U.S. patent application number 10/379524 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-24 for dvd rental system and method.
Invention is credited to Fukae, Hidetaka, Maeda, Kazuki.
Application Number | 20030138240 10/379524 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18031524 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030138240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maeda, Kazuki ; et
al. |
July 24, 2003 |
DVD rental system and method
Abstract
A DVD includes a read-only ROM area in which video is previously
recorded, and a readable/writable RAM area. A lender DVD apparatus
writes a playback/recording control program in the RAM area of the
DVD to be rented. A user DVD apparatus reads the playback/recording
control program from the RAM area of the rented DVD. Following the
playback/recording control program, the user DVD apparatus receives
digital broadcasting, extracts CMs therefrom, and writes the
extracted CMs in the RAM area. Then, the user DVD apparatus reads
the video from the ROM area and the CMs from the RAM area for
playback. Then, the user DVD apparatus generates history data
indicating how many times and which CM has been played-back, and
writes the generated history data in the RAM area.
Inventors: |
Maeda, Kazuki; (Neyagawa,
JP) ; Fukae, Hidetaka; (Mino, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK, L.L.P.
2033 K STREET N. W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1021
US
|
Family ID: |
18031524 |
Appl. No.: |
10/379524 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10379524 |
Mar 6, 2003 |
|
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09702807 |
Nov 1, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
386/249 ;
348/E7.054; 386/262; 386/E9.013; G9B/20.009 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 9/8042 20130101;
H04N 21/812 20130101; G11B 20/10 20130101; H04N 21/4334 20130101;
H04N 21/4331 20130101; G07F 7/069 20130101; G11B 2020/1259
20130101; G07F 17/16 20130101; H04H 60/74 20130101; H04N 7/16
20130101; H04N 21/44204 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101; H04N 21/2543
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/125 ;
386/126 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/781 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 2, 1999 |
JP |
312630/1999 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A DVD rental system for recording software on a DVD and lending
the DVD, comprising: the DVD; a lender DVD apparatus; and a user
DVD apparatus, said DVD including a read-only ROM area with said
software previously recorded therein, and a readable/writable RAM
area, said lender DVD apparatus including write means for writing a
control program in the RAM area of the DVD to be rented, and said
user DVD apparatus including read means for reading said control
program from the RAM area of the DVD, and control means for
carrying out control by following the control program read by said
read means, thereby achieving on the user DVD apparatus an
environment for a predetermined operation when said software is
read from the ROM area of the DVD.
2. The DVD rental system according to claim 1, wherein said
predetermined operation includes reading video and/or sound from
the ROM area and a CM from said RAM area in each predetermined
timing for playback.
3. The DVD rental system according to claim 1, wherein said
predetermined operation includes receiving digital broadcasting and
extracting a CM therefrom, writing the extracted CM in said RAM
area, and reading video and/or sound from the ROM area and a CM
from said RAM area in each predetermined timing for playback.
4. The DVD rental system according to claim 1, wherein said
predetermined operation includes receiving digital broadcasting and
extracting a CM therefrom, writing the extracted CM in said RAM
area, reading video and/or sound from the ROM area and a CM from
said RAM area in each predetermined timing for playback, and
generating history data indicating how many times and which CM has
been played-back and writing the history data in the RAM area.
5. A DVD rental system for recording video and/or sound on a DVD
and lending the DVD, comprising: the DVD; a lender DVD apparatus;
and a user DVD apparatus, said DVD including a read-only ROM area
with said video and/or sound previously recorded thereon, and a
readable/writable RAM area, said lender DVD apparatus including a
first DVD write part for writing in said RAM area, a second DVD
read part for reading from said RAM area, a write/read controller
for controlling said first DVD write part and said first DVD read
part, and a playback/recording control program storage for storing
a playback/recording control program for said user DVD apparatus to
carry out a predetermined playback/recording operation, said user
DVD apparatus including a second DVD write part for writing in said
RAM area, a second DVD read part for reading from said RAM area and
said ROM area, a digital broadcasting tuner for receiving digital
broadcasting, and a playback/recording controller for controlling
said second DVD write part, said second DVD read part, and said
digital broadcasting tuner, said write/read controller controlling
said first DVD write part to write said playback/recording control
program in the RAM area of the DVD, said playback/recording
controller controlling said second DVD read part to read said
playback/recording control program from the RAM area of the DVD,
and controlling, by following the read playback/recording control
program, said second DVD write part, said second DVD read part, and
said digital broadcasting tuner, thereby achieving on said user DVD
apparatus an environment for a playback/recording operation
including receiving digital broadcasting and extracting a CM
therefrom, writing the extracted CM in the RAM area, reading said
video and/or sound from the ROM area of the DVD and the CM from the
RAM area thereof in each predetermined timing for playback, and
generating history data indicating how many times and which CM has
been played-back and writing the history data in the RAM area, and
said write/read controller further controlling said first DVD read
part to read said history data from the RAM area of the returned
DVD.
6. The DVD rental system according to claim 5, wherein said
write/read controller adds personal data of said user to the
playback/recording control program to be written in said RAM area,
and said playback/recording controller selects the CM to be
extracted based on said personal data when receiving said digital
broadcasting and extracting the CM therefrom.
7. A lender DVD apparatus used in a DVD rental system for recording
video and/or sound on a DVD and lending the DVD, said DVD including
a read-only ROM area with said video and/or sound previously
recorded thereon, and a readable/writable RAM area, said lender DVD
apparatus including a DVD write part for writing in said RAM area,
a DVD read part for reading from said RAM area, a write/read
controller for controlling said DVD write part and said DVD read
part, and a playback/recording control program storage for storing
a playback/recording control program for a user DVD apparatus to
carry out a predetermined playback/recording operation, said
write/read controller controlling said DVD write part to write said
playback/recording control program in the RAM area of the DVD,
thereby achieving on said user DVD apparatus an environment for a
playback/recording operation including receiving digital
broadcasting and extracting a CM therefrom, writing the extracted
CM in the RAM area, reading said video and/or sound from the ROM
area of the DVD and a CM from the RAM area thereof in each
predetermined timing for playback, and generating history data
indicating how many times and which CM has been played-back and
writing the history data in the RAM area, and said write/read
controller further controlling said DVD read part to read said
history data from the RAM area of the returned DVD.
8. The lender DVD apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said
write/read controller adds personal data of a user to the
playback/recording control program to be written in said RAM area,
thereby achieving in said user DVD apparatus an environment for a
playback/recording operation in which said digital broadcasting is
received and the CM to be extracted is selected based on said
personal data.
