JPH09114781A - Terminal equipment, receiving method, server, transmitting method transmitter-receiver and transmitting/receiving method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To serve minor information in a comparatively free form without disturbing the operation of a subscriber by detecting the use state of a transmission line for transmitting main information. SOLUTION: When a terminal equipment 19 is connected with a prescribed IP via a LAN and a network, etc., the CPU 41a of a main control part 41 refers to the output signal of a line monitoring part via a sub-control part 46 and decides the congestion status of the line between the IP and the terminal equipment 19. Since the transfer of main information is not performed when the line is not congested, the CPU 41a decides whether an empty area exists in the buffer secured on a RAM 41c or not. When the empty area exists in the buffer, the CPU 41a performs a transfer request so as to transfer advertisement data to a server via a modem part 53. The server receiving this transfer request transfers the advertisement according to the taste of a subscriber to the terminal equipment 19 of the subscriber performing the transfer request.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a terminal device, a receiving method, a server, a transmitting method, a transmitting / receiving device, and a transmitting / receiving method, and more particularly to a terminal device, a receiving method, a server, which exchanges main information and subsidiary information. The present invention relates to a transmission method, a transmission / reception device, and a transmission / reception method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional information and services (hereinafter referred to as
In a system for providing an information service as appropriate, a provider who provides an information service, for example, provides information (secondary information) for advertising a product as main information of the service (main information; hereinafter referred to as service). (It is called information) and often provided to viewers.

For example, in television broadcasting, which is a unidirectional information service providing system, commercials (secondary information) are inserted between programs (main information) or in a part of the programs to advertise products. . Also, some TV broadcasts and F
In the character broadcasting seen in the M radio broadcasting, character data added to the broadcast radio wave is reproduced by a receiving device on the viewer side so that information such as a message can be transmitted.

In addition, in the Internet, which is an interactive information system that has been booming in recent years due to the introduction of the WWW (World Wide Web) system, for example, a browser.
It is possible to interactively acquire information from the provider using software called.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of the Internet. In this figure, IP (Informati
on Provider) 10 is a unique IP (Internet Protocol)
Network (Internet) with address 11
It is a server (information source) that provides information to the. Also, an AP (Access Provider) 12 provides a connection service for connecting the terminal device 14 owned by the subscriber to the network 11 via a telephone line 13 or a dedicated line (not shown), and information provision. We provide services. Network 1 connecting IP10 and AP12
1 transmits information by the packet method.

Next, an operation when data communication is performed between the server and the terminal device 14 will be described.

The terminal device 14 connects to the desired IP10,
In order to access a predetermined file (data), it is first necessary to connect to the AP 12 via the telephone line 13. Therefore, the terminal device 14 sends A to the telephone line 13.
The telephone number of P12 is output. As a result, the terminal device 14
The telephone line 13 between the AP and the AP 12 is closed.

Next, the terminal device 14 is connected to the desired IP 10 by transmitting the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the file desired to be accessed. As a result, communication between them becomes possible.

At this time, the AP 12 also assigns an IP address to the terminal device 14.

It is now assumed that the terminal device 14 and the IP 10 (server) are connected. At this time, the server supplies information (file data) to the terminal device 14. Advertisements are also included in this information.

FIG. 33 is a display example of information sent from the server. In this display example, the advertisement of the APPLE company (trade name) is displayed in the center of the screen so as to be inserted into the service information (database search menu). In this example, as shown by the display of "Click here to find out more", by designating this portion with a pointing device or the like, more detailed advertisement information can be obtained.

When the subscriber inputs "SONY" (trademark) as a search item in the database, this keyword is transferred to the server. The server searches the database or the like for information corresponding to this keyword, adds an advertisement to this information, and transfers it to the terminal device.

FIG. 34 is an example of a display of information retrieval results. In this display example, information on search results for the keyword "SONY" is displayed, and the advertisement "Winkler McManus" (trademark) is displayed at the top of the screen.

[0014]

Among the above-mentioned information service providing systems, unidirectional information providing systems such as TV broadcasting and FM broadcasting, and secondary information is forcibly inserted between main information, A viewer who does not need such secondary information has a problem that it feels annoying.

Further, in these unidirectional information providing systems, since the same subsidiary information is provided to many viewers, an information service that reflects the individuality and taste of each viewer is provided. There was a problem that it was difficult.

Further, in an interactive information providing system such as the Internet, since the secondary information is transmitted together with the main information, the amount of information increases by the amount of the secondary information, and as a result, the main information There was a problem that the transmission speed decreased.

