JP2006033546A - Retrieval system in digital broadcasting - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a retrieval system in an on-demand system which immediately provides required commodity information by a retrieval request from a viewer during broadcasting. <P>SOLUTION: A keyword server 4 is provided for storing keywords relevant to pictures shown on a picture receiver 1, together with time information of the picture displaying times related to the keywords. When a remote controller 20 gives a retrieve request, the keyword server 4 extracts a keyword relevant to the picture, based on a contents ID acquired from broadcast waves by the picture receiver 1 and the time information of this time. A commodity information server 7, a snap shot server 8 and a commodity image server 9 extract information and images of commodities relevant to the extracted keyword and a distribution server 11 delivers the retrieval result made on the basis of them to the picture receiver 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an on-demand search system that can immediately obtain product information related to video displayed on a television receiver that receives digital broadcasting.

  Conventionally, digital broadcasting has been limited to satellite broadcasting that receives broadcasting radio waves from space satellites such as BS (Broadcasting Satellite) and CS (Communication Satellite), but since December 2003, in addition to satellite broadcasting, Terrestrial digital broadcasting has begun. In terrestrial digital broadcasting, a video / audio signal converted into a digital signal is transmitted on a radio wave from a terrestrial radio tower, and the broadcast radio wave is received by a UHF antenna and a dedicated tuner. This is a method of viewing on TV).

  Since terrestrial digital broadcasting has a function as data broadcasting, various information such as news, weather forecast, and traffic information can be displayed on a television screen while watching a program. Further, not only information can be received but also information can be transmitted from the viewer side by a so-called bidirectional function. For example, in a shopping program, a desired product can be purchased on a television screen, and a viewer can participate on the spot in a quiz program.

  Digital broadcasting is said to have changed TV from “viewing TV” to “using TV”. The former can be paraphrased as a passive function, and the latter as an active function. However, considering the TV's active functions, viewers want to get the information they need while they are watching the TV, not just for shopping and quiz participation. There are potential needs.

  As a means for obtaining necessary information, there is a search by the Internet. However, in this case, it is necessary to first start up the personal computer and then perform an operation for search, so it takes time and effort to obtain necessary information. Further, in general, in the Internet search, for example, the search purpose is clarified in advance, for example, “I want to find an inexpensive sports club near the station”, and the search is performed for that purpose. However, the motivation for information retrieval is not necessarily limited to such a case, and may occur accidentally.

  For example, if a foreign city projected on a TV screen is impressive, “Which country is this, what city?” Or the appearance of the talented talent is perfect for your taste In such cases, “What brand is that clothing and where can I buy it?”, The desire to “know” about something that was accidentally caught on the TV screen. And this desire leads to a purchase willingness to purchase goods and services.

  In this way, human desires to “know” may arise from chance, but if no immediate response is made, the desire will disappear and business opportunities will be lost. When looking at the current state of digital broadcasting, it is true that the active function of television has come to be emphasized, but it is possible to satisfy the search request generated from the accidental timing as described above. Such a system has not yet been realized.

  Patent Document 1 below describes that in a digital television system, content closely related to program content is displayed in conjunction with the program. In this document, content and its attribute information are stored in a television device in advance, and the content attribute information is extracted using keywords (program title, genre, etc.) extracted from broadcast program data from a broadcast station when viewing the program. By searching, content strongly related to the program content is read and displayed. However, the system of Patent Document 1 displays content determined in advance in units of programs regardless of the viewer's intention, during program broadcasting, and in each scene that changes from time to time during program broadcasting. It cannot respond to a search request from a viewer. Also, as in this document, when keywords are incorporated into broadcast program data, there is a limit to setting a large number of keywords, which is not suitable for a search system.

JP 2002-247472 A

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and the problem is to turn on the capability to immediately provide necessary product information in response to a search request from a viewer who is broadcasting. It is to provide a demand type search system.

  A search system according to the present invention is a search system for performing a predetermined search based on a search request from a search request means with respect to a video displayed on a video receiver that receives a digital broadcast. In addition, keyword storage means for storing each content in association with time information of the time at which the video is displayed is provided. When there is a search request from the search request unit, the video receiver relates to the video from the keywords stored in the keyword storage unit based on the content identification information acquired from the broadcast signal and the time information at that time. Extract keywords. And the information of the goods relevant to this keyword is extracted, and the search result produced | generated based on these is delivered. Here, the “product” in the present invention includes not only a tangible product but also an intangible service.

