JP2003189281A - Related information providing method, device and program, contents providing system, device, method and program, and content requesting device, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To link TV broadcasting with web contents so as to meet TV media characteristics and further to prevent the viewing of the TV broadcasting from being interrupted. <P>SOLUTION: When needed information is broadcasted on a TV receiver 10, a viewer 14 instructs to preform clipping with a remote controller 13. The instruction is transmitted to a broadcasting station 17 as a time ID showing the time when the information is clipped together with a user ID. The broadcasting station 17 retrieves broadcast contents corresponding to the time ID from a DB 19, and also retrieves the URI of the contents of the Internet related to the contents. The URL is described in e-mail to be transmitted to an address corresponding to the user ID. The e-mail is received by the viewer 14 with a personal computer 21, etc. The viewer 14 can browse and acquire contents on the Internet on the basis of the URI described in the e-mail. It is possible to acquire the related contents on the Internet without interrupting the viewing of the TV broadcasting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a content providing system and method capable of easily providing a user with information related to content broadcast in a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In digital television broadcasting,
Data broadcasting has been started in which a data signal other than a television signal is superimposed on a digital television signal. In a television receiver compatible with data broadcasting, the content transmitted by the data signal is displayed according to a signal from a remote control commander, for example, based on a user operation. Thus, in television broadcasting, the framework that can show an interactive reaction based on the user's operation is
It already exists.

On the other hand, with the spread of the Internet, there is a huge amount of content centering on Web sites on the Internet. These contents can be acquired by an information device such as a personal computer connected to the Internet. Further, in recent years, it has become possible to acquire contents on the Internet even with portable communication terminals such as mobile phones.

[0004]

However, at the present time, there is a problem that the content of the above-mentioned data broadcasting of digital television broadcasting and the content on the Internet are not linked. Of course, there is a problem in that the contents of ordinary television broadcasting that does not support data broadcasting are not linked to the contents on the Internet.

Now, let us consider a case where the contents by data broadcasting and the contents on the Internet are simply linked. In this case, for example, a television receiver compatible with data broadcasting can browse contents on the Internet such as a website. Hereinafter, the contents on the Internet are limited to the contents of the website, which will be referred to as the web contents.

The majority of Web contents are configured for the purpose of searching and browsing by personal computers. Further, it is assumed that the Web content is further processed after being searched and browsed by a personal computer. On the other hand, data broadcasting contents are basically passive contents because of the characteristic of television media that is broadcast to an unspecified large number. The contents of the data broadcast are also different from the Web contents in the way of using the interactive function.

Therefore, there is a problem in that simply displaying the Web contents on the screen of the television receiver does not always meet the needs of the user.

[0008] Further, viewers of television broadcasting have a desire to share information obtained by television broadcasting, and a desire to have unique information based on the information obtained by television information. It is considered that two conflicting desires exist at the same time. On the other hand, while watching a television broadcast, I don't want to leave the place,
That is, there is also a desire not to be interrupted in watching the television broadcast. In the past, there was a problem that there was no system that satisfied these needs at the same time.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to link the contents of the television broadcast and the Web contents so as to match the characteristics of the television media, and to prevent interruption of the viewing of the television broadcast. To provide a content providing system and method.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is broadcast by a user in a content providing system for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program. The selection information for the contents and the user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted, and the location information on the internet of the contents on the internet related to the contents broadcast based on the transmitted selection information is displayed. The content providing system is characterized in that the obtained location information is transmitted to the user based on the user identification information.

Further, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a content providing device for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, selection information for the content of the broadcast content by the user and the user are identified. The user identification information is transmitted, the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast based on the transmitted selection information is obtained, and the obtained location information is used as the user identification information. The content providing device is characterized in that the content is transmitted to the user based on the content.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, in the content providing method for providing the viewer with the content linked to the broadcast program, the selection information for the content of the broadcast content by the user and the user are identified. The user identification information is transmitted, the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast based on the transmitted selection information is obtained, and the obtained location information is used as the user identification information. The content providing method is characterized in that the content is transmitted to the user based on the content providing method.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, the content of the content broadcast by the user is described. The selection information and the user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted, and the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast based on the transmitted selection information is obtained and obtained. The content providing program is characterized in that the location information is transmitted to the user based on the user identification information.

Further, in the invention according to claim 8, in a content providing system for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, the content viewing means for viewing the broadcast content and the content viewing means by the user are provided. Selection information transmitting means for transmitting selection information for the content of the viewed broadcasted content and user identification information for identifying the user, and content related to the content of the broadcasted content at a predetermined location on the Internet. Relationship between content storage means for storing, first database in which location information of the content storage means on the Internet is stored, location information of content on the Internet stored in the first database, and broadcast content A second database in which is stored and the usage that identifies the user The third database in which the identification information and the address information capable of transmitting data to the user are stored, and the first and second databases are searched based on the selection information transmitted by the selection information transmitting means, and the contents are searched. The location information on the Internet of the storage means is obtained as a search result, the third database is searched based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information by the selection information transmission means, and the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database. And transmitting the location information on the Internet obtained as the search results of the first and second databases to the user for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database, to the user. And a means for providing a content providing system.

Further, in the invention according to claim 12, in a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, a step of viewing the content for viewing the broadcast content and a content viewing by the user The step of transmitting selection information, in which the selection information for the content of the broadcast content viewed by the step and the user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted, and the content related to the content of the broadcast content on the Internet. A first database for storing location information on the Internet for the content storage step based on the selection information transmitted by the content storage step stored in a predetermined location and the selection information transmission step;
The location information of the content on the Internet stored in the database of No. 2 and the second database which holds the relationship with the broadcast content are searched, and the location information on the Internet of the content storing step is obtained as the search result. At the same time, the user identification information for identifying the user based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information in the step of transmitting the selection information and the address information capable of transmitting data to the user are stored. The database is searched, address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the Internet obtained as the search result of the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database And the step of transmitting the above location information to the user. Which is a content providing method characterized.

According to the invention of claim 13, in a content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, a content viewing program for viewing a broadcast content is provided. A step of transmitting selection information for transmitting selection information for the content of the broadcast content viewed in the step of viewing the content by the user and user identification information for identifying the user,
Based on the selection information transmitted by the content storage step of storing the content related to the content of the broadcast content in a predetermined location on the Internet, and the location information on the Internet of the content storage step based on the selection information transmitted by the selection information transmission step. The step of storing the content is performed by searching the first database stored, the location information of the content on the Internet stored in the first database, and the second database holding the relationship between the broadcasted content. It is possible to obtain the location information on the Internet as a search result, and to transmit the user identification information that identifies the user and the data to the user based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information in the step of transmitting the selection information. Search a third database that stores The address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the location information on the Internet obtained as the search result of the first and second databases is obtained for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. And a step of transmitting location information to be transmitted to a user.

