JP2002063505A - Information distributing method, information distribution center device, information distributing terminal device, and character figure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution technology for interlocking a broadcast, network distributed contents with a character figure and utilizing it for entertainment such as a network broadcast and a network game, and advertisement, education, etc. SOLUTION: The information distributing method of an information distribution system comprising an information distribution center device, an information distributing terminal device, and the character figure is provided, and the information distribution center device stores associating operation information for interlocking the character figure with contents information provided by broadcasting for network distribution in an information storage means, selects the interlocking operation information from the information storage means corresponding to the contents information, and distributes it to the information distributing terminal device; and the information distributing terminal device receives the associating operation information distributed from the information distribution center device and sends the interlocking operation information to the character figure, which receives the associating operation information sent from the information distributing terminal device and controls an associating operation control means according to the interlocking operation information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to information distribution combining broadcasting and communication. In particular, the present invention relates to an information distribution technology for linking a character doll with a broadcast or online distribution content and utilizing it for entertainment, advertisement, education, and the like such as an online broadcast and an online game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a system in which a character doll is combined with the Internet, such as an electronic mail, a system in which a character doll is used as an output device to notify the arrival of mail or to read a mail in a synthetic voice has appeared. This system uses a character doll instead of a personal computer to support the e-mail protocol, thereby acquiring the arrival of mail and its contents from the network, displaying arrival and reading the mail. Examples of products include Fujitsu's "Uncle Touch" robot, which is positioned as an input / output device of a personal computer.

[0003] Further, there are some products called so-called connected toys, which are capable of operating autonomously, have a learning function, and can be used by connecting to other solid-state devices, personal computers, and networks.

Similarly, educational systems for children using character dolls as input / output devices have been put to practical use. Among them, the stand-alone learning and memorization of user characteristics, such as “AIBO” by Sony, “Tama” by Matsushita Electric, and “Furby” by Hasbro Inc., of the United States, is like a human-pet relationship. A so-called electronic pet that provides

[0005] In addition, a remote control device for television that switches the television channel by voice recognition and voice response, such as "Doraecon" of Epoch, is on the market.

[0006] Microsoft's "Actim"
"ates Barney" is to hold hands, feet, talk, sing, and mate by incorporating pressure-sensitive sensors in the limbs of the doll, incorporating light sensors in the eyes, and incorporating a voice synthesis engine. It is sold as stuffed animals for pediatric education, electronic animals, etc. Further, packaging products that operate in conjunction with a personal computer or in conjunction with data broadcasting are also on the market.

[0007]

(Synchronization / Interlocking with Broadcast Internet Contents) Controlling a character doll via a conventional network involves notifying or notifying the arrival and contents of voice mail through the character doll. However, it is desired that various operations can be performed in cooperation with contents such as broadcasting and Internet content distribution and advertisements, not limited to data broadcasting. In particular, if the character doll or remote control device operates in conjunction with the television being watched, the radio / music being listened to, or the progress of the game, the entertainment, advertising, and educational effects will be significantly improved. Can be expected to increase. (Flexibility / Portability / Learning) In addition, by giving flexibility to the control method of the character doll, the protocol, or the method of distributing information, it is possible for each content, each production company, or each content provider. If it becomes possible to define these individually, it is possible to use the control and distribution methods as desired by the creator or the provider, and various uses will be promoted. In addition, by changing the operation of the character doll / remote control device for each user according to the preference of each user, the operation history of the user, the preference of the content, and the like, the same content content is automatically learned and updated. In addition, it is possible to create operability and characters that match the usability and taste of each user. Further, it is desirable that the operation and the preference corresponding to the user be operated as desired regardless of the connection on the network. (Bidirectional / various terminations) Furthermore, if the character doll not only operates in response to the information but also functions as an input device and also functions as a two-way communication terminal, its use is remarkable. Expanding. Here, the input information from the character doll can be used to control a terminal device directly connected to the network, to use the information distribution center device as an input means for content or broadcast, or to communicate between the character dolls. It can be used as a device having various meanings by properly using it. Further, in order to realize various business models, by changing the content and meaning (such as yes / no) of the content for each character doll, or by notifying the content or preference being watched by the user. It can be used as a device. (Use of on-net & off-net) Also, in the state of not being connected to the network (off-net), it is possible to make a reservation for content, input information on buying and selling of the Internet, etc. in advance, and send it when connecting to the network. ,
Conversely, by reproducing the operation information and content itself obtained when the network is connected (including video and music playback as well as operation playback) off-net, mobile communication terminals,
It can also be used as a portable audio-visual system. An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

The invention according to claim 1 is an information distribution method in an information distribution system including an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll, wherein the information distribution center device is provided by broadcast or network distribution. Linking operation information for linking the character doll with the content information to be stored is stored in the information storage unit, and the linking operation information is selected from the information storage unit and distributed to the information distribution terminal device in association with the content information.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to cause a character doll to perform various operations in cooperation with contents such as broadcasting and Internet content distribution and advertisements.