  In the present invention, since keywords related to each video are stored in association with time information, when a search request is made, the keywords related to the video at that time are immediately extracted, Search results are quickly distributed using the product information obtained based on the information. Therefore, when there is information that the viewer wants to know while watching the television, the viewer can immediately acquire the information. Moreover, since the information providing side (for example, a company or an advertising agency) can immediately respond to the desire to know, the viewer's willingness to purchase can be increased and linked to business.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the search result is distributed to the video receiver. The search system according to the first embodiment includes content identification information acquired from a broadcast signal by a video receiver when a search request is received from the keyword storage unit and the search request unit, time information at that time, and a user Receiving the unique information for identifying the user, performing the reception process, receiving the user registration based on the unique information, and receiving the user registration inquiry from the reception processing means to register the user If there is a user registration, the matching means for sending user information related to the user, and the keyword stored in the keyword storage means based on the content identification information and time information received by the reception processing means Keyword extracting means for extracting keywords related to the video, user information and A history extraction unit that obtains the acquired keyword and extracts the search history of the user, and the keyword extracted by the keyword extraction unit and the user search history extracted by the history extraction unit. Product information extracting means for extracting product information, image data extracting means for extracting image data relating to the product extracted by the product information extracting means, product information and image data extracting means extracted by the product information extracting means Distribution means for distributing a search result generated based on the image data extracted in step (1) to a video receiver.

  In the first embodiment, by referring to the search history of the user in addition to the keyword, the product most suitable for the user is extracted, so that a detailed information providing service can be provided to the user. it can.

  In the first embodiment, when there is no user registration, the collating unit may generate temporary user identification information and perform temporary registration. In this case, since there is no past search history of the user, the product information extraction unit extracts information on the optimal product for the user by referring to the keyword. This makes it possible to provide necessary information even to viewers who have not yet completed user registration.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the search result is distributed to a user terminal different from the video receiver. The search system according to the second embodiment includes the above-described keyword storage means, content identification information acquired from a broadcast signal by the video receiver when a search request is received from the search request means, time information at that time, and a user Receiving the unique information for identifying the user, performing the reception process, receiving the user registration based on the unique information, and receiving the user registration inquiry from the reception processing means to register the user If there is a user registration, the matching means for sending user information related to the user, and the keyword stored in the keyword storage means based on the content identification information and time information received by the reception processing means Keyword extracting means for extracting keywords related to the video, user information and A history extraction unit that obtains the acquired keyword and extracts the search history of the user, and the keyword extracted by the keyword extraction unit and the user search history extracted by the history extraction unit. Product information extracting means for extracting product information, image data extracting means for extracting image data relating to the product extracted by the product information extracting means, product information and image data extracting means extracted by the product information extracting means Distribution means for distributing a search result generated based on the image data extracted in step (b) to a user terminal different from the video receiver. The user terminal is composed of, for example, a mobile phone or a personal computer.

  Also in the second embodiment, by referring to the search history of the user, the product most suitable for the user is extracted, so that it is possible to provide a detailed information providing service for the user. In addition, since the search result is distributed to a terminal such as a mobile phone, the search result can be acquired at an arbitrary time even after watching the television.

  Also in the second embodiment, when there is no user registration, the collating unit may generate temporary user identification information and perform temporary registration. Also in this case, since the user's past search history does not exist, the product information extracting unit refers to the keyword to extract information on the optimal product for the user. In addition, the video receiver displays temporary user identification information acquired from the collating unit and an access destination when the user terminal accesses the distribution unit. The viewer uses the information displayed on the video receiver to access the distribution means from the user terminal and obtains the search result. This makes it possible to provide necessary information even to viewers who have not yet completed user registration.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an on-demand search system capable of immediately providing necessary product information to a viewer who has made a search request. In addition, since it is not necessary to incorporate search keywords into broadcast program data, a large amount of keywords can be accumulated to provide a wealth of information.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a video receiver, which includes a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a television) that receives terrestrial digital broadcasting. The system for receiving the broadcast signal is not limited to a radio system using radio waves, but may be a wired system using an optical cable. Reference numeral 20 denotes a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller), which transmits various command signals to the video receiver 1 by the operation of the viewer. The remote controller 20 constitutes search request means in the present invention. Reference numeral 30 denotes a network, which is typically composed of the Internet. Reference numeral 100 denotes a search system of the present invention, which exchanges data with the video receiver 1 via the network 30.

  The search system 100 includes a plurality of servers having various functions. Here, a reception server 2, a customer information server 3, a keyword server 4, a search server 5, a history server 6, a product information server 7, a snapshot server 8, a product image server 9, a script server 10, and a distribution server 11 are provided. . However, the server does not necessarily have to be divided for each function, and one server may have a plurality of functions. Detailed processing contents in each server will be described later. First, an outline of each server will be described below.

  When a search request signal is transmitted from the remote controller 20 to the video receiver 1, the reception server 2 performs a search request reception process based on a notification from the video receiver 1 and whether or not a user is registered in the customer information server 3. Make an inquiry. The customer information server 3 holds user information. The customer information server 3 refers to the user information to check whether or not the user has been registered, and sends the user information to the receiving server 2 if the user is registered. The keyword server 4 stores keywords related to each video displayed on the video receiver 1 in association with time information of the time when the video is displayed for each content, and when there is a search request The corresponding keyword is extracted.

  The search server 5 cooperates with the history server 6, the product information server 7, the snapshot server 8, and the product image server 9 based on the user information acquired from the reception server 2 and the keyword acquired from the keyword server 4. Search for the best product for the user. The history server 6 accumulates past search histories for each user, and in response to an instruction from the search server 5, extracts the search history of the corresponding user. The merchandise information server 7 receives information from the search server 5 and extracts information on the optimum merchandise for the user (for example, merchandise name / company name / description).

