JP2005352684A - Information distribution system, information distribution server device, information distribution method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply and easily set various kinds of setting such as display/non-display of a button or design of the button displayed in an information content. <P>SOLUTION: A user terminal device displaying the information content including the button display for selecting a prescribed item, an information distribution server device on a provider side providing the information content, an item database storing the prescribed item corresponding to the display button, and a metadata database storing metadata having information related to the button display of the information content are connected via a communication line network. The information distribution server device extracts the metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database and transmits them to the user terminal device. The user terminal device performs the button display on the basis of the information related to the button display of the metadata. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution system, an information distribution server device, an information distribution method, a program, and a recording medium, and more specifically, an information distribution system that distributes information of information content including a button display for selecting a predetermined item. , An information distribution server device, an information distribution method, a program, and a recording medium.

  Conventionally, images input from a network such as the Internet or a recording medium are arranged on a screen of a user terminal device such as a computer. On the screen on which the edited image is arranged, depending on the page arranged in the object image and the arrangement position, it may look unnatural for some users and the user may feel uncomfortable. In order to deal with such a problem, an image that can display and edit an appropriate object according to the arrangement position on the screen on which the object is arranged, for example, can improve the design of an electronic album. A processing apparatus is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In the image processing apparatus in Patent Document 1 described above, object data as visual information is stored in advance, and a plurality of predetermined image areas and predetermined image areas that are independently handled using such objects are associated with each other. A series of image areas can be generated, and objects can be arranged according to the positional relationship of predetermined image areas in the series of image areas. That is, for example, the album image of the editing screen displayed on the browser has various objects and input screens that can be arranged, and these objects and input screens are arranged and displayed at designated positions. The

  Incidentally, in recent years, a moving image distribution system has been developed that can edit a distributed moving image and display it on a screen. On the moving image display screen, in addition to the moving image display area, distribution of moving image data, trailer video, and products related to moving images (such as DVDs and related goods) are usually selected. A number of buttons are displayed for selection. Such buttons may be configured to display buttons that are further hierarchized from one button. However, depending on the program to be distributed, it may not be possible to prepare a trailer video or related product. In such a case, conventionally, on the introduction screen common to each program, when the corresponding button is pressed, "Data is not available" was displayed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-123084

  However, in the above moving image distribution system, if a trailer video or related product cannot be prepared and the user presses a predetermined button and displays “Data not available”, the user is uncomfortable. There is a problem of giving.

  For such button display, even if the method described in Patent Document 1 is applied, an area in which an object and an input screen are arranged is secured. Therefore, if there is no image, there is nothing in the area. Display on the screen in an uncomfortable state, giving the user an unpleasant feeling. Further, since the method of Patent Document 1 is to display a template by arranging it on an image, it has not been adapted to the user needs that the user wants to set freely.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved information distribution system capable of easily and easily performing various button settings for button display included in information content.

  In order to solve the above problems, in a first aspect of the present invention, a user terminal device having display means for displaying information content including a button display for selecting a predetermined item, and providing the information content An information distribution server device on the user side, an item database that stores items corresponding to the display buttons, and a metadata database that stores metadata on which the button display information is added for each information content. The information distribution server device is connected via a circuit network, and the metadata corresponding to the information content is extracted from the metadata database and transmitted to the user terminal device together with or separately from the information content. The user terminal device relates to a button display added to the metadata. Based on the information, the button display is provided an information distribution system, characterized in that.

  In the above-described invention, the button displayed on the information content screen is, for example, metadata having information about the button such as “button display / non-display”, “button display character”, “operation when the button is pressed”, and the like. Therefore, the display button can be set according to the preference of the provider who provides the information content screen. In addition, since the information regarding the displayed button can be defined in the metadata, the button does not exist as a simple image, and the operation processing for the icon can be defined.

  The information distribution server device may be configured to distribute the information content to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition.

  In addition, the user terminal device has storage means for storing, as button information, information related to button display of the metadata for each information content, and the user terminal device includes a screen display command for the information content. If the information distribution button is configured to display the button of the information content on the basis of the button information corresponding to the information content, the information distribution server device uses the metadata to display information regarding the button display of the information content. If it is transmitted only once, button display is performed by the user terminal device, so the load on the information distribution server device is reduced. In addition, since information related to buttons is stored in the user terminal device, the user can also set buttons.