The invention according to claim 2 is an information distribution center device in an information distribution system comprising an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll,
Interlocking operation information generating means for generating interlocking operation information for interlocking a character doll with content information provided by broadcasting or network distribution; information storage means for storing the interlocking operation information and content information; Means for selecting interlocking operation information corresponding to the content information to be distributed, and distributing the information together with the content information to the information distribution terminal device; and receiving means for receiving control information and content information from the information distribution terminal device. An information distribution center device comprising:

According to the present invention, it is also possible to cause a character doll to perform various operations in cooperation with contents such as broadcasting and Internet content distribution and advertisements.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the interlocking operation information is arranged in a data structure of information distributed from the information distribution center device to the information distribution terminal device. It is assumed that identification information for identifying the interlocking operation information is provided in the data structure.

According to the present invention, for example, linked information can be included in the content information and sent to the information distribution terminal device or the character doll, so that the information distribution terminal device or the character doll uses the identification information. This makes it possible to separate the interlocking operation information from the content information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, there is provided means for acquiring and storing user viewing information from the information distribution terminal device via a network.

In the present invention, the information distribution terminal device or the character doll acquires viewing information relating to broadcast or distribution content information being viewed online or offline and user input information obtained from the character doll, and stores the viewing information. Means is provided for notifying the information distribution center device at the time of network connection. As a result, the information distribution center device can reflect the user's viewing information in selection of content and generation of interlocking operation information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, a protocol between the information distribution center device and the information distribution terminal device or a protocol between the information distribution center device and the character doll is transmitted to the information distribution terminal device or the character doll. And means for communicating according to the protocol, and means for downloading a program for operating the character doll or the information distribution terminal device to the character doll or the information distribution terminal device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform different operations for each broadcast, distribution content, or each type of character doll. In addition, it becomes possible to update protocol specifications and programs.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, means for individually identifying each connected information distribution terminal device or character doll, and operation from the information distribution terminal device or the character doll. Means for storing response history information, generating an interlocking operation conversion table for converting the interlocking operation information based on the operation / response history information, and the information distribution terminal device based on the interlocking operation conversion table or Means for converting the interlocking operation information to the character doll into individual interlocking operation information and transmitting the information.

According to the present invention, the linked action conversion table is generated using the operation / response history information, so that an effect is obtained as if the character doll has learned the action. By means of identifying to
Regardless of the connection point of the character doll network,
A similar operation becomes possible.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, means for individually identifying each connected information distribution terminal device or character doll, and operation from the information distribution terminal device or the character doll. Storing response history information, generating an interlocking operation conversion table for converting the interlocking operation information based on the operation / response history information, and connecting the interlocking operation conversion table to the information distribution terminal device or the character doll; Means for transmitting via

In the present invention, a character doll or the like stores an interlocking motion conversion table and converts interlocking motion information based on the table. As a result, the same effect as above can be obtained.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, there is provided means for associating the identifier of the information distribution terminal device or the character doll with the content of the content information to be distributed. It is a means for associating the contents specified in the content information with the conditions specified by the user, the past viewing history of each user, or the input history from the information distribution terminal device or the character doll.

According to the present invention, since the content of the content information and the identifier of the distribution destination are associated with each other, the content of the content information to be distributed is determined for each information distribution terminal or character doll and for each connection. It can be changed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, there is provided means for defining a content information distribution method for each information distribution terminal device or character doll identified by the identifier.

According to the present invention, it is possible to change the content distribution method for each character doll by specifying, for example, download, stream distribution, pop type or push type as the content distribution method. Become.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a character doll in an information distribution system including an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll, wherein an operation is performed on content information provided by broadcasting or network distribution. Means for receiving interlocking operation information for interlocking from the information distribution terminal device, interlocking operation control means for controlling an operation based on the interlocking operation information, and a protocol between the information distribution center device and the character doll. Means for performing communication according to the protocol, and a program for operating a character doll from the information distribution center apparatus,
Means for operating based on the program, wherein the interlocking operation information includes control information relating to individual operations of the character doll as a series of operation sequences, and the operation sequences are macro-defined in the information distribution center device. A character doll characterized by being developed from a character doll.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a character doll that operates in conjunction with content information broadcast or distributed over a network. In addition, it becomes possible to update a program or a protocol as needed.

[0029] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, there is provided means for transmitting input information to the information distribution center device.

[0030] According to this, the information distribution center device can identify and receive the input information, make the meaning of the received input information for each character doll, totalize the input information for each end user, and end the input information. It is possible to provide a character doll that enables user participation type content distribution.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the information transmitted from the character doll to the information distribution center device has destination information and address information corresponding to the destination information. Is the information distribution center device, the information distribution terminal device, or the character doll.

According to the present invention, the information distribution center device comprises:
It is possible to identify whether the input information from the character doll is terminated at the information distribution center device or whether it is a peer-to-peer communication in which the character dolls communicate with each other. In addition, the information distribution center device includes a table for converting the address and the connection destination of the peer-to-peer communication partner and the conversion unit, so that a plurality of character dolls are directly communicated between the character dolls as a user interface. It becomes possible.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, means for inputting information to be transmitted from the character doll to the information distribution center device to the character doll in advance without connecting to a network, It has storage means for storing information and means for transmitting the information to the information distribution center device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to input a control command or communication content to an information distribution center device, an information terminal device, or a peer-to-peer partner character doll during off-net.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the tenth aspect, there is provided means for receiving and storing content information, and reproducing means for reproducing the stored content.
The reproducing means has means for performing operations including movement of the character doll, reproduction of voice / musical sound, reproduction of video, or generation of odor.

According to the present invention, various contents can be reproduced by the character doll stand alone.

