JP2006033183A - Information collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an information collection system capable of collecting information on an authentic invested result, and flexibly coping with conditions (information collection timing, the selection/change of a viewer to be surveyed, and the like) desired by an investigation principal. <P>SOLUTION: The broadcast means of a program provider broadcasts an information collection program for enabling an investigator to collect information on the viewer to be surveyed for a program to be surveyed, and adds at least one keycode for enabling the information collection program to be executed to the program to be surveyed for broadcasting. The reception means of the viewer to be surveyed executes the information collection program to the program to be surveyed only when the keycode is given from the investigator and the keycode coincides with that added to the program to be surveyed, and transmits the executed result of the information collection program to the investigator via an access network. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information collection system, and more particularly, to a method and system for collecting viewer information as survey results such as audience rating surveys, program monitor surveys, questionnaire surveys, etc. performed on survey target programs.

Bidirectional data broadcasting system In recent years, in digital interactive services such as BS digital, CS digital, CATV and terrestrial digital broadcasting, a receiver such as a TV or a personal computer with a TV function is connected to an ordinary telephone line or broadband (high-speed, large-capacity communication). ) The interactive data broadcasting system is realized by connecting to the line. Examples of use of interactive data broadcasting include viewer participation quizzes, voting / questionnaires, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a general interactive data broadcasting system. In the figure, a broadcasting station 10 is a broadcasting station of various broadcasting service providers that provide services such as high-definition video broadcasting and data broadcasting as fixed reception services, for example.

  The interactive center 20 is a center that receives various requests from the receivers 40_1 to 40_n in the interactive data broadcasting system, performs processing by the host computer 21, and performs data communication with the broadcasting station 10.

  The receivers 40_1 to 40_n are televisions in ordinary households or personal computers having television functions, and are receivers having processing functions capable of interactive data broadcasting services (viewer participation type quiz programs, questionnaires, etc.). In order to receive the interactive data broadcasting service, the receivers 40_1 to 40_n need to be connectable to the interactive center 20 via the access network 30.

  Note that the access network 30 may be a method (PSTN, ISDN, PHS network, portable network) in which the receivers 40_1 to 40_n and the bidirectional center 20 are connected via an access point (not shown), or a receiver 40_1. There are methods (ISDN, ADSL, FTTH, CATV) for directly connecting ~ 40_n and the bidirectional center 20.

  In the broadcasting station 10, an information source encoding unit 11, a multiplexing unit 12, a limited reception processing unit 13, and a transmission path encoding unit 14 are provided, and video input to the information source encoding unit 11 The audio signal 11_1 and the data broadcast signal 11_2 are subjected to processing such as encoding, multiplexing, transmission path encoding, and the like, and then transmitted from the antenna 15.

  Among these, the limited reception processing unit 13 is provided when performing a specific process, and for example, as a process for limiting the reception of a pay program or the like, the information of a video program such as a high-definition video is encrypted.

  The broadcast content 16 emitted from the antenna 15 of the broadcast station 10 is composed of a video broadcast 16_1 and a data broadcast 16_2, and each receiver 40_1 to 40_n receives the broadcast content 16 to view the video broadcast 18_1. It is also possible to participate in viewer-participation-type quizzes, voting and questionnaires, etc. by data broadcasting 18_2. In this case, information input by the viewer using an input device such as a keyboard or a remote controller is transmitted to the interactive center 20 via the access network 30.

On the other hand, audience rating surveys, program monitor surveys, questionnaire surveys, etc., on the other hand, audience rating surveys, program monitor surveys, questionnaire surveys, etc. have been conducted for television broadcast programs. Of these, the audience rating survey is generally conducted by connecting a dedicated set-top box for obtaining viewing information to the screen display device.

  As a method of investigating such audience rating, an event record including event and time stamp by a subscriber such as program or channel change is formed with a dedicated set top box, the event record is temporarily saved, compressed, Some data are transmitted to the integrated processing device in units of packets, and the integrated processing device performs final information aggregation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, a program monitor survey and a questionnaire survey regarding a specific program generally involve a method in which a viewer fills in a questionnaire or receives an interview after watching a program.
Special Table 2001-508259

  In the conventional audience rating survey method, although the survey subjects are randomly selected, a dedicated set-top box is provided to the survey subjects. I know. In addition, since a dedicated set box is installed on the screen display device of the survey subject, it is easy not only for the survey provider but also for the content provider (various broadcasters, etc.) that is the provider of the survey target program. The subject of the survey can be identified. Furthermore, the viewer himself / herself becomes aware that he / she is the subject of the survey.