9. A user DVD apparatus used in a DVD rental system for recording
video and/or sound on a DVD and lending the DVD, said DVD including
a read-only ROM area with said video and/or sound previously
recorded therein, and a readable/writable RAM area with a
playback/recording control program recorded thereon at the time of
lending, said user DVD apparatus including a DVD write part for
writing in said RAM area, a DVD read part for reading from said RAM
area and said ROM area, a digital broadcasting tuner for receiving
digital broadcasting, and a playback recording controller for
controlling said DVD write part, said DVD read part, and said
digital broadcasting tuner, said playback/recording controller
controlling said DVD read part to read said playback/recording
control program from the RAM area of the DVD, and controlling, by
following the read playback/recording control program, said DVD
write part, said DVD read part, and said digital broadcasting
tuner, thereby achieving on said user DVD apparatus an environment
for a playback/recording operation including receiving digital
broadcasting and extracting a CM therefrom, writing the extracted
CM in the RAM area, reading said video and/or sound from the ROM
area of the DVD and the CM from the RAM area thereof in each
predetermined timing for playback, and generating history data
indicating how many times and which CM has been reproduced and
writing the history data in the RAM area.
10. The user DVD apparatus according to claim 9, wherein personal
data of a user is added to said playback/recording control program
written in said RAM area, and said playback/recording controller
achieves an environment for a playback/recording operation of
selecting the CM to be extracted based on said personal data.
11. A recording medium on which a playback/recording control
program is recorded, the playback/recording control program to be
executed in a user DVD apparatus used in a DVD rental system for
recording video and/or sound on a DVD and lending the DVD, said DVD
including a read-only ROM area with said video and/or sound
previously recorded thereon, and a readable/writable RAM area in
which said playback/recording control program is written at the
time of lending, said playback/recording control program for
achieving on said user DVD apparatus an environment for a
playback/recording operation including the steps of: receiving
digital broadcasting and extracting a CM therefrom; reading said
video and/or sound from said ROM area and the CM from said RAM area
in each predetermined timing for playback, and generating history
data indicating how many times and which CM is played-back and
writing the history data in said RAM area.
12. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein personal
data of a user is further written in said RAM area at the time of
lending, and in extracting step, the CM to be extracted is selected
based on said personal data.
13. A DVD rental method for recording video and/or sound on a DVD
and lending the DVD, said DVD including a read-only ROM area with
said video and/or sound previously recorded therein, and a
readable/writable RAM area, wherein a lender writes, in the RAM
area of the DVD to be rented, a playback/recording control program
for making a DVD apparatus for a user to carry out a predetermined
playback/recording operation, said user pays a fee for a value of
said video and/or sound to said lender, the DVD apparatus for said
user reads said playback/recording control program from the RAM
area of the DVD, and by following the read play-recording/control
program, carries out the playback/recording operation including
receiving digital broadcasting and extracting a CM therefrom,
writing the extracted CM in the RAM area, reading said video and/or
sound from the ROM area of the DVD and the CM from the RAM area
thereof in each predetermined timing for playback, and generating
history data indicating how many times and which CM has been
played-back and writing the history data in the RAM area, and when
the DVD is returned from said user, said lender reading said
history data from the RAM area of the DVD, paying an amount to said
lender by referring to CM playback history, and providing the
history data to a third party and charging the third party for the
history data to collect the fee paid to the user.
14. The DVD rental method according to claim 13, wherein said
lender adds personal data of said user to the playback/recording
control program to be written in said RAM area, and the DVD
apparatus for said user selects a CM to be extracted based on said
personal data.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to DVD (Digital Versatile
Disc) rental systems and methods, and more specifically, to a DVD
rental system and method for recording video and sound on a DVD,
and lending the DVD to a user.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0004] To distribute DVDs with video recorded thereon, the
following two methods have been mainly taken.
[0005] One is selling such DVDs at each appropriate price. This is
similar to selling music CDs and video-recorded cassettes.
[0006] The other is lending the DVDs through video-rental shops
often found in cities. In this case, similarly to video-cassette
rental, the video-rental shop sets a rental fee in advance for each
DVD. This fee is calculated based on a value of the video recorded
on the DVD and a rental period. A user rents a DVD from a
video-rental shop, and, in turn, pays the fee set in the
above-described manner to the rental shop.
[0007] Conventionally, there have been two types of DVDs: read-only
DVD-ROMs (DVDs are generally referred to these DVD-ROMs) and
readable/writable DVD-RAMs.
[0008] On the other hand, apparatuses for playing-back video
recorded on DVDs are typified by DVD players, such as DVD-A700, and
computer apparatuses incorporated with a DVD-ROM drive, such as
LK-RV8171DZ, both manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial
Co., Ltd.
[0009] Apparatuses for recording video on DVDs are typified by
computer apparatuses incorporated with a DVD-RAM drive, such as
LF-D102JD, also manufactured by the same company.
[0010] In conventional ground wave broadcasting, a broadcast
station broadcasts commercial messages (CM) between programs, and
collects advertising fees from advertisers. That is, the ground
wave broadcasting service conventionally has its financial source
in advertising revenues from advertisers. Therefore, viewers can
view programs for free of charge.
[0011] In the conventional DVD rental method, however, as stated
above, users who rent the DVD have to bear all costs for the value
of the video recorded on the DVDs.
[0012] Some video cassettes and DVDs for rental have movie previews
and CMs for a variety of merchandise and services recorded thereon
before and/or after the main video such as movie.
[0013] Such CMs may have some advertising effectiveness immediately
after the video cassettes and DVDs are released for rental.
However, such advertising effectiveness will fade away with time.
For some CMs, their effectiveness completely disappears even a
single day passes after a specific day.
[0014] As such, in the conventional DVD rental method, the
advertising effectiveness of the CMs recoded on the rental DVDs
does not last long. Therefore, rental shops or DVD software
providers cannot collect sufficient advertising revenues from
advertisers. In other words, with the conventional DVDs, DVD
recording apparatuses, and DVD players, CMs recorded on DVDs for
rental cannot be highly-effective.
[0015] Therefore, conventionally, video-rental shops, as lenders,
have no other choice but to charge the user, as renters, for almost
all the cost of the value of the video recorded on the DVD as a
rental fee.