  The buttons of the information content include fixed buttons that are always displayed and edit buttons that can be displayed or hidden, and each edit button has a button ID that is unique to the edit button. The information is added to the metadata only when the edit button is displayed, so that, for example, the fixed button can be always displayed, for example, the item can be displayed. If it is desired to hide the button for reasons such as not having a button, the button can be hidden only by not adding the button ID to the metadata. In addition, even when the button display configuration is complicated, for example, when the button display is formed in a plurality of layers, the button display can be specified easily and easily by assigning the button ID appropriately. Can do.

  Each item stored in the item database has a unique item ID added to the item, and the metadata includes the item ID information, and the user terminal device. Is configured such that an item is acquired from the item database based on the item ID corresponding to the selected display button, and the item corresponding to the display button is defined for the metadata. By defining the function, the user terminal device can easily acquire a predetermined item.

  Further, if the metadata stored in the metadata database can be registered or rewritten via the information distribution server device that provides the information content, according to the intention of the provider of the information content, Button settings can be made freely.

  In addition, the button information stored in the user terminal device can be rewritten via the user terminal device, so that the user can rewrite the button information based on the transmitted metadata, for example. As a result, buttons can be displayed or their functions and designs can be set according to user preferences.

  In order to solve the above problems, in a second aspect of the present invention, a user terminal device having display means for displaying information content including a button display for selecting a predetermined item, and an item corresponding to the display button Is an information distribution server device connected to an item database in which information is stored via a communication line network, and the information distribution server device automatically responds to a request from the user terminal device or according to a predetermined condition. In addition, the information content distribution means for distributing the information content to the user terminal device, a metadata database storing metadata having information related to the button display for each information content, and the information content Means for extracting metadata for extracting metadata from the metadata database The conjunction extracted metadata the information content, or having, a metadata transmission means for transmitting separately to the user terminal device, and provides information distribution server and wherein the.

  In the above-described invention, the buttons displayed on the information content screen are added with information related to the buttons such as “button display / non-display”, “button display character”, “operation when the button is pressed”, for example. Since it is set based on the metadata, the display button can be set according to the preference of the provider who provides the information content screen. In addition, since the information regarding the displayed button can be defined in the metadata, the button does not exist as a simple image, and the operation processing for the icon can be defined.

  The buttons of the information content include fixed buttons that are always displayed and edit buttons that can be displayed or hidden, and each edit button has a button ID that is unique to the edit button. If the information distribution server device is configured to append the button ID information to the metadata only when the edit button is displayed, for example, the fixed button is always displayed. In addition, for example, when it is desired to hide a button for reasons such as having no item, the button can be hidden only by not adding a button ID to the metadata. In addition, even when the button display configuration is complicated, for example, when the button display is formed in a plurality of layers, the button display can be specified easily and easily by assigning the button ID appropriately. Can do.

  Each item stored in the item database has a unique item ID added to the item, and the information distribution server appends information on the item ID to the metadata. In this way, the item corresponding to the display button is defined in the metadata, and further, for example, by defining the operation function, the user terminal device can easily acquire a predetermined item. it can.

  If the metadata stored in the metadata database is rewritable, buttons can be set freely according to the preference of the information content provider.

  In order to solve the above problems, in a third aspect of the present invention, a user terminal device having display means for displaying information content including a button display for selecting a predetermined item, and providing the information content An information distribution server device on the user side, an item database storing items corresponding to the display buttons, a metadata database storing metadata having information related to button display of the information contents, and a communication network An information distribution method in an information distribution system connected via the information distribution server, wherein the information distribution server device automatically transmits the information content in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition. The information distribution server device corresponds to the information content. Metadata is extracted from the metadata database and transmitted to the user terminal device together with or separately from the information content, and the user terminal device selects a button based on information related to the button display appended to the metadata. An information distribution method characterized by displaying is provided.

  In the above-described invention, the buttons displayed on the information content screen are added with information related to the buttons such as “button display / non-display”, “button display character”, “operation when the button is pressed”, for example. Since it is set based on the metadata, the display button can be set according to the preference of the provider who provides the information content screen. In addition, since the information regarding the displayed button can be defined in the metadata, the button does not exist as a simple image, and the operation processing for the icon can be defined.

  Further, the user terminal device stores, as button information, information related to button display included in the metadata for each information content, and when the user terminal device has a screen display command for the information content, If configured to perform button display of the information content based on the button information corresponding to the information content, the information distribution server device can transmit the information related to the button display of the information content only once by metadata, and the user terminal device. Since the button display is performed, the load on the information distribution server device is reduced. In addition, since information related to buttons is stored in the user terminal device, the user can also set buttons.