  The snapshot server 8 receives an instruction from the search server 5 and acquires an image related to the optimum product from the video of the broadcast signal (or from the video registered in the file in advance) by a snapshot. The product image server 9 receives an instruction from the search server 5 and extracts an image related to the optimal product from images registered in the file in advance. Note that both the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 are not necessarily provided, and only one of them may be provided. One server may be used for both functions of the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9.

  The script server 10 receives a search result including product information and image data from the search server 5 and automatically generates a script for displaying the search result on the video receiver 1. The distribution server 11 receives a script and an image from the script server 10 and distributes them to the video receiver 1 via the network 30.

  In the above, the reception server 2 constitutes the reception processing means in the present invention, the customer information server 3 constitutes the collation means, the keyword server 4 constitutes the keyword storage means and the keyword extraction means, the search server 5 and the history server 6 Constitutes a history extraction means, the search server 5 and the product information server 7 constitute a product information extraction means, the search server 5, the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 constitute an image data extraction means, and the script server 10 The distribution server 11 constitutes distribution means. Data stored in each server or temporarily stored is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of each server. 51 is a CPU as a control means for controlling each part, 52 is a disk drive for reading / writing data from / to the disk, 53 is an operation part including switches and operation buttons, 54 is a display part including an LED lamp, 55 Is a memory composed of RAM, ROM, etc., 56 is a storage device composed of a hard disk, 57 is a communication unit for communicating with the outside, and 58 is an interface for connecting devices such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc. .

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the search procedure in the first embodiment, and the circled numbers in the figure indicate the order of processing. 4, 5A, and 5B are flowcharts showing the search procedure, and the circled numbers on the right side of each step correspond to those in FIG. FIG. 6 is an example of a search request target video displayed on the video receiver 1. FIG. 7 is an example of a search result displayed on the video receiver 1. Hereinafter, the search procedure of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 3, a digital broadcast radio wave received by the video receiver 1 includes a video signal and a content ID. The content ID is an identification number for specifying the content and corresponds to the content identification information of the present invention. For example, one content ID is assigned to one program. For this reason, the video receiver 1 acquires the video signal and the content ID by receiving the broadcast radio wave (step S1 in FIG. 4).

  Next, when a search is desired in order to obtain related information for a specific video among videos displayed on the video receiver 1, the viewer operates the remote controller 20 to send a search request signal to the video receiver. 1 (step S2). For example, when a video as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the screen 1a of the video receiver 1 and information related to this video is to be searched, a red button or a blue button ( Press (not shown). A message 1b for guiding the search request operation is displayed on the screen 1a in FIG. When the red button is pressed, the search result is displayed on the video receiver 1, and when the blue button is pressed, the search result is displayed on a mobile phone or personal computer (PC) different from the video receiver 1. It is like that. Here, it is assumed that the red button is pressed.

  When a search request signal is sent from the remote controller 20 to the video receiver 1, the video receiver 1 adds a time stamp and a device-specific ID to the content ID acquired from the received broadcast signal, and stores these information in the network 30. It transmits to the reception server 2 via (FIG. 1) (step S3). The time stamp corresponds to the time information of the present invention, and is obtained from a clock (for example, a radio clock) built in the video receiver 1. The time stamp transmitted to the reception server 2 represents the time when the search request is made. The device unique ID corresponds to the unique information of the present invention, and is an identification number assigned to each video receiver 1.

  Upon receipt of the content ID, time stamp, and device unique ID from the video receiver 1, the reception server 2 generates a reception number and performs reception processing (step S4). As shown in FIG. 11, an area for storing a device unique ID, a time stamp, a content ID, and a reception number is secured in the memory of the reception server 2, and an area for storing a reference destination address and user data to be described later Is also secured.

  Next, the reception server 2 inquires of the customer information server 3 about the presence / absence of user registration based on the device unique ID (step S5). The customer information server 3 performs a search using the device unique ID received from the reception server 2 as a key, and checks whether or not the user who owns the device is registered (step S6). In the storage device of the customer information server 3, user data as shown in FIG. 12 is accumulated for each customer. The user data includes a user name, personal information (gender, age, occupation, hobby, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc.), user ID, password, and device unique ID.

  As a result of the collation at the customer information server 3, when it is determined in step S 7 that user registration is present, the process proceeds to step S 11 in FIG. 5A, and the customer information server 3 transmits the user data described above to the reception server 2. The reception server 2 determines that the user registration has been made by receiving user data from the customer information server 3, and refers to the video server 1 with reference to the distribution server 11 (area where search results are stored). Address) (step S12). As will be described later, since the video receiver 1 automatically accesses the distribution server 11 after a certain time from the request for retrieval and acquires the retrieval result from the distribution server 11, the access destination in that case is determined. This is to inform you in advance.