Furthermore, the secondary information is displayed on the screen as being inserted in the main information. Therefore, there is a problem that not only the display format of the secondary information is restricted due to the relationship with the main information, but conversely, the display format of the main information is restricted due to the relationship with the secondary information. It was

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and provides the secondary information reflecting the individuality and taste of the subscriber in a relatively free format and prevents the subscriber's operation. It is possible to provide so as not to become.

[0019]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal device for detecting the usage status of a transmission path for transmitting main information between a first receiving means for receiving main information and a server. No. 1 detecting means and requesting means for requesting the server to transfer subsidiary information different from the main information according to the detection output from the first detecting means, and subsidiary information transferred by the server in response to the transfer request. And a second receiving means for receiving.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the receiving method receives the main information, detects the use status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the server, and detects a sub-state different from the main information according to the detection result. It is characterized in that a transfer request for secondary information is sent to the server, and the secondary information transferred by the server is received in response to the transfer request.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server comprising: a first transmitting means for transmitting main information, a detecting means for detecting a use condition of a transmission path for transmitting main information between the terminal device, and the detecting means. Requesting means for making a reception request to the terminal device according to the detected output, and second transmitting means for transmitting subsidiary information different from the main information when the terminal device is in the receiving state by the reception request. It is characterized by being provided.

According to the transmission method of claim 8, the main information is transmitted, the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the terminal device is detected, and a reception request is issued to the terminal device according to the detection result. And when the terminal device enters the receiving state in response to the reception request, the secondary information different from the main information is transmitted.

According to another aspect of the transmission / reception apparatus of the present invention, the server detects the first transmission means for transmitting the main information and the first transmission request for the secondary information different from the main information from the terminal device. The terminal device includes a detection unit and a second transmission unit that transmits the secondary information according to the detection output of the first detection unit, and the terminal device includes the first reception unit that receives the main information, the server, and the server. Second detecting means for detecting the use status of the transmission path for transmitting main information between the two, and requesting means for making a request to transfer the secondary information to the server in accordance with the detection output from the second detecting means. , Second receiving means for receiving the secondary information transferred by the server in response to the transfer request.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting / receiving device, the server detects the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information between the first transmitting means for transmitting the main information and the terminal device. Detecting means, requesting means for making a reception request to the terminal device according to the detection output of the first detecting means, and subsidiary information different from the main information when the terminal device is in the receiving state by the receiving request. And a second transmitting means for transmitting the second information, and the terminal device has a first receiving means for receiving the main information and a second receiving means for detecting a reception request for the secondary information from the server.
And a second receiving means for receiving the subsidiary information from the server according to the detection output from the second detecting means.

In the transmission / reception method according to the eleventh aspect, the server transmits the main information, detects a transfer request of the secondary information different from the main information from the terminal device, and detects the secondary information according to the detection result. The terminal device receives the main information, detects the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the server, and requests the server to transfer the secondary information according to the detection result. And receiving the subsidiary information transferred by the server in response to the transfer request.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the transmitting / receiving method, the server transmits the main information, detects the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to / from the terminal device, and according to the detection result,
When a reception request is made to the terminal device, and when the terminal device enters the reception state due to the reception request, subsidiary information different from the main information is transmitted, the terminal device receives the main information, and the subsidiary information from the server is received. It is characterized in that a request for receiving the target information is detected, and the subsidiary information is received from the server according to the detection result.

In the terminal device according to the first aspect, the first receiving means receives the main information, and the first detecting means detects the use status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the server. , The requesting means requests the server to transfer the secondary information different from the main information according to the detection output from the first detecting means, and receives the secondary information to be transferred by the server in response to the second request. Means to receive.

In the receiving method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the use status of the transmission path for receiving the main information and transmitting the main information to the server is detected, and the main information differs from the main information according to the detection result. A secondary information transfer request is sent to the server, and the secondary information transferred by the server is received in response to the transfer request.

In the server according to claim 7, the first transmitting means transmits the main information, and the detecting means detects the use status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the terminal device,
In response to the detection output of the detection means, the requesting means makes a reception request to the terminal device, and when the reception request causes the terminal device to enter the receiving state, the second transmission means transmits the secondary information different from the main information. Send.

In the transmission method according to the eighth aspect, the main information is transmitted, the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the terminal device is detected, and the terminal device receives it according to the detection result. When a request is made and the terminal device is in the reception state by the reception request, subsidiary information different from the main information is transmitted.

In the transmitting / receiving device according to claim 9,
In the server, the first transmitting unit transmits the main information, the first detecting unit detects a transfer request of the subsidiary information different from the main information from the terminal device, and outputs the detected output of the first detecting unit. In response, the second transmitting means transmits the secondary information, the terminal device receives the main information by the first receiving means, and the terminal device indicates the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to the server. The second detecting means detects, and according to the detection output from the second detecting means,
The requesting means makes a request to transfer the subsidiary information to the server, and the second receiving means receives the subsidiary information transferred by the server in response to the transfer request.