An invention according to claim 15 is an information distribution terminal device in an information distribution system comprising an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll,
Means for fetching interlocking operation information for interlocking the character doll with content information provided by broadcast or network distribution from an information distribution center device, and transmitting the interlocking operation information to the character doll; and A means for downloading a protocol between the information distribution terminal devices from the information distribution center device and performing communication in accordance with the protocol; and a program for operating the information distribution terminal device from the information distribution center device and operating based on the program Means for receiving input information including identification information for identifying a transmission destination from the character doll, and information for terminating the input information from the character doll at the information distribution terminal device based on the identification information. Means for distinguishing information to be transmitted to the information distribution center device. To. According to the present invention, an information distribution terminal device having a gateway function between an information distribution center device and a character doll can be provided. Also,
The operation of the information terminal device and the operation to the information distribution center device can be performed only by the operation of the character doll.

[0038]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in the order of each item with reference to FIGS.

(System Configuration) First, a system configuration of an information distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing two examples of operation modes. FIG. 1 (a) shows an example in which broadcast and content distribution are independent, and FIG. 1 (b) distributes broadcast as content using a network. It is a figure showing the example of a form which performs.

In the case shown in FIG. 1A, the broadcasting station 5 and the information distribution terminal device 30 are connected to the information distribution center 1 via the network 7. The information distribution center 1 has an information distribution center device 10 that distributes contents, linked operation information, and the like. Further, a character doll 50 is connected to the information distribution terminal device 30, and performs an interlocking operation or the like according to the interlocking operation information. The TV terminal 9 receives the broadcast from the broadcast station 5 alone.

In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG.
There is no equivalent to the broadcast station 5 in the mode shown in FIG. The TV terminal 9 is connected to the information distribution terminal device 30 and receives contents (broadcast) via the information distribution terminal device 30.

The content providers include, for example, broadcasting stations, publishers, newspaper companies, electronic commerce businesses, advertising agencies, local communities, and the like.

Hereinafter, the configurations of the information distribution center device 10, the information distribution terminal device 30, and the character doll 50 will be described in detail. (1) Information Distribution Center Device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information distribution center device 10 as one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the information distribution center device 10 has a content network input interface unit 11, an input / output device interface unit 12, an other center device interface unit 13, and an information gateway terminal interface unit 14. Be taken.

Also, a protocol / program information storage unit 15 for storing protocols and programs, a user control information storage unit 16 for storing information distribution terminal devices and character doll control methods for each user, It has a user information storage unit 17 for storing preferences and the like, and information storage means such as a distribution information storage unit 18 and a linked operation information storage unit 19 for storing distribution information and linked operation information.

Further, while accessing these, interlocking operation information is generated and edited (interlocking operation information generation unit), added to the content, and the contents of the interlocking operation are converted for each user (content processing operation information adding unit). It has a CPU 20 that performs mining processing and the like (data mining unit). Furthermore,
Peer-to-peer address conversion table 21, operation unit 2
2

The protocol / program information storage section 15 has a distribution protocol, an information distribution terminal program, and a character doll program. The user control information storage unit 16 has a distribution protocol ID, an information distribution terminal program ID, and a linked operation information conversion table for each character doll identifier. User information storage unit 17
The information distribution terminal has operation / response information, meaning of input information, viewing contents, sales history, and the like for each character doll identifier. The distribution information storage unit 18 stores the content to be distributed and the linked operation information. The interlocking operation information storage unit 19 has an interlocking operation specifying table, a macro specifying table, a time corresponding operation table, and a scene corresponding operation table. The roles of these tables and the like will be described later.

Next, an outline of the operation of the information distribution center device 10 will be described. The details of the operation will be described later using a flowchart and the like. -Live content of a broadcasting station or various places, or content stored on a DVD or the like, WEB content, or the like is input and stored in the distribution information storage unit 18 or the like, and the linked operation information is stored using the information stored in each of the storage units. Generate and edit and distribute to the information distribution terminal device via the network. The distribution information is stored in the distribution information storage unit 18 or the like, and the information distribution terminal device (information gateway terminal) performs the stream distribution or the download distribution in response to a request from the character doll or by itself. Stores control information for each information doll and character doll and user information such as user preferences in the user information storage unit 17 and the like, performs control according to the characteristics of the character doll and the user's preference, and transmits linked operation information. I do. It also provides data for data mining. The protocol rules for the information distribution terminal device and the character doll and the program for the operation of each device are stored in the protocol / program information storage unit 15 for negotiation and download. (2) Information distribution terminal device Next, the information distribution terminal device will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information distribution terminal device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, an information distribution terminal device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a network interface unit 31 for connecting to an information distribution center device,
V, an external terminal interface unit 32 for connecting to an audio device, and the like, and a character doll interface unit 33 for connecting to a character doll, and these interface with the outside.

Also, a reception information storage unit 34 for storing information (contents and interlocking operation information) received from the information distribution center device, a protocol program storage unit 35 for storing protocol specifications and programs, an information distribution center An interlocking operation information conversion table 36 for adjusting the interlocking operation information received from the device to the user's preference, an interlocking operation information storage unit 37, and a content viewing information storage unit 38 for storing user viewing contents and operation response status; It has a storage function of the content information storage unit 39 and the like. The information received from the information distribution center device is
V, a process of separating and transmitting information to the audio device and the character doll (processing by the downstream reception information separating unit), and separating and transmitting information from the character doll into a control signal of the device and information to the information distribution center device The processing is performed by the CPU 40 that performs processing (processing by the uplink information separation unit). Further, it has a distribution information storage unit 41 for storing content and interlocking operation information. The content viewing information storage section 38 has viewing content, viewing start and end times.