  The buttons of the information content include fixed buttons that are always displayed and edit buttons that can be displayed or hidden, and each edit button has a button ID that is unique to the edit button. The information is added to the metadata only when the edit button is displayed, so that, for example, the fixed button can be always displayed, for example, the item can be displayed. If it is desired to hide the button for reasons such as not having a button, the button can be hidden only by not adding the button ID to the metadata. In addition, even when the button display configuration is complicated, for example, when the button display is formed in a plurality of layers, the button display can be specified easily and easily by assigning the button ID appropriately. Can do.

  Each item stored in the item database has a unique item ID added to the item, and the metadata includes information about the item ID for each button. The user terminal device stores an item ID for each button, and the user terminal device acquires an item from the item database based on an item ID corresponding to the selected display button. The item corresponding to the display button is defined for the metadata, and the user terminal device can easily acquire the predetermined item by defining the operation function, for example.

  Further, if the metadata stored in the metadata database can be registered or rewritten via the information distribution server device that provides the information content, according to the intention of the provider of the information content, Button settings can be made freely.

  In addition, the button information stored in the storage means of the user terminal device can be rewritten via the user terminal device, so that, for example, the user can change the button information based on the transmitted metadata. Since it can be rewritten, a button can be displayed or its function and design can be set according to the user's preference.

  In order to solve the above problems, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, information content is sent to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition. Information content distribution means for distributing; metadata database storing metadata having information related to button display of the information content; means for extracting metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database; There is provided a program for causing the extracted metadata to function as metadata transmitting means for automatically transmitting to the user terminal device together with the information content or under a predetermined condition.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, information content is sent to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition. Information content distribution means to be distributed; a metadata database storing metadata with information relating to button display of the information content; means for extracting metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database; , A computer-readable record recording a program for functioning the extracted metadata together with the information content or as metadata transmission means for automatically transmitting to the user terminal device under a predetermined condition A medium is provided.

  In the present invention, the buttons displayed on the information content screen are, for example, meta data to which information related to the buttons such as “button display / non-display”, “button display characters”, “operation when the button is pressed” are added. Since it is set based on data, the display button can be set according to the preference of the provider who provides the information content screen. In addition, since the information regarding the displayed button can be defined in the metadata, the button does not exist as a simple image, and the operation processing for the icon can be defined.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)

  First, based on FIG. 1, the structure of the information delivery system concerning this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information distribution system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The information distribution system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a user terminal device 100, a magazine information distribution server device 200, a metadata database 300, a moving image database 400, various item databases 500, a license authentication server device 600, a charging server device 700, and the like. They are connected via a network 800 such as the Internet.

  The user terminal device 100 is a terminal device that receives and displays magazine information made up of information content distributed automatically from the magazine information distribution server device 200 or in response to a user request. The user terminal device 100 includes a mobile phone in addition to a desktop computer, a notebook personal computer, and a portable terminal device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a communication control device 110, a display unit (display) 120, a CPU 130, an operation unit 140, a storage unit 150, and the like.

  The communication control apparatus 110 is an apparatus that executes communication with the magazine information distribution server apparatus 200 that distributes magazine information. In the present embodiment, a configuration for acquiring magazine information from the magazine information distribution server device 200 will be described as an example. However, the present invention is stored in various recording media such as a DVD or a hard disk in advance. It can also be implemented in some cases. The display unit (display) 120 is a unit that displays a screen (for example, a magazine list screen, a magazine screen, and a program screen) related to the information content transmitted from the magazine information distribution server device 200. The CPU 130 performs overall control of the user terminal device 100. The operation unit 140 is a unit for the user to operate the user terminal device 100 (for example, to operate a button operation displayed on the information content screen), and includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. By operating the operation means 140, various buttons displayed on the information content screen can be operated. The storage unit 150 is a unit that stores magazine information distributed from the magazine information distribution server device 200 and button information based on metadata transmitted from the magazine information distribution server device 200.

  The magazine information distribution server device 200 receives magazine information including information contents automatically or in response to a request from the user terminal device 100 to the user terminal device 100 owned by a user who has contracted for distribution of magazine information. A server device for distribution. As shown in FIG. 3, the magazine information distribution server device 200 includes a CPU 210, a communication unit 220, a memory 230, a magazine information database 240, and the like. The CPU 210 executes overall control of the magazine information distribution server device 200. The communication unit 220 is a unit that controls communication with the outside through a telephone line and communication with the outside through, for example, the Internet. The memory 230 stores programs and data to be accessed by the CPU 210, and is read from the magazine information database 240 and stored as necessary.

