JPH06132918A - Process and apparatus for virtual interaction between information medium and individual - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To realize pseudo interaction or virtual interaction requiring no previous nor auxiliary information interchange. CONSTITUTION: A periodic sequence of numbers arranged in accordance with pseudo random logic is generated by utilizing a generator 1. Then an inputted series of data are converted into a sequence of numbers which can be interpreted by comparing the data with a series of information of the periodic pseudo random sequence and the series of data thus converted are interpreted by comparing the data with the periodic pseudo random sequence. The interpreted results are reproduced as a percept signal. In addition, the data inputted to the generator 1 to generate the pseudo random sequence are constituted of time stamp data and the user also inputs a code into an electronic terminal box.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual who can perform virtual mutual communication between a television station and a viewer, for example.
The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for performing.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The term "virtual interaction" as used in the present invention refers to an apparent interaction rather than a real one. This is because information exchange between the two units in which this pseudo interaction is performed does not actually occur.

Utilizing various commonly used information media, let the viewer (reader), listener, audience or television viewer of the information media create an interaction with the information media. A lot of such plans are gradually being seen. To provide any interest, such interactions must be able to determine, confirm, and modify the answers, results, and other choices of users participating in the project and test. . This has the advantage of interaction where various tests and games can be performed and the results of the tests and games can be viewed in real time using television or radio broadcasts as the information medium. This is especially true in the case of interaction games.

However, since the actual interaction necessarily involves the exchange of information between the information medium and the user,
The cost for this is irreplaceably high, regardless of the device or means for realizing such interaction.

A number of processes have been proposed in the past to achieve the actual interaction with the user and the information medium, in particular television broadcasting. For example, it has been proposed to use a cable-connected terminal box (boitier) that can send the user's answers to the broadcast planning station in real time.

In document FR-A2 626 731, a television station sends a signal, but
Can receive undecipherable signals-a signal for remote transmission to the electronic device (user's electronic device) of parameters specific to the game or other test proposed within the framework of a particular broadcast It has been proposed to use an electronic device to realize a virtual interaction between a user and an information medium, devising a connection between a television receiver and said electronic device. This connection can be of various nature, such as optical, acoustic, or electronic.
With this special device, as the broadcast progresses, the interaction between the user and the information medium is taken into account so that the user can enter the proposed answers or choices using the keys of the device. Can be created, and these answers and choices are user-controlled (locally controlled).

However, this method of interaction is difficult, expensive, and cumbersome to implement,
Rarely used. In fact, this method requires the installation of an appropriate coding mechanism in the user's terminal box and the installation of the receiver and decoder.

For this reason, pseudo-interactions or virtual interactions have been proposed, where the interaction appears to the user to be real, but does not require any prior or incidental information exchange for the interaction. This process is described in French patent application no. 90.1246
3 are described.

This process has the following contents. -Using a generator built into the electronic circuit of the electronic terminal box, create a periodic digit sequence according to the pseudo-random theory. This periodic sequence of digits represents a series of information that the user cannot access, depending on the data input to the generator in the electronic circuit. -The user inputs a series of data into the terminal box using the data input mechanism combined with the terminal box. -Converting this sequence of data into a sequence of numbers that can be interpreted and compared with a sequence of information in a periodic sequence of numbers. Interpret the series of data thus transformed in an electronic circuit. -Then in the terminal box, the result of this interpretation is reproduced as a perceptual signal.

In this way, the same pseudo-generation algorithm (algorithm) is used for all terminal boxes.
ithme de psedo-generation) allows broadcast directors or information media editors to foresee all types of possible interactions. Its large variety is the result of seeding almost pseudo-random generators.

One application of this process consists of inputting the date, ie, the start time of the broadcast, for example, as seeding. Such a method can be realized by incorporating a clock into the electronic terminal box. However, regardless of the accuracy of such watches, at least 20 ppm (20/100
However, a time shift of about 10 minutes per year due to quartz may cause a problem because it may interfere with a time slice unit used as a seed (date, time, etc.). In fact, when time stamping is the seeding source for a given broadcast, there is a large time lag, even if the functional intervals are relatively large, and what the broadcast planner originally planned. It can be seen that different pseudo-random sequences occur, disrupting the interaction between the user and the broadcaster. Further, if the time-stamped data is used as a seed, it is impossible to adjust the deviation of the broadcast program.

Furthermore, if the seeding of the pseudo-random generator consists of time-stamping data that is valid for a relatively long time period, eg one day, then multiple interaction sequences during that time period. It is desirable to be able to realize. However, such a result cannot be achieved by the process described in the above patent application.

In short, in order to make the reliability of these interactive games as high as possible, it is required to limit and eliminate the deviation of the pseudo interactive process. In fact, the user of the process creates a series of sequences that can be input into the petitioner's above-mentioned French patent application with a random number of codes for the purpose of circumventing the broadcast-medium and analysis. It describes what you can do.