  Thereafter, the reception server 2 transfers the user data received from the customer information server 3 to the search server 5 (step S13). At this time, the reception number is transmitted together with the user data. As shown in FIG. 14, the memory of the search server 5 has an area for storing user data and an acceptance number, and also has an area for storing keywords, product information, image data, and search history, which will be described later. Has been. Subsequently, the reception server 2 transmits the time stamp and the content ID among the information acquired from the video receiver 1 to the keyword server 4 (step S14). Note that the order of steps S13 and S14 may be reversed. The keyword server 4 that has received the time stamp and the content ID extracts a keyword based on these (step S15).

  Information related to content as shown in FIG. 13 is stored for each content in the storage device of the keyword server 4, and in this, the content ID and the time at which each video is broadcast (that is, in the video receiver 1). The time at which each video is displayed) and keywords related to each video are included. The time and the keyword are recorded in association with each other. That is, a certain keyword is assigned to a video at a certain time, and another keyword is assigned to a video at a different time. Therefore, the keyword is different for each video that changes every moment. It is also possible to assign a plurality of keywords to one video. The keyword server 4 refers to the corresponding content table (FIG. 13) based on the content ID received from the reception server 2, compares the received time stamp with the time in the table, and sets the time stamp time. Extract corresponding video keywords. In FIG. 13, content data refers to data such as content data size, data format, bit rate, and the like.

  Next, the keyword server 4 transmits the extracted keyword to the search server 5 (step S16). The search server 5 transfers the keyword received from the keyword server 4 and the user data and the reception number received from the reception server 2 in step S13 to the history server 6 (step S17). The history server 6 accumulates the sent keywords, user data, and the like (step S18). As shown in FIG. 15, the storage device of the history server 6 stores user data (user name / personal information / user ID / password), search date, keyword history, receipt number, and content ID. Every time a keyword, user data, or the like is received from the search server 5, the accumulated data is updated.

  The history server 6 transmits the updated search history, that is, the user search history including the search date and the keyword history to the search server 5 (step S19). When the search server 5 receives the search history from the history server 6, based on the user data acquired in step S13, the keyword acquired in step S16, and the search history, the user's preference tendency, the field of interest, etc. Is analyzed (step S20). Thus, for example, keyword narrowing down is performed. Thereafter, the search server 5 inquires of the product information server 7 about the user's optimum product based on the analysis result (step S21). In the storage device of the product information server 7, product information such as product name / product ID / company name / description / keyword, content ID, time stamp and the like is accumulated for each product as shown in FIG. Here, the content ID is a content ID of a broadcast video (for example, CM) including an image of the product, and the time stamp is a broadcast time of the video, which is received from the video receiver 1 by the reception server 2. This is different from the acquired content ID and time stamp (step S3). The product information of the product information server 7 is regularly updated. The product information server 7 that has received the inquiry from the search server 5 extracts the optimal product that matches the analysis result from the stored product information, and transmits the product information to the search server 5 (step S22).

  When the optimal product information is acquired from the product information server 7, the search server 5 instructs the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 to acquire an image (step S23 in FIG. 5B). At this time, the content ID and time stamp included in the product information of FIG. 16 are sent from the search server 5 to the snapshot server 8, and the product information of FIG. 16 is included from the search server 5 to the product image server 9. Product ID is sent. At this time, a reception number is also sent from the search server 5 to each of the servers 8 and 9. The snapshot server 8 has a function of receiving a broadcast radio wave image and storing it for a predetermined time. Upon receiving a command from the search server 5, the snapshot server 8 stores the image based on the content ID and time stamp. A snapshot image related to the optimum product is acquired from the video. In order to display this image normally on the video receiver 1, a JPEG (Joint Photographic coding Experts Group) format conforming to the ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses) standard established by the Radio Industries Association of Japan Image data is created (step S24). When the video corresponding to the content ID and the time stamp is not stored in the snapshot server 8, the product image server 9 receives a command from the search server 5 and stores it in advance based on the product ID. An image corresponding to the optimal product is extracted from the product images being stored, and JPEG image data compliant with the ARIB standard is created in the same manner as described above (step S25).

  In the memory of the snapshot server 8, as shown in FIG. 17, an area for storing the receipt number, content ID and time stamp received from the search server 5, and an area for storing the snapshot image acquired from the broadcast radio wave image And an area for storing broadcast radio wave images is secured in the storage device. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, an area for storing the receipt number and the product ID received from the search server 5 is secured in the memory of the product image server 9, and the product image is registered in the storage device in advance. ing. The product image may be only a still image or both a still image and a moving image.

  After the ARPEG standard-compliant JPEG image is created as described above, the image data is transmitted from the snapshot server 8 or the product image server 9 to the search server 5 (step S26). When the snapshot image is obtained from the stored video in the snapshot server 8, the snapshot image is transmitted to the search server 5, and when the snapshot image is not obtained, the appropriate product extracted by the product image server 9 is used. A correct image is transmitted to the search server 5. Here, only the images acquired by one of the servers are transmitted to the search server 5, but both the images acquired by the servers 8 and 9 may be transmitted to the search server 5. Good.