Next, an outline of the operation of the information distribution terminal device 30 will be described. The details of the operation will be described later using a flowchart and the like. -Connect to the information distribution center device, store the received information (content and interlocking operation information) in the received information storage unit 34, etc., and separate the information to external terminals such as TV and audio devices from the information to the character doll. And send to each. The signal information from the character doll is received, and the signal to be transmitted to the information distribution center device and the signal for controlling the present device are separated, and the signal is transmitted to the information distribution center device or controlled.

(3) Character Doll Next, a character doll will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the character doll 50 in one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, a character doll 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an interface unit 51 for connecting to an information distribution terminal device, and a reproduction / interlocking operation control unit 52 for controlling the character doll. , A microphone, various sensors, an input interface unit 53 for inputting from a keypad and the like.

Further, a reception information storage unit 54 for storing input information from the information distribution terminal device, a protocol program storage unit 55 for storing a protocol program, input information from a microphone, a sensor, a keyboard, etc. An input information accumulating unit 56 for accumulating data, an interlocking operation conversion table 57 for converting interlocking operation information sent from the information distribution center device into individual interlocking operation information,
It has a storage function such as a content viewing information storage unit 58 for storing user viewing content and operation response status. Also, after interlocking operation information is separated from the information received from the information distribution terminal device (reception information separation unit) and converted into individual interlocking operation information (reception information analysis unit), a speaker,
Controls various movable parts, light emitting units, displays, etc., controls input of microphones, various sensors, keypad input information, etc. (interlocking operation control unit), and transmits information to the information distribution terminal device (uplink information generation unit) And a CPU 59 that accumulates received content and interlocking operation information and performs processing such as playing and interlocking operation off-net (content reproduction unit). Further, it has a system program storage unit 60 for storing system programs.

Next, an outline of the operation of the character doll 30 will be described. The details of the operation will be described later using a flowchart and the like. -Connected to the information distribution terminal device, and according to the interlocking operation information transmitted from the information distribution center device, under the control of the reproduction / interlocking operation control unit 52, move, emit sound, capture an image, display, shine, smell. It performs operations such as emitting. -Reproduce the content distributed from the information distribution center device. -Store interlocking operation information and content information and perform playback and interlocking operation off-net. Transmits input information from a microphone, various sensors, a keypad, and the like to the information distribution terminal device via the input interface unit 53.

(Description of Interlocking Operation Information) Next, the definition of interlocking operation information in one embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As described above, the information distribution center apparatus 10 includes the interlocking operation definition table for specifying the control identifier and the control type for the interlocking operation in the interlocking operation information storage unit 19. FIG. 5 shows an example of a table that defines information related to the interlocking operation. FIG. 5A shows the structure of the interlocking operation information specifying table.

The operation of the character doll is realized by indexing the control type by the control identifier shown in the figure and designating the parameter corresponding to the control type in the interlocking operation information.

A table for macro-defining the character doll's laughing, angry, crying, etc. operation is provided in the information distribution center device or the interlocking operation authoring tool. The control sequence of the doll can be specified by a macro.

FIG. 5B shows a macro definition table for that purpose. Here, a continuous sequence of individual control information such as raising, lowering, and uttering eyebrows is defined in response to macro actions such as laughing, angry, and crying. At the time of editing or specifying the interlocking operation, it is possible to easily edit and specify the interlocking operation information by using a combination of the macro identifier and the control identifier defined in FIG. 5B. When the interlocking operation information is transmitted, the macro is expanded and transmitted as an individual control information sequence from the information distribution center device to the information distribution terminal device.

The content of the motion control of the interlocking motion information can be defined differently for each character doll. For example, the following can be defined. -Control type: utterance, parameter: utterance content = "aiueo", voice volume-Control type: operation, parameter: operation target = left hand, operation angle-Control type: operation, parameter: operation target = mouth, operation content = open / close -Control type: blinking, parameter: blinking type (lighting / off / flashing)-Control type: music playback, parameter: music ID (file name, etc.) (Example of information structure at interface reference point) Next, interface reference point A description will be given of an example of the structure of information in.

As a basic structure of information, a method of defining a structure by a message identifier and a message length, and an identifier and a length composed of an information element and an information element length therein can be used. A description will be given using a configuration example in which data is identified by a tag generally used in HTML and XML. Hereinafter, examples of (1) interlocking operation information, (2) information between a center device and an information distribution terminal device, and (3) information between an information distribution terminal device and a character doll will be described with reference to FIG. . (1) Interlocking operation information FIG. 6A shows an example of the structure of interlocking operation information for operating a character doll in synchronization with and interlocking with content. As shown in the figure, the interlocking operation information is enclosed in a tag indicating that the interlocking operation information is a reservation indicating whether the interlocking operation information description is a predefined interlocking operation information description or a newly specified interlocking operation information description. It has a default / manufacturer-defined flag. In the case of the manufacturer's specification, it has a manufacturer ID for identifying the manufacturer, and in each case, a target device ID indicating a target device of the interlocking operation and the above described operation for the operation specified for each target device ID. Parameter information (interlocking operation parameter). (2) Between information distribution center device and information distribution terminal device Information (uplink information) transmitted from the information distribution terminal device to the information distribution center device includes signal information and content for transmitting and receiving control information in the information distribution system of the present invention. It is roughly divided into information. As shown in FIG. 6 (2), the signal information is enclosed by signal tags, and the content information is content tags (H
The tag information itself defined in TML and XML can be used).