  Therefore, arbitrary information manipulation acts between content providers and viewers can be performed relatively easily, and when such information manipulation is performed, there is a problem that the credibility of the survey results is impaired. .

  In addition, since it is necessary to install a dedicated device such as a set top box for audience rating survey, it is not easy to change the survey target.

  On the other hand, program survey surveys and questionnaire surveys are often conducted by specialized survey providers. For example, when a specific content provider wants to conduct a questionnaire survey for only a specific program, it can collect the desired information. It is difficult to create an environment where content providers can independently set various survey conditions such as timing and analyze survey results.

  Also, the viewers to be surveyed are bothered when the time other than the program broadcast time is restricted for answering the questionnaire.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an information collection system that can collect information on survey results with high credibility and can flexibly respond to the conditions desired by the survey subject (information collection timing, selection / change of viewers to be surveyed, etc.). The challenge is to achieve this.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information collection system according to the present invention broadcasts an information collection program for an investigator to collect information on a survey target audience related to a program to be surveyed, and can execute the information collection program. Broadcasting means of a program provider for broadcasting by adding at least one key code to the survey target program, and when the key code is given by the researcher, the key code and the survey target program are added. Only when the key code matches, the information collection program for the investigation target program at that time is executed, and the execution result of the information collection program is transmitted to the investigator. And an access network for connecting the receiving means and the investigator.

  That is, the information collection program is for the researcher to collect information on the target audience for the survey target program, and the key code is given by the researcher to the receiving means of each target audience. Thus, the information collection program is made executable.

  The broadcast means of the program provider broadcasts the information collection program, adds the at least one key code, broadcasts the survey target program, and receives the survey target viewer. Only when the key code given by the user matches the key code added to the survey target program, the information collection program for the survey target program at that time is executed, and the execution result of the information collection program is It is transmitted to the investigator via the access network.

  As a result, the information collecting program can be executed only by the receiving means used by the legitimate survey target viewer to which the key code is given by the surveyor. In this case, there is no need to distribute a specific survey dedicated device to the viewers to be surveyed in advance as in the case of a conventional set-top box for audience rating survey, and whether or not a key code is set in the receiving means. Since it is difficult to discriminate in terms of appearance, it is difficult to distinguish between general viewers and survey target viewers. Therefore, it is difficult to perform arbitrary arbitrary information operations as in the prior art, and it is possible to collect highly reliable information.

  In addition, since the survey target viewer is specified using the key code, the survey target viewer can be easily changed as compared with the case where the dedicated device is used.

  Further, the number of key codes that make the information collection program executable, a key code assigning method for receiving means of survey target viewers (for example, a method of assigning different key codes to receiving means of all survey target viewers) Or a method of assigning a common key code to the receiving means of a plurality of viewers to be surveyed), the number of key codes to be added to the program to be surveyed, and a combination of these conditions can be arbitrarily set according to the survey content. It is possible to flexibly respond to the conditions desired by the investigator.

  In the above information collection system, the investigator and the program provider may be different.

  That is, if the surveyor and the program provider of the survey target program are different, only the surveyor who has assigned the key code knows all the target viewers. Further, as described above, it is difficult to visually determine whether or not a key code is set in the receiving means, so that it is difficult for the program provider to search for the viewer to be investigated. Accordingly, since it is possible to prevent arbitrary information manipulation by the program provider in the audience rating survey or the like, it is possible to collect highly credible information.

  Alternatively, in the above information collection system, the investigator and the program provider may be the same.

  In other words, if the researcher and the program provider of the program to be surveyed are the same, for example, when conducting a program monitor survey or a questionnaire survey, the program provider who also serves as the researcher can flexibly respond to the desired conditions. Thus, it is possible to collect information.

  Further, the receiving means executes the received information collecting program in advance regardless of whether or not the key code added to the survey target program matches the key code already set in the receiving means. You may be in a waiting state.