The invention according to claim 14 is, in a content providing apparatus for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, a location on the internet of content on the internet related to the content of broadcast content. A first database in which information is stored, and a first
Location information of contents on the Internet stored in the database, a second database that holds the relationship between the broadcasted contents, user identification information that identifies the user, and data transmission to the user A third database storing possible address information, a communication means capable of communicating with the user, and transmitted via the communication means,
Searching the first and second databases based on the selection information of the content broadcast by the user,
The location information on the internet of the content on the internet related to the content of the broadcasted content is obtained as a search result, and the third database is searched based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information via the communication means. , The address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the location information obtained as the search result of the first and second databases is communicated to the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. A content providing device, comprising: a transmitting unit configured to transmit via

Further, the invention according to claim 18 is a content providing method for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, the step of communication capable of communicating with a user, and transmission through the step of communication. A first database for storing location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcasted content based on the selection information for the content of the broadcasted content by the user, The location information of the contents on the Internet stored in the database and the second database which holds the relationship with the broadcast contents are searched, and the contents of the contents related to the broadcast contents on the Internet are searched. Obtain the above location information as a search result, and select information via the communication step. Third of the transmittable address information data is stored to the user identification information and the user identifying the user based on user identification information transmitted together with
And the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and is obtained as the search results of the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. And a step of transmitting the location information via a step of communication.

The invention according to claim 19 is a content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, and a communication step capable of communicating with a user. Storing the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcasted based on the selection information for the content of the broadcasted content by the user transmitted via the communication step. The first database, the location information of the content on the Internet stored in the first database, and the second database that holds the relationship with the broadcast content are searched, and related to the content of the broadcast content. Location information on the Internet Is obtained as a search result, and user identification information for identifying the user based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information through the communication step and address information capable of transmitting data to the user are stored. 3rd
And the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and is obtained as the search results of the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. And a transmission step of transmitting location information via a communication step.

The invention according to claim 20 is a broadcast program viewing means for receiving a broadcast program and viewing the received program in a content request device for requesting content linked to a broadcast program being viewed. And the communication means for communicating with the outside and the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program based on the selection information transmitted from the user, and the obtained location Selection information for a program viewed by the broadcast program viewing means for a content provider that transmits information to the user based on the user identification information that identifies the user and is transmitted together with the selection information And a transmission means for transmitting the user identification information via the communication means.

The invention according to claim 23 is a content program requesting method for requesting content interlocked with a broadcast program being viewed, in which a broadcast program is viewed by receiving a broadcast program and viewing the received program. Steps, communication steps for communicating with the outside, and location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the program broadcast based on the selection information transmitted from the user are obtained and obtained. The location information sent to the user based on the user identification information identifying the user sent from the user together with the selection information, the program viewed by the step of viewing the broadcast program to the content provider. Sending selection information and user identification information for the communication via the communication step. It is a Ceiling request method.

According to the invention described in claim 24, in a content request program for causing a computer device to execute a content request method for requesting content linked to a broadcast program being viewed, a broadcast program is received and received. The contents of the Internet related to the contents of the contents broadcast in the program based on the selection information transmitted from the user Broadcast the location information obtained above to the content provider that is configured to transmit the obtained location information to the user based on the user identification information for identifying the user transmitted from the user together with the selection information. The selection information and user identification information for the program viewed in the program viewing step are transmitted through the communication step. A content requesting program, characterized in that it comprises a transmission step of transmitting Te.

The invention according to claim 25 is a content providing system for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, wherein the content of the broadcast program is provided to the viewer via the broadcast network and is being viewed on the broadcast network. The viewer requests the information corresponding to the content in the broadcast network and the corresponding network, and based on the request, the viewer is notified of the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists on the network. The content providing system is characterized in that information corresponding to the content is acquired on a network different from the broadcasting network based on the information.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the content providing method for providing the viewer with the content linked to the broadcast program, the content by the broadcast program is provided to the viewer through the broadcast network and is being viewed by the broadcast network. The viewer requests the information corresponding to the content in the broadcast network and the corresponding network, and based on the request, the viewer is notified of the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists on the network. The content providing method is characterized in that information corresponding to the content is acquired on a network different from the broadcasting network based on the information.

[0025] According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in a content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, the content provided by the broadcast program is transmitted to the viewer via a broadcast network. The information about the content being viewed on the broadcast network is requested by the viewer in the network corresponding to the broadcast network, and the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists based on the request is provided to the viewer. The content providing program is characterized in that the viewer acquires information corresponding to the content on a network different from the broadcasting network based on the location information.

As described above, in the inventions according to claims 1, 5, 6 and 7, the selection information for the content of the broadcast content by the user and the user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted. Get location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcasted content based on the transmitted selection information, and transmit the obtained location information to the user based on the user identification information. Therefore, the user can obtain the content related to the content of the broadcasted content from the Internet.

Further, as described above, the invention according to claims 8, 12 and 13 is broadcast based on the selection information for the content of the broadcast content viewed by the user, which is transmitted from the user. A first database in which a storage location on the Internet of content related to the content of the content is stored, and location information of the content on the Internet stored in the first database;
The second database that holds the relationship with the broadcast content is searched, and the location information on the Internet in the step of storing the content is obtained as the search result.
Searching a third database in which address information capable of transmitting data to the user is stored based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information for the content of the broadcast content viewed by the user, The address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the location information on the Internet obtained as the search result of the first and second databases is obtained for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. Since the information is transmitted to the user, the user can acquire the content related to the content of the broadcasted content from the Internet without stopping the viewing of the broadcast.

Further, as described above, claims 14, 18
The inventions described in 1 and 2 are a first database in which location information on the Internet of content on the Internet related to the content of broadcast content is stored, and content on the Internet stored in the first database. Location information, a second database that holds the relationship between the broadcasted content, user identification information that identifies the user, and address information that allows data to be transmitted to the user. 3 database, the selection information for the content of the content broadcast by the user and the user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted, and the first and second databases are created based on the transmitted selection information. Internet location information of content on the internet related to the content of the searched and broadcast content In addition to obtaining the search result, the third database is searched based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information, the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the address information of the search result of the third database is used. Since the location information obtained as the search results of the first and second databases is transmitted to the indicated address, the user does not stop watching the broadcast, and the contents of the broadcast content are It is possible to obtain location information of contents on the Internet related to.

