JP2010206303A - Apparatus, method and program for receiving information, device and system for distributing information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily obtain information notified in broadcasting programs, and to contribute to an increase in program ratings of the broadcasting programs. <P>SOLUTION: A broadcast receiver 30 includes: an output processing start determination section (control section 32) for determining whether output processing of content has started; a notification information presence-or-absence confirmation section (the control section 32) for confirming the presence or absence of specific notification information relating to content, where it is determined that the output processing has started, by an output processing start determination section (control section 32); and a notification information output section (the control section 32 and a video sound output section 36) for outputting that there is specific notification information relating to the content when the notification information presence-or-absence confirmation section (the control section 32) determines that there is notification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information receiving apparatus, an information receiving method, an information receiving program, an information distribution apparatus, and an information distribution system.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electronic program guide (EPG: simply referred to as “EPG” hereinafter) showing the contents of programs to be broadcast in digital broadcasting such as terrestrial digital broadcasting and BS (Broadcasting satellite) has been known. Various proposals have been made to improve the convenience on the viewer side by utilizing this EPG information. For example, using this EPG information, it has been proposed to reserve printing only program-linked broadcast data to be provided, or to perform reserved printing separately from the moving image data of the program (see Patent Document 1). .

  In addition, using this EPG information, when viewing a program with an in-vehicle digital broadcast receiver, a unique electronic program guide grouped for each viewer is displayed and information corresponding to reception sensitivity is displayed. It has been proposed to be reflected in a unique electronic program guide (see Patent Document 2).

  Also, there are known ADMS (TV-Asahi Data And Multimedia Service) -EPG and iEPG that provide EPG information via the Internet. EPG information received via the Internet and EPG information received from a broadcast wave are also known. Proposals have also been made for control when received (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2007-235639 A (summary, paragraph [0013], etc.) JP 2007-89220 A (summary, paragraph [0007], etc.) JP 2008-252447 A (summary etc.)

  However, in the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when the viewer starts broadcasting when there is a sweepstakes or present announcement in a program scheduled to be broadcast or in a currently broadcast program, for example. I can't know if there are any sweepstakes or gift announcements. In addition, other broadcast programs are being watched, and it is impossible to know whether there is a sweepstakes or a notification of a present in the switched program when channel selection is switched. In addition, when there is an announcement of a prize in the program, the viewer cannot know information that the application period of the prize is high in real time only during program broadcast, for example, and the deadline for application. Also, when making a recording reservation for a program, a person who wants to make a recording reservation cannot know information such as the presence or absence of a prize for the program that is to be reserved, and the application period when there is a prize. . Therefore, when viewing the recorded program later, even if the applicant wishes to apply for the sweepstakes, the application period for the sweepstakes has passed, and there may be cases where it is impossible to apply for the sweepstakes.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention can easily grasp information notified in a broadcast program and can contribute to an increase in the audience rating of the broadcast program, an information reception method, and an information reception program. An object is to provide an information distribution apparatus and an information distribution system.

  An information receiving apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an output processing start determination unit that determines whether or not content output processing has been started, and content that has been determined that output processing has been started by the output processing start determination unit When the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit confirms the presence or absence of specific notification information and the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit determines that there is notification information, information indicating that there is notification information and / or information related to the notification information is output. A notification information output unit.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the information reception device according to one aspect of the present invention is a broadcast program superimposed on a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station, and the specific notification information related to the content Is information related to a prize announced in the broadcast program, and the information related to the prize is sent to the information receiving device via a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station or other communication means other than the broadcast wave. It is preferable to be transmitted.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the information receiving apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores output information of specific notification information related to content, and the notification information output unit refers to the storage unit. When specific notification information related to the content is not output for a predetermined period, it is preferable to output that there is specific notification information notified in the content.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the information reception device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation input unit that switches content, and the output processing start determination unit performs switching when the content is switched by the operation input unit. The notification information presence / absence confirmation unit confirms the presence / absence of specific notification information notified by the switched content, and the notification information output unit checks the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit. When it is determined that there is notification information in the switched content, it is preferable to output that there is specific notification information notified in the switched content and / or information related to the notification information.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the information reception device according to one aspect of the present invention determines whether the output processing start determination unit has started output processing for content for which viewing reservation has been made in advance. The notification information presence / absence confirmation unit confirms the presence / absence of specific notification information notified by the content determined to have been output by the output processing start determination unit, and the notification information output unit When it is determined that there is specific notification information, it is preferable to output that there is specific notification information and / or information related to the notification information.

  In the information reception method according to one aspect of the present invention, it is determined that the output process is started in the output process start determination step for determining whether or not the content output process is started and the output process start determination step. When it is determined that there is notification information in the notification information presence / absence confirmation step and the notification information presence / absence confirmation step that confirms the presence or absence of specific notification information related to the content, it is related to the notification information and / or notification information A notification information output step for outputting information.

  In addition, an information reception program according to one aspect of the present invention starts an output process with an output process start determination unit that determines whether or not a content output process is started and an output process start determination unit. If there is a notification information presence confirmation means for confirming the presence or absence of specific notification information related to the content determined to be, and the notification information presence confirmation means, it is determined that the notification information is present and / or in the notification information. It functions as notification information output means for outputting related information.

  An information distribution apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention provides content and / or content distribution schedule information to the information reception apparatus described above, and includes content as notification information included in the distribution schedule information information. It provides information on prizes.

  An information distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a content, a content distribution apparatus that provides distribution schedule information of the content, an output processing start determination unit that determines whether or not the content output processing has started. The output processing start determination unit determines that there is the notification information in the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit that confirms the presence / absence of the specific notification information related to the content that is determined to have started the output process. In some cases, the information receiving device includes at least a notification information output unit that outputs notification information and / or information related to the notification information.

  According to the present invention, an information receiving apparatus, an information receiving method, an information receiving program, an information distribution apparatus, and an information receiving apparatus capable of easily grasping information notified in a broadcast program and contributing to an increase in the audience rating of the broadcast program, and An information distribution system can be provided.