The signal information includes an information distribution terminal identifier (I
D), a character doll identifier, and control information. Both identifiers are used by the information distribution center device to identify the source of the information. In other words, the information distribution center device is used to identify a user.
As shown in FIG. 7, the structure of the control information includes a control type and a control information parameter. Various types such as linked operation information, key input information, user viewing information, connection request information at the time of connection, and a content distribution request can be designated by the control type. Also, depending on the control type, the control information parameter can take a value such as the content of the operation (linked operation information itself), a peer-to-peer connection destination address, a key input number, and an output value from various sensors.

Information (downlink information) transmitted from the information distribution center device to the information distribution terminal device is also roughly classified into signal information and content information. As shown in FIG. 6B, a signal tag and a content tag (HTML) are respectively provided. , The tag information itself defined in XML can be used). The signal is composed of a character doll identifier and control information, and the character doll identifier is
It is used to identify a target character doll among a plurality of character dolls.

(3) Between Information Distribution Terminal Device and Character Doll Information (uplink information) transmitted from the character doll to the information distribution terminal device is the same as that between the information distribution center device and the information distribution terminal device described above. As shown in FIG. 6 (3), information is roughly divided into signal tags and content tags.

The signal information is composed of a character doll identifier and control information. The character doll identifier is used by the information distribution center device to identify the character doll from which the information is transmitted. The structure of the control information is the same as the control information between the information distribution center device and the information distribution terminal device described above.

Information (downlink information) transmitted from the information distribution terminal device to the character doll is also roughly divided into signal information and content information, as shown in FIG. 6 (3). Can be There is no particular need for an identifier, which is composed of the control information shown in FIG.

(Operation Example) Next, an operation example in the system of the present invention will be described in detail.

(1) Synchronization / Linkage Processing with Broadcast / Internet Content Synchronization / linkage operation with an existing broadcast is not taken into account when producing a broadcast program. Is generated by the information distribution center apparatus and distributed as network distribution information at the time of broadcasting.

For generating the interlocking operation information, the interlocking operation information is stored in the interlocking operation information storage unit 19 of the information distribution center apparatus 10 in advance, and the synchronizing operation information is distributed in synchronization with the broadcast of the broadcast program or advertisement. The linked operation is defined in advance in association with the time stamp of the broadcast program, scene information, and the like, and stored as a time-corresponding operation table, a scene-corresponding operation table, and the like as edited linked operation information, and the linked operation information is automatically stored. It is also possible to distribute. Further, it is also possible for the operator to instruct transmission of the operation definition component each time while watching the program.

In the case of content distribution via a network, the link operation information is inserted into the distribution information (content information) shown in FIG. Also in this case, there is a method of inserting and creating interlocking operation information in advance at the time of content creation, and a method of separately generating interlocking operation information after content creation.

The above processing will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 shows a processing flow for manually inserting interlocking operation information at the information distribution center when interlocking with broadcasting.

In this case, since the content provided by the broadcast is completely unaware of the interlocking operation as described above, the operator operates the broadcast while watching the broadcast to select the broadcast from the pre-defined interlocking operation information. The interlocking operation information corresponding to the content is selected (steps 1 and 2), and the interlocking operation information is transmitted via the network (step 3).

Next, a method of automatically transmitting the interlocking operation information corresponding to a time stamp or a scene will be described with reference to FIG.

According to the time corresponding operation table shown in FIG.
The interlocking operation information corresponding to the time is read from the interlocking operation information storage unit 19 (steps 11 and 12), and is automatically transmitted (step 13).

The time-corresponding operation table shown in the figure defines the control type and various parameters of the interlocking operation for each time. By providing a scene correspondence operation table for associating interlocking operation information for each scene with a similar table structure, interlocking operation information corresponding to a broadcast content scene can be transmitted.

Next, FIG. 1 shows an example in which a scenario is described.
Explanation will be made using 0.

When the interlocking operation information is also described as the content, the content and the interlocking operation information are synchronized according to the scenario shown in FIG.
2) Further, it is possible to divide the subsequent content and the content of the interlocking operation according to the input information from the character doll (step 23). In the example shown in the figure, when the input information is A, the content A is linked (step 25), when the input information is B, the linked action information B is set (step 26), and when the input information is C, the content C and linked action information C (step 27, 28).

The processing sequence between the information distribution center and the character doll in this case is as shown in FIG. 10B, and the operation according to the scenario is performed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in a character doll.

When the message is received (step 3
1) Check the message type (step 32)
If it is control information other than the content information, control corresponding to the control information is performed (step 33). If the type is content information, the message is stored in the information storage unit (step 34). Next, the presence or absence of the content information is checked (step 35), and if there is the content, the content is reproduced (step 36). Next, the presence or absence of the interlocking operation information is checked (step 37), and if there is the interlocking operation information, the operation is performed according to the interlocking operation information (step 3).
8). (2) Flexibility, portability, and learning processing When interfacing the information distribution center device with the information distribution terminal device and the character doll, negotiation with the information distribution center device is performed. The character doll program can be downloaded from the information distribution center device. This ensures flexibility.