  In other words, the receiving means is used by the survey target viewer who has the right to execute the information collecting program. The information collecting program is executed only when the key code added to the survey target program matches the key code set in the receiving means.

  Thus, for example, even when the same information collection program is commonly used for a plurality of survey target programs, only for the survey target program to which a key code that matches the key code set in the receiving means is added. The information collecting program can be executed.

  In addition, the reception unit temporarily stores the execution result in the storage unit, and then reads the execution result from the storage unit at a predetermined timing specified in the information collection program and transmits the execution result to the investigator. May be.

  That is, if the investigator defines a predetermined information collection timing in the information collection program, the receiving means can transmit the execution result to the investigator at the predetermined timing. In this case, the receiving unit temporarily stores the execution result in the storage unit, and reads the execution result from the storage unit during transmission.

  Therefore, the investigator can collect information at a desired timing.

  Furthermore, the receiving means may execute the information collecting program in a pseudo manner when the key code added to the program to be investigated does not match the key code already set in the receiving means. In this case, the execution result of the information collection program may not be transmitted.

  That is, when the key code added to the survey target program and the key code already set in the receiving means do not match, even if the information collection program is pseudo-executed, the pseudo-execution is executed. The execution result of the information collection program is not transmitted from the receiving means.

  As a result, even in the receiving means of viewers that are not actually surveyed, the information collection program is executed in a pseudo manner, making it difficult to distinguish between the actual viewers who are surveyed and those who are not. Therefore, it helps to prevent arbitrary information manipulation.

  In addition, the broadcasting means may broadcast the information collection program in the same time zone as the survey target program.

  That is, the information collection program is broadcast in the same time zone as the program to be surveyed by so-called program-linked data broadcasting or program complementary data broadcasting.

  Further, the broadcast means may broadcast the information collection program independently from the survey target program.

  That is, the information collection program is broadcast by the survey start time independently of the survey target program.

  According to the present invention, since it is difficult to distinguish between a general viewer and a survey target viewer, it is difficult to perform arbitrary arbitrary information operations as in the prior art, and it is possible to collect highly reliable information. Also, the number of key codes that enable execution of the information collection program, the method of assigning key codes to the receiving means of the viewers to be surveyed, the number of key codes to be added to the programs to be surveyed, and combinations of these conditions are arbitrary depending on the survey It is possible to flexibly respond to the conditions desired by the investigator.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the broadcast station 100, the interactive center 200, the access network 300, and the receivers 400_1 to 400_n are respectively the general bidirectional shown in FIG. This corresponds to the broadcasting station 10, the interactive center 20, the access network 30, and the receivers 40_1 to 40_n in the data broadcasting system.

  That is, the broadcasting station 100 is a broadcasting station of various broadcasting service providers that provide services such as high-definition video broadcasting and data broadcasting as fixed reception services, for example.

  The broadcasting station 100 has an information source encoding unit 110, a multiplexing unit 120, a limited reception processing unit 130, a transmission path encoding unit 140, and an antenna 150, similar to the broadcasting station 10 of FIG. The basic operation of the functional unit is the same as that of the information source encoding unit 11, the multiplexing unit 12, the limited reception processing unit 13, the transmission path encoding unit 14, and the antenna 15 in the broadcasting station 10 of FIG. The difference is that a key code addition processing unit 131 is provided in the limited reception processing unit 130.

  The interactive center 200 is a center that receives various requests from the receivers 400_1 to 400_n in the interactive data broadcasting system, performs processing by the host computer 210, and performs data communication with the broadcasting station 100.

  The receivers 400_1 to 400_n (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as reference numeral 400) are televisions or personal computers that hold TV functions in general homes, and interactive data broadcasting services (viewer participation type quiz programs, questionnaires, etc.) It is a receiver that has a processing function capable of. The receivers 400_1 to 400_n are connected to the interactive center 200 via the access network 300.

  Each receiver 400 has the same configuration, and as shown in detail in only the receiver 400_1, a filter processing unit 401, a program processing control unit 402, a communication processing unit 403, a BML (broadcast markup language) browser 404, a data broadcast execution processing control unit 406, a memory 407, a storage device 408, and an external input control unit 409 are provided.