[0016] If advertising fees can be increased enough to sufficiently
reduce the rental fee, the number of video-rental users will be
greatly increased. Also, the sales of DVD-related equipment such as
DVD players are expected to be greatly promoted, accordingly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a DVD rental system and method that can have a user (renter) to
view video and sound recorded on a DVD together with CMs with high
advertising effectiveness and, as a result, can sufficiently reduce
a rental fee to be charged to the user.
[0018] The present invention has the following features to achieve
the object above.
[0019] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a DVD
rental system for recording software on a DVD and lending the DVD,
comprising:
[0020] the DVD;
[0021] a lender DVD apparatus; and
[0022] a user DVD apparatus,
[0023] the DVD including
[0024] a read-only ROM area with the software previously recorded
therein, and
[0025] a readable/writable RAM area,
[0026] the lender DVD apparatus including write means for writing a
control program in the RAM area of the DVD to be rented, and
[0027] the user DVD apparatus including
[0028] read means for reading the control program from the RAM area
of the DVD, and
[0029] control means for carrying out control by following the
control program read by the read means, thereby achieving on the
user DVD apparatus an environment for a predetermined operation
when the software is read from the ROM area of the DVD.
[0030] In the above first aspect, the control program with the
operation to be carried out by the user DVD apparatus written
therein is recorded in the RAM area of the DVD, and provided to the
user DVD apparatus. Thus, the lender can make the user DVD
apparatus carry out the operation the lender desires.
[0031] For example, when the user uses the software recorded in the
DVD, the user DVD apparatus is made to obtain CMs from the digital
broadcasting and lets the user view the CMs. Unlike CMs recorded in
advance in the DVD, the CMs obtained from the digital broadcasting
always have advertising effectiveness. Thus, the lender can collect
more advertising fees from a third party and, in turn, can reduce
the rental fee to be charged to the user.
[0032] Furthermore, the user DVD apparatus is also made to carry
out operation of generating history data indicating how many times
and which CM has been played-back, and writing the generated
history data in the RAM area. By referring to the history data, the
lender can recognize the history of the CM playback operations
carried out by the user DVD apparatus. Therefore, the lender can
pay back the amount according to the CM viewing history records
(how many times and which CM has been viewed) to the user. Also,
the lender can sum up the CM viewing history records of all users,
provide the summed-up result to a third party (advertiser,
advertising agency, etc.), and collect the paid-back amount from
the third party.
[0033] A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a
DVD rental system for recording video and/or sound on a DVD and
lending the DVD, comprising:
[0034] the DVD;
[0035] a lender DVD apparatus; and
[0036] a user DVD apparatus,
[0037] the DVD including
[0038] a read-only ROM area with the video and/or sound previously
recorded thereon, and
[0039] a readable/writable RAM area,
[0040] the lender DVD apparatus including
[0041] a first DVD write part for writing in the RAM area,
[0042] a second DVD read part for reading from the RAM area,
[0043] a write/read controller for controlling the first DVD write
part and the first DVD read part, and
[0044] a playback/recording control program storage for storing a
playback/recording control program for the user DVD apparatus to
carry out a predetermined playback/recording operation,
[0045] the user DVD apparatus including
[0046] a second DVD write part for writing in the RAM area,
[0047] a second DVD read part for reading from the RAM area and
[0048] the ROM area,
[0049] a digital broadcasting tuner for receiving digital
broadcasting, and
[0050] a playback/recording controller for controlling the second
DVD write part, the second DVD read part, and the digital
broadcasting tuner,
[0051] the write/read controller controlling the first DVD write
part to write the playback/recording control program in the RAM
area of the DVD,
[0052] the playback/recording controller
[0053] controlling the second DVD read part to read the
playback/recording control program from the RAM area of the DVD,
and
[0054] controlling, by following the read playback/recording
control program, the second DVD write part, the second DVD read
part, and the digital broadcasting tuner,
[0055] thereby achieving on the user DVD apparatus an environment
for a playback/recording operation including
[0056] receiving digital broadcasting and extracting a CM
therefrom,
[0057] writing the extracted CM in the RAM area,
[0058] reading the video and/or sound from the ROM area of the DVD
and the CM from the RAM area thereof in each predetermined timing
for playback, and
[0059] generating history data indicating how many times and which
CM has been played-back and writing the history data in the RAM
area, and
[0060] the write/read controller further controlling the first DVD
read part to read the history data from the RAM area of the
returned DVD.
[0061] In the above second aspect, the playback/recording control
program is recorded in the RAM area of the DVD, and then provided
to the user DVD apparatus. Thus, the user DVD apparatus is made to
carry out the above playback/recording operation.
[0062] Unlike CMs recorded in advance in the DVD, the CMs obtained
from the digital broadcasting always have advertising
effectiveness. Thus, the lender can collect more advertising fees
from a third party and, in turn, can reduce the rental fee to be
charged to the user.
[0063] Furthermore, the user DVD apparatus is also made to carry
out operation of generating history data indicating how many times
and which CM has been played-back, and writing the generated
history data in the RAM area. By referring to the history data, the
lender can recognize the history of the CM playback operations
carried out by the user DVD apparatus. Therefore, the lender can
pay back the amount according to the CM viewing history records
(how many times and which CM has been viewed) to the user. Also,
the lender can sum up the CM viewing history records of all users,
provide the summed-up result to a third party (advertiser,
advertising agency, etc.), and collect the paid-back amount from
the third party.
[0064] According to a third aspect, in the second aspect,
[0065] the write/read controller adds personal data of the user to
the playback/recording control program to be written in the RAM
area, and
[0066] the playback/recording controller selects the CM to be
extracted based on the personal data when receiving the digital
broadcasting and extracting the CM therefrom.
[0067] In the above third aspect, based on the user's personal data
indicating sex, age, hobbies, preferences, etc., CMs suitable for
the user and also advertising-effective for the lender are selected
for viewing. Therefore, the lender can collect more advertising
fees from the third party and, in turn, can greatly reduce the
rental fee to be charged to the user.