The method will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a signal sequence when the information distribution terminal device is connected to the information distribution center device and when a character doll is connected to the information distribution center device.
As shown in the figure, first, an information distribution terminal device is connected (step 41). Here, when the connection is started, the information distribution terminal device notifies the information distribution center device of the identifier of the device (GW-ID), the identifier of the protocol to be used by itself and the identifier of the program by an information distribution terminal connection request message. (Step 42).

The information distribution center device compares the prepared protocol identifier with the program and the version number corresponding to the terminal type corresponding to the GW-ID (step 43). The character doll that has transmitted the terminal connection confirmation notification (OK) transmits the gateway terminal connection completion notification and starts communication (steps 44 and 45).

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the operations of the information distribution terminal device and the information distribution center device at the time of connection.

As shown in FIG. 13A, first, the information distribution terminal device reads an identifier of a protocol and an identifier of a program (step 51). If the information distribution terminal device or the character doll has its own communication protocol, it notifies the information distribution center device of the identifier of the protocol and the identifier of the program by an information distribution terminal connection request message (steps 52 and 53). If it does not have its own communication protocol, the protocol identifier and the program identifier are notified to the information distribution center device in an information distribution terminal connection request message as "according to the information distribution center device designation" (steps 52 and 54).

The information distribution center device receives the information distribution terminal connection request message (step 55), performs the above comparison, and if they match, transmits an information distribution terminal connection confirmation notice (OK) (step 55). 56, 57). If the version number of the protocol or program of the information distribution center device has been updated, the protocol definition and program of the latest version are read (step 58), and downloaded to the information distribution terminal device by the information distribution terminal connection confirmation notification message (step 58). Step 59).

The information distribution terminal receives the information distribution terminal connection confirmation notification message (step 60), and if OK, transmits an information distribution terminal connection completion notification (step 6).
1, 63), and if an update is required, the protocol and program are updated and an information distribution terminal connection completion notification is transmitted (steps 61, 62, 63). The information distribution center device receives the information distribution terminal connection completion notification (step 64).

According to the above procedure, after the protocol specification and the confirmation of the program are completed, the operation is shifted to the operating state.

The connection process between the character doll and the information distribution center device is the same as described above. In the case between the character doll and the information distribution center device, the information distribution terminal device may be replaced with the character doll in the above description. .

Next, the operation rules and learning for each character doll will be described. This is because, by storing each user information corresponding to each character doll in the user information storage unit 17 of the information distribution center device in FIG. 2, the same operation is performed regardless of where the character doll is connected on the network. It is possible to do.

The user information storage unit 17 corresponding to the character doll identifier stores a history of user operations / reactions corresponding to the distribution content, and based on the history, the motion of the character doll according to the content is linked to the linked motion conversion table. 57.

FIG. 14A shows an example of a history of user operations / reactions. FIG. 14B shows an example of the linked operation information conversion table.

The description before conversion in the interlocking operation conversion table is the content of the interlocking operation described by the creator and the editor for the corresponding content, and is converted into the interlocking operation according to the characteristics of each user. For example, when the content shown in FIG. 14A is a movie (AAA), there is a history indicating that the content has been viewed to the end, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the content is a movie (AAA) After the conversion, "wave your hand or speak".

As described here, the conversion table is automatically updated from the user operation or reaction (learning).
Alternatively, the table may be manually described by a user operation or the center operator.

Further, based on the above-mentioned user information, for example, if the user often views CG animation, the corresponding broadcast is automatically transmitted to the content without the user's intention to view. The character doll can be downloaded to the information distribution terminal device or the character doll, and the user can be notified that the download has been performed by operating, displaying, or generating the character doll. (3) Bidirectional / Information Gateway Terminal Control, Information Distribution Center Device Control, Peer-to-Peer Communication Processing Next, the destination of the uplink information from the character doll to the information distribution center device will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15, the information distribution terminal device, the information distribution center device, and the character doll (peer
In this case, the information distribution terminal device and the information distribution center device look at the destination information and determine whether to terminate the process by itself or to notify the destination. Decide.

If the destination is a character doll, the information distribution center apparatus searches for the destination to be notified from the address information shown in FIG. 15, and notifies the received character doll of the received information. In this case, if the other party is not in the connected state, the transmitting character doll is notified of the fact. Thereafter, the information distribution center device may temporarily store the received content, and notify the connection when the other party connects. (4) Use of On-Net / Off-Net In the foregoing, the case where the character doll is connected to the information distribution center device via the network (on-net) has been mainly described.

Next, the operation of the character doll when it is not connected (off-net) and the operation at the time of subsequent connection will be described.

At the time of the on-net, the content information and the interlocking operation information distributed from the information distribution center device are automatically or in response to an instruction from the user, and the content information storage unit of the character doll and the interlocking operation information storage unit (the reception information storage unit 5)
4). This information is stored in a non-volatile memory or a memory backed up by a battery, and can be reproduced in an off-net state. Thereby, even in the off-net state, the content can be reproduced and linked, and the user can carry the character doll and watch it anytime and anywhere.