It is a figure showing the whole information distribution system composition concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the broadcast transmission apparatus which the broadcast station shown in FIG. 1 has. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the broadcast receiver shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data string of prize information. It is a flowchart of the broadcast delivery process of the broadcast transmission apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus shown in FIG. It is an example of a prize information display screen displayed on the display apparatus shown in FIG. It is an example of a prize information display screen displayed on the display apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the broadcast delivery process of the modification of the broadcast transmission apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the information delivery system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the broadcast receiver shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the broadcast station server shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data string of the prize information transmitted from the broadcasting station server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of the EPG information transmission process of the broadcast station server shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data sequence delivered from the broadcast station server which is a modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data sequence delivered from the broadcast station server which is a modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the EPG information transmission process shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order.
1. 1. Overall configuration of information distribution system (Example 1) 1-1. Explanation of each part 1-1-1. Configuration of broadcast transmission apparatus 1-1-2. Configuration of broadcast receiving apparatus 1-2. Processing of each device 1-2-1. Sweepstakes information distribution process of broadcast transmitting apparatus 1-2-2. Sweepstakes information display process of broadcast receiving apparatus 1-2-2-1. Sweepstakes information display process 1
1-2-2-2. Sweepstakes information display process 2
1-2-2-3. Sweepstakes information display process 3
1-3. Prize information display example 1-3-1. Sweepstakes information display screen example 1
1-3-2. Sweepstakes information display screen example 2
1-4. Modified example of Example 1 1-4-1. Configuration of broadcast transmission apparatus 1-4-2. Processing of broadcast transmission apparatus 2. Overall configuration of information distribution system (Example 2) 2-1. Explanation of each part 2-1-1. Configuration of broadcast receiving apparatus 2-1-2. Configuration of broadcast station server 2-2. Processing of each device 2-2-1. Broadcasting server server sweepstakes information distribution processing 2-2-2. Sweepstakes information display processing of broadcast receiving apparatus 2-3. Modification of Example 2 2-3-1. Configuration of broadcast station server 2-3-2. Configuration of broadcast receiving apparatus 2-3-3. Broadcast server server distribution processing 2-3-4. 2. Sweepstakes information display processing of the broadcast receiving device Other embodiments

1. Overall Configuration of Information Distribution System 1 (Example 1) First, the information distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an information distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system 1 includes a broadcast station 10 and a broadcast receiving device 30. 1 shows one broadcast station 10 and two broadcast receivers 30, the information distribution system 1 may include a plurality of broadcast stations 10 and three or more broadcast receivers 30. .

  The broadcast station 10 transmits broadcast program content as stream data in accordance with a broadcast schedule. The broadcast station 10 also has a broadcast transmission device 11 (see FIG. 2) that can transmit data broadcast and EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information superimposed on the broadcast wave. The broadcast receiving apparatus 30 receives broadcast waves from the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 of the broadcast station 10 and outputs video and audio of the received broadcast program and EPG information.

1-1. Explanation of each part 1-1-1. Configuration of Broadcast Transmission Device FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the broadcast transmission device 11 included in the broadcast station 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast transmission apparatus 11 includes a control unit 12, a content stream creation unit 13, an EPG information creation unit 14, a data broadcast creation unit 15, a MUX (MultipleXer) unit 16, a broadcast content DB 17, and a broadcast schedule DB 18. The data broadcasting content DB 19 is a main component. The broadcast transmission device 11 corresponds to the broadcast distribution device in the claims.

  Here, information processing realized by the functions of the content stream creation unit 13, the EPG information creation unit 14, the data broadcast creation unit 15, and the MUX unit 16 described above is performed by the control unit 12 that controls the entire broadcast transmission apparatus 11 by hardware. Realized by working with resources. Specifically, the control unit 12 includes a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and the CPU reads various programs stored in a ROM (not shown) into the RAM (not shown) and executes them in cooperation. It is realized by doing. The broadcast content DB 17, the broadcast schedule DB 18, and the data broadcast content DB 19 described above are stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the storage unit includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory.

  The content stream creation unit 13 creates broadcast content with reference to the broadcast content DB 17. In the present embodiment, the broadcast content is described as being encoded and multiplexed in conformity with the MPEG2-TS (Motion Photographic Coding Experts Group-2 Transport Stream) standard. In the MPEG2-TS standard, video and audio of transmitted content are generated as an encoded ES (Elementary Stream), and a PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) in which ES is packetized for each meaningful unit is generated. Is done. Further, a TS (Transport Stream) packet obtained by dividing the PES is transmitted from the broadcast station 10.

  In addition, by assigning a 13-bit packet identifier called PID to the header of each TS packet, it is possible to classify whether each TS packet is video data, audio data, control data, or the like of broadcast content. .

  Further, the control data here refers to data called SI / PSI (Service Information / Program Specific Information). SI of SI / PSI includes information necessary for creating EPG information, and PSI is control data including information for performing basic control. The TS packet may be subjected to an encryption process (hereinafter referred to as “scramble process”) for preventing viewing contrary to the intention of the broadcast station 10. Here, for example, Multi2 can be used as the scrambling method. This Multi2 is one of the methods for encrypting digital data, and is widely used in BS digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting. The broadcast content DB 17 stores content data that is the basis of the above-described broadcast content.

  The EPG information creation unit 14 has a function of creating EPG information with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 18 under the control of the control unit 12. The broadcast schedule DB 18 stores broadcast schedule information of programs that the broadcast station 10 broadcasts. Further, the program stored in the broadcast schedule DB 18 includes the presence or absence of prize information. The EPG information creation unit 14 can also create EPG information including the presence or absence of prize information in a program stored in the broadcast schedule DB 18. The broadcast schedule DB 18 may store the broadcast schedule information of programs broadcast by other broadcast stations 10 and the presence / absence of prize information of each program.

  Under the control of the control unit 12, the data broadcast creation unit 15 creates a data broadcast such as information related to weather forecasts and programs from the data broadcast content DB 19. The data broadcasting will be described on the assumption that the data broadcasting is encoded and multiplexed in conformity with the MPEG2-TS standard in the same manner as the broadcasting content described above. The data broadcasting content DB 19 includes URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information and P2P (Peer to Peer) information provided by the broadcasting station 10 related to the program, in addition to data broadcasting such as weather forecasts and information related to the program. ) Search query information that can be used in the method may be stored. The data broadcast creating unit 15 supplies these information to the MUX unit 16 together.

  Under the control of the control unit 12, the MUX unit 16 is broadcast content created by the content stream creation unit 13 with reference to the broadcast content DB 17, and EPG information created by the EPG information creation unit 14 with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 18. The broadcast creation unit 23 generates broadcast data obtained by multiplexing the data broadcast program data created with reference to the data broadcast content DB 19. The broadcast data is transmitted as a broadcast wave from the antenna of the broadcast station 10.