In the transmission / reception device according to the tenth aspect, the server firstly detects the use status of the transmission path in which the first transmission means transmits the main information and the main device transmits the main information. The requesting means makes a reception request to the terminal device in response to the detection output of the first detecting means and the terminal device is in the receiving state according to the reception request. The second transmitting means transmits the information, the terminal device receives the main information by the first receiving means, the second detecting means detects the request for receiving the subsidiary information from the server, and the second detecting means transmits the second information. The second receiving unit receives the subsidiary information from the server according to the detection output from the detecting unit.

In the transmission / reception method according to the eleventh aspect, the server transmits the main information, detects a transfer request of the secondary information different from the main information from the terminal device, and detects the sub information in accordance with the detection result. The terminal device receives the main information, transmits the secondary information, detects the usage status of the transmission path that transmits the primary information to and from the server, and transfers the secondary information to the server according to the detection result. Make a request and receive the side information transferred by the server in response to the transfer request.

In the transmission / reception method according to the twelfth aspect, the server transmits the main information, detects the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the terminal device, and, according to the detection result, the terminal When a reception request is made to the terminal device and the terminal device enters the reception state by the reception request, the terminal device transmits subsidiary information different from the main information, and the terminal device receives the main information and receives the subsidiary information from the server. The information reception request is detected, and the subsidiary information is received from the server according to the detection result.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship of the Internet according to the present invention. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 32 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 1, IP1
5, dedicated line 16, LAN (Local Area Network) 17,
An internal line 18 and a terminal device 19 are added.
Like the IP10, the IP15 is designed to provide information to each subscriber. The LAN 17 is, for example, a local network installed in the company. The IP 15 also functions as a server in the LAN 17, and is configured to connect the terminal devices 19 of each employee to each other via the internal line 18 or to connect to the external network (Internet) 11. The IP 15 and the LAN 17 are connected by a dedicated line 16.

In this specification, the main information is
It means the main service information provided by IP10, 15 and AP12, and the side information is also I
It should be added in advance that it means information provided by P10, 15 and AP12, such as product advertisements, messages, news, and weather forecasts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server according to the present invention. The server 20 constitutes a part of devices such as the IPs 10 and 15 and the AP 12 shown in FIG. In this figure, the control unit 21 (requesting means, first detecting means) is a central processing unit (CPU; Centr).
al Processing Unit) 21a, ROM (Read Only Memor)
y) 21b, RAM (Random Access Memory) 21c, IF
(Interface) 21d, etc., and is configured to control each part of the apparatus.

The main information database 22 is, for example,
It stores various information that subscribers can search and information (main information) such as e-mail. Further, the advertisement database 23 stores, for example, advertisement information of various products and information such as messages sent from the server side to each subscriber. The advertisement database unit 23 also stores personal information such as service usage history of each subscriber. The network unit 24 (first transmission unit, second transmission unit) divides the data output from the control unit 21 into packets of an appropriate size, sends the packets to the network 11, and sends the packets on the network 11 together. Is converted into original data and supplied to the control unit 21. The control unit 2 of this server 20
1 controls by a procedure described in software called server software (WWW server).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device according to the present invention. This terminal device 19 is connected to the network 11 via the telephone line 13 and the internal line 18.
Information can be acquired from the desired IP 10, 15 or AP 12 connected above. In this figure, the main control unit 41 (requesting means, second detecting means)
Is configured to control each part of the device and perform predetermined calculations. The main control unit 41 includes a CPU 41a and a ROM
41b (constituted by EP-ROM, EE-PROM, etc.), R
In addition to the AM 41c (comprised of D-RAM and the like; storage means) and the like, it is constituted by a decoder 41d that decodes information input from peripheral devices, a timer 41e, an expansion slot I / F 41f, and the like. The expansion slots 42 and 43 are inserted into the expansion slot I / F 41f, and these can be replaced according to the purpose of use. Also, serial I
The / Fs 44 and 45 are adapted to exchange serial data with external peripheral devices (not shown).
The main control unit 41 performs control based on the processing procedure described in the above-mentioned software called a browser (WWW browser).

The sub-control unit 46 is adapted to perform auxiliary control. The sub control unit 46 includes a CPU 46a,
In addition to ROM46b and RAM46c, RTC (Real Time C
lock; second detecting means) 46d and the like. The input panel 49 (input means) is designed to be operated when the subscriber inputs, and is arranged on a part of the housing of the terminal device 19 (for example, a front panel or the like). The information input from the input panel 49 is supplied to the sub controller 46 via the panel I / F 50.