Further, by providing means for storing information such as how many times the content has been played back in the offline state and how long the content has been played back in the content viewing information storage unit 58, User viewing information can be stored. At the time of connection with the information distribution center device, after the connection sequence shown in FIG. 11 is completed, the information is transmitted from the character doll side to the information distribution center device side, so that the information distribution center allows the user to view and listen in the off-net state. Information can be obtained. The same can be achieved not only at the time of connection but also by making an inquiry from the information distribution center side during the on-net.

In the above description, the content viewing information of the user has been described. However, the user operation is performed in advance in the off-net state, and the character doll input information storage unit 56 shown in FIG.
A means for transmitting the data to the center device when the network is on-net can also be prepared. Thus, for example, it is possible to register content to be viewed, register product purchase information, and the like at a location and transmit it to a center when a network connection is established.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified and applied within the scope of the claims.

[0103]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
The character doll at hand of the user can move, change facial expressions, emit sound, or emit odor in synchronization with broadcast or distribution content or advertisement.

Also, for example, when a goal is scored in a soccer game, the player is notified by voice such as “Goal, Goal”, and is linked to the TV, radio, music, or game being viewed.
Character dolls and remote control devices will operate,
It can be expected that entertainment, advertising and educational effects will be much higher.

[0105] Further, by giving a degree of freedom to the control method of the character doll, the protocol, or the information distribution method, it is possible to individually define these for each content, each production company, or each content provider. It becomes possible to use the control and distribution method as desired by the creator or the provider, and various uses are promoted.

Further, since the operation program can be downloaded from the network, the content distributor and the advertiser can adjust the program according to the convenience of the program developer.
The operation of the character doll can be changed and functions can be automatically added via the network.

Further, it is possible to create operability and characters according to the convenience and preference of each user. Furthermore, the user can enjoy the operation and the preference corresponding to the user, regardless of where the connection is made on the network.

Furthermore, since the character doll not only operates in response to information but also functions as an input device and also functions as a two-way communication terminal, it can be used as a so-called remote control of the terminal, or can be used for network distribution. In addition to being used as a remote control device or input / output device at the center, it can also perform peer-to-peer communication between character dolls.

Further, by changing the content and meaning (such as yes / no) of the content for each character doll, any puppets, such as viewer participation programs, can answer “Yes” or “No” to the questions from the program. It is possible to indicate intention by tapping or the like. Similarly, use in network sales, network auctions, and the like for displaying intentions such as "sell" and "buy" is also an example. In addition, by notifying the user of the content or preference being viewed, the device can be used as an apparatus for realizing various business models.

[0110] In a state in which the terminal is not connected to the network (off-net), a reservation for the content, information on net trading, and the like are input in advance, and the information is transmitted at the time of network connection or obtained at the time of network connection. Since the operation information and the content itself can be reproduced off-net (in addition to video and music reproduction as well as operation reproduction), it can be used as a portable communication terminal or a portable audio-visual system.

Further, so-called data mining becomes possible based on the user's usage history, etc., improving usability for the user, cultivating characters, further automatically distributing recommended contents based on the viewing status of the contents, Notification of the viewing status and the like are also facilitated.

Also, since an identifier is provided for each character doll / remote controller, the character doll can be distributed on the street and connected to the user terminal so that the user can view the content expected by the distributor. It becomes possible.

Furthermore, contents, operation conditions, and the like are input in advance to the character doll, and when the terminal is connected to the terminal device, the contents are transmitted. , Can be reproduced (moving, facial expression, voice, music, video, etc.), so that it can be used as an input / output reproducing device excellent in portability.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to associate a virtual service or control using a network with an entity such as a character doll or a remote controller, and bridge the network with the real world. This increases the potential of Internet services.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information distribution center device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an information distribution terminal device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of 0.

FIG. 4 shows a character doll 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table that defines information on an interlocking operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of linked operation information, information between a center device and an information distribution terminal device, and information between an information distribution terminal device and a character doll.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of control information.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing sequence in a case where interlocking operation information is manually inserted at an information distribution center when interlocking with broadcasting is performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing sequence in a case where an interlocking operation is performed by automatically transmitting interlocking operation information corresponding to a time stamp or a scene.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a scenario and a processing sequence when a scenario is described and an interlocking operation is performed according to the scenario.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a character doll.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal sequence when the information distribution terminal device is connected to the information distribution center device and when a character doll is connected to the information distribution center device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the information distribution terminal device, the character doll, and the information distribution center device when connected to the information distribution center device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a user operation / response history information and a linked operation conversion table.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a data structure of upstream information from the character doll to the information distribution center device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information distribution center 5 Broadcasting station 7 Network 9 TV terminal 10 Information distribution center device 30 Information distribution terminal device 50 Character doll 11 Content network input interface unit 12 I / O device interface unit 13 Other center device interface unit 14 Information gateway terminal interface unit 15 Protocol / program information storage unit 16 User control information storage unit 17 User information storage unit 18 Distribution information storage unit 19 Linked operation information storage unit 20, 40, 59 CPU 21 Peer-to-peer address conversion table 22 Operation unit 31 Network interface unit 32 external terminal interface unit 33 character doll interface unit 34 received information storage unit 35 protocol program storage unit 36 linked operation information conversion table 37 linked operation information Storage unit 38 Content viewing information storage unit 39 Content information storage unit 41 Distribution information storage unit 51 Interface unit 52 Playback / linked operation control unit 53 Input interface unit 54 Received information storage unit 55 Protocol program storage unit 56 Input information storage unit 57 Linked operation Conversion table 58 Content viewing information storage unit 60 System program storage unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B049 BB11 BB49 CC03 CC05 DD01 EE01 EE07 FF03 FF04 GG03 GG04 GG07 GG08 5B069 AA02 LA03