  1-1-2. Broadcast receiver configuration

  Next, the broadcast receiving device 30 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block configuration of the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 shown in FIG. The broadcast receiving device 30 is a terminal that receives, for example, a TV broadcast or a radio broadcast, regardless of whether it is a fixed receiving terminal or a portable mobile terminal. Also, the broadcast receiving device 30 outputs information received from the broadcast station 10 to the display device 50 and the audio reproduction device 60. Note that the broadcast receiving device 30 according to the present embodiment is a separate device from the display device 50 and the audio playback device 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the broadcast receiving device 30, the display device 50, and the audio reproduction device 60 may be provided in the same housing, for example, a television set. Alternatively, the broadcast receiving device 30 and the display device 50 may be provided in the same housing, and only the audio playback device 60 may be provided in another housing. That is, there are no particular limitations on the devices in which the three broadcast receiving devices 30, the display device 50, and the audio reproducing device 60 are provided. In addition, the broadcast receiving device 30 may have a recording function and a recording function.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 includes an operation input unit 31, a control unit 32, a tuner 33, a DEMUX (DEM MultipleXer) unit 34, a decoding unit 35, a video / audio output unit 36, and a recording unit 37. It is said. Here, the control unit 32 includes, for example, a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and reads various programs stored in the recording unit 37, the ROM, and the like into the RAM, and cooperates with various arithmetic processes. As a result, the information processing performed by the function of each unit of the broadcast receiving device 30 can be realized.

  The operation input unit 31 is configured with, for example, a remote control or a touch panel, but may be configured to allow voice input or the like. In addition, the operation input unit 31 receives an operation input from the user and transmits a user instruction (for example, an EPG screen display request, a prize information display request, a channel selection change processing request) to the control unit 32. The user can perform an operation input to the broadcast receiving device 30 by operating the operation input unit 31. The operation input to the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 may be input to the operation input unit 31 provided in the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 via a radio signal (operation signal) such as infrared rays. The operation signal input to the operation input unit 31 is supplied to the control unit 32 via a bus (not shown). The operation input unit 31 corresponds to the electronic program information acquisition request unit and the notification information acquisition request unit in the claims.

  The control unit 32 includes a CPU (not shown) and the like, and is a central processing unit that analyzes an operation signal input to the operation input unit 31 and controls operations of each unit or part of the broadcast receiving device 30. is there. For example, when the user inputs a channel selection instruction using the operation input unit 31, a signal indicating the content of the channel selection instruction is input to the control unit 32 via the operation input unit 31 and a bus (not shown). As a result, the control unit 32 transmits a channel selection instruction for the channel selected by the user to the tuner 33 via a bus (not shown). The control unit 32 corresponds to a part of the output processing start determination unit, the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit, and the notification information output unit in the claims.

  The tuner 33 receives the broadcast wave of the broadcast station 10 with an antenna, demodulates the received RF (Radio Frequency) signal, performs error correction, etc., and outputs a TS signal composed of TS packets to the DEMUX unit 34. Note that the tuner 33 corresponds to a part of the output processing start determination unit and a part of the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit.

  Although only one tuner 33 is shown in FIG. 3 for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting, the tuner 33 for analog broadcasting may be provided when analog broadcasting is also received, and two tuners 33 are provided. It may be. Note that the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 may include a descrambler unit that performs a process of canceling the TS signal when the TS signal is transmitted after being scrambled. In that case, the descrambler unit may supply the DEMUX unit 34 with a TS signal including the TS packet from which the scramble process has been canceled.

  The DEMUX unit 34 outputs a TS signal composed of TS packets output from the tuner 33 (that is, broadcast data obtained by multiplexing a plurality of streams such as video and audio in the MUX unit 16 of the broadcast-side transmission device 11 on the transmission side) And processing for separating the data into stream data such as voice and audio and section format data such as SI / PSI. Each data separated by the DEMUX unit 34 is supplied to the decoding unit 35 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 32. The DEMUX unit 34 corresponds to a part of the output processing start determination unit and a part of the notification information presence confirmation unit in the claims.

  The decoding unit 35 decodes broadcast content, EPG information, data broadcast, and the like included in the broadcast data in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 32. The decoding unit 35 supplies the decoded data to the recording unit 37. The data supplied from the decoding unit 35 to the recording unit 37 may be supplied as it is as a data signal without being decoded as a video signal and an audio signal.

  The decoding unit 35 decodes the broadcast content, EPG information, data broadcast, and the like included in the broadcast data described above, and generates audio data, video data, and program data, respectively. The decoded audio data is supplied to the audio playback device 60 described above. Then, the audio reproduction device 60 performs D / A conversion processing on the supplied audio data and outputs it as an audio signal. The decoding unit 35 supplies the decoded video data and program data to the video / audio output unit 36. The decoding unit 35 corresponds to a part of the notification information output unit in the claims.

  The video / audio output unit 36 stores the supplied program data in a RAM (not shown). The video / audio output unit 36 generates EPG information by drawing program data. Then, the video / audio output unit 36 generates a synthesized screen obtained by synthesizing the screen based on the EPG information on the screen based on the video data from the decoding unit 35, and sends the synthesized screen to the display device 50. The display device 50 displays this composite screen. The video / audio output unit 36 corresponds to a part of the notification information output unit in the claims. The recording unit 37 stores data decoded by the decoding unit 35 in accordance with a recording instruction from the control unit 32.

1-2. Processing of each device 1-2-1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data string of prize information. As shown in FIG. 4, the data column of the prize information includes “broadcast type”, “broadcast station name”, “broadcast start date / time”, “broadcast end date / time”, “program name”, “present genre”, “present”. Fields such as “product name”, “present image”, “whether it is real-time”, “application method”, “start date and time for sweepstakes application”, “end date and time for sweepstakes application” are included. In the “broadcast type” field, broadcast types such as terrestrial digital broadcast, BS digital broadcast, CS broadcast, FM radio broadcast, and AM radio broadcast are described. In the “Broadcasting station name” field, the broadcasting station name is written. In the “program name” field, the field name of the program is described. In the “broadcast start date” and “broadcast end date” fields, the start time and end time of the program are respectively described. In the “real-time information” field, information on whether or not the prize is a deadline for application in real time (or program broadcast date) during the program broadcast is described. In the “present genre” field, genre information of the present is described. The present name is described in the “present name” field. In the “application method” field, the type of application method of the sweepstakes (for example, mail, telephone, Internet, etc.) is described. In the fields “start date and time of sweepstakes application” and “end date and time of sweepstakes application”, the start date and time and application deadline of the sweepstakes are entered, respectively. In the case of mailing, the date on which the postmark is valid may be described. After the “application method” field, if there are a plurality of application methods, the fields may be sequentially added in a repeated manner for each application method.

  When adding the above-mentioned prize information to EPG information, for example, TYPE-H of EPG information in SI information of terrestrial digital broadcasting or BS digital broadcasting specified by ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Broadcast) is displayed. Therefore, it is preferable to put it in a data part in the form of a program guide or a data part for explaining individual programs. In the case of other broadcasts and other EPG display formats (one-segment broadcasting), it is preferable to include prize information in the text information data for program name and program explanation. In addition, it is preferable that the prize information includes a character string such as a predetermined keyword “prize” or “present” so that a text search can be performed on the broadcast receiving device 30 side. In addition, when describing the application conditions, it is preferable to describe the predetermined condition contents after the character string “application conditions”. It is preferable that the start and end periods of the application be expressed in the same manner.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the broadcast distribution process of the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 shown in FIG.