These various conditions are described in the above-mentioned French Patent No. It emphasizes the limited applicability of the process described in 90.12463. in short,
Certain application methods require management of the time phase between the action on the information medium and the time event regulated by the generator of the terminal box.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention allows multiple interactions per day without risking process hijacking or diversion, and also adjusts for broadcast program offsets. , Furthermore, if necessary, by eliminating all the malfunctions inherent to the time lag of the internal clock, which enables the synchronous progress of broadcasting,
The purpose is to temporarily alleviate these various inconveniences.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the process of the present invention, a generator built into an electronic terminal box is used to create a periodic sequence arranged according to the pseudo-random theory. This periodic sequence depends on the data input to the generator and represents a set of information that the user cannot access. -The user utilizes the data input mechanism to input the interaction, in particular the code that drives the broadcast, into the terminal box. -The user inputs a series of data to the terminal box using the data input mechanism. -Converting a series of data input by the user into a sequence that can be periodically compared and interpreted with a sequence of information in a sequence. Interpret the series of data thus transformed in an electronic circuit. -Finally, at the terminal box, the result of this interpretation is reproduced as a perceptual signal.

Features of the process of the invention: The data input to the generator for generating the pseudo-random sequence consists of time stamp data corresponding to a sufficiently large time slicing (eg one day), Prompt for the occurrence of a given predetermined pseudo-random sequence for a period corresponding to the variation of the time stamping seed, for example a time equal to one day.

-The user further utilizes the data input mechanism to input a predetermined code into the terminal box, and among the pseudo-random sequences, predetermined interactions within the framework of a particular broadcast. Prompts for the selection of a particular sub-sequence that represents the morphology.

In this way, in consideration of the time shift, it is required by utilizing a seed composed of time-stamped data, which drives data of a relatively long period, for example, one day. It becomes free from the limiting condition, and as a result, the number of interaction modes in the same cycle is limited to one. It also frees you from the risk of bypassing the process. This is because the detour only accepts certain codes that are valid for the period.
The code therefore changes every cycle, for example daily.

In an advantageous implementation of the process, this code consists of two separate signals: -The first signal, which consists of so-called seeds, alone or in combination with the time stamp data, to generate a pseudo-random sequence indicating the parameters of the broadcast in question-Valid confirmation of the sequence thus generated However, it is desirable to eliminate any risks of process detours in this way, a second signal that can embody the interaction. In fact, the second part of this signal automatically validates the correct code according to the well-known mathematical laws of electronic terminal boxes, but discards the other codes entirely.

Furthermore, this implementation can enrich pseudo-random generation by joint seeding. In general, the code may partially contain any type of information that may affect the functionality of the terminal box.

Another form of the process according to the invention which has many advantages-standard for working on information carriers and for applications which require the management of the time phase between the time events regulated by the generator of the terminal box. According to this variant, the interaction is not initiated unless directed by the sync signal. This signal has the function of signaling the start of the clock inside the terminal box. The clock serves as a time base for coordinating the progress of the information medium and the action exerted on the time circumstances regulated by the generator. This procedure perfectly synchronizes the function of the terminal box with the broadcasting of the information medium.

In the case of a particularly advantageous realization according to the invention, synchronization is carried out automatically by signals carried by Hertz or radio waves and received by an electronic terminal box equipped with suitable sensors.

In another implementation of the invention, the synchronization is performed by the user, for example by means of a push button of the electronic terminal box.

In another implementation of the invention, the sync "pulse" (top) is determined by inputting the code into the terminal box. The present invention further comprises
It is targeted at devices for realizing this process.

[0026]

The generator is used to create a periodic sequence arranged according to the pseudo-random theory. Next, the input series of data is converted into a sequence that can be compared with and interpreted by a series of information of a periodic pseudo-random sequence, and the series of data thus transformed is converted into a periodic pseudo-sequence. Interpret in comparison with a random sequence. The result of this interpretation is reproduced as a perceptual signal. Furthermore, the data input to the generator to generate the pseudo-random sequence consists of time stamp data. The user also inputs the code into the electronic terminal box.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A method for implementing the invention and the merits derived therefrom are described in the following non-limiting implementation examples by way of example, with reference to the accompanying FIG. Will be better understood by reading.

Although the explanation is made in relation to the information medium constituted by the television broadcasting by the television receiver,
It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to this implementation only, and that any other information medium of this kind, such as radio broadcasts, telematic terminals, etc., is also within the scope of the invention. That's a good thing.