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An information distribution method in an information distribution system comprising an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll, wherein the information distribution center device includes a character doll in content information provided by broadcast or network distribution. Information distributing method, comprising: storing interlocking operation information for interlocking information in an information storage means, selecting the interlocking operation information from the information storage means in correspondence with content information, and distributing the information to an information distribution terminal device. . 2. An information distribution center device in an information distribution system comprising an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll, wherein the character doll is linked to content information provided by broadcast or network distribution. Interlocking operation information generating means for generating interlocking operation information; information storage means for storing the interlocking operation information and content information; and interlocking operation information corresponding to the content information to be distributed is selected from the information storage means. An information distribution center device comprising: an information distribution unit that distributes content information to an information distribution terminal device; and a receiving unit that receives control information and content information from the information distribution terminal device. 3. The interlocking operation information is arranged in a data structure of information distributed from the information distribution center device to the information distribution terminal device, and includes a data structure for identifying the interlocking operation information. 3. The information distribution center device according to claim 2, wherein identification information is provided. 4. The information distribution center device according to claim 2, further comprising means for acquiring and storing user's viewing information from said information distribution terminal device via a network. 5. A means for downloading a protocol between the information distribution center device and the information distribution terminal device or between the information distribution center device and the character doll to the information distribution terminal device or the character doll, and performing communication in accordance with the protocol. The information distribution center device according to claim 2, further comprising: means for downloading a program for operating the doll or the information distribution terminal device to the character doll or the information distribution terminal device. 6. A means for individually identifying an individual information distribution terminal device or character doll to be connected, and an operation / operation from the information distribution terminal device or the character doll.
Means for storing response history information and generating an interlocking operation conversion table for converting the interlocking operation information based on the operation / response history information; and the information distribution terminal device or character based on the interlocking operation conversion table 3. The information distribution center device according to claim 2, further comprising means for converting the interlocking operation information to the doll into individual interlocking operation information and transmitting the information. 7. A means for individually identifying each information distribution terminal device or character doll to be connected;
A response history information is stored, an interlocking operation conversion table for converting the interlocking operation information is generated based on the operation / response history information, and the interlocking operation conversion table is transmitted to the information distribution terminal device or the character doll through a network. 3. The information distribution center device according to claim 2, further comprising means for transmitting the information via the information distribution center. 8. A means for associating the identifier of the information distribution terminal device or the character doll with the content of the content information to be distributed, the means comprising: a condition specified in advance by a user; 3. The information distribution center device according to claim 2, wherein the information distribution center device is means for associating the input history from the information distribution terminal device or the character doll with the content of the content information. 9. The information distribution center device according to claim 8, further comprising means for specifying a content information distribution method for each information distribution terminal device or character doll identified by said identifier. 10. A character doll in an information distribution system comprising an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll, wherein linked operation information for linking an operation with content information provided by broadcast or network distribution. Receiving information from the information distribution terminal device; interlocking operation control means for controlling the operation based on the interlocking operation information; downloading a protocol between the information distribution center device and the character doll from the information distribution center device; And means for downloading a program for operating a character doll from the information distribution center device and operating based on the program. The interlocking operation information includes an individual operation of the character doll. Control information related to See, character doll, characterized in that said operating sequence is one which is developed from those macros defined in the information distribution center apparatus. 11. The character doll according to claim 10, further comprising means for transmitting input information to said information distribution center device. 12. Information transmitted from a character doll to the information distribution center device has destination information and address information corresponding to the destination information, and the destination information is the information distribution center device, the information distribution terminal device, or The character doll according to claim 10, wherein the character doll is the character doll. 13. A means for previously inputting information to be transmitted from the character doll to the information distribution center device to the character doll without connecting to a network, a storage means for storing the information, and an information distribution center for storing the information. 13. The character doll according to claim 12, further comprising means for transmitting the character doll to a device. 14. A means for receiving and storing content information, and a reproducing means for reproducing the stored content, wherein the reproducing means reproduces a motion of a character doll, a voice / musical sound, a video, or a smell. The character doll according to claim 10, further comprising a unit that performs an operation including generation of a character. 15. An information distribution terminal device in an information distribution system comprising an information distribution center device, an information distribution terminal device, and a character doll, wherein the character doll is linked to content information provided by broadcast or network distribution. Means for fetching the interlocking operation information from the information distribution center device, transmitting the interlocking operation information to the character doll, downloading a protocol between the information distribution center device and the information distribution terminal device from the information distribution center device, A program for operating the information distribution terminal device from the information distribution center device, a device operating based on the program, and input information including identification information for identifying the transmission destination. Means for receiving from the character doll; Based on the information, the information delivery terminal apparatus characterized by having a means of distinguishing the information to be transmitted to the information and the information distribution center apparatus that terminates at the information delivery terminal device inputs information from the character doll.