  Receiving the image data, the search server 5 transfers the image data to the script server 10 together with the product information about the optimal product (step S27). At this time, a reception number is also sent from the search server 5 to the script server 10. The script server 10 creates a script for displaying the search result on the video receiver 1 (step S28). As shown in FIG. 19, the memory of the script server 10 stores an area for storing the receipt number, product information and image data (ARIB standard compliant JPEG image data) received from the search server 5 and the created script. Area is secured.

  The script server 10 transmits the created script to the distribution server 11 together with the image data (step S29). In the storage device of the distribution server 11, as shown in FIG. 20, an area for storing distribution data (script and image data) is secured for each user, and the script and image data sent from the script server 10 are stored. Is stored in a predetermined area. Then, the video receiver 1 accesses the distribution server 11 based on the reference destination notified in advance in step S12 when a certain time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses after a search request is received from the remote controller 20. The distribution server 11 distributes the distribution data stored in the accessed area, that is, the search result to the video receiver 1 via the network 30 (FIG. 1) (step S30). Thereby, for example, a search result as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the screen of the video receiver 1 (step S31).

  In FIG. 7, on the screen 1a of the video receiver 1, a search keyword 1c extracted at the time of making a search request with the remote controller 20 and a travel extracted as an optimum product from the product information server 7 by a search based on the keyword. The product information (advertisements) 1d and 1e of the product and the related image 1f of the travel product acquired by the snapshot server 8 or the product image server 9 are displayed. About the displayed goods, you may enable it to purchase on the screen by switching to a detailed screen.

  In this way, when a video of interest appears on the screen of the video receiver 1, the viewer makes a search request using the remote controller 20, thereby quickly obtaining product information related to the video. can do. In addition, if you like a product, you can immediately purchase it on the spot. Furthermore, the search server 5 refers to the user's search history in addition to the user data and keywords so as to extract the most suitable product for the user, so that detailed information is provided to the user. Can do.

  The processing procedure of the first embodiment described above is a procedure when user registration is performed in advance in the customer information server 3. Next, a processing procedure when user registration is not performed will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the search procedure in this case, and the circled numbers in the figure indicate the order of processing. 4, 9A, and 9B are flowcharts showing the search procedure, and the circled numbers on the right side of each step correspond to those in FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of a search result displayed on the video receiver 1. Hereinafter, a search procedure when there is no user registration will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8 to 10.

  The procedure from step S1 to step S6 in FIG. 4 is common to the case of user registration, and the description thereof is omitted. If it is determined in step S7 that there is no user registration, the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. 9A. In step S41, the customer information server 3 generates a temporary user ID and a temporary password, and performs temporary user registration. The temporary user ID and the temporary password correspond to temporary user identification information in the present invention, and are generated using, for example, a device unique ID. The temporary user identification information may be only one of the temporary user ID and the temporary password.

  Next, the customer information server 3 transmits the generated temporary user ID and temporary password to the reception server 2 (step S42). In this case, since there is no personal information of the user in the customer information server 3, only the temporary user ID and temporary password are sent to the receiving server 2 as user data. Thereafter, the reception server 2 notifies the video receiver 1 of the reference destination of the distribution server 11 (step S43), and after transferring the temporary user ID and temporary password to the search server 5 (step S44), the time stamp and content ID are transferred. Is transmitted to the keyword server 4 (step S45). The keyword server 4 extracts keywords based on the time stamp and the content ID (step S46), and transmits the extracted keywords to the search server 5 (step S47). The search server 5 transfers the keyword received from the keyword server 4 and the temporary user ID and temporary password received from the reception server 2 in step S44 to the history server 6 (step S48), and the history server 6 accumulates them (step S48). Step S49).

  The processes in steps S43 to S49 are basically the same as the processes in steps S12 to S18 in FIG. 5A. However, in steps S13, S17, and S18, user data including personal information is transferred and stored. In contrast, in steps S44, S48, and S49, only the temporary user ID and temporary password are transferred and stored as user data.

  Next, based on the keyword received from the keyword server 4, the search server 5 inquires of the product information server 7 about the user's optimum product (step S50). The merchandise information server 7 extracts the optimum merchandise corresponding to the keyword and transmits the merchandise information to the search server 5 (step S51). If the user is not registered, the history server 6 has no past search history, and therefore FIG. 9A does not include processes corresponding to steps S19 and S20 of FIG. 5A. Therefore, in step S21 of FIG. 5A, the search server 5 refers to the search history in addition to the keyword, and inquires about the optimal product. In step S50, the search server 5 inquires about the optimal product based only on the keyword. . The process of step S51 is the same as the process of step S22.

  Next, moving to FIG. 9B, the search server 5 instructs the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 to acquire an image (step S52). In response to this, the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 create JPEG format image data compliant with the image ARIB standard (steps S53 and S54), and transmit this image data to the search server 5 (step S55). ). Receiving the image data, the search server 5 transfers the image data together with the product information to the script server 10 (step S56). The script server 10 creates a script (step S57), and transmits the created script to the distribution server 11 together with the image data (step S58). The distribution server 11 stores the script and the image data as distribution data, and when there is an access from the video receiver 1, distributes the distribution data to the video receiver 1 (step S59). The processes in steps S52 to S59 are the same as the processes in steps S23 to S30 in FIG. 5B.