  START: The control unit 12 starts broadcast distribution processing when the power is turned on or the distribution mode is selected. When the broadcast distribution process is started, the control unit 12 proceeds to the process of step S101.

  Step S101: The control unit 12 refers to the broadcast schedule DB 18 and extracts one program from programs within a transmission period (for example, one week), and determines whether or not the program is a program with a prize. To do. For example, if the extracted program is terrestrial TV, Tokyo BC 2009/1/1 17: 00-19: 00 “Japan 7 Wonders!”, It is determined whether the program is a program with a prize. . Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is the program in the data string of the prize information shown in FIG. When the program extracted with reference to the broadcast schedule DB 18 is a program with a prize (YES in step S101), the control unit 12 proceeds to the process of step S102, and when the program is not a program with a prize (in step S101). If NO, the process proceeds to step S103.

  Step S102: The control unit 12 generates EPG information including prize information. When the prize information is, for example, the data string of FIG. 4, EPG information is generated by adding information on each item such as a present genre, present product name, present image, real time, application method, and prize period. When the process of step S102 is completed, the control unit 12 proceeds to the process of step S104.

  Step S103: The control unit 12 generates EPG information. When the process of step S103 is completed, the control unit 12 proceeds to the process of step S104.

  Step S104: The control unit 12 determines whether or not the presence of prize information is checked for all programs within the transmission period. If the control unit 12 checks for the presence of a prize for all programs within the transmission period (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105. If not checked (NO in step S104), The process returns to step S101.

  Step S105: The control unit 12 multiplexes broadcast content, data broadcast, and EPG information. When the process of step S105 is completed, the control unit 12 proceeds to the process of step S106.

  Step S106: The control unit 12 distributes the broadcast data multiplexed in step S105 and ends the broadcast distribution process (END).

  With such distribution processing, the presence or absence of prize information is included in the EPG information and distributed, so that the viewer can easily know the information announced in the broadcast program. In addition, the notification information is a motivation for viewing a broadcast program, and can contribute to an increase in the audience rating of the broadcast program.

1-2-2. Sweepstakes information display processing of broadcast receiving device 1-2-2-1. Sweepstakes information display processing of broadcast receiving device 1
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 shown in FIG.

  START: The control unit 32 starts a prize information display process when the power is turned on or the display processing mode is selected. When the prize information display process is started, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S131.

  Step S131: The control unit 32 determines whether or not a broadcast program has been started. When the broadcast program is started (YES in step S131), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S132. When the broadcast program is not started (NO in step S131), the control unit 32 performs the determination process of step S131. repeat.

  Step S132: The control unit 32 determines whether or not EPG information including the broadcast start time zone of the broadcast program is received. When the EPG information including the broadcast start time zone of the broadcast program is received (YES in step S132), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S134 and does not receive the EPG information (step S132). No), the process proceeds to step S133.

  Step S133: The control unit 32 receives EPG information including the broadcast start time zone of the broadcast program. When the process of step S133 is completed, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S134.

  Step S134: The control unit 32 refers to the EPG information including the broadcast time zone of the broadcast program, and determines the presence / absence of prize information associated with the program. If there is prize information associated with the program (YES in step S134), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S135, and if there is no prize information (NO in step S134), the control unit 32 should display it. Since there is no prize information, the prize information display process is terminated (END).

  Step S135: In step S134, the control unit 32 outputs that there is a prize information associated with the broadcast program, and ends the prize information display process (END).

  The prize information display process may be performed when a broadcast program reserved for viewing is reproduced.

  With such display processing, it is possible to notify the presence or absence of prize information when a broadcast program starts. Further, it is possible to notify the presence / absence of prize information when playing a broadcast program reserved for viewing. In addition, it is possible to attract interest to a broadcast program by clearly informing the viewer that the program has prize information. That is, it is possible to easily grasp the information notified in the broadcast program and contribute to an increase in the audience rating of the broadcast program.

1-2-2-2. Sweepstakes information display process of broadcast receiving device 2
Next, the prize information display process 2 of the broadcast receiving apparatus will be described. This prize information display process No. 2 is different from the prize information display process No. 1 in that the presence / absence of prize information is displayed when a broadcast program is selected (when a channel is switched). FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus shown in FIG.

  START: The control unit 32 starts the prize information display process when the power of the broadcast receiving device 30 is turned on or the display processing mode is selected. When the prize information display process is started, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S201. The prize information display process may be started when the power of the display device 50 is turned on.

  Step S201: The control unit 32 determines whether or not EPG information is received. If the EPG information has been received (YES in step S201), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S203. If the EPG information has not been received (NO in step S201), the control unit 32 proceeds to step S202. Transition to processing.

  Step S202: The control unit 32 receives EPG information. When the process of step S202 is completed, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S204.

  Step S203: The control unit 32 determines whether there is a prize in the selected broadcast program. Specifically, the control unit 32 determines the presence / absence of prize information associated with the broadcast program from the received EPG information. If there is a prize in the selected broadcast program (YES in step S203), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S204. If there is no prize (NO in step S203), the control unit 32 proceeds to step S205. Transition to processing.

  Step S204: The control unit 32 outputs to the display device 50 that the selected broadcast program and the prize information of the broadcast program are present, and displays that the broadcast program and the broadcast program have a prize. When the process of step S204 is completed, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S206.

  Step S205: The control unit 32 outputs the selected broadcast program to the display device 50 and displays the broadcast program. When the process of step S204 is completed, the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S206.

  Step S206: The control unit 32 determines whether or not a broadcast station 10 different from the currently selected broadcast station 10 has been selected. Specifically, the control unit 32 determines whether or not a different broadcast station 10 is selected based on an input signal from the operation input unit 31. When a broadcast station 10 different from the currently selected broadcast station 10 is selected (YES in step S206), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S203, and the currently selected broadcast station is selected. If a broadcast station 10 different from 10 is not selected (NO in step S206), the determination process in step S206 is repeated.

  With such display processing, the presence or absence of prize information can be notified when a broadcast program is selected. Further, by informing the viewer that the program has sweepstakes information at the time of channel selection, it is possible to attract interest to the broadcast program. That is, it is possible to easily grasp the information notified in the broadcast program and contribute to an increase in the audience rating of the broadcast program.