Further, as described above, claims 20 and 23 are
The invention described in (24) and (24) obtains location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program based on the selection information transmitted from the broadcasted user, and the obtained location information Is broadcast to the content provider that is transmitted to the user based on the user identification information that identifies the user transmitted from the user together with the selection information, and the broadcast program is viewed. Since the selection information and the user identification information are transmitted, the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program is transmitted from the content provider to the user.

Further, as described above, claims 25, 32
According to the invention described in 33 and 33, contents by a broadcast program are provided to a viewer by a broadcast network, information corresponding to the content being viewed on the broadcast network is requested by the viewer on the network corresponding to the broadcast network, and based on the request. The location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists is notified to the viewer on the network, and the viewer acquires the information corresponding to the content on the network different from the broadcasting network based on the location information. The information corresponding to the content of the broadcast program can be acquired from the Internet without stopping the viewing of the broadcast program provided by the broadcast network.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. According to the present invention, when a user designates a desired scene while watching a television broadcast on the television receiver, the user acquires the content on the Internet related to the designated scene by an information device different from the television receiver. It was made possible.

The concept of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, it is assumed that a scene 2 for which the user needs information is displayed on the television receiver 1. When the user gives an instruction to the television receiver 1 to clip this scene, the instruction is transmitted to the center which provides the service according to the present invention. The center searches the database for content on the Internet that is related to the content instructed to be clipped, and uses the URI (Universal
Get information such as Resource Identifier). This information is sent to the user who sent the instruction by using, for example, an electronic mail on the Internet. By receiving this e-mail with another information device different from the television receiver 1, such as a personal computer, the user browses the required information through the screen of the personal computer as shown in FIG. 1B. can do.

For example, in this example in which information is requested from a sports program, a player name, a clipped image 2'of scene 2 and a URI capable of browsing related information are displayed on the basis of a clipping instruction from a user. Sent to the user. By receiving this information with the personal computer, the user can access the Internet based on the URI and obtain the necessary information.
Further, related information can be further searched from the website browsed based on the URI.

With such a system, the user can obtain related information without interrupting the viewing of the television broadcast, and further can obtain unique information.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a system according to the invention. The television receiver 10, the personal computer 21, the personal digital assistant (PDA) 22 are connected to the viewer 14
It is an item on the side. A digital television signal is transmitted from the television broadcasting station 17 by the broadcasting facility 16. This digital television signal is transmitted via the broadcasting satellite 15 to the television receiver 1 on the viewer 14 side.
It is transmitted toward 0 and received by the broadcasting satellite antenna 12.

In the above description, the television broadcasting station 17
Broadcast from the television broadcasting station 17 to the broadcasting satellite 1
However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the system according to the present invention may perform digital terrestrial broadcasting in which the television broadcasting station 17 uses a terrestrial wave to transmit a digital television signal. From the television broadcasting station 17, the terrestrial broadcasting equipment 16 'transmits a digital television signal by terrestrial waves. This digital television signal is received by the terrestrial antenna 12 'of the television receiver 10 on the viewer 14 side.

In the above description, the television broadcasting station 17
Broadcast from the BS (Broad)
Although it is described as being a (casting Satellite) broadcast,
This is not limited to this example. For example, CS (Communication Satellite) that broadcasts using a general-purpose communication satellite
The present invention can also be applied to broadcasting. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a CATV (Cable Television) in which a television signal is transmitted by wire such as an optical fiber cable.

The television receiver 10 is provided with a set top box (STB) or an IRD (Integrated Receiver Decod) so that it can receive digital television signals.
er) 11 is connected or mounted. In addition to video / audio data, the IRD also functions as a receiver for digital data sent by multiplexing information related to the program and viewers, data for personal computers, etc., enabling complex and diverse processing. Has been done. Also, IRD
For example, a modem is mounted on or connected to the IRD so that the IRD can communicate with the outside.
In the example of FIG. 2, the STB / IRD 11 and the television broadcasting station 17 are connected by a telephone line 18, and the viewer 14 side sends a telephone line 1 to the television broadcasting station 17.
The data can be transmitted via S8.

The remote control commander 13 (hereinafter, the remote controller 13) is responsive to a predetermined operation by the user.
A time ID indicating the operated time is transmitted to the STB / IRD 11 using, for example, an infrared signal. For example,
When the viewer 14 selects a program broadcast by the television broadcasting station 17 with the STB / IRD 11 and watches it on the television receiver 10 and determines that there is necessary information in the program, the remote controller 13 Then, perform a predetermined operation. Time I indicating the time when the operation is performed from the remote controller 13.
D is transmitted to STB / IRD11.

As the time ID, the relative time from the program start time is used. Not limited to this, information indicating the absolute time of day can be used as the time ID.

Although the time ID is transmitted from the remote controller 13 in the above description, this is not limited to this example. The remote controller 13 transmits only the trigger signal corresponding to the predetermined operation and receives the trigger signal.
The time ID may be generated on the / IRD 11 side.

The time ID transmitted from the remote controller 13 is
It is received by the STB / IRD 11. STB / IRD11
A unique user ID is registered in advance in each device, and is stored in, for example, a memory in the STB / IRD 11. Further, in the case of STB that receives digital BS broadcasting, since a CAS card is installed, this can be used as a user ID. STB / IR
The time ID received at D11 is transmitted to the television broadcasting station 1 via the telephone line 18 together with the user ID.
It is transmitted to a host computer (not shown) prepared in 7.

The host computer is the database 19
Have. The database 19 has at least a program database and a content database.
In this example, the viewer database is further included. The program database stores, for each program, the relationship between the content of the program broadcast by the television broadcasting station 17 and the information stored in the content database, which will be described later, in association with the elapsed broadcast time of the program. The content database stores the content used in the program broadcasted by the television broadcasting station 17 and the location (URI) of the information on the content on the Internet. The viewer database stores the e-mail address of the viewer 14 corresponding to the above-mentioned user ID. A more specific example of the database 19 will be described later.

In the television broadcasting station 17, the host computer searches the program database based on the time ID to check what content was broadcast at the time indicated by the time ID. The content database is searched based on this search result, and the URI indicating the location of the content or information related to the content on the Internet is checked. Furthermore, the viewer database is searched by the host computer, and the e-mail address of the user corresponding to the user ID is checked based on the user ID. Then, the electronic mail in which the URI obtained as the search result of the content database is described is transmitted to the Internet 20 with the electronic mail address obtained by searching the viewer database as the destination.