The remote commander 90 (input means) is operated when the subscriber inputs position information, and the input position information is converted into infrared rays and transmitted. There is. The infrared rays sent from the remote commander 90 are received by the receiving unit 47 and then supplied to the sub-control unit 46 via the remote commander I / F 48. Further, the power supply unit 52 is configured to supply electric power to each unit of the apparatus, and is turned on and off by the sub control unit 46.

The modem section 53 (first receiving means, second receiving means) comprises a modulation / demodulation section 53a and a line I / F 53b. The modulation / demodulation unit 53a is configured to mutually convert (modulate / demodulate) a digital signal inside the terminal device 19 and an analog signal on the telephone line 13 or the internal line 18. The line I / F 53b is an interface for inputting / outputting information to / from the telephone line 13 and the internal line 18. The telephone set 70 is connected to the modem section 53 and can be used as an ordinary telephone set. In addition, the telephone set (not shown) can be used as a microphone to input the voice of the subscriber to the terminal device 19. There is.

The audio section 54 is a PCM (Pulse Code).
Modulation) Coding unit (PCM encoder, PC
54a and an analog switch 54b, and transmits / receives an audio signal to / from an external audio device. The PCM coding unit 54a is configured to encode (encode) an analog signal into a PCM signal and, conversely, decode the PCM signal into an analog signal. The analog switch 54b is configured to select a target for inputting / outputting information. For example, the input target can be selected from the telephone line 13 (internal line 18), the telephone 70, audio input, and the like. Also,
The output target is the telephone line 13 (internal line 18),
It can be selected from the telephone 70, audio output, and the like.

The video section 55 (output section) is a V-RAM (V
video random access memory) controller 55a, V-RAM
55b and a video overlay 55c. The video signal is output to the television receiver 80, and the video signal is input from the outside. The V-RAM 55b is configured to store the image data expanded into a bit image, and is composed of a plurality of pages for storing a plurality of images. The V-RAM control unit 55a is configured to select any one of a plurality of pages of the V-RAM 55b and perform reading and writing processing on this page.
The video overlay 55c superimposes, for example, a video signal input from the outside with image data stored in the V-RAM 55b, and converts the resulting image signal into an NTSC (National Television System Committee) signal. , And is output to the television receiver 80.

The line monitoring unit 200 is an IP 10 or IP
The state of congestion of the line is detected based on the rate of packets flowing between the terminal 15 and the terminal device 19 for a certain period of time, the number of packets waiting to be transferred from the IP10 or IP15, and the like.

Main control unit 41, sub control unit 46, modem unit 5
3 and the audio unit 54 are connected to each other via a bus 57. In addition, the main control unit 41 and the video unit 55
Are interconnected via a bus 58.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the terminal device (set top box) 19 shown in FIG. 3 and the television receiver 80. The terminal device 19 has a telephone line 13
It is connected to the (internal line 18) and is also connected to the television receiver 80 via the signal line 59. The remote commander 90 is a pen-type pointing device 1
The position information designated by 00 is converted into infrared rays and transmitted to the terminal device 19.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of the remote commander 90. When an arbitrary point on the tablet 90a is designated by the pen-type pointing device 100 and the button 101 is pressed, the position information of the designated point is converted into a predetermined infrared signal and transmitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote commander 90. This remote commander 90
An electromagnetic induction system (electromagnetic transfer function system) manufactured by WACOM (trade name) can be used as the above. That is, the tablet 90a is configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave upward and at the same time receive a reflected wave reflected by the pointing device 100. Detection circuit 9
1 indicates the tablet 90a of the pointing device 100 from the reflected wave received by the tablet 90a.
The upper position P (x, y) is detected and a detection signal is output. The transmission module 92 includes a detection circuit 9
The position information detected by 1 is converted into a predetermined signal and supplied to the IR (Infrared Ray) light emitting section 93. The IR light emitting section 93 converts the signal supplied from the transmitting module 92 into infrared rays and transmits the infrared rays. The battery 94 is adapted to supply electric power to each part of the remote commander 90. The power supply circuit 95 is
The output voltage of the battery 94 is stabilized.
The power supply is turned on and off by the power switch 96.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the process of displaying an advertisement in the embodiment of FIG. First, the processing of this flowchart will be described, and then the flowchart will be described in more detail using a specific example. In the following processing, the terminal device 19
A case where communication is performed with the IP10 and the network 11 via N17 and IP15 will be described.