1-2-2-3. Sweepstakes information display processing of broadcast receiving device 3
Subsequently, the prize information display process 3 of the broadcast receiving apparatus will be described. This prize information display process 3
In addition to the prize information display process 2, the presence / absence of the prize information display is stored, and when the prize information is displayed once within a predetermined time, the prize information is not displayed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus shown in FIG. Note that the same processes as those described in FIG. 7 (START in FIG. 8, steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S205, and S206) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Step S207: When the broadcast station 10 different from the currently selected broadcast station 10 is selected (YES in Step S206), the control unit 32 determines whether there is a prize in the selected broadcast program. Determine whether. Specifically, the control unit 32 determines the presence / absence of prize information associated with the broadcast program from the received EPG information. If there is a prize in the selected broadcast program (YES in step S207), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S208. If there is no prize (NO in step S203), the control unit 32 proceeds to step S205. Transition to processing.

  Step S208: When it is determined that there is a prize in the broadcast program selected in step S207, the control unit 32 further determines whether or not the fact that there is a prize for the broadcast program is displayed within a predetermined time. To do. Here, the predetermined time refers to a time when, for example, switching to another channel within 10 minutes and returning to the original channel, and it is determined whether or not it has been displayed on another past day. It is not a thing. It should be noted that it is set whether to display according to each type of prize information (a product genre, only a prize having a high real-time property, etc.) to be subjected to the determination process whether or not the message is displayed within a predetermined time. May be. When the control unit 32 displays that there is a prize for the broadcast program within a predetermined time (NO in step S208), the control unit 32 proceeds to the process of step S205 and does not display the prize within the predetermined time. In (YES in step S208), the process proceeds to step S204.

  By performing such display processing, when the broadcast program is selected again within a predetermined time, the presence / absence of the prize information is not notified many times. In addition, when displaying a prize, it is possible to set whether or not to display the prize according to the type of prize information, so that it is possible to attract interest to the broadcast program on which the prize is displayed. That is, it is possible to easily grasp the information notified in the broadcast program and contribute to an increase in the audience rating of the broadcast program.

1-3. Prize information display example 1-3-1. Sweepstakes information display screen example 1
FIG. 9 is an example of a prize information display screen displayed on the display device 50 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, a broadcast screen is displayed in the left frame of the display screen, and one prize information currently being broadcast is displayed in the right frame of the display screen.

1-3-2. Sweepstakes information display screen example 2
FIG. 10 is an example of a prize information display screen displayed on the display device 50 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, a broadcast screen is displayed in the left frame of the display screen, and a plurality of prize information currently being broadcast is displayed in the right frame of the display screen.

  As described above, since the information distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention broadcasts including prize information, it is possible to easily grasp a program with a prize. As a result, as a merit on the broadcasting station 10 side, a new viewer for the purpose of a prize can be acquired and the viewing opportunity can be increased. Further, as a merit on the user side, it is possible to easily grasp a program for which a prize is given, so that a program offering a present can be easily found and viewed. In addition, it is possible to easily grasp what kind of present is made in such a program. In addition, by grasping whether or not the program is a real-time sweepstakes program, it is possible to select whether to view the program on the spot or to record and view the program.

1-4. Next, a broadcast transmitting apparatus 11A that is a modification of the first embodiment will be described. Unlike the broadcast transmission apparatus 11 of the first embodiment, the broadcast transmission apparatus 11A does not transmit EPG information including prize information, but generates and sends prize information separately from the EPG information. That is, the prize information creation unit 19 generates prize information by referring to the broadcast schedule DB 18, and multiplexes the generated prize information together with the created prize information at the AUX unit 16A. In the following, the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11A will be mainly described. However, since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the illustration is omitted, and the process on the broadcast receiving apparatus side that receives the prize information separately from the EPG information is described. Since it is the same as the processing of the broadcast receiving apparatus in a modification of the second embodiment to be described later, the description here is omitted. In addition, since the screen displayed on the display device 50 from the broadcast receiving apparatus in the modification of the first embodiment is the same display as that in FIGS. 9 and 10, the illustration and description thereof are also omitted.

1-4-2. Process of Broadcast Transmission Device FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the broadcast distribution process of the broadcast transmission device 11A. Note that it is assumed that the program information stored in the broadcast schedule DB 18 is associated with the prize information announced in the program.

  START: The controller 12A starts the broadcast distribution process when the power is turned on or the distribution mode is selected. Control part 12A will transfer to processing of Step S111, if broadcast distribution processing is started.

  Step S111: The control unit 12A refers to the broadcast schedule DB 18 and determines whether or not prize information is included in the program information. If the prize information is included in the program information (YES in step S111), the control unit 12A proceeds to the process of step S112, and if the prize information is not included in the program information (NO in step S111). In step S113, the process proceeds to step S113.

  Step S112: The control unit 12A generates prize information. When the process of step S112 is completed, the control unit 12A proceeds to the process of step S114.

  Step S113: The control unit 12A multiplexes broadcast content, data broadcast, and EPG information. When the process of step S113 is completed, the control unit 12A proceeds to the process of step S116.

  Step S114: The control unit 12A determines whether or not the presence of prize information has been checked for all programs within the transmission period. If the control unit 12 checks the presence or absence of a prize for all the programs within the transmission period (YES in step S114), the process proceeds to step S115. If not checked (NO in step S114), The process returns to step S111.

  Step S115: The control unit 12A multiplexes broadcast content, data broadcast, EPG information, and prize information. The prize information and the EPG information can be specified by collating with “broadcast start date / time”, “broadcast end date / time”, “program name”, etc. included in each other's information. When the process of step S115 is completed, the control unit 12A proceeds to the process of step S116.

  Step S116: The control unit 12A sends out the broadcast data multiplexed in step S113 or step S115 and ends the broadcast distribution process (END).

  With such a distribution process, in addition to the effects of the broadcast transmission apparatus 11 of the first embodiment described above, the presence or absence of a prize in the program is not confirmed in the EPG information generation stage, or the EPG Even if it is desired to add prize information after the information is created, it can be multiplexed with broadcast data and distributed to the broadcast receiving apparatus 30A. Further, even if the prize information cannot be included in the EPG information for reasons other than the above, it can be multiplexed with broadcast data and distributed to the broadcast receiving apparatus 30A.

2. Overall Configuration of Information Distribution System 1A (Example 2) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an information distribution system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 12 is different from the information distribution system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the broadcast station 10, the broadcast station server 70, and the broadcast receiving device 30A can communicate via the IP communication network 100. It has become. The broadcast station 10 transmits broadcast programs, data broadcasts, and EPG information using broadcast waves. The broadcast station server 70 transmits EPG information and the like via the IP communication network 100. The broadcast station server 70 may be included in the broadcast station 10 or may exist separately and independently. The broadcast station server 70 may transmit content data such as a unique program unique to the Internet, a still image, sound, and a moving image. Further, the broadcast station server 70 may transmit content data such as a unique program linked with a program of the broadcast station, a still image, sound, and a moving image. The receiving device 30 receives a broadcast wave from a broadcast station, and displays the received program, outputs audio, and outputs EPG information. The broadcast receiving device 30 is, for example, a TV broadcast or radio broadcast receiver. The broadcast receiving apparatus 30 may have a recording and recording function. In addition, it receives content from the broadcast station server 70, and enables display, audio output, data output, and the like. In FIG. 12, one broadcast station server 70 and two broadcast receivers 30A are illustrated. However, the information distribution system 1A includes a plurality of broadcast station servers 70 and three or more broadcast receivers 30A. Also good.