The electronic mail is received by the information device of the viewer 14, for example, the personal computer 21 via the Internet 20. Based on the URI described in the received electronic mail, the viewer 14 obtains or browses the content on the Internet that is related to the information that is required while watching the television broadcast on the television receiver 10. can do.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the electronic mail 40 transmitted to the viewer 14. In the e-mail 40, FIG.
As illustrated in FIG.
The location (URI) on the Internet of the information related to the content clipped according to the operation of the remote controller 13 is described. Most software (referred to as a mailer) for transmitting and receiving the electronic mail 40 has a function of accessing the URI by performing a predetermined operation on the description of the URI with a pointing device such as a mouse.
The viewer 14 can obtain necessary information from the Internet 20 by using the function of this mailer.

The electronic mail is sent to the portable information terminal 22.
In the case of being received by, the content can be downloaded onto the portable information terminal 22 based on the URI described in the electronic mail, and the portable information terminal 22 can be taken out to refer to the content, for example. FIG. 4 shows the portable information terminal 2
2 shows an example in which contents are displayed. In the example of FIG. 4, the map information indicating the position of the store "Katsudon XX" introduced in the program is the content. On the display unit 30 of the mobile information terminal 22, a map showing the location of the store "Katsudon XX", which is the downloaded content, is displayed. The viewer 14 carries the portable information terminal 22 with him while checking the map information displayed on the display unit 30,
You can find the store "Katsudon ○○○" in the field.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the structure of the database 19 described above. In the program database 51, as shown in FIG. 5A, one record is made up of items of “time ID”, “still image”, “music ID”, and “other content”. The item “time ID” is set in a relatively short unit such as a unit of 1 second. The time unit is not limited to 1 second, and for example, if the real time property when the time divided into time units is reconstructed can be maintained, it may be several seconds to ten and several seconds, and depending on the content of the program, it may be several tens of seconds. Good. The item "time ID" is represented by a relative time from the start time of the program.

The item "still image" stores still image data obtained by clipping the image broadcast at the time indicated by the item "time ID". Actually, each still image data is given a unique ID, and the same still image ID and still image ID as in the content database 52 described later.
File name or URI of still image data corresponding to
Still image data is managed by a database that stores the other attribute information. In the program database 51, by storing the still image ID in the item "still image", it is possible to refer to the still image data corresponding to the still image ID via the database similar to the content database 52 described above.

Not limited to this, a pointer indicating the storage location of the still image data, such as the file name or URI of the still image, may be stored in the item "still image".

The item "music ID" stores a music ID indicating the music broadcast at the time indicated by the item "time ID". Similar to the still image ID described above, the music ID is associated with information about the storage location of the corresponding music data and other attribute information in the content database 52 described later. By storing the music ID in the item “music ID” like the above-mentioned item “still image”, it is possible to refer to the music data corresponding to the music ID via the content database 52 described later.

The item “other content” is the item “time I
Among the contents broadcast at the time indicated by "D", a pointer indicating the location of the contents other than the above-mentioned still image and music, for example, a URI is stored. The contents stored in the item “other contents” may be, for example, product information and store information introduced at the time indicated by the time ID in broadcasting, text information such as news and cooking recipes, and numerical information such as financial information. To be Not limited to this, detailed information about the contents broadcasted in commercials, talent information, map information, and the like are also conceivable. The item “other content” may also be referred to another database by giving a unique ID to each, as in the above-mentioned still image data and music data.

FIG. 5B shows an example of the structure of the content database 52 described above. Information of music data is stored in the content database 52 shown in FIG. 5B. In the content database 52, one record includes items of "music ID", "music data", "author", and "metadata".

The item "music ID" is a unique ID for identifying each piece of music data. The item “music data” describes the storage location of the music data. For example, the file name of the music data and the URI indicating the location of the music data are stored in the item “music data”. The item “author” stores information on the author of music data. The item “metadata” stores information about music data. For example, when a certain record shows a part of music data, the item “metadata” describes the start time and end time of the music data shown in the record.

As described above, still image data and other contents can be stored in the database in the same manner as music data. Further, in FIG. 5B, music data is stored in the content database 52,
Not limited to this, data types such as still image data and other contents can be mixed and stored in the content database 52.

FIG. 5C shows an example of the structure of the viewer database 53. In the viewer database 53 shown in FIG. 5C, one record consists of "viewer ID", "mail address", and "other information". The above-mentioned user ID is stored in the item “viewer ID”.
The item “mail address” stores a mail address that can send an electronic mail to the viewer 14 corresponding to the viewer ID. The attribute information of the viewer 14 corresponding to the item “viewer ID” is stored in the item “other information”. The item “other information” may include a larger number of items.

FIG. 6 more specifically shows an example system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the viewer 14 (not shown) broadcasts necessary information on the television broadcast received by the television receiver 10, the time ID is transmitted using the remote controller 13. In the STB / IRD 11, the user ID is added to the transmitted time ID, and the broadcasting station call center 1 of the television broadcasting station 17 (not shown) is connected via the network 18 'which is a telephone line, for example.
Sent to 7 '.

The broadcasting station call center 17 'is connected to the viewer 14
It serves as a gateway for information from the side. In this example in which the network 18 'is a telephone line, for example, a large number of modems are provided in the broadcasting station call center 17', and a time ID transmitted from a plurality of viewers 14 to the representative telephone number via the network 18 ', for example. The user ID and the user ID are distributed to a plurality of modems and received. The received time ID and user ID are temporarily stored in storage means (not shown) of the broadcast station call center 17 '.

The configuration of the broadcast station call center 17 'is not limited to the above. For example, if the network 18 'is the Internet instead of the telephone line, the equipment of the modem is unnecessary. Even in this case, as described above,
Time ID and user ID transmitted from the viewer 14 side
Are once stored in the storage means of the broadcast station call center 17 '.

The time ID and the user ID stored in the storage means of the broadcasting station call center 17 'are read out by the database server 50 in a predetermined manner. The database server 50 includes the program database 51, the content database 52, and the viewer database 53 described above.
Manage. The database server 50 further controls the exchange of electronic mail by this system in the mail server 54 described later. Database server 5
0 is thus at the core of this system.