The processing shown in FIG. 7 is started when the WWW browser connects to a predetermined IP (WWW server) via the network 11. First, the CPU 41 a of the main control unit 41 causes the line monitoring unit 2 to operate via the sub control unit 46.
The output signal of 00 (first detection means, second detection means) is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the line between the IP 15 and the terminal device 19 is congested (step S11). If it is determined that the line is not congested (NO), the main information is not being transferred at that time.
It is determined whether or not the buffer secured on M41c has a free area (step S12). If the CPU 41a determines that there is a free area in the buffer (YES),
Via the modem unit 53, the server 20 (IP1
0), the transfer request is made to transfer the advertisement data.

It should be noted that the judgment criteria for determining whether or not the line is congested in step S11 differ from device to device, so it is necessary to determine an optimum value for each device.

CP of server 20 receiving this transfer request
The U 21a refers to the usage history stored in the advertisement database 23, and acquires an advertisement that matches the taste of the subscriber from the advertisement database 23. This ad data is
It is supplied to the network unit 24 via the control unit 21 and transferred to the terminal device 19 of the subscriber who has requested the transfer.

If the requested transfer size of the advertisement data is too large, the line is occupied for the transfer of the advertisement data for a long time, which hinders the transfer of main information. Therefore, the transfer size should not be too large. To do. It is more efficient to set the transfer size larger than the minimum packet size. This is because if the transfer size is smaller than the minimum size of the packet, the packet is transferred together with the dummy data and the like, and the transfer efficiency is reduced.

The time required to transfer the advertisement data is
For example, 0.5 so as not to disturb the operation of the subscriber.
It is desirable to keep it to about [seconds]. Therefore, for example, if the maximum data transfer rate of the line is 3 [kilobytes / second], the transfer size specifies about 1.5 [kilobytes] as the transfer size.

Further, as the transfer size, for example, 10
When a considerably large size such as 0 [kilobytes] is designated, it is conceivable that the line between the IP 10 and the terminal device 19 is congested for data transfer. Therefore, in this case, the IP 10 controls the transmission amount of packets transmitted between them to prevent unnecessary congestion.

The advertisement data sent from the server 20 in response to the transfer request in step S13 is received by the modem section 53 of the terminal device 19, further demodulated into digital data by the modulation / demodulation section 53a, and then sent to the main control section 41. Supplied. The CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 sequentially stores this data in the buffer area secured in the RAM 41c (step S14). When the transfer is completed, the CPU 41a determines whether or not to end the program (step S15), and when it is determined not to end (NO), returns to step S11 and repeats the same processing. When it is determined that the process is to be ended (YES), the process is ended (end).

In step S11, the CPU 41a
However, if it is determined that the line is busy (YES),
In step S16, it is determined whether the advertisement is currently displayed. When the advertisement is not displayed (NO), the process proceeds to step S18, and a new advertisement is displayed. That is, the fact that the line is congested means that, for example, the terminal device 19 is currently importing data from the server, and new input cannot be made until the import is completed. Therefore, displaying the advertisement does not hinder the operation. When the advertisement is already being displayed, the sub control unit 46
The RTC 46d is referred to and it is determined whether or not the previous advertisement has been displayed for a predetermined time set in advance, for example, 10 seconds (step S16). If it is determined that no display has been made for 10 seconds (NO), the process returns to step S11 and the same processing is repeated. When it is determined that the advertisement has been displayed for 10 seconds (YES), the process proceeds to step S18, and a new advertisement display process is performed.

That is, the CPU 41a carries out step S1.
The new advertisement data stored in the buffer area on the RAM 41c is read by the processing of No. 4 and subjected to predetermined expansion processing to be converted into bit image data, and then transferred to the video section 55.

The video section 55 stores this bit image data in the page designated by the V-RAM control section 55a. This bit image is a video overlay 55c
The bit images (images of the main information) stored in other pages are superposed as necessary,
It is supplied to the television receiver 80. As a result, a new advertisement will be displayed on the screen (step S1).
8). Subsequently, the CPU 41a clears the previous advertisement data stored in the buffer and displayed for 10 seconds (step S19), and proceeds to step S15. The process of step S15 has been described above, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the above processing will be described using a specific example.

FIG. 8 is a display example of the main menu screen of the WWW browser of the terminal device 19. In this example, eight selection items (“mail service”, “traffic information”, “news”, “shopping”, “TV program guide”, “weather”, “hobby”, “internet”) are displayed.

FIG. 9 shows the main menu of FIG.
It is a menu screen (local menu) displayed when “Internet” is selected from the selection items. In this selection item, from the IP 15 to which the terminal device 19 is currently connected, another I on the network 11 is selected.
Processing for changing the connection to P is performed. In this display example, "Sony (trademark) Drive
e ”,“ NTT (service mark) ”,“ Cyber ”
Publishing Japan "," Other "4
Two choices are displayed.