  In step S60, as shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the search result, a message 1g for prompting the user's main registration is displayed on the screen 1a of the video receiver 1, which is different from step S31 in FIG. 5B. The screen 1a also displays a temporary user ID and a temporary password 1h necessary for the main registration.

  In this way, when user registration is not performed, necessary information can be provided even to an unregistered user by issuing a temporary user ID and a temporary password and performing temporary registration. Further, by displaying the message 1g prompting the main registration together with the search result, the user registration can be promoted, and the search population can be increased to lead to the sales promotion of the product.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 is a system configuration diagram showing the second embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a video receiver, 20 is a remote control, 30 is a network, and 100 is a search system, which are the same as those shown in FIG. A user terminal 12 includes a mobile phone 121 and a personal computer 122, for example. The user terminal 12 exchanges data with the search system 100 via the network 30. In the second embodiment, the search result is distributed to the user terminal 12.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram for explaining the search procedure in the second embodiment, and the circled numbers in the figure represent the order of processing. FIG. 23, FIG. 24A, and FIG. 24B are flowcharts showing the search procedure, and the circled numbers on the right side of each step correspond to those in FIG. FIG. 25 is an example of an address notification screen displayed on the user terminal 12. FIG. 26 is an example of a search result notification screen displayed on the user terminal 12. The search procedure of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  22 and 23, the video receiver 1 acquires the video signal and the content ID from the broadcast radio wave (step S71), transmits a search request signal from the remote controller 20 to the video receiver 1 (step S72), and receives the video image. The device unique ID, time stamp, and the like are transmitted from the machine 1 to the reception server 2 (step S73), the reception server 2 performs reception processing (step S74), and the reception server 2 inquires of the customer information server 3 about the presence / absence of user registration. The procedure from the step S75 to the step S76 in FIG. 4 is the same as the step S1 to step S6 in the first embodiment. However, in the first embodiment, the red button of the remote controller 20 is operated on the screen of FIG. 6, but in the second embodiment, the blue button is operated.

  As a result of the collation at the customer information server 3, when it is determined in step S77 that user registration is present, the process proceeds to step S81 in FIG. 24A. In step S81, the customer information server 3 requests the distribution server 11 to secure a storage area (page area) for storing data to be distributed to the user. Next, the customer information server 3 transmits user data to the reception server 2 (step S82). This process is the same as step S11 (FIG. 5A) of the first embodiment. Thereafter, in the first embodiment, the reference destination is notified to the video receiver 1 (step S12). However, in the second embodiment, the search result is distributed to the user terminal 12, so this process is omitted. Is done.

  Since the processing of subsequent steps S83 to S92 is the same as the processing of steps S13 to S22 of the first embodiment, only a brief description will be given. The reception server 2 transfers the user data to the search server 5 (step S83), and transfers the time stamp and the content ID to the keyword server 4 (step S84). The keyword server 4 extracts a keyword (step S85) and transmits it to the search server 5 (step S86). The search server 5 transfers keywords, user data, and the like to the history server 6 (step S87), the history server 6 accumulates them (step S88), and transmits the user search history to the search server 5 (step S89). ). The search server 5 performs analysis based on keywords, search history, and the like (step S90), and inquires the product information server 7 about the optimum product based on the result (step S91). The product information server 7 extracts the optimal product and transmits the product information to the search server 5 (step S92).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S93 in FIG. 24B, and the search server 5 instructs the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 to acquire an image. This process is the same as step S23 (FIG. 5B) of the first embodiment. In response to this instruction, the snapshot server 8 acquires an appropriate snapshot image from the broadcast radio wave image, and the product image server 9 selects an image corresponding to the optimum product from the product images stored in advance. Obtained and a moving image file or a still image file is created in each of the servers 8 and 9 (steps S94 and S95). In the case of the first embodiment, since the search result is displayed on the video receiver 1, it is necessary to edit the acquired image into a JPEG format image conforming to the ARIB standard (steps S24 and S25 in FIG. 5B). In the second embodiment, since the search result is distributed to the mobile phone 121 or the personal computer 122, the acquired image can be used as it is.

  Next, the image file is transmitted from the snapshot server 8 and / or the product image server 9 to the search server 5 (step S96), and the search server 5 transfers the image file together with the product information of the optimal product to the script server 10 ( Step S97). The script server 10 creates a script for displaying the search result on the video receiver 1 (step S98), and transmits the created script to the distribution server 11 together with the image file (step S99). In the case of the first embodiment, after that, the search result is distributed from the distribution server 11 to the video receiver 1 (step S30 in FIG. 5B). In the second embodiment, the search result is distributed to the user terminal 12. Therefore, the following steps S100 to S106 are performed.

  The script server 10 requests the customer information server 3 to transmit an e-mail to the user terminal 12 (step S100). This e-mail notifies an address (URL) for accessing the distribution server 11 from the user terminal 12 in order to obtain a search result. Upon receiving the mail transmission request, the customer information server 3 transmits the electronic mail to the user terminal 12 (step S101). When the user terminal 12 receives an e-mail, a notification screen 121a as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the screen, for example. Here, an example in which a mobile phone 121 is used as the user terminal 12 is given. The notification screen 121a displays a message 121b indicating that a search request has been received, a search request reception time and program title 121c, a search result browsing guidance message 121d, and an access destination address (URL) 121e.