[0068] A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to a
lender DVD apparatus used in a DVD rental system for recording
video and/or sound on a DVD and lending the DVD,
[0069] the DVD including
[0070] a read-only ROM area with the video and/or sound previously
recorded thereon, and
[0071] a readable/writable RAM area,
[0072] the lender DVD apparatus including
[0073] a DVD write part for writing in the RAM area,
[0074] a DVD read part for reading from the RAM area,
[0075] a write/read controller for controlling the DVD write part
and the DVD read part, and
[0076] a playback/recording control program storage for storing a
playback/recording control program for a user DVD apparatus to
carry out a predetermined playback/recording operation,
[0077] the write/read controller controlling the DVD write part to
write the playback/recording control program in the RAM area of the
DVD, thereby achieving on the user DVD apparatus an environment for
a playback/recording operation including
[0078] receiving digital broadcasting and extracting a CM
therefrom,
[0079] writing the extracted CM in the RAM area,
[0080] reading the video and/or sound from the ROM area of the DVD
and a CM from the RAM area thereof in each predetermined timing for
playback, and
[0081] generating history data indicating how many times and which
CM has been played-back and writing the history data in the RAM
area, and
[0082] the write/read controller further controlling the DVD read
part to read the history data from the RAM area of the returned
DVD.
[0083] In the above fourth aspect, the playback/recording control
program is recorded in the RAM area of the DVD, and then provided
to the user DVD apparatus. Thus, the user DVD apparatus is made to
carry out the above playback/recording operation.
[0084] Unlike CMs recorded in advance in the DVD, the CMs obtained
from the digital broadcasting always have advertising
effectiveness. Thus, the lender can collect more advertising fees
from a third party and, in turn, can reduce the rental fee to be
charged to the user.
[0085] Furthermore, by referring to the history data, the lender
can recognize the history of the CM playback operations carried out
by the user DVD apparatus. Therefore, the lender can pay back the
amount according to the CM viewing history records (how many times
and which CM has been viewed) to the user. Also, the lender can sum
up the CM viewing history records of all users, provide the
summed-up result to a third party (advertiser, advertising agency,
etc.), and collect the paid-back amount from the third party.
[0086] According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect,
[0087] the write/read controller adds personal data of a user to
the playback/recording control program to be written in the RAM
area,
[0088] thereby achieving in the user DVD apparatus an environment
for a playback/recording operation in which the digital
broadcasting is received and the CM to be extracted is selected
based on the personal data.
[0089] In the above fifth aspect, based on the user's personal data
indicating sex, age, hobbies, preferences, etc., CMs suitable for
the user and also advertising-effective for the lender are selected
for viewing. Therefore, the lender can collect more advertising
fees from the third party and, in turn, can greatly reduce the
rental fee to be charged to the user.
[0090] A sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to a
user DVD apparatus used in a DVD rental system for recording video
and/or sound on a DVD and lending the DVD,
[0091] the DVD including
[0092] a read-only ROM area with the video and/or sound previously
recorded therein, and
[0093] a readable/writable RAM area with a playback/recording
control program recorded thereon at the time of lending,
[0094] the-user DVD apparatus including
[0095] a DVD write part for writing in the RAM area,
[0096] a DVD read part for reading from the RAM area and the ROM
area,
[0097] a digital broadcasting tuner for receiving digital
broadcasting, and
[0098] a playback recording controller for controlling the DVD
write part, the DVD read part, and the digital broadcasting
tuner,
[0099] the playback/recording controller
[0100] controlling the DVD read part to read the playback/recording
control program from the RAM area of the DVD, and
[0101] controlling, by following the read playback/recording
control program, the DVD write part, the DVD read part, and the
digital broadcasting tuner,
[0102] thereby achieving on the user DVD apparatus an environment
for a playback/recording operation including
[0103] receiving digital broadcasting and extracting a CM
therefrom,
[0104] writing the extracted CM in the RAM area,
[0105] reading the video and/or sound from the ROM area of the DVD
and the CM from the RAM area thereof in each predetermined timing
for playback, and
[0106] generating history data indicating how many times and which
CM has been reproduced and writing the history data in the RAM
area.
[0107] In the above sixth aspect, the playback/recording control
program is recorded in the RAM area of the DVD, and then provided
to the user DVD apparatus. Following the program, the user DVD
apparatus is made to carry out the above playback/recording
operation.
[0108] Unlike CMs recorded in advance in the DVD, the CMs obtained
from the digital broadcasting always have advertising
effectiveness. Thus, the lender can collect more advertising fees
from a third party and, in turn, can reduce the rental fee to be
charged to the user.
[0109] Furthermore, by referring to the history data, the lender
can recognize the history of the CM playback operations carried out
by the user DVD apparatus. Therefore, the lender can pay back the
amount according to the CM viewing history records (how many times
and which CM has been viewed) to the user. Also, the lender can sum
up the CM viewing history records of all users, provide the
summed-up result to a third party (advertiser, advertising agency,
etc.), and collect the paid-back amount from the third party.
[0110] According to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect,
[0111] personal data of a user is added to the playback/recording
control program written in the RAM area, and
[0112] the playback/recording controller achieves an environment
for a playback/recording operation of selecting the CM to be
extracted based on the personal data.
[0113] In the above seventh aspect, based on the user's personal
data indicating sex, age, hobbies, preferences, etc., CMs suitable
for the user and also advertising-effective for the lender are
selected for viewing. Therefore, the lender can collect more
advertising fees from the third party and, in turn, can greatly
reduce the rental fee to be charged to the user.
[0114] An eighth aspect of the present invention is directed to a
recording medium on which a playback/recording control program is
recorded, the playback/recording control program to be executed in
a user DVD apparatus used in a DVD rental system for recording
video and/or sound on a DVD and lending the DVD,
[0115] the DVD including
[0116] a read-only ROM area with the video and/or sound previously
recorded thereon, and
[0117] a readable/writable RAM area in which the playback/recording
control program is written at the time of lending,
[0118] the playback/recording control program for achieving on the
user DVD apparatus an environment for a playback/recording
operation including the steps of:
[0119] receiving digital broadcasting and extracting a CM
therefrom;
[0120] reading the video and/or sound from the ROM area and the CM
from the RAM area in each predetermined timing for playback,
and
[0121] generating history data indicating how many times and which
CM is played-back and writing the history data in the RAM area.
[0122] In the above eighth aspect, the playback/recording control
program recorded in the recording medium is read therefrom,
recorded in the RAM area of the DVD, and then provided to the user
DVD apparatus. Following the program, the user DVD apparatus is
made to carry out the above playback/recording operation.
[0123] Unlike CMs recorded in advance in the DVD, the CMs obtained
from the digital broadcasting always have advertising
effectiveness. Thus, the lender can collect more advertising fees
from a third party and, in turn, can reduce the rental fee to be
charged to the user.