  Among these, the filter processing unit 401 filters the broadcast content 160 including the video broadcast 161 and the data broadcast 162 after receiving it, and acquires various key codes added to the video broadcast 161. The program processing control unit 402 determines the type of the key code acquired by the filter processing unit 401. The communication processing unit 403 performs communication processing between the receiver 400 and the access network 300. The BML browser 404 displays the received video information 161 according to the description of the program BML405. Furthermore, the data broadcast execution processing control unit 406 performs control related to execution of a program or the like (for example, information collection program A) included in the received data broadcast 162, and if necessary, inquiry of the memory 407, The program execution result is stored in the storage device 408. The external input control unit 409 controls external input by a remote controller, a keyboard, a card reader, or the like.

  Also, FIG. 1 shows an investigation agent 500 commonly connected to the interactive center 200 and the broadcasting station 100 and an information collecting unit 600 connected to the access network 300.

  The surveying company 500 conducts surveys on the program to be surveyed at the request of the content provider or as a third party in a neutral position with respect to the content provider. It has a function of collecting information and storing it in the database 610.

  In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the broadcasting station 100, the interactive center 200, the researcher 500, and the information collecting unit 600 are illustrated as being independent from each other, but the present invention is limited to such a configuration. is not.

  In particular, the broadcasting station 100 and the surveying company 500 need to be independent from each other as shown in the figure, for example, when it is necessary to conduct a survey from a neutral standpoint, such as an audience rating survey. However, for example, in the case of a questionnaire survey, it is not always necessary for the broadcasting station 100 and the surveying company 500 to be independent from each other as shown in the figure, and they may be the same.

  Further, the interactive center 200 may be disposed inside the broadcasting station 100, and the information collecting unit 600 may be disposed in the interactive center 200.

Outline of Information Collection Procedure An outline of the information collection procedure will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the researcher 500 prepares an information collection program A and associates the key codes “a”, “b”, and “c” with it.

  Here, the information collection program A is for collecting viewer information related to the survey target program, and may be, for example, an event collection program for audience rating survey or a program for questionnaire survey.

  Further, the key codes “a”, “b”, and “c” are arbitrary key codes that serve as execution triggers for executing the information collection program A in the receiver 400 of the survey target viewer, and are shown in FIG. In the example, the researcher 500, for example, sends the key code to the viewers I, II, and III (not shown) who are the owners of the receivers 400_1, 400_2, and 400_n in advance by any method such as mail. Distribute “a”, “b”, and “c”, respectively.

  In FIG. 1, different key codes “a”, “b”, “c” are distributed to the viewers I to III, respectively, and distributed to the memories 407 of the receivers 400_1, 400_2, and 400_n. However, the same key code may be distributed to a plurality of viewers, and the number of key codes is not limited to three. These key codes may be associated with each other.

  Further, in the information collection program A, if necessary, for example, transmission destinations such as event information and questionnaire response data as the audience rating survey results as the program execution results (in the example of FIG. Address) and transmission timing are also specified.

  Next, the viewers I to III use the distributed key codes “a”, “b”, and “c” for the receivers 400_1, 400_2, and 400_n, respectively, using an external input device such as a remote controller, a keyboard, and a card reader. And input. The externally input key codes “a”, “b”, “c” are stored in the memory 407 in each receiver 400 as shown in the figure.

  On the other hand, in the broadcasting station 100, among the key codes “a”, “b”, “c” (see reference numeral 132) prepared in advance by the researcher 500 in the key code addition processing unit 131 in the conditional access processing unit 130. Add at least one key code. In the example of the figure, the key codes “a” and “b” are added to the video / audio information 133 of the program to be investigated, as indicated by the reference numeral “134”.

  In this case, the key code addition processing unit 131 does not perform processing such as encryption on the video / audio information 133 and broadcasts it as it is. That is, the video / audio information 133 is only added with a key code, and the video / audio information 133 itself is not subjected to processing such as encryption. Therefore, even when the key code cannot be analyzed by the program processing control unit 402 in the receiver 400, viewing of the video program is not affected.

  The broadcast station 100 broadcasts the information collection program A as the data broadcast 162. In this case, the information collection program A is transmitted as a program-linked or program-complementary data broadcast 162 in the same time zone as the video broadcast 161 of the program to be investigated. The data broadcast 162 of the information collection program A is not limited to the program linkage type or the program supplement type, and may be a data broadcast independent of the video broadcast 161.

