refer to and select an on-demand content that can be used based on the on-demand content information;
On-demand content playback means for acquiring and playing back the selected on-demand content;
A broadcast program storing broadcast program guide information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and broadcast time zone information indicating the broadcast start time and broadcast end time of the content provided by the broadcast type service Table storage means;
A program guide screen generating means for generating a program guide screen that allows the user to refer to and select broadcast-type content available based on the broadcast program guide information;
Broadcast content channel selection / reproduction means for selecting and reproducing the broadcast type content;
User preference storage means for storing characteristic information of content preferred by the user as user preference information;
For on-demand content that periodically refers to the on-demand content information and matches the user's preference, the time when the content length has passed since the time when the on-demand content information was referenced is before the provision date and time of the content. And content availability time determination means for determining whether the time difference is equal to or less than a predetermined grace period;
For on-demand content that is not instructed to be selected, the time when the content length of the content has elapsed from the time when the on-demand content information is referred to by the content availability time determination means is before the content provision date and time difference A service provision end notification screen generating means for generating a service provision end notification screen including the corresponding on-demand content information when an item having a predetermined grace period or less is detected;
Display means for displaying the service provision end notification screen;
A content reception / playback apparatus comprising: The content reception / playback apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The on-demand content information further includes content provision date and time information,
For on-demand content that periodically refers to the on-demand content information and matches the user's preference, the time when the content length has passed since the time when the on-demand content information was referenced is before the provision date and time of the content. And content availability time determination means for determining whether the time difference is equal to or less than a predetermined grace period;
For on-demand content that is not instructed to be selected, the time when the content length of the content has elapsed from the time when the on-demand content information is referred to by the content availability time determination means is before the content provision date and time difference A content reception / playback apparatus comprising: a service provision end notification screen generating unit configured to generate a service provision end notification screen including the corresponding on-demand content information when it is detected that is equal to or less than a predetermined grace period. The content reception / playback apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
The content receiving / reproducing apparatus that displays and reproduces the on-demand type content and the broadcast type content and displays the service provision end notification screen, the on-demand content selection screen, and the program guide screen. The content reception / playback apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A recommendation list for extracting and displaying information related to content information that matches the user-preferred content characteristic information stored in the user preference storage means from both the on-demand content information and the broadcast program guide information It has a recommendation list screen generation means to generate a display screen,
The display means displays the recommendation list display screen,
The recommendation list screen generation means, when the user gives an instruction to select on-demand content on the recommendation list display screen, the playback time of the on-demand content and the broadcast time of the broadcast content that matches the user preference When a time overlap is detected, a content reception / playback apparatus that generates a screen in which the display of the program guide information of the corresponding broadcast-type content on the recommendation list screen is changed. 8. The content reception / playback apparatus according to claim 1, a broadcast program transmission apparatus that transmits broadcast-type content, a broadcast program guide distribution apparatus that distributes broadcast program guide information related to the broadcast-type content, and on-demand Content delivery system having an on-demand content sending device for sending type content and a communication network for transmitting information between the devices,
The broadcast program transmission device includes broadcast content transmission control means for transmitting broadcast-type content according to the broadcast program guide information,
The broadcast program guide distribution device comprises broadcast program guide distribution control means for distributing at least broadcast program guide information after the current date and time,
The on-demand content transmission device sends on-demand content to the request source in response to a request from the content reception / playback device, and on-demand content information regarding the on-demand content to the request source. On-demand content information distribution means for distribution,
The content reception / playback device acquires broadcast program guide information from the broadcast program guide distribution device, and receives broadcast-type content sent by the broadcast program sending device, and the on-demand content sending device. A content distribution system comprising: an on-demand content receiving unit configured to transmit an acquisition request to acquire the on-demand content information and receive the on-demand content. A content information notification method in a content distribution system that performs an on-demand service that enables viewing of desired content and a broadcast service that distributes content at a predetermined time,
On-demand content information including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the content, and content length information is acquired from the on-demand content information distribution means for the content provided by the on-demand service, and this on-demand An on-demand content selection screen generating step for generating an on-demand content selection screen that allows a user to refer to and select on-demand content as a screen to be displayed on the display means based on the content information;
Broadcast program guide distribution including at least content identification information, characteristic information indicating content characteristics, and broadcast time zone information indicating broadcast start time and broadcast end time of content provided by the broadcast service A program guide screen generating step for generating a program guide screen that can be selected by referring to broadcast-type content that can be used by a user, as a screen to be acquired from the means and displayed on the display means based on the broadcast program guide information;
The user preference information including the characteristic information of the content preferred by the user is acquired, and based on the user preference information, the on-demand content information, and the broadcast program guide information, the content length of the designated on-demand type content is obtained. A content time overlap determination step for determining whether or not broadcasting of broadcast-type content that matches the user preference is started by the elapsed time;
The user is instructed to select on-demand content, and in the content time overlap determination step, the start of broadcasting of the broadcast-type content that matches the user preference is detected by the time when the content length of the on-demand content has elapsed. A content time overlap notification screen generating step for generating a content time overlap notification screen including broadcast program guide information of the broadcast type content as a screen to be displayed on the display means,
A content time overlap notification step of displaying the content time overlap notification screen and notifying the user;
A content information notification method. Preference storage means for storing preferences;
On-demand content information storage means for storing the content length of on-demand content,
Broadcast program table storage means for storing identification information of broadcast-type content provided by the broadcast-type service and program data composed of a broadcast start time and a broadcast end time;
When the on-demand content stored in the on-demand content information storage unit is selected, the broadcast-type content that matches the preference is broadcast by the time when the content length of the selected on-demand content has elapsed. Content time overlap determination means for determining whether to start,
A content reception / playback apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the presence of overlap when the content time overlap determination means determines that there is overlap.

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