[0124] Furthermore, by referring to the history data, the lender
can recognize the history of the CM playback operations carried out
by the user DVD apparatus. Therefore, the lender can pay back the
amount according to the CM viewing history records (how many times
and which CM has been viewed) to the user. Also, the lender can sum
up the CM viewing history records of all users, provide the
summed-up result to a third party (advertiser, advertising agency,
etc.), and collect the paid-back amount from the third party.
[0125] According to a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect,
[0126] personal data of a user is further written in the RAM area
at the time of lending, and
[0127] in the extracting step, the CM to be extracted is selected
based on the personal data.
[0128] In the above ninth aspect, based on the user's personal data
indicating sex, age, hobbies, preferences, etc., CMs suitable for
the user and also advertising-effective for the lender are selected
for viewing. Therefore, the lender can collect more advertising
fees from the third party and, in turn, can greatly reduce the
rental fee to be charged to the user.
[0129] A tenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a DVD
rental method for recording video and/or sound on a DVD and lending
the DVD,
[0130] the DVD including
[0131] a read-only ROM area with the video and/or sound previously
recorded therein, and
[0132] a readable/writable RAM area, wherein
[0133] a lender writes, in the RAM area of the DVD to be rented, a
playback/recording control program for making a DVD apparatus for a
user to carry out a predetermined playback/recording operation,
[0134] the user pays a fee for a value of the video and/or sound to
the lender,
[0135] the DVD apparatus for the user
[0136] reads the playback/recording control program from the RAM
area of the DVD, and
[0137] by following the read play-recording/control program,
carries out the playback/recording operation including
[0138] receiving digital broadcasting and extracting a CM
therefrom,
[0139] writing the extracted CM in the RAM area,
[0140] reading the video and/or sound from the ROM area of the DVD
and the CM from the RAM area thereof in each predetermined timing
for playback, and
[0141] generating history data indicating how many times and which
CM has been played-back and writing the history data in the RAM
area, and
[0142] when the DVD is returned from the user, the lender
[0143] reading the history data from the RAM area of the DVD,
[0144] paying an amount to the lender by referring to CM playback
history, and
[0145] providing the history data to a third party and charging the
third party for the history data to collect the fee paid to the
user.
[0146] In the above tenth aspect, the playback/recording control
program is recorded in the RAM area of the DVD, and then provided
to the user DVD apparatus. Thus, the user DVD apparatus is made to
carry out the above playback/recording operation.
[0147] Unlike CMs recorded in advance in the DVD, the CMs obtained
from the digital broadcasting always have advertising
effectiveness. Thus, the lender can collect more advertising fees
from a third party and, in turn, can reduce the rental fee to be,
charged to the user.
[0148] Furthermore, by referring to the history data, the lender
can recognize the history of the CM playback operations carried out
by the user DVD apparatus. Therefore, the lender can pay back the
amount according to the CM viewing history records (how many times
and which CM has been viewed) to the user. Also, the lender can sum
up the CM viewing history records of all users, provide the
summed-up result to a third party (advertiser, advertising agency,
etc.), and collect the paid-back amount from the third party.
[0149] According to an eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect,
[0150] the lender adds personal data of the user to the
playback/recording control program to be written in the RAM area,
and
[0151] the DVD apparatus for the user selects a CM to be extracted
based on the personal data.
[0152] In the above eleventh aspect, based on the user's personal
data indicating sex, age, hobbies, preferences, etc., CMs suitable
for the user and also advertising-effective for the lender are
selected for viewing. Therefore, the lender can collect more
advertising fees from the third party and, in turn, can greatly
reduce the rental fee to be charged to the user.
[0153] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0154] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a DVD
rental system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0155] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing one example of a DVD video
rental method using the DVD rental system of FIG. 1;
[0156] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one example of the
structure of a lender DVD apparatus 2 of FIG. 1;
[0157] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing one example of a lending
process of step S102 in FIG. 2;
[0158] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of a
write/read controller 27 of FIG. 3;
[0159] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing one example of a user DVD
apparatus 3 of FIG. 1;
[0160] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing one example of a playback
process of step S104 in FIG. 2;
[0161] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of a
playback/recording controller 36 of FIG. 6; and
[0162] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing one example of a return
process of step S105 in FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0163] One embodiment of the present invention is now described
below with reference to the drawings.
[0164] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a DVD
rental system according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0165] In FIG. 1, the DVD rental system according to the embodiment
of the present invention is structured by a DVD 1, a lender DVD
apparatus 2, and a user (renter) DVD apparatus 3.
[0166] The DVD 1 includes a ROM area (read-only area) 1a and a RAM
area (writable/readable area) 1b. In the ROM area 1a, video and
sound accompanied therewith (hereinafter collectively referred to
as "video") are previously stored. Note that video mentioned herein
indicates video and audio signals that have been digitized and then
encoded with MPEG.
[0167] Also note that the DVD 1 shown is only an example, and how
ROM area 1a and the RAM area 1b are arranged thereon is not limited
to the one shown in FIG. 1.
[0168] The lender DVD apparatus 2 is placed in a shop where the DVD
1 is rented and returned (hereinafter, rental shop). The lender DVD
apparatus 2 records a playback/recording control program in the RAM
area 1b of the DVD 1 to be rented. The playback/recording control
program is used for letting the user DVD apparatus 3 play back CMs
and record history data indicating a history of CM playback
operations. The lender DVD apparatus 2 also reads the history data
from the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1 that have been returned.
[0169] The user DVD apparatus 3 is placed in a user's house or
carried by the user. The user DVD apparatus 3 reads video from the
ROM area 1a of the rented DVD 1 for playback. The user DVD
apparatus 3 also reads the playback/recording control program from
the RAM area 1b. Following the read program, the user DVD apparatus
3 carries out CM playback and related operation, which will be
described below.
[0170] First, the user DVD apparatus 3 receives digital
broadcasting, extracts therefrom a commercial message (hereinafter,
CMs) that satisfy predetermined conditions, and then stores the CMs
in the RAM area 1b. Then, the user DVD apparatus 3 plays-back the
CMs stored in the RAM area 1b in predetermined timing. Then, the
user DVD apparatus 3 generates history data indicating a history of
CM playback operations, that is, how many times and which CM has
been played-back, and records the history data in the RAM area
1b.
[0171] The operation of the DVD rental system as structured above
is described below.
[0172] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing one example of a DVD video
rental method using the DVD rental system of FIG. 1.