  In each receiver 400 that receives the broadcast content 160 broadcast from the broadcast station 100, if the key code is present in the memory 407, the received information collection program A is awaiting execution, and further, the received video broadcast 161 is received. The information collection program A is executed only when the key code added to the key code and the key code already stored in the memory 407 match, and the execution result is temporarily stored in the storage device 408. The data is transmitted from the communication processing unit 403 to the information collecting unit 600 at a timing defined by the information collecting program A.

  In the example of the figure, in the receivers 400_1 and 400_2 of the viewers I and II, the key codes “a” and “b” stored in the memory 407 are added to the received video broadcast 161, respectively. Since it matches the key codes “a” and “b”, the information collection program A is executed. However, the receiver 400_n of the viewer III does not execute the information collection program A because the key code “c” stored in the memory 407 does not match.

  Next, regarding the details of the operation in each receiver 400, the data broadcast 162 of the information collection program A from the broadcast station 100 is a data broadcast in the same time zone as the program to be investigated, such as a program linkage type or a program complement type And the case where the data broadcast is independent of the program to be investigated will be described below.

Example of operation of receiver 400 (1)
First, using FIG. 2, an operation example of each receiver 400 in the case of data broadcasting in the same time zone as the program to be investigated, such as a program interlocking type or a program complementing type, will be described.

  In the figure, the processing flow when the receiver 400_n receives the video broadcast 161 to which the key codes “a” and “b” are added and the data broadcast 162 of the information collection program A is shown in the execution of the information collection program A. It is shown together with related components. Note that only the filter processing unit 401, the program processing control unit 402, the data broadcast execution processing control unit 406, and the memory 407 are illustrated in the receiver 400_n in FIG. 1, but the receiver 400_1 in FIG. The other components shown are assumed to be included as well.

  First, the data broadcast execution processing control unit 406 of the receiver 400_n determines whether or not a key code corresponding to the right to execute the received information collection program A exists in the memory 407 (step S10). If the key code does not exist in the memory 407, the information collecting program A is not executed (S12), and if it exists, the information collecting program A is put in a waiting state (S11). In the case of the figure, since the key code “c” exists in the memory 407, the information collection program A waits for execution in step S11.

  On the other hand, the filter processing unit 401 determines whether or not a key code is added to the received video broadcast 161 (S20), and if it is added, acquires an additional key code (S30). In the case shown in the figure, the key codes “a” and “b” are acquired in step S30.

  Next, the program processing control unit 402 determines the type of the key code (key codes “a” and “b”) acquired by the filter processing unit 401 (S40). If it is determined that the data broadcast control code is used, the key code is passed to the data broadcast execution processing control unit 406.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the key code is not added by the filter processing unit 401, or if it is determined by the program processing control unit 402 in step S40 that the key code is for video broadcasting, the reception is performed. A normal video reception process S21 is performed for the video broadcast 161 that has been performed.

  The data broadcast execution processing control unit 406, which has received the data broadcast key code added to the video broadcast 161 from the program processing control unit 402, and the key code stored in the memory 407 (in the case of FIG. The code "c") is compared (S50). If the key codes match, the information collection program A that has been waiting for execution in step S11 is executed (S51). If they do not match, the information collection program A is simulated and executed as shown by the solid line arrow in the figure (S52).

  In the case of mismatch, an operation of not executing the information collection program A as in step S53 indicated by the dashed arrow in the figure is possible.

  Since this figure is an example of the receiver 400_n in which the key code “c” is stored in the memory 407, it is determined that the key code exists in step S10, and the information collection program A enters the execution waiting state in step S11. After that, in step S50, the key code collation result becomes “mismatch”. Therefore, the information collection program A is pseudo-executed (S52) or not (S53).

  In the case of the receivers 400_1 and 400_2 shown in FIG. 1, since the key codes “a” and “b” are stored in the memory 407, respectively, unlike the receiver 400_n in FIG. Since the code collation result is “match”, the information collection program A is executed (S51).

  Although not shown, in the case of the receiver 400 in which no key code is stored in the memory 407, it is determined in step S10 that the key code does not exist, and the information collection program A is not executed.