A program required to operate this system is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Onl).
The database server 50 such as y Memory) is provided by being recorded in a recording medium corresponding to the hardware, and is installed in the database server 50. The program is not limited to this, and the program is executed via the predetermined network on the database server 5
You may make it mount in 0. Database server 5
As 0, a database server that is generally used can be used, and its technology is very well known, so detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The database server 50 generates a predetermined search key based on the time ID and the user ID read from the storage means of the broadcasting station call center 17 ', and searches the program database 51, the content database 52 and the viewer database 53. For example, the database server 50 searches the program database 51 and the content database 52 as described above, and extracts the content broadcasted at the time indicated by the time ID and the URI of the information related to the content. The viewer database 53 is searched based on the user ID, and the viewer 1 who has sent the time ID and the user ID
4 email addresses are extracted. Then, the electronic mail 40 in which the above-mentioned URI is described is generated with the extracted mail address as the destination.

The electronic mail 40 is transmitted by the mail server 54 to the mail address of the viewer 14 via the network 20 '. As the mail server 54, a mail server that is generally used on the Internet can be used, and the technology thereof is extremely well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Email 40
Is received by an information device such as a personal computer 21 or a mobile information terminal 22 by a viewer 14 (not shown). Based on the URI described in the received electronic mail 40, the viewer 14 can access, for example, the Web server 55 via the network 20 ″ to browse or download necessary information. Downloadable content Is preferably placed in the Web server 55 in advance, because the processing time can be shortened.
As the eb server 55, for example, a general one represented by Apache or the like can be used, and the technology thereof is extremely well known, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In the above description, the networks 20 'and 20 "are both the Internet 20, for example. The network 20" for accessing the Web server 55 is not limited to the Internet 20, and the mail server 54 is used.
The network 20 ′ to which the e-mail is sent to the address of the viewer 14 from may be another network different from the Internet 20. Further, although the network 18 ′ has been described as a telephone line in the above description, the network 18 ′ may also be the Internet 20.

On the side of the television broadcasting station 17, when broadcasting, for example, "please prepare a memo" during the program.
It is more preferable to announce such a message and explicitly prompt the viewer 14 to clip information in advance. This reduces the burden of selection on the viewer 14 side, for example, and is more effective.

Further, on the television broadcasting station 17 side, every time the viewer 14 performs the information clip operation, the viewer 14
By paying for, the television broadcasting station 17 side can make a profit. The charge is about 10 yen for one clip operation, for example.

Furthermore, by collecting the clip operations by the viewer 14 on the side of the television broadcasting station 17,
It is possible to obtain information that can be used for production and organization of programs and the like. This aggregated data can also be used as a barometer for programs that replace conventional audience ratings.

Further, in the above description, the viewer 14 views the television broadcast and clips necessary information, but this is not limited to this example. For example, clipping may be performed for radio broadcasting. Television broadcasting is not limited to broadcasting using the broadcasting satellite 15, and the present invention can be applied to broadcasting using satellite broadcasting and conventional terrestrial broadcasting. The present invention can be applied to the above-mentioned digital terrestrial broadcasting. Of course, the present invention may be applied to broadcasting by cable television. Further, the present invention can be applied to not only digital television broadcasting but also analog television broadcasting.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the viewer clips the necessary information while watching the program on the television receiver, the contents of the Internet related to the clipped information are displayed. Information is transmitted to an information device such as a personal computer via the Internet. Therefore, the viewer can obtain the necessary information without interrupting the viewing of the program.

Further, the present invention relates to the clipped information when the information is clipped from the program assuming that the program is viewed as usual by the television receiver and the information is necessary while watching the program. The information of the contents on the Internet is made available and the information is transmitted to the information device such as a personal computer. There is an effect that can be linked.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by summing up the clipping information by the viewer,
The television broadcasting station side has the effect of being able to know the target of interest of the viewer in more detail, such as the conventional audience rating.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic mail transmitted to a viewer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which contents are displayed on a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an example of a database.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram more specifically showing an example system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Television receiver, 11 ... STB / I
RD, 13 ... Remote control commander, 14
... Viewers, 17 ... Television stations, 17 '
... Broadcasting station call center, 18 ... Telephone line, 19
... Database, 20 ... Internet, 21
... personal computer, 22 ... portable information terminal, 40 ... e-mail, 50 ... database server, 51 ... program database, 52 ... content database, 53 ... viewer database, 5
4 ... Mail server, 55 ... Web server

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 27, 2003 (2003.2.2
7)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Title of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Title: Related information providing method, apparatus and program
Program, content providing system , device, method and
Program, content requesting device, method and
Program

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a related information providing method, apparatus and program capable of easily providing a user with information related to content broadcast in a program.
System , content providing system , device, method and program
RAM, and content requesting device, method and professional
Regarding Gram .

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to link the contents of the television broadcast and the Web contents so as to match the characteristics of the television media, and to prevent interruption of the viewing of the television broadcast. Related information providing method, device and program
System , content providing system , device, method and program
RAM, and content requesting device, method and professional
To serve grams .

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Delete

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems]ContractRequirement1Invention described in
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem,VideoLinked toSeki
InformationTo provide viewersRelated informationOfferMethodAt
Video viewed by the viewerSelection information forViewing
Identify personViewingPerson identification information andReceived,ReceivedWas Choice
Based on the informationViewingWas doneVideoRelated to the content ofRelated information
NewsNetworkThe location information aboveTakingProfitShi,AcquiredWas place
informationViewingBased on personal identification information, ViewingTo send to
Is characterized byRelated informationOfferMethodIs.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the invention according to claim 2, <br/> Oite the related information providing apparatus for providing related information linked to the image to the viewer, selection information for the I Ri view video viewers If sent and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer, based on the transmitted selection information, acquires location information on the network of the relevant information related to the contents of the viewing video,
Based the obtained location information to the viewer identification information, a related information providing device <br/> being characterized in that is to be sent to the viewer.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the invention according to claim 10, in the related information providing program for executing the related information providing method for providing relevant information linked to the image to the viewer on the computer, the image that is viewed Ri by the viewer and selection information for, and receiving a viewer identification information for identifying the viewer, based on the received selectivity information to obtain location information on the network of the relevant information related to the content of images that are viewed , Take
Based the Tokushi location information to the viewer identification information, a related information providing program being characterized in that is to be sent to the viewer.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0014] Further, an invention according to claim 11, in the content providing system for providing content in conjunction with the broadcast programs to the viewer, a program viewing means for viewing the broadcast program is viewed by program viewing means by a viewer broadcasting was
And selection information transmitting means for selecting information for the contents of the program and the viewer identification information for identifying the viewer is transmitted, the contents related to the contents of the broadcast program <br/> nets work on a given <br /> and content storage means for storing the location, the first database Netw location information on preparative work content storage means is stored, it is stored in the first database Rene Tsu DOO
Location information of content on the work , a second database that holds the relationship with the broadcast program, and viewer identification information
The contents of the broadcast program are searched by searching the third database in which address information capable of transmitting data to the viewer is stored, and the first and second databases based on the selection information transmitted by the selection information transmitting means. Content related to
Net to acquire location information on the work as a search result Rutotomoni, searches the third database based on the viewer identification information, acquires the address information as the search result, is the acquisition of
Broadcast number obtained as a result of searching the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information
A content providing system characterized in that it comprises a location information transmitting means for transmitting to a set of viewer location information on the network of the related content to the content.