Within the framework of the invention, the electronic terminal box used by the television viewer is equipped with a microcontroller, inside which a series of periodic signals, in particular:
A generator function (1) for generating a sequence according to a predetermined sequence is incorporated. More specifically, this generator produces an algorithm common to all terminal boxes utilized by each television viewer. In order to confirm the fluctuation of the periodic sequence, it is necessary to input into the generator (1) initialization data called a seed, which is capable of starting the generator and sending out the sequence. Of course, for a given seed, a series of generators (1) of the same device or terminal box must deliver the same sequence, in particular the same periodic sequence.

This sequence corresponds to a series of coded information and indicates a predetermined number of elements forming a part of the virtual interaction function described later. This seed, whose contents can be changed, is specifically composed of a numerical value or number displayed on the TV screen, more precisely, a time stamp information corresponding to the functional time or date of the terminal box. . This time stamping can be sent directly from the time (2) built into the microcontroller of the electronic terminal box.

This time stamp seed can be combined with a seed that the user inputs as a code, according to one of the features of the present invention. In this way, the electronic terminal box and the key (3) with which the user inputs data are combined.

The time-stamped data is, for example,
The date is common to all electronic terminal boxes and causes the generator (1) to generate a pseudo-random sequence based on an algorithm well known to television broadcasters.
The broadcaster planner can also perform an initialization seed-in this case, any kind of game, test, etc. that knows the date of the broadcast program and is only valid for that day.

Also, at the start of the target broadcast, the moderator inputs the target date into the terminal box using the key and specifies the target date determined by the pseudo-random sequence generated from the time stamp data. Indicate a specific code to compare with the broadcast code.

In this way, if the correspondence is confirmed,
Broadcasting can proceed with interactive features. On the contrary, if the correspondence is not confirmed, the user is given a predetermined number of trials, and eventually the user is refused to participate for a predetermined time.

Considering that the time of interest, eg the occurrence of a particular code of the day's broadcast, is indexed into the time stamp data, the code will change daily. Therefore, bypassing the interaction process becomes extremely difficult. In another particularly advantageous realization of the invention, the code that the user inputs on the basis of the moderator's suggestion is itself composed of two pieces of information. : The initial information is combined with time stamp data to facilitate the generation of pseudo-random sequences that correspond not only to the determined broadcast but also to the parameters of the characteristics of the given broadcast.

The second information corresponds to the electronic key for confirming the validity of the code, for example, by the well-known mathematical law of the terminal box, as in the above case. In this way, the number of interactions during the effective time of the basic pseudo-random sequence is optimized. In the case of applications requiring strict and perfect synchronization between the function of the terminal box and the broadcasting of the information carrier, a synchronization mechanism is combined with the terminal box according to one of the features of the invention. This synchronization mechanism consists of a simple push button built into the electronic terminal box and can be activated by the user, for example, when instructed by the TV broadcaster.

In another realization of the invention,
This sync pulse is automatically transmitted to the terminal box by means of a carrier wave, for example a Hertz signal, a radio wave or an infrared signal. The electronic terminal box is therefore provided with a suitable receiver capable of transmitting the sync pulse to the electronic circuit. Alternatively, a terminal box equipped with a microphone can also be checked for a melody or "short music" (jingle) prior to the broadcast. Similarly, it is also possible to send this pulse as an electronic signal and design the terminal box to be electrically connected to the television receiver.

This synchronization "pulse" can also consist of a simple code that the user inputs using the key (3). After performing this synchronization, the time t0 at the start of interaction is defined. The game or test (or analog) thus starts and the user uses the key 3 as a data input mechanism, i.e. an answer input mechanism. further,
Specifically, the information that is input is a sequence that can be clearly typed by the television viewer using the keys and translated by the microcontroller, e.g. a sequence of the same number as the sequence of periodic sequences used. Be transferred as. In short, by such a conversion, the judgment / inspection section 4 can interpret (compare) a series of information input by the user and reproduce the test or game result on the liquid crystal screen 5 incorporated in the terminal box. . Such playback can thus be done directly in real time, without depending on the actual interaction between the television broadcast and the user's terminal box.

Moreover, pseudo-random sequences are available, and thus the number of pseudo-interactions can be increased to almost infinity. It is sufficient for the broadcast planner to adopt the questions and answers based on the time the broadcast was planned and the knowledge of the generator's algorithm. The television viewer himself is unaware of this virtual interaction since the test and game results can be obtained immediately or at the end of the broadcast, depending on the type of game proposed. It is the seed that is input to the generator that determines the set of good results that should be input during broadcast, and the question is of course the seed of initializing the generator and the broadcast planner's knowledge of the algorithms it manages. different.

In this way, the need to utilize electrical, optical or acoustic transmission systems, as described above, by avoiding the historical transmission of information, in particular broadcast game and test parameters, There is a need to generate coded information at high speed.