  In the above operation example (1), in the monitor survey or the questionnaire survey of the specific program, the question item is obtained by the data broadcast that is broadcast simultaneously while viewing the survey target program for the survey target recruited in advance. It is effective when you ask to answer. In this case, the response from each receiver 400 is transmitted to the access network 300 simultaneously with the end of the program or at a timing specified in advance in the information collection program A.

Example of operation of receiver 400 (2)
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an operation example of each receiver 400 in the case of data broadcasting independent of the program to be investigated will be described.

  In the figure, unlike FIG. 2, programs 1 to 3 are broadcast by a series of video broadcasts 161_1 to 161_3, respectively, and key codes “a” and “b”, key The code “a” and “c” and the key codes “b” and “c” are added. In addition, the information collection program A is broadcast as a data broadcast 162 independent of the video broadcasts 161_1 to 161_3.

  Note that the receiver 400_n receives the data broadcast 162 before receiving the video broadcasts 161_1 to 161_3.

  The receiver 400_n shown in FIG. 3 also shows only the components related to the processing flow, and the processing from step S10 to step 40 is the same as in the case of FIG.

  That is, the data broadcast execution processing control unit 406 of the receiver 400_n determines whether or not a key code corresponding to the right to execute the received information collection program A exists in the memory 407 (step S10). If it does not exist, the information collection program A is not executed (S12). If it exists, the information collection program A is put in a waiting state (S11). However, steps S10 to S12 so far are completed before the video broadcasts 161_1 to 161_3 are received.

  On the other hand, the filter processing unit 401 determines whether or not a key code is added to each of the received video broadcasts 161_1 to 161_3 (S20), and if added, acquires an additional key code (same as above). S30). In the case of the figure, in step S30, the key codes “a” and “b” are obtained for the video broadcast 161_1, the key codes “a” and “c” are obtained for the video broadcast 161_2, and the video broadcast 161_3 is obtained. The key codes “a” and “c” are acquired.

  Next, the program processing control unit 402 determines the type of the key code acquired by the filter processing unit 401 (S40). Here, if the program processing control unit 402 determines that the code is a data broadcast control code, it passes the key code to the data broadcast execution processing control unit 406.

  As in the case of FIG. 2, when it is determined that the key code is not added by the filter processing unit 401 in step S20, and the key code for video broadcasting is determined by the program processing control unit 402 in step S40. If it is determined, normal video reception processing S21 is performed.

  The data broadcast execution processing control unit 406, which has received the data broadcast key codes added to the video broadcasts 161_1 to 161_3 from the program processing control unit 402, and the key codes stored in the memory 407 (in the case of FIG. Is collated with the key code “c”) (S60, S70, S80).

  In this case, since it is determined that the key code added to the program 1 is “mismatch”, the information collection program A for the program 1 is not executed (S61), and the key code added to the programs 2 and 3 is Since it is determined as “match”, the information collection program A is executed for each (S71, S81).

  Note that FIG. 3 does not include a step of performing a fake execution of the information collection program A like step S52 shown in FIG. 2, but performing a fake execution instead of step S61. Also good.

  Since this figure is an example of the receiver 400_n in which the key code “c” is stored in the memory 407, as described above, the information collection program A is executed for the programs 2 and 3, as shown in FIG. In the case of the receiver 400_1, since the key code “a” is stored in the memory 407, when the video broadcasts 161_1 to 161_3 are received, the information collection program A is executed for the programs 1 and 2. become. Similarly, in the case of the receiver 400_2, since the key code “b” is stored in the memory 407, the information collection program A is executed for the programs 1 and 3.

  In the case of the receiver 400 in which no key code is stored in the memory 407, it is determined in step S10 that no key code exists, and the information collection program A is not executed.

  Such an operation embodiment (2) is effective when the information collection program A is to be executed in common for a plurality of programs to be investigated, for example. In this case, the information collection program A is broadcast in advance independently of the program to be investigated and stored in the storage device 408 in the receiver 400.

  The information collection program A collects all the event processing and time stamps of the viewer as event information within the program time frame in which the key codes match, and the receiver 400 performs the event at the timing specified in advance by the information collection program A. Information is transmitted to the information collection unit 600.

  Note that the above event information and questionnaire survey result data related to audience ratings are information related to the privacy of viewers, so when collecting information via the normal access network 300, from the receiver 400 from the viewpoint of security. It is desirable to perform encryption processing on data transmitted to the access network 300.