  Next, the customer information server 3 transmits a message to the effect that the search has been completed to the video receiver 1 (step S102). In response, a search completion message (not shown) is displayed on the screen of the video receiver 1 (step S103). Note that the order of the processes of steps S101 and S102 may be reversed. Thereafter, when the user terminal 12 is operated to access the designated URL (step S104), the search result is distributed from the distribution server 11 to the user terminal 12 (step S105), and the screen of the user terminal 12 is displayed. For example, a search result notification screen 121f as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed (step S106). On this screen, a search result list 121g is displayed, and when a title to be browsed is selected, detailed search results similar to those shown in FIG. 7, for example, are displayed.

  In this manner, also in the second embodiment, the viewer can quickly obtain information on products related to the video displayed on the video receiver 1. In addition, since the optimum product is extracted with reference to the user's search history, detailed information can be provided. Furthermore, in the case of the second embodiment, since the search result is distributed to the user terminal 12 such as a mobile phone, the search result can be acquired at an arbitrary time even after watching the television. .

  The processing procedure of the second embodiment described above is a procedure when user registration is performed in advance in the customer information server 3. Next, a processing procedure when user registration is not performed will be described. FIG. 27 is a block diagram for explaining the search procedure in this case, and the circled numbers in the figure indicate the order of processing. FIG. 23, FIG. 28A, and FIG. 28B are flowcharts showing the search procedure, and the circled numbers on the right side of each step correspond to those in FIG. Hereinafter, a search procedure when there is no user registration will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 27 to 28B.

  The procedure from step S71 to step S76 in FIG. 23 is the same as that in the case of user registration, and a description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined in step S77 that there is no user registration, the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. 28A. The customer information server 3 generates a temporary user ID and a temporary password, performs temporary user registration (step S201), and requests the distribution server 11 to secure a storage area (page area) (step S202). The temporary user ID and temporary password are transmitted to the reception server 2 (step S203).

  Subsequent steps S204 to S211 are the same as steps S44 to S51 (FIG. 9A) in the first embodiment when there is no user registration, and will be briefly described below. After receiving the temporary user ID and temporary password to the search server 5 (Step S204), the reception server 2 transmits the time stamp and the content ID to the keyword server 4 (Step S205). The keyword server 4 extracts keywords based on the time stamp and the content ID (step S206), and transmits the extracted keywords to the search server 5 (step S207). The search server 5 transfers the keyword received from the keyword server 4 and the temporary user ID and temporary password received from the reception server 2 in step S204 to the history server 6 (step S208), and the history server 6 accumulates them (step S208). Step S209). Next, based on the keyword received from the keyword server 4, the search server 5 inquires of the product information server 7 about the user's optimum product (step S210). The merchandise information server 7 extracts the optimum merchandise corresponding to the keyword and transmits the merchandise information to the search server 5 (step S211).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S213 in FIG. 28B. Since steps S213 to S219 are the same as steps S93 to S99 in FIG. 24B, only a brief description will be given below. The search server 5 instructs the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 to acquire an image (step S213). In response to this instruction, the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 acquire an image to create a moving image file or a still image file (steps S214 and S215), and transmit the image file to the search server 5 (step S216). ). The search server 5 transfers the product information and the image file to the script server 10 (step S217), the script server 10 creates a script (step S218), and transmits the created script to the distribution server 11 together with the image file. (Step S219).

  Next, the script server 10 requests the customer information server 3 to transmit a temporary user ID, a temporary password, and an access destination (URL) to the video receiver 1 (step S220). Upon receiving the request, the customer information server 3 transmits the data to the video receiver 1 (step S221). As a result, the video receiver 1 displays the temporary user ID, the temporary password, and the access destination URL (step S222). The user sees this display and inputs the temporary user ID, temporary password, and URL from the user terminal 12 to access the distribution server 11 (step S223). The distribution server 11 that has received the access distributes the search result to the user terminal 12 (step S224), and the search result and a message for encouraging the main registration are displayed (not shown) on the screen of the user terminal 12 (step not shown). S225).

  Thus, also in the second embodiment, when there is no user registration, necessary information is provided to unregistered users by issuing a temporary user ID and a temporary password and performing temporary registration. be able to. In addition, by displaying a message prompting the main registration together with the search result, it is possible to promote user registration, increase the search population, and promote the sales of products.

  In the above-described embodiment, the snapshot server 8 and the product image server 9 are provided, and the image data of the product acquired by these is included in the search results. However, the product image data is omitted, and the product information server 7 A search result may be created based only on the product information obtained in step (b). In addition to product information, image data may be stored in the product information server 7.

  In the above-described embodiment, the device unique ID of the video receiver is taken as an example of the unique information for identifying the user. However, this unique information is unique information set in the video receiver by the remote controller. There may be.