2-1. Explanation of each part 2-1-1. Configuration of Broadcast Receiving Device FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the broadcast receiving device 30A shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the broadcast receiving apparatus 30A includes an operation input unit 31, a control unit 32, a tuner 33, a DEMUX unit 34, a decoding unit 35, a video / audio output unit 36, a recording unit 37, a network connection unit 38, and network information. The decoding unit 39 and the user information storage unit 40 are the main components. Here, the control unit 32 includes, for example, a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and reads various programs stored in a recording unit, a ROM, and the like into the RAM, and cooperates with various arithmetic processes. Information processing performed by the function of each unit of the broadcast receiving device 30A can be realized. The same functions (operation input unit 31, control unit 32, tuner 33, DEMUX unit 34, decoding unit 35, video / audio output unit 36, recording unit 37) as those of the broadcast receiving apparatus 30A of the first embodiment are the same. The reference numerals are attached and the description is omitted.

  The network connection unit 38 is a communication interface that communicates with the broadcast station server 70 via the IP communication network 100. The network connection unit 38 receives data from the network connection unit 81 (see FIG. 14) of the broadcast station server 70 and sends the data to the network information decoding unit 39. The network connection unit 38 corresponds to a part of the output processing start determination unit and a part of the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit.

  The network information decoding unit 39 decodes the data received from the network connection unit 38 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 32 and supplies the data to the recording unit 37. The data supplied to the recording unit 37 is supplied to the video / audio output unit 36 and then output to the display device 50 and / or the audio reproduction device 60. The user information storage unit 40 stores user information for using the information distribution system 1A. The network information decoding unit 39 corresponds to a part of the notification information output unit in the claims.

2-1-2. Configuration of Broadcast Station Server FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the broadcast station server 70 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the broadcast station server 70 includes a control unit 71, a content stream creation unit 72, a distribution request reception unit 73, a user information management unit 74, a content data distribution unit 75, an EPG information creation unit 76, and a server broadcast EPG. The information creation unit 77, content DB 78, broadcast schedule DB 79, prize product information DB 80, and network connection unit 81 are the main components. Note that the broadcast station server 70 corresponds to the information distribution apparatus described in the claims.

  Here, information realized by the functions of the content stream creating unit 72, the distribution request receiving unit 73, the user information managing unit 74, the content data distributing unit 75, the EPG information creating unit 76, and the server broadcast EPG information creating unit 77 described above. The processing is realized by the control unit 71 that controls the entire broadcasting station server 70 executing in cooperation with hardware resources. Specifically, the control unit 71 includes a CPU, which is a hardware resource (not shown), and the CPU reads various programs stored in a ROM (not shown) into the RAM (not shown) and executes them in cooperation. It is realized by doing. The content DB 78, the broadcast schedule DB 79, and the prize product information DB 80 described above are stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the storage unit includes, for example, an HDD or a flash memory. The description of the same function (content stream creation unit 72) as that of the broadcast transmission apparatus 30 of the first embodiment is omitted.

  The distribution request receiving unit 73 has a function of receiving a prize information distribution request from the broadcast receiving device 30A. Specifically, the content, EPG information, and server broadcast EPG information requested from the broadcast receiving device 30A are provided.

  The user information management unit 74 has a function of obtaining a predetermined input item when a user connected to the broadcasting station server 70 is not registered and newly registering as a user of the information distribution system 1A. Yes. Specifically, the user information management unit 74 displays a user registration screen on the display of the connected broadcast receiving device 30A or the display device 50 connected to the broadcast receiving device 30A, and inputs predetermined items. Then, a process of storing the input items in a storage unit (not shown) is performed.

  In addition, the user information management unit 74 has a function of determining whether or not the user connected to the broadcast station server 70 is a user who can use the information distribution system 1A properly. Specifically, the user information management unit 74 displays a user authentication screen on the display of the connected broadcast receiving device 30A or the display device 50 connected to the broadcast receiving device 30A, and is input to the authentication screen. User authentication processing by collating items (for example, user ID and password input by the user) with items (such as the user ID set in advance by the user) stored in a storage unit (not shown) I do. The user information management unit 74 constructs an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server as a user authentication server separately from the broadcasting station server 70, and performs each process of the user information management unit 74 described above in the LDAP server. It may be realized. The user information management unit 74 manages user information. Specifically, the user ID and the viewing area of the user are registered, and EPG information of an appropriate broadcasting area corresponding to the viewing area can be provided to the user who has requested.

  The content data distribution unit 75 has a function of distributing content related to the broadcast data or other content via the IP communication network 100, unlike the broadcast data transmitted by the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 using broadcast waves.

  The EPG information creation unit 76 creates EPG information based on the broadcast schedule DB 79 and the prize product information DB 80. The broadcast schedule DB 79 stores program information of broadcast waves (television broadcast, radio broadcast, etc.) and is used to create EPG information. The broadcast schedule DB 79 basically includes data equivalent to the broadcast schedule DB 18 of the broadcast transmitting apparatus 11 according to the first embodiment, but stores more detailed information. The prize product information DB 80 stores prize information in advance. As shown in the data shown in FIGS. 15, 17, and 18, the prize information is broadcast type of broadcast program, broadcasting station, program name, start / end time, real-time application, and application deadline information. Application information is recorded. These are used to create EPG information, and the EPG information includes prize information and is transmitted in response to a request from the broadcast receiving device 30A.

  The server broadcast EPG information creation unit 77 creates EPG data of content related to a broadcast program when content in a content DB 78 described later is content related to the broadcast program. If there is a prize information related to this content, EPG data for server broadcasting including the prize information is created.

  Various contents are stored in the content DB 78. Content stored in the content DB 78 stores program-linked content, content that can be accessed even after the end of broadcasting, content that is not limited to an area, and the like. Specific examples of content include still images, moving images, and audio. These pieces of information are described in markup languages such as XML (extensible Markup Language) and BML (Broadcast Markup Language). By using such a markup language, compatibility with the IP communication network 100 is achieved. The property can be improved.