  As an application example in this case, the researcher 500 prepares a plurality of public keys as key codes to be distributed to the survey subject, and the researcher 500 itself holds a plurality of encryption keys corresponding to the public keys.

In this case, data broadcasting is performed after the encryption processing program is added or incorporated in the information collection program A. In addition, the receiver 400 encrypts the execution result of the information collection program by using the encryption processing program and transmits the data using the public key, and the surveyor 500 that receives this encrypts the decryption result by using the encryption key. Therefore, security measures can be taken.

(Appendix 1)
Broadcasting an information collection program for the researcher to collect information on the target audience for the survey target program, and adding at least one key code for enabling the information collection program to the target program Broadcast means of the program provider to broadcast,
When the key code is given by the investigator, only when the key code matches the key code added to the investigation target program, the information collecting program for the investigation target program at that time is executed, A receiving means for the viewer to be surveyed for transmitting an execution result of the information collecting program to the surveyor;
An access network connecting the receiving means and the investigator;
An information collection system characterized by comprising:
(Appendix 2) In Appendix 1,
An information collecting system characterized in that the investigator and the program provider are different.
(Appendix 3) In Appendix 1,
An information collection system, wherein the investigator and the program provider are the same.
(Appendix 4) In Appendix 2 or 3,
The receiving means puts the received information collection program in a waiting state in advance, regardless of whether or not the key code added to the program to be investigated matches the key code already set in the receiving means. An information collection system characterized by
(Appendix 5) In Appendix 2 or 3,
The receiving means temporarily stores the execution result in the storage means, and then reads out the execution result from the storage means and transmits it to the investigator at a predetermined timing defined in the information collection program. Characteristic information collection system.
(Appendix 6) In Appendix 2 or 3,
When the key code added to the program to be examined does not match the key code already set in the receiving means, the receiving means executes the information collecting program in a pseudo manner, and An information collection system characterized by not sending execution results.
(Appendix 7) In Appendix 2 or 3,
The broadcast means broadcasts the information collection program in the same time zone as the program to be investigated.
(Appendix 8) In Appendix 2 or 3,
The broadcasting means broadcasts the information collecting program independently from the program to be investigated.

It is the block diagram which showed the information collection system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an operation example (1) of the receiver 400 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an operation example (2) of the receiver 400 in FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the outline | summary of the general interactive data broadcasting system.

Explanation of symbols

10, 100 broadcast station
11, 110 Information source coding section
12, 120 Multiplexer
13, 130 Limited reception processor
131 Key code addition processing section
14, 140 Channel encoder
15, 150 antenna
16, 160 Broadcast contents
16_1, 161 video broadcast
16_2, 162 Data broadcasting
20, 200 interactive center
210 Host computer
30, 300 access network
40_1 ~ 40_n, 400_1 ~ 400_n receiver
401 Filter processing section
402 Program processing control unit
403 Communication processing unit
404 BML browser
405 program BML
406 Data Broadcast Execution Processing Control Unit
407 memory
408 storage device
409 External input controller
500 investigators
600 Information gathering department
610 database
10, 100 broadcast station
10, 100 Broadcasting stations In the figure, the same symbols indicate the same or corresponding parts.

Claims (5)

Broadcasting an information collection program for the researcher to collect information on the target audience for the survey target program, and adding at least one key code for enabling the information collection program to the target program Broadcast means of the program provider to broadcast,
When the key code is given by the investigator, only when the key code matches the key code added to the investigation target program, the information collecting program for the investigation target program at that time is executed, A receiving means for the viewer to be surveyed for transmitting an execution result of the information collecting program to the surveyor;
An access network connecting the receiving means and the investigator;
An information collection system characterized by comprising: In claim 1,
An information collecting system characterized in that the investigator and the program provider are different. In claim 1,
An information collection system, wherein the investigator and the program provider are the same. In claim 2 or 3,
The receiving means places the received information collection program in a waiting state in advance, regardless of whether the key code added to the program to be investigated matches the key code already set in the receiving means. An information collection system characterized by In claim 2 or 3,
The receiving means temporarily stores the execution result in the storage means, and then reads out the execution result from the storage means and transmits it to the investigator at a predetermined timing defined in the information collection program. Characteristic information collection system.

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