Next, if the subscriber selects "NTT" from the local menu shown in FIG. 9 by the remote commander 90 or the like, this information is transmitted from the sub processing unit 46 to the IP 15 via the modem unit 53. It In this example,
The server 20 (IP10) that provides NTT information is connected to the external network 11. Therefore, I
The P15 calls the IP10 that provides the NTT information via the network 11 and secures a line between the IP10 and the IP10. When the line is secured, the IP 10 transfers the main information to the terminal device 19 of the subscriber via the network 11, the IP 15, and the LAN 17.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen (NTT homepage) displayed first when the main information is transferred in this manner. In this display example, "Japan Window" and "What's New in Japan"
Two selection items are displayed.

On this screen, when the operation (drag operation) of moving the cursor from the inside of the window in which the main information is displayed to the outside while pressing the button 101 of the pointing device 100, as shown in FIG. , The control panel is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
When the button representing the "house" on the left end of the control panel is pressed (designated by the cursor and the button 101 is pressed), the main menu shown in FIG. 8 is returned to. Two triangles (navigation buttons) pointing to the left and right are displayed next to it, and further to the right is the URL of the server (file) that the subscriber has connected up to now, which is stored in the RAM 41c as connection history. (Uniform Resource Locat
or) is displayed. When the navigation button of the arrow pointing to the left is pressed, the URL of the previous server in the connection history is displayed in a small window, the URL is accessed, and the home page is displayed on the control panel. Also, if you press the navigation button of the arrow pointing to the right, the following URL will be displayed in a small window and you can access it.
The home page will be displayed. Since the navigation button is not operated now, the URL of the currently connected NTT server 20 is "http: // w.
ww. ntt. jp ”is displayed.

Assuming that the subscriber is in the process of considering the items to be selected, the terminal device 19 is waiting for the input from the subscriber. Not transmitted. At this time, if the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed, the CPU 41a of the terminal device 19
The output of the line monitoring unit 200 is referred to via the sub control unit 46 to detect that the line is not congested. As a result,
The CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 determines that the line is not crowded (NO in step S11), and subsequently determines whether or not there is a free area in the buffer (step S1).
2).

If it is determined that there is a free area in the buffer (YES), the CPU 41a determines that the IP10 (server 2
0) request for transfer of advertisement data (step S1)
3). As a result, the advertisement data is transferred from the server 20, the terminal device 19 stores this data in the buffer (step S14), and ends the processing (end).

If "new arrival information of Japan" is selected by the remote commander 90 on the menu screen of the NTT home page shown in FIG. 10, information indicating that this item is selected is transferred to the server 20. Then, the server 20 sends the main information regarding this item to the terminal device 19
Forward to

While the main information is being transferred, FIG.
If the process shown in is executed again, the CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 has a busy line (step S11).
And YES). At this time, since the advertisement is not displayed (NO in step S16), the process proceeds to step S18, and the new advertisement stored in the buffer by the processing of step S14 is displayed. Then, step S19
Proceed to and clear the previous displayed advertisement data stored in the buffer. Now, since only the advertisement data currently being displayed is stored in the buffer and the advertisement data that has been displayed (data that was previously displayed) does not exist, the clearing process is not actually performed, and step S
Proceed to 15. Then, the program ends (YES)
If it is determined that the process is completed (end), the process is continued (N
If it is determined to be O), the process returns to step S11 and the same processing is performed.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the advertisement displayed on the screen during the transfer of the main information. This display example is an advertisement of a CD shop, and the recommended CD is displayed by referring to the purchase history of the CD that the subscriber has purchased using "shopping" shown in the menu of FIG. There is. In this example, by operating the graphic button displayed on the screen with the remote commander 90 or the like, the CD
You can listen to or buy a CD.

When the transfer of the main information from the IP 10 is completed, the main information is transferred to the video section 55 after being subjected to necessary processing in the main control section 41. Video part 5
In 5, the main information is stored in a page different from the page in which the image data of the advertisement is stored. And
In response to a command from the main control unit 41, the display page (image output to the television receiver 80) is changed from the page in which the advertisement is stored to the page in which the main information is stored. As a result, the main information newly transferred from the IP 10 is displayed on the television receiver 80.

FIG. 13 shows a display example of the main information displayed as a result of the above processing. In this display example, information about the Great Hanshin Earthquake is shown as the new arrival information of Japan.

FIG. 14 shows a control panel displayed when the above-mentioned drag operation is performed on the screen shown in FIG.

Now, assuming that the subscriber is reading the information displayed on the screen, the information is not exchanged between the server 20 and the terminal device 19 at this time, so that the information is shown in FIG. When the process is executed again, new advertisement information will be transferred from the server 20.