2-2. Processing of each device 2-2-1. Next, the prize information distribution process performed by the broadcast station server 70 will be described. The broadcast station server 70 adds prize information to the EPG information and performs transmission processing on the broadcast receiving apparatus 30A.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a data string of EPG information including prize information transmitted from the broadcast station server 70 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the data string of EPG information includes “broadcast type”, “broadcast station name”, “broadcast start date / time”, “broadcast end date / time”, “program name”, “display format”, “audio”. “Form”, “Genre”, “Performer”, “Director”, “Production company”, “Program contents”, “Present”, “Real time”, “Application method”, “Application date for sweepstakes application”, “Sweep prize” This field includes fields such as “application end date and time”, “present genre”, and “present product name”. Of the EPG information shown in FIG. 15, “present”, “whether or not it is real time”, “application method”, “price application start date / time”, “price application end date / time”, “present genre”, “present product name” "Is inserted as prize information.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the EPG information transmission process of the broadcast station server 70 shown in FIG. This EPG information transmission process distributes EPG information including the presence or absence of prize information. Note that the same processing as the processing in FIG. 5 (START in FIG. 16, processing in steps S101, S102, S103, and S104) is assigned the same step number, and description thereof is omitted.

  Step S107: When the presence / absence check of the prize information is completed for all the programs within the period to be transmitted in Step S104, the control unit 71 generates EPG information including all the programs within the period to be transmitted. When the process of step S107 is completed, the control unit 71 of the broadcast station server 70 proceeds to the process of step S108.

  Step S108: The control unit 71 determines a transmission request for EPG information. The control unit 71 of the broadcast station server 70 repeats the determination process of step S108 if there is a transmission request for EPG information (YES in step S108), and if not (NO in step S108).

  Step S109: The control unit 71 transmits the EPG information and ends the EPG information transmission process (END).

  With such transmission processing, the presence or absence of prize information is included in the EPG information and distributed, so that the viewer can easily know the information announced in the broadcast program. Further, based on the transmission request from the broadcast receiving device 30A, the EPG information having the presence / absence of the prize information is distributed from the broadcast station server 70 using the IP communication network 100. Unlike the distribution process using broadcast waves, it is possible to distribute EPG information having presence / absence of prize information based on a viewer's distribution request. That is, the user's request can be reflected.

2-2-2. The prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus 30A is the same as the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 of the first embodiment, so illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  By using such display processing, it is possible to easily know the presence / absence of a prize for a program being broadcast and detailed prize information. Moreover, such information becomes a motivation for viewing a broadcast program, and can contribute to an increase in the audience rating of the broadcast program.

  As described above, since the information distribution system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention broadcasts including the prize information, the program with the prize can be easily grasped. As a result, as a merit on the broadcasting station 10 side, a new viewer for the purpose of a prize can be acquired and the viewing opportunity can be increased. Further, as a merit on the user side, it is possible to easily grasp a program for which a prize is given from the EPG information, so that a program providing a present can be easily found and viewed. In addition, it is possible to easily grasp what kind of present is made in such a program. In addition, by grasping whether or not the program is a real-time sweepstakes program, it is possible to select whether to view the program on the spot or to record and view the program.

2-3. Next, a broadcast distribution system 1B that is a modification of the above-described second embodiment will be described. Unlike the broadcast station server 70 of the second embodiment, the broadcast station server 70B, which is a modified example of the broadcast station server 70 described below, does not transmit the prize information in the EPG information, and the prize is separate from the EPG information. Information is generated and transmitted. Also, in the broadcast receiving device 30B as a modification of the broadcast receiving device 30A described below, unlike the broadcast receiving device 30A of the second embodiment, the EPG information is not received in a state where the prize information is included. Information and sweepstakes information are received separately.

2-3-1. Configuration of Broadcasting Station Server Unlike the broadcasting station server 70 of the second embodiment, the broadcasting station server 70B does not transmit the prize information in the EPG information, and generates and sends prize information separately from the EPG information. Is. In other words, in addition to the configuration of the broadcast station server 70 shown in FIG. The prize information creating unit 82 refers to the broadcast schedule DB 79 and generates prize information. The generated prize information is multiplexed by the MUX unit 16 and transmitted as broadcast data. Except for the prize information creation unit 82, the broadcasting station server 70 is the same as that shown in FIG.

2-3-2. Configuration of Broadcast Receiving Device Unlike the broadcast receiving device 30A of the second embodiment, the broadcast receiving device 30B does not transmit the EPG information including the prize information, and the prize information is generated and multiplexed separately from the EPG information. Broadcast data is received. However, since the broadcast receiving apparatus 30B in this modification has the same configuration as the broadcast receiving apparatus 30A shown in FIG. 14, illustration and description thereof are omitted. In addition, since the example of a screen displayed on the display apparatus 50 connected with the broadcast receiving apparatus 30B is the same as what was demonstrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, description of the example of a screen display is abbreviate | omitted. Since the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving device 30B is different, it will be described later.

2-3-3. Next, the distribution process of the broadcast station server 70B will be described. The broadcast station server 70B can add content linked to the broadcast program together with the prize information. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data string distributed from the broadcast station server 70B, which is a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. The data sequence shown in FIG. 17 includes information (content fields from broadcast type to program name) related to content transmitted by broadcast waves, content linked to the content (fields of linked content 1 and linked content 2), It is composed of a data string of prize information relating to the content (whether it is real-time to each field from the present product name). By transmitting as such a data string, it becomes possible to distribute the content linked to the prize information of the broadcast program.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a data string distributed from the broadcasting station server 70B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The data sequence shown in FIG. 18 is related to content transmitted by broadcast waves (each field from broadcast type to program name), content linked to the content (each field of linked content 1 and linked content 2), It consists of a data string of sweepstakes information related to linked content (whether it is real-time to each field from the present product name). As a result, content linked to the program can be distributed, and prize information of the linked content can be distributed.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a modification of the EPG information transmission process shown in FIG. In this modification, only prize information is created and transmitted.

  START: The control unit 71 starts a prize information transmission process when the power is turned on or the transmission mode is selected. When starting the prize information transmission process, the controller 71 proceeds to the process of step S121.

  Step S121: The control unit 71 determines whether or not there is a program with prize information. If the program has the prize information (YES in step S121), the control unit 71 proceeds to the process of step S122. If the program does not have the prize information (NO in step S121), the control unit 71 proceeds to the process of step S123. Transition.

  Step S122: The control unit 71 generates prize information. When the process of step S122 is completed, the control unit 71 proceeds to the process of step S123.

  Step S123: The control unit 71 checks whether or not there is a prize for all programs within the transmission period. If the control unit 71 checks the presence or absence of a prize for all the programs within the transmission period (YES in step S123), the control unit 71 proceeds to the process of step S124. If not checked (NO in step S123), The process returns to step S121.