  The magazine information database 240 is a database for storing magazine information 242 composed of information contents according to the present embodiment. The magazine information 242 includes, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a magazine list 2422 for selecting a magazine to be viewed by the user, for example, a moving image, and information content having a moving image to be viewed by the user, for example. The magazine 2424 is composed of, for example, a program 2426 having a button for displaying moving images and selecting various items to be provided to the user. The program 2426 includes a program image 2426a, an upper layer button 2426b, a lower layer button 2426c displayed below the upper layer button 2426b, and the like. In this embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, various items provided to the user (for example, an item 420 consisting of a moving image, an item 520 other than a moving image such as a DVD or a moving image evaluation) are displayed as magazine information. Although it is described as a separate component from 242, it may be configured to be included as magazine information 242.

  The metadata database 300 stores metadata in which information related to buttons 2426 b and c displayed in the program 2426 of the magazine information 242 distributed to the user terminal device 100 is added. Further, the metadata 320 includes various information such as button display / non-display information, button color, size, shape, text font, etc. As shown in FIG. Provided to the terminal device 100. The user terminal device 100 can reflect the button setting of the program 2426 on the UI (User Interface) based on the information regarding the button appended to the metadata.

  The moving image database 400 stores items including moving image data provided to the user terminal device 100 for a fee in response to a request from the user terminal device 100, for example. The various item database 500 stores information related to various items other than moving image data provided to the user terminal device 100 in response to a request from the user terminal device 100. In the present embodiment, the moving image database 400 and the various item databases 500 are not particularly important for understanding the invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The license authentication server device 600 stores license registration information (not shown) necessary for the user to view an item made up of moving images via the user terminal device 100. Such license registration information is registered together with a period during which a user terminal device capable of viewing a moving image can be viewed. The user can view the moving image item by the license authentication by the license authentication server. The billing server device 700 retrieves bill amount information based on billing information data such as a content distribution fee, and then prints or electronically outputs it. Also, billing information for the current period to be billed for each user is calculated and the result is transmitted. In the present embodiment, the license authentication server device 600 and the accounting server device 700 are not particularly important for understanding the invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the metadata database 300, the moving image database 400, the various item databases 500, the license authentication server device 600, and the charging server device 700 are described as separate databases or server devices. Alternatively, all functions can be provided in the magazine information distribution server apparatus 200.

  In the present embodiment, the buttons displayed on the information content screen are, for example, metadata having information about the buttons such as “button display / non-display”, “button display characters”, and “operation when the button is pressed”. Therefore, the display button can be set according to the preference of the provider who provides the information content screen. In addition, since the information regarding the displayed button can be defined in the metadata, the button does not exist as a simple image, and the operation processing for the icon can be defined.

  Next, a screen configuration of the magazine information 242 displayed on the display unit 120 of the user terminal device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS.

  When the user browses the magazine information 242 according to the present embodiment, first, the screen of the magazine list 2422 is displayed on the display unit 120 of the user terminal device 100 as shown in FIG. On the display screen of the magazine list 2422, images showing the contents of a plurality of magazines 2424 are arranged on a substantially circumference, respectively, and by selecting an image shown enlarged at the bottom by the operation means 140, The screen of the selected magazine 2424 can be changed. Further, the image of the magazine 2424 displayed on the screen of the magazine list 2422 is configured to move, for example, clockwise in a predetermined time (for example, several seconds).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the screen of the magazine 2424 includes a moving image display area 2424a in which a moving image composed of the contents of the magazine (content introduction image) is reproduced, and a button 2424b for moving to a program screen or another page. , And left and right buttons 2424c displayed on the left and right sides of the screen for shifting to other magazine screens.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the screen of the program 2426 is a screen for displaying the contents of the moving image content of the selected magazine, an introduction image area 2424a of the moving image content, and an upper layer button 2426b for selecting various items. It consists of a button display area consisting of a lower layer button 2426c displayed when an upper layer button is selected.

  The upper layer button 2424b in the program screen according to the present embodiment includes buttons such as “Trailer”, “Main Movie”, “My Library”, “SHOP”, “Recommended Mail”, “Movie Evaluation”, “Back”, and the like. It is displayed. “Trailer” is a button for viewing a trailer of a moving image. “View main part” is, for example, a button for acquiring a moving image for a fee. “My Library” is a button for shifting to a moving image registration list screen downloaded by the user. “SHOP” is a button for purchasing a product related to a magazine via, for example, the Internet. The “recommended mail” is a button for transmitting mail to a provider who provides a moving image (for transmitting mail to an input mail address such as addressed to a friend via a service provider). “Evaluation” is a button for transmitting evaluation of a moving image viewed by the user. The “return” button is a button for returning to a magazine page.