[0173] In FIG. 2, video such as a movie and music program is first
recorded in the ROM area 1a of the DVD 1 shown in FIG. 1 (step
S101). This video recording process in step S101 is previously done
in a DVD software provider. In other words, the DVD 1 provided by
the DVD software provider to the rental shop has video previously
recorded in the ROM area 1a thereof and nothing recorded (or
initial data recorded) in the RAM area 1b thereof.
[0174] On the other hand, the user is provided in advance a
magnetic card (as indicated by a reference numeral 28 in FIG. 3) as
a member's card. On the magnetic card 28, an ID for identifying the
user and personal data such as age, sex, hobby, preferences, and
others are recorded.
[0175] The rental shop displays cases for accommodating the
above-described DVDs 1. Each case is labeled with a title,
contents, cast, and other information about video recorded in the
DVD 1. The user refers to these information to select his/her
favorite DVD 1. Then, the user brings a case (or a number tag
attached thereto) for the selected DVD 1 and the above magnetic
card 28 to a salesclerk.
[0176] In response, the salesclerk retrieves the DVD 1
corresponding to the case or number tag from a shelf. The
salesclerk then sets the retrieved DVD 1 and the received magnetic
card 28 into the lender DVD apparatus 2.
[0177] Once the salesclerk presses an enter key not shown, the
lender DVD apparatus 2 executes a lending process for recording the
playback/recording control program in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1
(step S102).
[0178] Here, the lending process of step S102 is described in
detail.
[0179] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing one example of the
structure of the lender DVD apparatus 2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a flow
chart showing one example of the lending process in step S102 of
FIG. 2.
[0180] In FIG. 3, the lender DVD apparatus 2 includes a magnetic
card read unit 21, a DVD write unit 22, a DVD read unit 23, a
playback/recording control program storage 24, a history data
storage 25, a history output unit 26, and a write/read controller
27.
[0181] The magnetic card read part 21 reads the personal data from
the magnetic card 28. The playback/recording control program
storage 24 stores the playback/recording control program. The DVD
write part 22 fetches the playback/recording control program from
the playback/recording control program storage 24, and adds the
read personal data thereto. The DVD write part 22 then writes the
playback/recording control program with the personal data added
thereto in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1 to be rented. The DVD read
part 23 reads the history data from the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1
returned to the shop. The history data storage 25 stores the read
history data. The history output part 26 converts the read history
data into character data for output. The write/read controller 27
controls the DVD write part 22 and the DVD read part 23.
[0182] Here, the above playback/recording control program is
provided to the lender DVD apparatus 2 as being stored in a
recording medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM or through a network, and
then stored in the playback/recording control program storage
24.
[0183] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of
the write/read controller 27 of FIG. 3.
[0184] In FIG. 5, the write/read controller 27 includes a CPU 271,
ROM 272, and RAM 273. In the ROM 272, a write/read control program
is stored in advance. The CPU 271 follows this write/read control
program to operate. With the CPU's operation, the write/read
controller 27 can execute a write/read control process as will be
described later. In the RAM 273, various data and programs required
for the operation of the CPU 271 are temporarily stored.
[0185] With reference to the flow chart of FIG. 4, the lending
process carried out by the lender DVD apparatus 2 as structured
above is now described.
[0186] First, the magnetic card read part 21 reads the personal
data from the magnetic card 28 set in the lender DVD apparatus 2
(step S201).
[0187] Then, the write/read controller 27 fetches the
playback/recording control program from the playback/recording
control program storage 24, and adds the personal data read in step
S201 to the program (step S202). Then, the write/read controller 27
instructs the DVD write part 22 to write the playback/recording
control program with the personal data added thereto in the RAM
area 1b of the DVD 1 (step S203).
[0188] The lending process in step S102 is now complete.
[0189] Referring back to FIG. 2, the DVD 1 that has been subjected
to the above lending process is rented from the rental shop to the
user. From the user to the rental shop, a rental fee according to
the value and rental period of the video recorded in the DVD 1 is
paid (step S103).
[0190] Then, the user brings the rented DVD 1 home, for example,
and sets the DVD 1 into the user DVD apparatus 3 to play back the
video recorded in the ROM area 1a of the DVD 1 (step S104).
[0191] Here, the playback process in step S104 is described in
detail.
[0192] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing one example of the
structure of the user DVD apparatus 3 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a
flow chart showing one example of the playback process in step S104
of FIG. 2.
[0193] In FIG. 6, the user DVD apparatus 3 includes a DVD write
part 31, a DVD read part 32, a digital broadcasting tuner 33, an
MPEG decoder 34, a video display part 35, and a playback/recording
controller 36.
[0194] The DVD read part 32 reads the video from the ROM area 1a of
the rented DVD 1, and also reads the playback/recording control
program from the RAM area 1b thereof. The DVD write part 31 writes
history data in the RAM area 1b of the rented DVD 1. The digital
broadcasting tuner 33 receives and demodulates digital
broadcasting. The MPEG decoder 34 decodes the video read from the
DVD 1 and the received and demodulated digital broadcasting. The
video display part 35 converts the decoded video and digital
broadcasting into video signals, and outputs the video signals to a
television receiver (not shown). The playback/recording controller
36 controls each of the above-described components of the user DVD
apparatus 3.
[0195] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of
the playback/recording controller 36 of FIG. 6.
[0196] In FIG. 8, the playback/recording controller 36 includes a
CPU 361, ROM 362, and RAM 363. In the ROM 362, an initial transfer
control program is stored in advance. Written in this initial
transfer control program is a procedure for, when the DVD 1 is
first set into the user DVD apparatus 3, reading the
playback/recording control program from the RAM area 1b of the DVD
1 and transferring the program to the RAM 363.
[0197] When the DVD 1 is first set into the user DVD apparatus 3,
the CPU 361, following the initial transfer control program stored
in the ROM 362, reads the playback/recording control program from
the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1, and transfers the program to the RAM
363. Thereafter, the CPU 361 operates by following the
playback/recording control program stored in the RAM 363. This
operation enables the playback/recording controller 36 to achieve a
playback/recording control process as will be described later.
[0198] With reference to the flow chart of FIG. 7, the playback
process carried out by the above-structured user DVD apparatus 3 is
now described.
[0199] When the rented DVD 1 is set into the user DVD apparatus 3,
the playback/recording controller 36 first determines whether the
playback/recording control program recorded in the RAM area 1b of
the DVD 1 has been read or not (step S301). If Yes, the procedure
goes to step S303.