  In the above embodiment, a system using a video receiver that receives terrestrial digital broadcasts is taken as an example. However, the present invention is applied to a system that uses a video receiver that receives satellite broadcasts by BS and CS. Can also be applied.

  Furthermore, the digital broadcast is not limited to terrestrial or satellite broadcast, but may be, for example, IP (Internet Protocol) broadcast that distributes video to a personal computer via a communication network.

It is a system configuration figure showing a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the electric constitution of each server. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the search procedure in 1st Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure in 1st Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure. It is an example of the image | video of the search request | requirement object displayed on a video receiver. It is an example of the search result displayed on a video receiver. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the search procedure in the case of no user registration in 1st Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure. It is an example of the search result displayed on a video receiver. It is the figure which showed the data which a reception server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a customer information server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a keyword server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a search server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a log | history server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a merchandise information server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a snapshot server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a goods image server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a script server hold | maintains. It is the figure which showed the data which a delivery server hold | maintains. It is a system configuration figure showing a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the search procedure in 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure in 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure. It is an example of the address notification screen displayed on a user terminal. It is an example of the search result notification screen displayed on the user terminal. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the search procedure in the case of no user registration in 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure. It is the flowchart which showed the search procedure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Video receiver 2 Reception server 3 Customer information server 4 Keyword server 5 Search server 6 History server 7 Product information server 8 Snapshot server 9 Product image server 10 Script server 11 Distribution server 20 Remote control 30 Network 100 Search system

Claims (5)

A search system that performs a predetermined search based on a search request from a search request means for a video displayed on a video receiver that receives a digital broadcast,
A keyword storage unit that stores keywords associated with each video in association with time information of a time at which the video is displayed, and stored for each content;
Based on the content identification information acquired from the broadcast signal by the video receiver and the time information at that time, when the search request is made from the search request means, the keyword stored in the keyword storage means Extract keywords related to video,
Based on the extracted keyword, the product information related to the keyword is extracted,
A search system for digital broadcasting, wherein a search result generated based on the extracted product information is distributed. A search system that performs a predetermined search based on a search request from a search request means for a video displayed on a video receiver that receives a digital broadcast,
A keyword storage unit that stores keywords associated with each video in association with time information of a time at which the video is displayed,
When there is a search request from the search request means, the video receiver receives the content identification information acquired from the broadcast signal, the time information at that time, and the specific information for specifying the user, and performs the reception process And an acceptance processing means for inquiring the presence / absence of user registration based on the specific information,
In response to an inquiry about the presence / absence of user registration from the reception processing means, collation for the presence / absence of user registration is performed, and if user registration is present, collation means for sending user information related to the user,
Based on the content identification information and time information received by the reception processing means, a keyword extraction means for extracting a keyword related to the video from the keywords stored in the keyword storage means;
A history extracting means for acquiring the user information and the extracted keyword and extracting a search history of the user;
Product information extracting means for extracting information on the optimal product for the user based on the keyword extracted by the keyword extracting means and the user's search history extracted by the history extracting means;
Image data extracting means for extracting image data relating to the product extracted by the product information extracting means;
A distribution unit that distributes the product information extracted by the product information extraction unit and the search result generated based on the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit to the video receiver;
A search system for digital broadcasting, comprising: The search system according to claim 2,
The collation means performs temporary registration by generating temporary user identification information when there is no user registration,
The product information extracting means extracts information on the optimum product for the user based on the keyword extracted by the keyword extracting means. A search system that performs a predetermined search based on a search request from a search request means for a video displayed on a video receiver that receives a digital broadcast,
A keyword storage unit that stores keywords associated with each video in association with time information of a time at which the video is displayed,
When there is a search request from the search request means, the video receiver receives the content identification information acquired from the broadcast signal, the time information at that time, and the specific information for specifying the user, and performs the reception process And an acceptance processing means for inquiring the presence / absence of user registration based on the specific information,
In response to an inquiry about the presence / absence of user registration from the reception processing means, collation for the presence / absence of user registration is performed, and if user registration is present, collation means for sending user information related to the user,
Based on the content identification information and time information received by the reception processing means, a keyword extraction means for extracting a keyword related to the video from the keywords stored in the keyword storage means;
A history extracting means for acquiring the user information and the extracted keyword and extracting a search history of the user;
Product information extracting means for extracting information on the optimal product for the user based on the keyword extracted by the keyword extracting means and the user's search history extracted by the history extracting means;
Image data extracting means for extracting image data relating to the product extracted by the product information extracting means;
Distribution means for distributing the product information extracted by the product information extraction means and the search result generated based on the image data extracted by the image data extraction means to a user terminal different from the video receiver;
A search system for digital broadcasting, comprising: The search system according to claim 4, wherein
The collation means performs temporary registration by generating temporary user identification information when there is no user registration,
The product information extracting unit extracts information on the optimal product for the user based on the keyword extracted by the keyword extracting unit,
The search system for digital broadcasting, wherein the video receiver displays temporary user identification information acquired from the collating unit and an access destination when the user terminal accesses the distribution unit.