  In this embodiment, for example, a lower layer button 2426c including “DVD”, “related goods”, and “close” is provided below the “SHOP” button, and the “SHOP” button is pressed. Is displayed. Note that “DVD” is a button for purchasing a DVD product of a moving image that the user views, for example, via the Internet. “Related goods” is a button for purchasing related goods of moving images viewed by the user via, for example, the Internet. “Close” is a button for closing the lower layer button display.

  In the present embodiment, each of the buttons (upper layer button, lower layer button) has a fixed button that always displays the button and an edit button that can select whether the button is displayed or not. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the buttons of “Trailer”, “Main Movie Viewing”, “DVD”, and “Related Goods” are editing buttons. The buttons may be hidden, for example, when an item corresponding to the button cannot be provided, or when a magazine information provider wants to hide a button that is considered unnecessary.

  As shown in FIG. 10, button IDs are assigned to the edit buttons (“Trailer”, “View Main”, “DVD”, “Related Goods”) according to this embodiment. For example, “button ID = 1” is added to the “trailer” button, and “button ID = 2” is added to the “main part viewing” button, and “button” is provided below the “SHOP” button. “Button ID = 3” is added to the “DVD” button, and “Button ID = 4” is added to the “Related goods” button. Thus, by assigning the button ID, for example, even when a complicated button configuration divided into a plurality of hierarchies is adopted, an editable button can be designated easily and easily. In the present embodiment, the editing contents of such a button are described in the metadata described later (for example, information such as button display / non-display, text characters displayed on the button, operation when the button is pressed). The button can be edited based on the metadata information. For buttons that are not assigned button IDs, the buttons can always be displayed on the display screen. On the other hand, when the button ID is allocated but the button ID is not added to the metadata described later, the button can be hidden.

  An example of metadata to which such button information is attached will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 includes information on four button displays from “trailer (button ID = 1)” (indicated by <button 1>) to “related goods (button ID = 4)” (indicated by <button 4>). Metadata is described. In the following description, only metadata related to “Trailer (button ID = 1)” (indicated by <button1>) will be described, and description of metadata related to other buttons will be omitted.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, in the metadata regarding the button of “Trailer (button ID = 1)”, <button1> indicates that the metadata is related to “button ID = 1”. <Id> indicates a button ID. <Text> indicates a character displayed on the button, and can be, for example, “trailer”. <Text color> indicates the color of the character displayed on the button, and can be, for example, “white”. <Text font> indicates the font of the character displayed on the button, and may be “Gothic”, for example. <Text size> indicates the size of the character displayed on the button, and can be set to, for example, “12”. <Button color> indicates the color of the button, and can be, for example, “black”. <Button shape> indicates the shape of the button and can be, for example, “rectangular”. <Behavior> indicates an operation when the button is pressed, and can be, for example, “playback” or “browser”. In the case of “reproduction”, the reproduction operation of the corresponding item is performed, and in the case of “browser”, the browser can be activated with the sale URL of the corresponding item as an argument. <Item> indicates the item ID of the item information specified by pressing the button. For example, “item ID = 100” can be set. <Item_id> indicates the item ID assigned to each button, and in the case of playback, the title and playback time information, and in the case of a browser, the identification number of the information describing the URL of the information acquisition destination, etc. Can do.

  The metadata 320 is extracted from the metadata database 300 by the information distribution server device 200 and transmitted to the user terminal device 100 together with the magazine information 242 or separately. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the user terminal device 100 can store information about buttons described in the received metadata 320 as button information 152 in the storage unit 150. The button information 1452 includes a button ID 1521, text 1522 (display 1522a, color 1522b, style 1522c, size 1522d), button 1523 (color 1523a, shape 1523b, size 1523c), button operation 1524, item ID 1525, and the like. It should be noted that the button information 152 is a table of information related to buttons added to the metadata, and the content of the information is the same as the information in the metadata 320, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. Thus, since the button information 152 related to the buttons of the program is stored in the user terminal device 100, the user can rewrite the transmitted metadata, for example, and display the buttons according to the user's preference. , Or its function and design can be set.

  Note that information relating to item IDs described in the metadata 320 can also be stored in the storage means as item information 154, as shown in FIG. The item information 154 includes an item ID 1541, an item action 1542, an item name 1543, item related information 1544, and the like. The item ID 1541 is an item-specific identifier assigned to an item made up of a moving image or other various items. An item operation 1542 indicates the operation of the pressed button. In the case of a moving image, a reproduction operation is performed, and in the case of other items, a web browser is activated. The item name 1543 is the name of the item corresponding to the button. The item-related information 1544 is information such as moving image acquisition information, video viewing license information, and a URL when the browser is activated. As described above, the user terminal device 100 can acquire the items 420 and 520 based on the item information corresponding to the pressed button.