A practical application of the process according to the invention will be described later. Television viewers own a whistle that incorporates the electronic circuitry described above. That is, the electronic terminal box is composed of a so-called whistle. On the TV receiver, the film progresses and the car driver makes a circuit between the settlements and commits a violation.
Television viewers are required to blow a whistle and signal each time the driver commits a violation. Blowing this whistle is not only for its purely perceptual aspect, but also for comparison with the pseudo-random sequence that occurs after the sync pulse resulting, for example, from entering a valid verification code for the pseudo-random sequence into the terminal box. An input signal is generated which is interpreted by the electronic circuit as data input by the television viewer. If the whistle is blown correctly, the whistle can be combined with a liquid crystal screen that embodies the sound of the correct whistle. At the end of the game, it can also be planned to materialize the various answer records of the TV viewer.

Various time intervals for separating two consecutive answers are defined in advance by pseudo-random generation and used by the broadcast planner. The process according to the invention makes it possible to realize virtual interactions in this way, the method of realization being simplified by the organizational synchronization that can be planned. This process is suitable for any interactive system, especially for those systems where the interactive medium is a television or radio broadcast.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the interaction between the television and the viewer, a plurality of interactions can be performed in one day without risking hijacking or detouring of the process. It is possible to realize the above, adjust the deviation of the broadcast program, and further enable the synchronous progress of the broadcast as required.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols] 1 Generator function 2 Time clock 3 Keys 4 Judgment / inspection section

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A process for performing a virtual interaction between an electronic terminal box provided on a user side, which is composed of an electronic circuit and a data input mechanism, and an information medium composed of television broadcasting or radio broadcasting, Utilizing a generator built into the electronic circuit,
Creating a periodic sequence arranged according to the pseudo-random theory in the electronic terminal box, the periodic sequence depending on the data input to the generator, and showing a series of information that the user cannot access; The process of inputting a code for advancing broadcasting to the terminal box by using the data input mechanism, the process of inputting a series of data to the terminal box by using the data input mechanism, and the process of inputting by this process A process of converting a series of data into a sequence that can be interpreted by comparing it with a series of information of a periodic sequence, and comparing the series of data thus transformed with a periodic pseudo-random sequence into an electronic circuit In the process of interpreting in the terminal box, The data input to the generator for generating the pseudo-random sequence is composed of time stamp data, and the time corresponding to the fluctuation of the time stamp data is included. During the process, a code is input to the electronic terminal box by using the process of prompting the generation of an effective predetermined pseudo-random sequence and the data input mechanism on the user side, and a specific broadcast of the pseudo-random sequence is selected. A process of performing a virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual, which comprises the step of promoting the selection of a specific sub-sequence showing a predetermined interaction form within a frame. 2. The data input from the data input mechanism comprises: (a) a so-called seed, which alone or in combination with the time stamp data represents a pseudo-random sequence indicating the parameters of the target broadcast. 2. A first signal to be generated, and (b) a second signal capable of validating the sequence thus generated and embodying the interaction. The process of virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual. 3. A virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a pseudo-random sequence capable of initiating an interaction does not occur unless directed by a synchronization signal. The process to do. 4. Information carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that the synchronization is carried automatically by means of signals carried by Hertz or radio waves and received by an electronic terminal box equipped with suitable sensors. Process of virtual interaction of. 5. A process for performing a virtual interaction of an information medium with an individual according to claim 3, wherein the synchronization signal is input using a push button incorporated in the terminal box. 6. The process of virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual according to claim 3, wherein the synchronization signal is determined by a code input to the user-side terminal box. 7. A device for use in the process according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a microcontroller managing an algorithm capable of generating a pseudo-random sequence periodic answer from a pre-input seed. A data input mechanism connected to the microcontroller and capable of inputting data to the microcontroller; a perceptual playback mechanism combined with the microcontroller; a power supply capable of operating the terminal box; a television or radio. A sensor capable of receiving a radio signal, a Hertz signal or an infrared signal transmitted from the information medium, and an interface for converting the received signal into a signal which can be interpreted by an electronic circuit of a terminal box. What to do An apparatus for performing virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual. 8. A device for use in the process of claim 5, comprising a microcontroller managing an algorithm capable of creating a periodic pseudo-random number sequence, the microcontroller being connected to the microcontroller and providing data to the microcontroller. A data input mechanism capable of inputting data, a liquid crystal screen capable of visually reproducing information, a power supply capable of operating the terminal box, and a synchronization signal used by an electronic circuit of the terminal box. A device for performing a virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual, which is provided with a push button for embodying as an electric signal that can be generated. 9. The electronic terminal box is composed of a whistle, and the data input mechanism is also composed of a whistle, and by activating the whistle, an electric signal forming one of the input data is transmitted. 9. An apparatus for performing virtual interaction between an information medium and an individual according to claim 7 or 8.