[0200] If No in step S301, the playback/recording controller 36
instructs the DVD read part 32 to read the playback/recording
control program from the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1 (step S302).
[0201] The playback/recording controller 36 then instructs the
digital broadcasting tuner 33 and the MPEG decoder 34 to start
receiving and demodulating digital broadcasting and then decoding
the demodulated digital broadcasting (step S303).
[0202] The playback/recording controller 36 then extracts only CMs
that satisfy predetermined conditions from the decoded digital
broadcasting (step S304). Then, the DVD write part 31 writes the
extracted CM into the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1 (step S305).
[0203] Here, a CM extraction process in step S304 can be carried
out as follows, for example.
[0204] In digital broadcasting, an identifier is provided for each
program and CM in its header portion for identification. Therefore,
if a table including the identifiers and contents of the CMs to be
broadcast is provided in advance, the CMs that satisfy certain
conditions can be extracted from the decoded digital broadcasting
by referring to the table.
[0205] Note that a CM code dedicated to the system of FIG. 1 may be
used for CM extraction instead of the already-existing identifier
as stated above. The CM code is structured by identification data
for identifying each CM and content data indicating the contents of
the CMs.
[0206] Also note that the above predetermined conditions may be
determined based on the user's personal information that have been
added to the playback/recording control program.
[0207] For example, if the user is female, the conditions may be
"cosmetics" and "women's wear and accessories". If male, they may
be "car" and "men's wear and accessories". If the user's hobby is
"sports", the conditions may be "sport facilities and equipment".
If "travel", they may be "accommodations and travel goods".
Furthermore, if the user is over a certain age, CMs of a specific
genre may be extracted.
[0208] Referring back to FIG. 7, the user then presses a PLAY
button (not shown) to make an instruction for starting playback. In
response, the playback/recording controller 36 instructs the DVD
read part 32, the MPEG decoder 34, and the video display part 35 to
execute a CM playback process as follows. That is, the CM recorded
in step S302 is read from the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1, and the
decoded CM is converted into video signals for output to the
television receiver (step S306). This CM playback process ends
after a predetermined number of CMs, for example, six CMs (their
total time is 1 and a half minutes) are played-back.
[0209] Here, there may be some cases where the CM recording process
in step S305 has not yet been complete when the user presses the
PLAY button, and therefore the CM to be played-back does not exist
in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1. To solve this problem, the
following three methods can be thought.
[0210] In a first method, in the lending process in step S102
(refer to FIG. 2), a predetermined number of CMs are recorded in
advance as initial data in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1. In this
case, CMs that do not depend on the user's sex, age, and other
factors, that is, CMs for upcoming DVD software and foods, for
example, are recorded.
[0211] In a second method, the CMs recorded in the RAM area 1b at
the previous lending is undeleted and kept for playback until new
CMs are recorded. In this case, the CMs to be played-back are not
necessarily appropriate to the current user. However, no additional
processes are required unless the DVD 1 is brand-new.
[0212] In a third method, the CM recording process in step S305 and
the CM playback process in step S306 are simultaneously carried
out. In this case, the DVD write part 31 and the DVD read part 32
both require double-speed or more capabilities.
[0213] Referring back to FIG. 7, the playback/recording controller
36 instructs the DVD read part 32, the MPEG decoder 34, and the
video display part 35 to execute a video playback process as
follows. That is, the video is read from the ROM area 1a of the DVD
1, decoded, and then converted into video signals for output to the
television receiver (step S307). After the whole video has been
played-back, this video playback process ends.
[0214] Then, the playback/recording controller 36 instructs the DVD
read part 32, the MPEG decoder 34, and the video display part 35 to
execute a CM playback process as follows. That is, the CM recorded
in step S305 is read from the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1, decoded,
and then converted into video signals for output to the television
receiver (step S308). This CM playback process continues until the
user presses a STOP button to make an instruction for ending
playback.
[0215] Note that the CM to be played-back in step S308 may be the
same as the CM played-back in step S306 or may be different
therefrom.
[0216] Furthermore, it is more preferable that a procedure for
determining the order of playing-back the CMs recorded in the RAM
area 1b, how many times and which CM is to be played-back, and
other factors is written in the playback/recording control
program.
[0217] The playback/recording controller 36 then generates, in
steps S306 and S308, history data indicating how many times and
which CM has been played-back. The playback/recording controller 36
then instructs the DVD write part 31 to write the generated history
data in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1 (step S309).
[0218] The playback process in step S104 shown in FIG. 2 is now
complete.
[0219] Referring back to FIG. 2, the user brings the DVD 1 with the
history data recorded in the RAM area thereof in the
above-described manner for return to the rental shop. In response,
the salesclerk sets the returned DVD 1 into the lender DVD
apparatus 2.
[0220] Then, when the enter key not shown is pressed, the lender
DVD apparatus 2 executes a return process for reading the history
data from the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1 and storing the read history
data (step S105).
[0221] Here, the return process of step S105 is described in
detail.
[0222] The structure of the lender DVD apparatus 2 is shown in FIG.
3, and the functions of the components thereof have been already
described (refer to the description for step S102).
[0223] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing one example of the return
process of step S105 in FIG. 2.
[0224] With reference to the flow chart of FIG. 9, the return
process carried out by the above-structured lender DVD apparatus 2
is now described.
[0225] Once the returned DVD 1 is set into the lender DVD apparatus
2, the write/read controller 27 instructs the DVD read part 23 to
read the history data from the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1 (step
S401), and to provide the read history data to the history output
part 26 and the history data storage 25.
[0226] In response, the history data storage 25 stores the history
data read instep S401 (step S402). On the other hand, the history
output part 26 outputs the history data read in step S401 in a
visually-recognizable form such as characters, figures, and tables
(step S403).
[0227] The return process of step S105 is now complete.
[0228] Referring back to FIG. 2, the salesclerk refers to the
history data outputted as in the above-described form to check how
many times and which CM has been played-back in the user DVD
apparatus 3. With reference to CM viewing history records, the
salesclerk pays some money back to the user (step S106). That is,
part or all of the rental fee paid in step S103 by the user is paid
back to the user with reference to the CM viewing history
records.
[0229] Here, part or all of the rental fee paid may be paid back in
cash, or a payback amount is deducted from a rental fee for the
next rental. Alternatively, the above CM viewing history records
may be converted into points for accumulation, and a free gift may
given to the user according to earned points.