  Next, an example of hiding the “DVD (button ID = 3)” button among the buttons described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of metadata 320 ′ for hiding the “DVD (button ID = 3)” button. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, when the button of “DVD (button ID = 3)” is hidden, unlike the metadata shown in FIG. 11, information related to <button3> (“button” There is no information regarding “ID = 3”.

  When the metadata 320 ′ shown in FIG. 14 is transmitted to the user terminal device 100, “DVD (button ID = 3)” is controlled to be hidden as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. That is, when the “SHOP” button on the program screen of the magazine information is pressed, the “DVD” button is not displayed, only the “related goods” and “close” buttons are displayed, and “DVD (button ID = 3) "is not displayed. At this time, if there is a non-display button, the adjacent buttons can be packed and displayed. If there is no information regarding all lower layer buttons (for example, “DVD (button ID = 3)” and “related goods (button ID = 4)”) in the metadata, the upper layer button “SHOP” is displayed. "Button can be hidden.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 17, the button information 152 ′ stored in the storage unit 150 of the user terminal device 100 is different from the button information 152 shown in FIG. 12, and is a button related to “DVD (button ID = 3)”. There is no information, and only button information relating to “Trailer (button ID = 1)”, “Main Part Viewing (button ID = 2)”, and “Related Goods (button ID = 4)” is stored.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the buttons displayed on the program screen include, for example, information about buttons such as “button display / non-display”, “button display character”, and “operation when the button is pressed”. Since it is set based on the metadata it has, it is possible to set the display button according to the preference of the provider who provides the program screen. In addition, since the information regarding the displayed button can be defined in the metadata, the button does not exist as a simple image, and the operation processing for the icon can be defined.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, a configuration in which an item cannot be provided but the button is hidden is described as an example. However, the “text”, “color”, and “shape” displayed on the button are also “size”. Such information can also be set individually based on the information appended to the metadata. In addition, the user can change the setting of the display button by rewriting the button information stored in the user terminal device. In this way, the user interface can be improved simply by defining the display (button) on the UI and the operation of the control in the metadata.

  Next, the operation flow of button display on the program screen according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of button display on the program screen according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the button is displayed based on the button information 152 ′ stored in the user terminal device 100. However, the button can be displayed based on the transmitted metadata 320 ′. .

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, a program screen display command is issued in step S100 (step S100). In the present embodiment, a magazine 2424 is selected from the screen of the magazine list 2422 of the magazine information 242 distributed from the information distribution server device 200 to the user terminal device 100, and a predetermined program 2426 is selected from the screen of the magazine 2424. As a result, a program screen display command is executed.

  Next, in step S102, it is determined whether there is a button to be displayed (step S102). The presence of a button to be displayed can be determined with reference to button information 152 stored in the user terminal device 100, for example. If there is no button to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S110, and the display of the program 2426 screen is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a button to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S104, and the button is displayed on the program screen based on the button information 152 (step S104). Such button display can be performed based on information related to the “button” 1523 among the button information 152 stored in the user terminal device 100, for example.

  Next, in step S106, characters are displayed on the displayed button based on the button information 152 (step S106). The display of the characters on the buttons can be performed based on information related to “text” 1522 among the button information 152 stored in the user terminal device, for example.

  Thereafter, in step S108, it is determined whether there are still buttons to be displayed (step S108). If it is determined that there is still a button to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S104 and the above process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no button to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S110 and the display of the program screen is terminated (step S110).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, the button is displayed based on metadata having information about the button such as “button display / non-display”, “button display character”, and “operation when the button is pressed”. Therefore, the display button can be set according to the preference of the provider who provides the content screen. In addition, since the buttons are displayed based on the information about the buttons defined in the metadata, the buttons do not exist as simple images, and operation processing for icons can be set.

  Next, based on FIG. 19, an operation flow when the button displayed on the program screen according to the first embodiment is pressed will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation flow when a button displayed on the program screen according to the first embodiment is pressed. Note that the buttons on the program screen according to the present embodiment will be described as buttons already displayed by the flow shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 19, in step S200, the user presses a button displayed on the program screen (step S200).