Now, after the subscriber has finished reading the new arrival information in Japan and has performed a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the button 101 twice), the subscriber returns to the local menu on the Internet shown in FIG. 9 and clicks "Sony Drive". Suppose you have selected. Then, this "Sony Drive" is the IP
Since the information is provided by 15, the connection destination is changed from the previously connected NTT IP10 to IP15. When the change of connection is completed, the IP 15 (server 20) starts transferring the main information to the terminal device 19.

FIG. 15 shows a display example of an advertisement displayed when the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed during this transfer. In this example, information about musicians is displayed.

When the transfer process of the main information is completed, FIG.
The home page of "Sony Drive" shown in is displayed. In this display example, the latest MD (Min
i Disc) Product information and MD software are introduced.

FIG. 17 shows a display example when the control panel is displayed by performing the above-mentioned drag operation on the screen of FIG.

When the subscriber performs an operation involving the transfer of data from the server 20 on this screen, a new advertisement will be displayed when the processing of FIG. 7 is executed. FIG. 18 is an example of the newly displayed advertisement. In this display example, an album of musicians is displayed.

According to the advertisement display processing described above, since the advertisement data (secondary information) is transferred when the line is not congested, the transfer of service information (main information) is delayed. Never. Moreover, since the advertisement is displayed during the period in which the main information is transferred from the server side (while waiting for the processing), the main information is displayed as shown in FIGS. 12, 15, and 18. Screen (page)
You can use the entire range of pages other than to display ads. Therefore, the advertisement can be displayed in a relatively free format, and the display format of the main information is not restricted.

In the above description, the advertisement is displayed on a page different from the main information, but other display methods will be described below.

FIG. 19 shows a display example in which the main information and the advertisement are displayed in different windows within the same page.
In such a display format, since each window is reduced, it may be difficult to distinguish characters and the like. However, since the main information and the advertisement can be displayed at the same time, for example, after the item on the menu is selected, it is possible to perform a process of canceling (cancelling) the item. Further, in this display example, only one type of advertisement is displayed, but it is possible to display a plurality of advertisements at the same time.

FIG. 20 is a display example in which an advertisement is displayed in a part of the window in which the main information is displayed. This display example has the same display format as the conventional display example. However, in the conventional example, the advertisement data is inserted and transferred in the main information, whereas in this example, since the advertisement data is transferred when the line is not congested, the transfer of the main information is delayed. Never.

In the above example, only the advertisement is displayed. However, for example, information (additional information) such as news and weather forecast and advertisement are displayed in combination to draw the attention of the subscriber. Moreover, the advertising effect can be further improved. An example of such a display is shown in FIG. In this display example, an advertisement of a precious metal store (“You can purchase precious metals inside and outside precious metals.”) Is displayed along with the news that the price of gold has risen sharply (“gold prices have risen significantly”). It can be expected to improve the effect. In addition,
In this example, the advertisement and the additional information are displayed at the same time, but only the additional information such as news and messages is displayed first, and when the subscriber becomes interested, the advertisement is triggered by a predetermined input. The information may be displayed subsequently. Of course, only the additional information may be displayed alone.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart for explaining a process for displaying an advertisement every predetermined time. In this display process, the advertisement is displayed for 2 seconds every 3 minutes regardless of the congestion status of the line. When this process is executed, the CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 determines whether or not 3 minutes have elapsed since the immediately preceding advertisement was displayed (step S31). If it is determined that the time has not passed (NO), it is determined whether the line is congested (step S32). If it is determined that the line is busy (YES), the process returns to step S31 and the same processing is repeated. If it is determined that the line is not crowded (NO), the process proceeds to step S33. Note that steps S33 to S35 are steps S12 to S in FIG.
Since it is the same as that of 14, the description of these processes is omitted.

In step S31, the CPU 41a
However, if it is determined that 3 minutes have passed since the previous advertisement was displayed (YES), the new advertisement stored in the buffer is displayed (step S37). Then, it is determined whether or not 2 seconds have passed since the advertisement was displayed (step S38), and if it is determined that it has not passed (NO),
Returning to step S38, the same processing is repeated. If it is determined that 2 seconds have elapsed (YES), the previous advertisement data stored in the buffer is cleared (step S39),
It proceeds to step S36. Then, it is determined whether to continue the program (step S36). If it is determined to end the program (YES), the processing is ended (end), and if it is determined not to end the program (NO),
Returning to step S31, the same processing is repeated.

According to the above processing, since the advertisement is displayed every predetermined time, the advertisement can be surely displayed regardless of the line congestion situation.