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0015

[Correction method] Delete

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Delete

[Procedure Amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, an invention according to claim 1 2, in the content providing apparatus for providing content in conjunction with the broadcast programs to the viewer, co pentene <br/> tool of Netw that are relevant to the content of the broadcast program a first database for location information on preparative work is stored, it is stored in the first database Rene Tsu preparative word
And location information of content on over click, a second database relationship between broadcast programs is maintained, the viewer identification information and viewing
A third database the data and can be transmitted address information to hearing person are stored, the viewer and the communication means capable of communicating, which is transmitted via the communication means, that by the viewer selection <br /> Find the first and second database based on the information-option, nets word of content related to the content of the broadcast program
Acquires the location information on the click as a search result, based on the viewer identification information transmitted together with the selected information via the communication unit, searching for a third database, it acquires the address information as a search result, obtaining And transmitting means for transmitting the location information on the network obtained as a result of the search of the first and second databases to the address indicated by the obtained address information to the viewer via the communication means. Is a content providing device.

[Procedure Amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The invention according to claim 16 is a content providing method for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, wherein the communication step capable of communicating with the viewer and the transmission through the communication step. has been, Ru good to the viewer
Based on the select information is stored in the first database and the first database Netw location information on preparative work co pentene <br/> tools that are relevant to the content of the broadcast program is stored Rene Tsu DOO
Search results and location information of the content of the work, search the second database that relationship is maintained with the broadcast program, the Netw location information on the door work of content related to the content of the broadcast program third database that acquires, based on the viewer identification information transmitted together with the selected information via the communication step, and can be transmitted address information data to the viewer identification information and the viewer is stored as searching, obtains the address information as a search result is acquired
Network obtained as a result of searching the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information.
The location information on over click, the viewer through the steps of the communication
And a transmitting step of transmitting the content to the content providing method.

[Procedure Amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The invention according to claim 17 is a content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a content linked to a broadcast program to a viewer, in a communication step capable of communicating with the viewer. If, sent through the step of communication, based on the <br/> by that selection information to the viewer, Netw on the door work of the location of the co-down <br/> Ceiling related to the content of the broadcast program and location information of the first database and stored in the first database content on Rene <br/> Tsu preparative work information is stored, the second database that relationship is maintained between the broadcast program Search and broadcast number
Obtains the set of location information on the nets work content related to the content as a search result, based on the viewer identification information transmitted together with the selected information via the communication step, the viewer identification information Find the third database stored address information can be transmitted is data to viewers, acquires address information as the search result, it is acquired
First and second nets obtained as a search result of the database for the address indicated by the address information
The location information on the work, through the step of communication viewers
And a transmitting step of transmitting the content to the content providing program.

[Procedure Amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the invention according to claim 18 is a broadcast program viewing means for receiving a broadcast program and viewing the received program in a content request device for requesting content linked to a broadcast program being viewed. And the communication means for communicating with the outside and the location information obtained on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the program broadcast based on the selection information transmitted from the user, and the obtained location. The selection information for the program viewed by the broadcast program viewing means for the content provider that sends the information to the user based on the user identification information for identifying the user sent from the user together with the selection information And a transmission means for transmitting the user identification information via the communication means.

[Procedure Amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, an invention according to claim 2 1, in the content request process for requesting the content in conjunction with the broadcast program being viewed, view a broadcast program to watch receives the broadcasted program received program And the step of communicating with the outside and the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program based on the selection information transmitted from the user. The location information is sent to the user based on the user identification information, which identifies the user sent from the user together with the selection information, and is viewed by the step of viewing the broadcast program to the content provider. A transmission step of transmitting the selection information for the program and the user identification information through the communication step. This is a content request method.

[Procedure Amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0022

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the invention according to claim 2 2, in the content requesting program for executing the content request method of requesting a content in conjunction with the broadcast program being viewed to the computer device receives the broadcasted program received The step of viewing the broadcast program for viewing the broadcasted program, the step of communication for communicating with the outside, and the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program based on the selection information transmitted from the user, For the content provider that obtains the location information on the Internet and sends the obtained location information to the user based on the user identification information for identifying the user transmitted from the user together with the selection information, The selection information and user identification information for the program viewed in the broadcast program viewing step are transmitted through the communication step. And a transmitting step of transmitting the content requesting program.

[Procedure 18]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0023

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, an invention according to claim 2 3, in the content providing system for providing content in conjunction with the broadcast programs to the viewer, the content by the broadcast program is provided to the viewer by the broadcast network, viewing a broadcast network Information corresponding to the content inside is requested by the viewer on the network corresponding to the broadcast network, and the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists is notified to the viewer on the network based on the request, and the viewer The content providing system is characterized in that information corresponding to the content is acquired on a network different from the broadcast network based on the location information.

[Procedure Amendment 19]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0024

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, an invention according to claim 3 0, in the content providing method for providing content in conjunction with the broadcast programs to the viewer, the content by the broadcast program is provided to the viewer by the broadcast network, viewing a broadcast network Information corresponding to the content inside is requested by the viewer on the network corresponding to the broadcast network, and the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists is notified to the viewer on the network based on the request, and the viewer The content providing method is characterized in that information corresponding to the content is acquired on a network different from the broadcasting network based on the location information.

[Procedure amendment 20]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0025

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

According to a thirty- first aspect of the invention, in a content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, the content of the broadcast program is viewed by a broadcast network. Information that is provided to users and that corresponds to the content being viewed on the broadcast network is requested by the viewer on the network that corresponds to the broadcast network, and the location information on the Internet where the information that corresponds to the content exists based on the request is sent to the viewer. It is a content providing program characterized by being notified by a network and allowing a viewer to acquire information corresponding to content on a network different from a broadcast network based on location information.