  Next, in step S202, the operation of the pressed button is determined based on the item information 154 (step S202). When it is determined that the operation of the button is “browser”, the process proceeds to step S204, and after checking the transition destination URL based on the item ID (step S204), in step S206, the WEB browser And the target page is opened (step S206). In the present embodiment, the button operation can be determined based on, for example, the button operation 1542 in the item information 154 stored in the user terminal device 100.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the operation of the button is “play”, the process proceeds to step S208, and it is determined whether moving image data is acquired based on the item ID (step S208). Step S208). If it is determined that the item ID has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S210, the moving image data acquisition screen is opened (step S210), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that moving image data has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S212, and the license acquisition state is investigated based on the item ID (step S212). If it is determined that the license has not been acquired, a license acquisition screen is opened in step S214 (step S214), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S212 that the license has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S216, where the moving image reproduction screen is opened and the moving image is reproduced.

  In the present embodiment, in the metadata (button information), a corresponding item and its operation function are defined for the button, so that a predetermined item corresponding to the button can be easily acquired. .

  Moreover, the display of the text displayed on the button according to the present embodiment can be changed according to various states. Hereinafter, the operation flow of text display on the button according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of text display on the button according to the present embodiment. In the following, an example will be described in which the text displayed on the button is changed only when the operation of the button is “playback” of a moving image. Further, the flow for changing the text display on the button is to change the text displayed on the button by inserting it in step S106 during the process of FIG.

  First, in step S300, a character display process on a button displayed on the program screen is started (step S300). In the present embodiment, a magazine 2424 is selected from the screen of the magazine list 2422 of the magazine information 242 distributed from the information distribution server device 200 to the user terminal device 100, and a predetermined program 2426 is selected from the screen of the magazine 2424. Thus, the character display process on the button of the program screen is performed.

  Next, in step S302, it is determined whether the operation of the button is “play” or “browser” (step S302). If it is determined that the button action is a browser, the process proceeds to step S304, and the text in the button information table is displayed (step S304). The determination of the button operation in the present embodiment can be made based on information related to the “button operation” 1542 among the item information 154 stored in the user terminal device 100, for example.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the button operation is “play”, the process proceeds to step S306, and it is determined whether or not the moving image data has been acquired (step S306). If it is determined that the moving image data has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S308, where “moving image data not acquired” is displayed on the button (step S308), and the process ends. The determination as to whether or not the operation data in this embodiment has been acquired can be made based on information related to “item related information” 1544 among the item information 154 stored in the user terminal device 100, for example.

  If it is determined in step S306 that the moving image data has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S310, and it is determined whether the license has been acquired (step S310). If it is determined that the license has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S312, "license not acquired" is displayed on the button (step S312), and the process ends. Whether or not the license information in this embodiment has been acquired can be determined based on information related to “item related information” 1544 among the item information 154 stored in the user terminal device 100, for example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the license has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S314, and "view" is displayed on the button (step S314). That is, since the user has acquired moving image data and has acquired a license, the user can view the moving image.

  In the present embodiment, the text displayed on the button can be changed depending on whether the user has acquired moving image data and whether the license has been acquired.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the buttons displayed on the program screen relate to buttons such as “button display / non-display”, “button display character”, and “operation when the button is pressed”, for example. Since it is set based on metadata having information, the display button can be set according to the preference of the provider who provides the program screen. In addition, since the information regarding the displayed button can be defined in the metadata, the button does not exist as a simple image, and the operation processing for the icon can be defined.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  The present invention is applicable to an information distribution system, an information distribution server device, an information distribution method, and the like, and more specifically, an information distribution system that distributes information of information contents including a button display for selecting a predetermined item. , Information distribution server device, information distribution method and the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information delivery system concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the user terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information delivery server apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the magazine information concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the magazine information concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state by which metadata was added to the magazine information concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the magazine list concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the magazine concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the program concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows a button among the display screens of the program concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the metadata concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the button information concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the item information concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the metadata concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows a button among the display screens of the program concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen of the program concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the button information concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the button display of the program screen concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow at the time of pressing of the button displayed on the program screen concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the text display on the button concerning 1st Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information distribution system 100 User terminal device 110 Communication control apparatus 120 Display means (display)
130 CPU
140 Operation means 150 Storage means 152 Button information 154 Item information 200 Magazine information distribution server apparatus 210 CPU
220 Communication Unit 230 Memory 240 Magazine Information Database 300 Metadata Database 320 Metadata 400 Video Database 500 Various Item Database 600 License Authentication Server Device 700 Billing Server Device 800 Network

Claims (19)