[0230] Then, the history data stored in the history data storage 25
of the lender DVD apparatus 2 is provided from the rental shop to a
third party. From the third party to the rental shop, the price of
the history data, that is, an amount of money according to the
total of the CM viewing history records, is paid as an advertising
fee. More specifically, the rental shop and the third party make an
advertisement contract in advance, and the rental shop (that is,
the lender of the DVD 1) provides the history data indicating the
CM viewing history records to the third party. Thus, the rental
shop collects the amount paid back in step S106 to the user (that
is, renter) (step S107).
[0231] Here, examples of the above third party include a
manufacturer of a product for the CM, and an advertisement agency
that creates the CM.
[0232] For example, to provide the history data from the rental
shop to the third party, the lender DVD apparatus 2 placed in the
rental shop and a computer apparatus (not shown) placed in the
third party may be connected to each other through a network.
Through this network, the history data is provided. Alternatively,
the history data may be provided as being stored in a recording
medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM.
[0233] As stated above, according to the present invention, the
playback/recording control program in which the playback/recording
operation to be carried out by the user DVD apparatus 3 is written
is recorded in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1, and then provided to
the user DVD apparatus 3. Thus, the user DVD apparatus 3 can be
made to carry out the playback/recording operation that is desired
by the lender.
[0234] As one example, in the present embodiment, the
playback/recording operation that the user DVD apparatus 3 is made
to carry out is as follows. That is, firstly, the user DVD
apparatus 3 receives digital broadcasting, extracts CMs therefrom,
and writes the extracted CMs in the RAM area 1b. Then, the user DVD
apparatus 3 reads video from the ROM area 1a and the CMs from the
RAM area 1b for playback. Then, the user DVD apparatus 3 generates
history data indicating how many times and which CM has been
played-back, and writes the generated history data in the RAM area
1b.
[0235] Unlike CMs previously recorded in the DVD 1, the CMs from
digital broadcasting in the above-described manner always have
advertising effectiveness. Therefore, the lender can collect more
fees from the third party and, in turn, can reduce the rental fee
to be charged to the user.
[0236] Moreover, by referring to the history data, the lender can
know the history of the CM playback operations carried out by the
user DVD apparatus 3. Therefore, some amount can be paid back to
the user with reference to the CM viewing history records (how many
times and which CM has been viewed). Also, the CM viewing history
records of all users can be summed and then provided to the third
party (advertiser, advertising agency, and others) for collecting
the above paid-back amount therefrom.
[0237] Furthermore, based on the user's personal data indicating
sex, age, hobbies, preferences, etc., CMs suitable for the user and
also advertising-effective for the lender are selected for viewing.
Therefore, the lender can collect more advertising fees from the
third party and, in turn, can greatly reduce the rental fee to be
charged to the user.
[0238] Note that, in the present embodiment, video is recorded in
the ROM area 1a of the DVD 1 by the DVD software provider.
Alternatively, video may be recorded therein by the rental
shop.
[0239] More specifically, step S101 of FIG. 2 is executed at the
rental shop. In this case, the DVD software provider provides only
a single master DVD (read-only) to the rental shop. At the rental
shop, the video is read from the master DVD and recorded in the ROM
area 1a of the DVD 1 for rental to users.
[0240] For this purpose, the DVD write part 22 incorporated in the
lender DVD apparatus 2 (refer to FIG. 3) is required to have a
function of writing not only in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 2 but
also in the ROM area 1a thereof.
[0241] Thus, the user never comes upon an inconvenient situation
where all DVDs with desired video recorded thereon have been rented
and therefore cannot be rented. Also, the rental shop can eliminate
the risk of carrying a large inventory of unrented DVDs 1.
[0242] Still further, in the present embodiment, the CMs to be
played-back in the user DVD apparatus 3 are obtained by itself
through digital broadcasting. Alternatively, the rental shop may
obtain and record the CMs in the RAM area 1b of the DVD 1, and lend
the CM-recorded DVD 1.
[0243] For this purpose, for example, the lender DVD apparatus 2 of
FIG. 3 is further provided with a CM storage (not shown) for
storing CMs. The CMs to be stored therein are obtained through
digital broadcasting (in this case, the lender DVD apparatus 3 is
further provided with the digital broadcasting tuner 33) or
directly from advertisers (in this case, the CM storage and a
computer apparatuses of the advertisers are connected to each other
through a network).
[0244] Still further, in the present embodiment, CMs are
played-back only twice, that is, before and after video playback.
Alternatively, CMs may be played-back as appropriate in the course
of video playback.
[0245] That is, when viewing a movie of over two hours, most users
briefly stop playback once or twice to take a break. Therefore, CM
playback is made before video playback starts again after a brief
stop.
[0246] For this purpose, the playback/recording control program is
partly changed to make the user DVD apparatus 3 execute CM playback
before video playback starts again after a brief stop.
[0247] In addition to the above, appropriate change in the
playback/recording control program enables the user DVD apparatus 3
to execute versatile CM playback.
[0248] Still further, what the user DVD apparatus 3 can be made to
execute is not limited to CM playback. For example, a survey may be
conducted by questionnaires about various products before or after
video playback. In this case, the lender provides questionnaire
results to the third party (manufacturer and dealer of the
product), and can receive some survey fees therefrom.
[0249] Still further, in the present embodiment, CMs are
played-back before and after video playback. Alternatively, the
video and CMs may be simultaneously played-back.
[0250] That is, a television screen is divided into two areas,
right and left, for example, one area displaying the video while
the other displaying the CMs. Alternatively, the video may be
displayed in a window form at the center of the television screen,
while the CMs are displayed by using an outer area of the
window.
[0251] Still further, in the present embodiment, the CMs are
necessarily played-back before and after video playback.
Alternatively, the user may skip CM playback.
[0252] That is, in step S104 of FIG. 2, the user can select in
advance whether to execute or skip CM playback. In this case, if CM
playback is skipped, this skip is reflected on the history data,
causing the payback process in step S106 not to be executed.
[0253] Still further, in the present embodiment, video and its
accompanying sound are recorded in the ROM area 1b of the DVD 1 for
rental. Alternatively, only the sound may be recorded in the ROM
area 1b of the DVD 1 for rental (so-called DVD audio).
[0254] Still further, video game and other software may be recorded
in the ROM area 1b of the DVD 1 for rental. In this case, a video
game processing circuit not shown has to be further provided to the
user DVD apparatus 3 of FIG. 6.
[0255] While the invention has been described in detail, the
foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not
restrictive. It is understood that numerous other modifications and
variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the
invention.
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