[Procedure correction 21]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0026

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As stated above, the claims 1 , 2 and 10
The invention described in (3) is related to the content of the content broadcasted based on the transmitted selection information transmitted by the user and the user identification information for identifying the user. Since the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet is obtained and the obtained location information is transmitted to the user based on the user identification information, the user is required to use the content related to the content of the broadcast content. Can be obtained from the Internet.

[Procedure correction 22]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0027

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, as described above, according to the invention of claim 11 , the content of the broadcast content is based on the selection information for the content of the broadcast content viewed by the user transmitted from the user. A first database that stores the storage location of the content related to the Internet on the Internet, and a second database that holds the relationship between the location information of the content on the Internet stored in the first database and the broadcast content. Database and the location information on the Internet in the step of storing the content as a search result, and based on the user identification information transmitted with the selection information for the content of the broadcast content viewed by the user. Address information capable of transmitting data to a third person is stored
And the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and is obtained as the search result of the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database Since the location information on the Internet is sent to the user, the user does not stop watching the broadcast.
Content related to the content of the broadcast content can be acquired from the Internet.

[Procedure amendment 23]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, as described above, claims 1 2 and 1 6
And the invention described in 17 are the first database in which the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcast content is stored, and the first database on the Internet stored in the first database. The location information of the content, the second database that holds the relationship between the broadcasted content, the user identification information that identifies the user, and the address information that allows data to be transmitted to the user are stored. A third database, selection information regarding the content of the content broadcast by the user, and user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted, and the first and second databases are based on the transmitted selection information. Internet location information of content on the Internet that is related to the content of the content that was searched for and broadcast As the search result, the third database is searched based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information, the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the address information of the search result of the third database is obtained. Since the location information obtained as a result of the search of the first and second databases is transmitted to the address indicated by, the user does not stop watching the broadcast, The location information of the content on the Internet related to the content can be obtained.

[Procedure correction 24]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, as described above, according to claim 18, 2 1
And the invention described in 2 2, the contents on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast by the program based on the selection information transmitted from the broadcast of the user, obtain the location information on the Internet, resulting location The broadcasted program is viewed and viewed by the content provider that sends the information to the user based on the user identification information that identifies the user that is sent from the user together with the selection information. Since the selection information and the user identification information are transmitted from the content provider to the user, the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program is transmitted to the user.

[Procedure correction 25]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, as described above, the claims 2 3 3 0
And the invention described in 3 1, the content by the broadcast program is provided to the viewer by the broadcast network, the information corresponding to the content currently being viewed on the broadcast network is requested by the corresponding network and the broadcast network by the viewer, it requests the The location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists is notified to the viewer through the network based on the location information, and the viewer acquires the information corresponding to the content on the network different from the broadcasting network based on the location information. Can obtain the information corresponding to the content of the broadcast program from the Internet without stopping the viewing of the broadcast program provided by the broadcast network.