A user terminal device having a display means for displaying information content including a button display for selecting a predetermined item, an information distribution server device on the provider side providing the information content, and an item corresponding to the display button An item database to be stored and a metadata database for storing metadata on which information relating to the button display is added for each information content are connected via a communication network,
The information distribution server device extracts metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database and transmits the metadata to the user terminal device together with or separately from the information content,
The user terminal device performs button display based on information related to button display appended to the metadata.
An information distribution system characterized by that.   2. The information distribution server device according to claim 1, wherein the information content is distributed to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition. The information distribution system described. The user terminal device has storage means for storing, as button information, information related to button display of the metadata for each information content,
When there is a screen display instruction for the information content, the user terminal device performs button display of the information content based on the button information corresponding to the information content.
The information distribution system according to claim 1. The buttons of the information contents include a fixed button that is always displayed and an edit button that can be displayed or hidden, and each edit button is assigned a unique button ID. And
The button ID information is appended to the metadata only when the edit button is displayed.
The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the information distribution system is one of claims 1, 2, and 3. Each item stored in the item database has a unique item ID added to the item, and the metadata includes the item ID information for each button.
The user terminal device acquires an item from the item database based on an item ID corresponding to the selected display button;
The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the information distribution system is any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4.   6. The metadata stored in the metadata database can be registered or rewritten via an information distribution server device that provides the information content. The information delivery system of any one of these.   7. The button information stored in the storage means of the user terminal device is rewritable via the user terminal device, any one of claims 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 The information distribution system according to claim 1. A user terminal device having a display means for displaying information content including a button display for selecting a predetermined item, and an item database storing items corresponding to the display buttons are connected via a communication line network. An information distribution server device,
The information distribution server device includes:
An information content distribution means for distributing the information content to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition;
A metadata database storing metadata having information related to the button display for each information content;
Metadata extraction means for extracting metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database;
Metadata transmission means for transmitting the extracted metadata together with the information content or separately to the user terminal device,
An information distribution server device characterized by that. The buttons of the information content include a fixed button that is always displayed and an edit button that can be displayed or hidden, and each edit button is assigned a unique button ID. And
The information delivery server device appends the button ID information to the metadata only when the edit button is displayed.
The information distribution server device according to claim 8, wherein: Each item stored in the item database has a unique item ID added to the item,
The information distribution server device appends information on the item ID to the metadata.
The information delivery server device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein   11. The information delivery server device according to claim 8, wherein the metadata stored in the metadata database is rewritable. 11. A user terminal device having a display means for displaying information content including a button display for selecting a predetermined item, an information distribution server device on the provider side providing the information content, and an item corresponding to the display button An information distribution method in an information distribution system connected via a communication line network to a stored item database and a metadata database storing metadata to which information about button display of the information content is added. And
The information delivery server device delivers the information content to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition;
The information distribution server device extracts metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database, and transmits the metadata to the user terminal device together with or separately from the information content,
The user terminal device performs button display based on information related to button display appended to the metadata.
An information delivery method characterized by the above. For each information content, the user terminal device stores information on button display of the metadata as button information,
When there is a screen display command for the information content, the user terminal device performs button display of the information content based on button information corresponding to the information content.
The information delivery method according to claim 12. The buttons of the information contents include a fixed button that is always displayed and an edit button that can be displayed or hidden, and each edit button is assigned a unique button ID. And
The button ID information is appended to the metadata only when the edit button is displayed.
The information delivery method according to claim 12 or 13, Each item stored in the item database has a unique item ID added to the item, and the metadata includes information about the item ID for each button.
The user terminal device stores an item ID for each button,
The user terminal device acquires an item from the item database based on an item ID corresponding to the selected display button;
The information delivery method according to any one of claims 12, 13, and 14, wherein:   16. The metadata stored in the metadata database can be registered or rewritten via an information distribution server device that provides the information content. The information delivery method according to any one of the above.   The button information stored in the storage means of the user terminal device is rewritable via the user terminal device, according to any one of claims 13, 14, 15 and 16. Information delivery method described. For computers,
An information content distribution means for distributing information content to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition;
A metadata database storing metadata having information related to button display of the information content;
Means for extracting metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database;
A program for causing the extracted metadata to function as metadata transmission means for automatically transmitting to the user terminal device together with the information content or under a predetermined condition. For computers,
An information content distribution means for distributing information content to the user terminal device in response to a request from the user terminal device or automatically according to a predetermined condition;
A metadata database storing metadata having information related to button display of the information content;
Means for extracting metadata corresponding to the information content from the metadata database;
Metadata transmission means for automatically transmitting the extracted metadata to the user terminal device together with the information content or under a predetermined condition;
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for making it function.

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