  Step S124: The control unit 71 creates all prize information included in the transmission period. When the process of step S124 is completed, the control unit 71 proceeds to the process of step S125.

  Step S125: The control unit 71 determines whether or not there is a prize information transmission request. If there is a prize information transmission request (YES in step S125), the control unit 71 proceeds to the process of step S126. If there is no prize information transmission request (NO in step S125), the prize information transmission is performed. The process is terminated (END).

  Step S126: The control unit 71 transmits all prize information included in the transmission period, and ends the prize information transmission process (END).

  With such a transmission process, only the prize information can be transmitted independently of the EPG information.

2-3-4. Next, a prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus 30B will be described. Since it is the same as the prize information display process of the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted. However, since the prize information and the EPG information of the broadcast program are created separately, it is necessary for the broadcast receiving apparatus 30 to check the prize information and the EPG information. When collating, for example, the collation can be performed by matching the broadcast start date / time, broadcast end date / time, broadcast station name, broadcast program name, and the like.

  By performing such display processing, it is possible to display the prize information even when only the prize information is transmitted from the broadcasting station server 70.

3. Other Embodiments The information distribution system 1 or 1A has been described as an embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Is possible.

  For example, when a program that must be applied in real time is reserved for recording, a pop-up screen asking whether to switch to viewing reservation may be displayed.

  In addition, when there is a program with a present in the EPG information from the broadcast station server 70, the broadcast receiving devices 30, 30A, 30B perform OSD (On Screen Display) display on the EPG information from the broadcast wave. May be.

  In addition, a program with a sweepstakes broadcasted in one day from the present may be displayed together with a sweepstakes name. The content of the prize in that case may be hidden on the broadcast station server 70 side or may be understood.

  Further, the presence / absence of prize information may be notified by voice. Or you may make it notify the presence or absence of prize information during the broadcast of a broadcast wave program. Specifically, prize information may be flown as a telop in the screen.

  Also, the broadcast receiving devices 30, 30 </ b> A, 30 </ b> B may perform application for a prize, notification of a lottery result, etc. through two-way communication with the broadcast station server 70 through the IP communication network 100.

  Further, the EPG information itself may be browsed on the web without being transmitted as content data by the broadcast station server 70.

  Further, all or some of the functions of the respective parts described in the information distribution system 1A according to each embodiment described above may be configured by a program, and this program may be installed in an information processing apparatus (computer). Specifically, it can be a program for functioning as a computer. The program can be directly installed on a computer from a medium recorded in an executable state, but it may be installed on a remote computer via a network.

1, 1A information distribution system, 10 broadcast station, 11 broadcast transmission device (broadcast distribution device), 12 control unit, 13 content stream creation unit, 14 EPG information creation unit, 15 data broadcast creation unit, 16 MUX unit, 17 for broadcasting Content 17 DB, 17 Broadcast content 18 Broadcast schedule DB, 19 Data broadcast content DB, 30, 30A, 30B Broadcast receiving device (information receiving device), 31 Operation input unit, 32 Control unit (part of output processing start determination unit) , Part of notification information presence / absence confirmation unit, part of notification information output unit), 33 tuner, 34 DEMUX unit, 35 decoding unit, 36 video / audio output unit (part of notification information output unit), 37 recording unit, 38 Network connection unit, 39 network information decoding unit, 40 user information storage unit, 50 display device, 0 audio playback device, 70 broadcast station server (broadcast delivery device), 71 control unit, 72 content stream creation unit, 73 delivery request reception unit, 74 user information management unit, 75 content data delivery unit, 76 EPG information creation unit, 77 EPG information creation unit for server broadcast, 78 content DB, 79 broadcast schedule DB, 80 sweepstakes product information DB, 81 network connection unit

Claims (9)

An output process start determination unit that determines whether or not the content output process has started;
In the output process start determination unit, a notification information presence confirmation unit that confirms the presence or absence of specific notification information related to the content determined that the output process has started,
A notification information output unit that outputs information indicating that there is the notification information and / or information related to the notification information when the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit determines that there is the notification information;
An information receiving apparatus comprising: The information receiving device according to claim 1,
The content is a broadcast program superimposed on a broadcast wave transmitted from a broadcast station,
The specific notification information related to the content is information related to a sweepstakes announced in the broadcast program,
The information receiving apparatus, wherein the information related to the prize is transmitted to the information receiving apparatus via a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station or a communication means other than the broadcast wave. In the information receiving device according to claim 1 or 2,
A storage unit for storing output information of specific notification information regarding the content;
The notification information output unit refers to the storage unit and outputs that there is specific notification information regarding the content when the specific notification information regarding the content is not output for a predetermined period. Information receiving device. In the information receiving device according to claim 1 to 3,
An operation input unit for switching the content;
The output processing start determination unit
When the content is switched by the operation input unit, it is determined that the output processing of the switched content is started,
The notification information presence confirmation unit
Check for any specific notification information about the above switched content,
The notification information output unit
When the content switched by the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit determines that there is the notification information, the fact that there is specific notification information notified by the switched content and / or is related to the notification information An information receiving apparatus that outputs information. In the information receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The output processing start determination unit
It is determined whether or not output processing has been started for the content for which viewing reservation has been made in advance,
The notification information presence confirmation unit
Check the presence or absence of the specific notification information related to the content that has been determined that the output processing has been started by the output processing start determination unit,
The notification information output unit
When the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit determines that there is specific notification information, the information reception device outputs that there is specific notification information and / or information related to the notification information . An output process start determination step for determining whether or not the content output process has started; and
In the output process start determination step, notification information presence / absence confirmation step for confirming the presence / absence of specific notification information related to the content determined to have started the output process;
A notification information output step for outputting information indicating that there is the notification information and / or information related to the notification information when it is determined in the notification information presence / absence confirmation step;
An information receiving method characterized by comprising:   Whether the computer has output processing start determination means for determining whether or not content output processing has been started, and whether or not there is specific notification information regarding the content for which output processing has been determined by the output processing start determination means. Notification information presence / absence confirmation means to be confirmed, and notification information output means for outputting the information related to the notification information and / or the notification information when the notification information presence / absence confirmation means determines that there is the notification information; Information receiving program to function as   The information and the delivery schedule information of the content are provided to the information receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the notification information included in the delivery schedule information information An information distribution apparatus that provides prize information of the content. A content distribution apparatus that provides content and distribution schedule information of the content;
The output process start determination unit that determines whether or not the content output process has started and the output process start determination unit check whether or not there is specific notification information related to the content that has been determined that the output process has started. A notification information presence / absence confirmation unit; and a notification information output unit that outputs information indicating that there is the notification information and / or information related to the notification information when the notification information presence / absence confirmation unit determines that the notification information is present. An information receiving device comprising at least
An information distribution system comprising:

Images