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A content providing system for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, wherein selection information for the content of the broadcasted content by a user and user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted. , Obtaining the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcast content based on the transmitted selection information, and using the obtained location information on the basis of the user identification information A content providing system characterized in that it is transmitted to a person. 2. The content providing system according to claim 1, wherein the broadcast is a television broadcast. 3. The content providing system according to claim 1, wherein the selection information is time information. 4. The content providing system according to claim 1, wherein the location information is transmitted to a device different from a device on which the broadcast is viewed by the user. 5. A content providing apparatus for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, wherein selection information for the content of the broadcasted content by a user and user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted. , Obtaining the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcast content based on the transmitted selection information, and using the obtained location information on the basis of the user identification information A content providing apparatus characterized in that the content is transmitted to a person. 6. A content providing method for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, wherein selection information for the content of the broadcasted content by a user and user identification information for identifying the user are transmitted. , Obtaining the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcast content based on the transmitted selection information, and using the obtained location information on the basis of the user identification information A content providing method characterized in that the content is transmitted to a person. 7. A content providing program for causing a computer to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, wherein the selection information for the content of the broadcasted content by the user and the user are identified. The user identification information is transmitted, the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcast content is obtained based on the transmitted selection information, and the obtained location information is obtained. A content providing program, characterized in that it is transmitted to the user based on the user identification information. 8. A content providing system for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, a content viewing means for viewing the broadcast content, and the broadcast content viewed by the user by the content viewing means. Selection information transmitting means for transmitting selection information for the content of the above and user identification information for identifying the user, and content storing means for storing the content related to the content of the broadcasted content at a predetermined location on the Internet. A relation between the first database in which the location information on the Internet of the content storage means is stored, the location information of the content on the Internet stored in the first database, and the broadcast content A second database in which is stored, and the user Based on the selection information transmitted by the selection information transmitting means, a third database storing user identification information for identifying the user and address information capable of transmitting data to the user, The second database is searched, the location information on the Internet of the content storage means is obtained as a search result, and the third database is based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information by the selection information transmission means. To obtain the address information as the search result of the third database, and as the search result of the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. A location information transmitting means for transmitting the obtained location information on the Internet to the user. A content providing system comprising: 9. The content providing system according to claim 8, wherein the broadcast is a television broadcast. 10. The content providing system according to claim 8, wherein the selection information is time information. 11. The content providing system according to claim 8, wherein the location information is transmitted to a device different from a device on which the broadcast is viewed by the user. 12. A content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, the step of viewing the broadcasted content, and the broadcast viewed by the step of viewing the content by the user. Selection information transmitting step for transmitting the selection information for the content of the content and the user identification information for identifying the user, and storing the content related to the content of the broadcast content at a predetermined location on the Internet. A first database in which the location information on the Internet in the content storing step is stored based on the selection information transmitted in the content storing step and the selection information transmitting step; Stored content on the Internet And location information, searches the second database relationship between the broadcast content is held, along with obtaining location information on the Internet steps of the content stored as a search result,
User identification information for identifying the user based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information in the selection information transmitting step and address information capable of transmitting data to the user are stored. The third database is searched, the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the first address is obtained for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database.
And a step of transmitting location information on the Internet obtained as a search result of the second database to the user, the content providing method. 13. A content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, the step of viewing the broadcasted content, and the content viewing by the user. Selection information transmission step for transmitting selection information for the content of the broadcast content viewed by the step and user identification information for identifying the user, and content related to the content of the broadcast content Storing the content in a predetermined location on the Internet, and storing the location information on the Internet in the content storing step based on the selection information transmitted in the selection information transmitting step. Database and above The location information of the content on the Internet stored in the database and the second database which holds the relationship with the broadcast content are searched, and the location information on the Internet in the step of storing the content is searched. While getting as a search result,
User identification information for identifying the user based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information in the selection information transmitting step and address information capable of transmitting data to the user are stored. The third database is searched, the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the first address is obtained for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database.
And a location information transmission step of transmitting location information on the Internet obtained as a search result of the second database to the user, the content providing program. 14. A content providing apparatus for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, wherein the first location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcast content is stored. A database, location information of the contents on the Internet stored in the first database, a second database holding a relationship between the broadcast contents, and user identification information for identifying a user A third database in which address information capable of transmitting data to the user is stored, a communication unit capable of communicating with the user, and the above-mentioned information transmitted by the user via the communication unit. The first and second databases are searched based on the selection information for the content of the broadcast content, and The location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcasted content is obtained as a search result, and based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information via the communication means, The third database is searched, the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the address of the first and second databases is obtained for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. A content providing apparatus comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the location information obtained as a search result via the communication unit. 15. The content providing device according to claim 14, wherein the broadcast is a television broadcast. 16. The content providing device according to claim 14, wherein the selection information is time information. 17. The content providing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the location information is transmitted to a device different from a device on which the broadcast is viewed by the user via the communication means. A characteristic content providing device. 18. A content providing method for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, the steps of communication capable of communicating with the user, and the broadcast by the user transmitted through the communication step. A first database in which the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content broadcasted based on the selection information for the content of the stored content is stored; and the first database is stored. On the Internet, the location information of the content on the Internet and the second database that holds the relationship with the broadcast content are searched, and the content of the Internet related to the content of the broadcast content is searched on the Internet. The above location information of And a third database storing user identification information for identifying the user based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information and address information capable of transmitting data to the user. The address information is obtained as a search result of the third database, and is obtained as the search result of the first and second databases for the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database. And a step of transmitting the obtained location information via the step of communication. 19. In a content providing program for causing a computer device to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, a communication step capable of communicating with a user, and transmission through the communication step. A first database in which the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the broadcasted content based on the selection information for the content of the broadcasted content by the user is stored, The location information of the content on the Internet stored in the first database and the second database in which the relationship with the broadcast content is held are searched, and related to the content of the broadcast content. On the internet above, for content on the internet The location information is obtained as a search result, and user identification information that identifies the user based on the user identification information transmitted together with the selection information through the communication step and data is transmitted to the user The third database in which the possible address information is stored is searched, the address information is obtained as the search result of the third database, and the address indicated by the address information of the search result of the third database is obtained. And a transmission step of transmitting the location information obtained as a result of the search of the first and second databases through the communication step. 20. In a content requesting device for requesting content linked to a broadcast program being viewed, a broadcast program viewing means for receiving a broadcast program and viewing the received program, and communication for communicating with the outside. And means for obtaining the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program, based on the selection information transmitted from the user,
The location program thus obtained is transmitted to the user based on the user identification information for identifying the user transmitted from the user together with the selection information. A content requesting device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the selection information and the user identification information for the program viewed by the viewing unit via the communication unit. 21. The content requesting device according to claim 20, wherein the broadcast is a television broadcast. 22. The content requesting device according to claim 20, wherein the selection information is time information. 23. In a content requesting method for requesting content linked to a broadcast program being viewed, a step of receiving a broadcast program, viewing the received program, and performing communication with the outside Obtain the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program based on the communication step and the selection information transmitted from the user,
The broadcast program is transmitted to the content provider that is configured to transmit the obtained location information to the user based on the user identification information for identifying the user transmitted from the user together with the selection information. And a transmission step of transmitting the selection information and the user identification information for the program viewed in the viewing step via the communication step. 24. In a content request program for causing a computer device to execute a content request method for requesting content linked to a broadcast program being viewed, a broadcast program viewing for receiving a broadcast program and viewing the received program , The step of communication with the outside, and the location information on the Internet of the content on the Internet related to the content of the content broadcast in the program based on the selection information transmitted from the user. ,
The broadcast program is transmitted to the content provider that is configured to transmit the obtained location information to the user based on the user identification information for identifying the user transmitted from the user together with the selection information. A content request program, comprising: a transmission step of transmitting the selection information and the user identification information for the program viewed in the viewing step through the communication step. 25. A content providing system for providing a viewer with content linked to a broadcast program, wherein the content provided by the broadcast program is provided to the viewer via a broadcast network, and information corresponding to the content being viewed on the broadcast network is provided. The viewer is requested on the network corresponding to the broadcast network, the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists is notified to the viewer on the network based on the request, and the viewer notifies the location. A content providing system, wherein information corresponding to the content is acquired on a network different from the broadcast network based on the information. 26. The content providing system according to claim 25, wherein the information corresponding to the content being viewed in the broadcast network is requested by the viewer, and the network corresponding to the broadcast network is the network. A content providing system, wherein viewer identification information for identifying a viewer and time information indicating a time at which the content is viewed by the viewer are transmitted from the viewer. 27. The content providing system according to claim 25, wherein the network is notified to the viewer of location information on the Internet where information corresponding to the content exists based on the request, the network is the broadcast program. A content providing system, wherein the content information is notified to the device on the viewer side different from the destination to which the content is provided to the viewer on the broadcast network. 28. The content providing system according to claim 27, wherein the notification is performed by transmitting an electronic mail in which the location information is described to the device on the viewer side. Content provision system. 29. The content providing system according to claim 25, wherein the network different from the broadcast network from which the viewer obtains information corresponding to the content based on the location information corresponds to the content. The information providing system further exists in a location different from the location indicated by the location information. 30. The content providing system according to claim 29, wherein location information indicating the different location is described in the location indicated by the location information. 31. The content providing system according to claim 25, wherein the network different from the broadcast network from which the viewer obtains information corresponding to the content based on the location information is the Internet. Content provision system. 32. A content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, wherein the content provided by the broadcast program is provided to the viewer via a broadcast network, and information corresponding to the content being viewed on the broadcast network is provided. The viewer is requested on the network corresponding to the broadcast network, and the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists is notified to the viewer on the network based on the request, and the viewer notifies the location. A content providing method, wherein information corresponding to the content is acquired on a network different from the broadcast network based on the information. 33. In a content providing program for causing a computer to execute a content providing method for providing a viewer with a content linked to a broadcast program, the content according to the broadcast program is provided to the viewer via a broadcast network, and the content is viewed on the broadcast network. The information corresponding to the content in the content is requested by the viewer on the network corresponding to the broadcast network, and the location information on the Internet where the information corresponding to the content exists is notified to the viewer on the network based on the request. A content providing program, wherein the viewer acquires information corresponding to the content on a network different from the broadcast network based on the location information.