In the above process, the advertisement is displayed only every 2 minutes for 2 seconds. However, the advertisement is displayed on a part of the screen and a new advertisement is displayed every predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes). May be updated to.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining a process of displaying an advertisement on the screen when an input from the subscriber is not made for a predetermined time or longer. In this process, the advertisement is displayed when there is substantially no input from the subscriber for three minutes or more (when the subscriber is waiting for the next process to be performed or resting). There is. When this processing is executed, the CPU 41a causes the RTC of the sub control unit 46 to
46d, refer to the remote commander 90 and the input panel 4
From 9, it is determined whether or not there is no input for 3 minutes or more (step S51). When it is determined that the state of no input continues for 3 minutes or more (NO), the CPU 41a
Proceeds to the process of step S52. Note that step S5
The processing from 2 to step S55 is the same as step S3 in FIG.
Since it is the same as steps 2 to S35, description thereof will be omitted.

In step S51, the CPU 41a
However, there is no input for more than 3 minutes (YES)
If the CPU 41a determines that the new advertisement is stored in the buffer, the CPU 41a displays the new advertisement on the television receiver 80 (step S57). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the subscriber has made an input (step S58), and if it is determined that no input has been made (NO), a step S5.
Returning to step 8, the same processing is repeated until an input is made.
If it is determined that the input has been made (YES), the CPU 41a
Determines whether to clear the previous advertisement data stored in the buffer and terminate the program (step S56). If it is determined to end the program (YES), the process is completed (end), and if it is determined to continue (NO), the process returns to step S51 and the same process is repeated.

According to the above processing, when there is no input from the subscriber for 3 minutes or more, for example, not only when the program is being downloaded (Down Load) from the server 20, but also when the program is being uploaded (Up Load). Even when there is an advertisement, it becomes possible to display the advertisement. In addition to this, for example, an advertisement can be displayed even when serial data is exchanged with a peripheral device. Note that FIG.
In the above process, the same advertisement is displayed until the subscriber makes an input, but it may be updated to a new advertisement every minute, for example.

In the above embodiment, the subscriber side terminal device 1
Although the line monitoring unit 200 is provided in 9 and the subsidiary information is transferred according to this output, the same processing can be performed by providing the line monitoring unit in the server 20 side.

In FIG. 24, the line monitoring unit 200 is provided in the server 20.
It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure at the time of equipping (a detection means and a 1st detection means). In this figure,
The same parts as those in FIG.

In this figure, the line monitoring unit 200 detects whether the line between the server 20 and the terminal device 19 shown in FIG. 3 is crowded, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 21. Has been done. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining an example of advertisement data transfer processing in the server 20 shown in FIG. When this processing is executed, first, the control unit 21
CPU 21a refers to the output of the line monitoring unit 200,
It is determined whether the line is busy (step S7).
1). If it is determined that the line is busy (YES), the process returns to step S71 and the same processing is repeated. If it is determined that the line is not congested (NO), the CPU 21a
Transfers a command meaning a request for receiving advertisement data to the terminal device 19 (step S72).

The terminal device 19 receiving this command,
Data indicating whether or not it is currently receivable is transmitted to the server 20. As a result, the CPU 21a of the server 20
When it is determined that the terminal device 19 cannot receive (NO), the process returns to step S73 and the same process is repeated.
When it is determined that the advertisement data can be received (YES), the server 20 reads the advertisement data from the advertisement database 23 and sends it to the terminal device 19 (step S74).
When the transfer is completed, the process ends (end).

In this embodiment, the line monitoring unit 200 is provided in the server 20 and the terminal device 19 to detect the congestion status of the line. However, instead of the line monitoring unit 200, the line congestion status may be determined by the software of the server 20 or the terminal device 19.
In this case, for example, by monitoring the data transmitted (received) from the network unit 24 or 53, the congestion status of the line can be determined.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram when the line display function 304 is provided in the advertisement display software 303 of the terminal device 19. In this figure, the advertisement providing server software 301 transfers the advertisement data to the terminal device 19. Also, the browser 302
Is software for obtaining main information from the server 20. The advertisement display software 303 is the server 2
The advertisement data transferred from 0 is displayed, and this software has a line monitoring function 304. According to the above configuration, it is possible to monitor the line and transfer the advertisement data according to the result without adding a new device.

In the flow chart of this embodiment, specific numbers such as 10 seconds and 3 minutes are used.
It goes without saying that these can be appropriately changed according to the usage situation.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the terminal device 19 connected to the internal line 18 and the IP 10 shown in FIG. 1 communicate with each other has been described, but it is connected to the telephone line 13. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied even when the terminal device 19 communicates with any IP 10, 15 via the AP 12. It is also possible to directly connect the terminal device 19 to the network 11 without going through the telephone line 13 and the internal line 18. In that case, the URL of the file you want to access
By sending the message, it becomes possible to immediately connect to any IP 10 or 15 and perform communication.

The services listed in the main menu of FIG. 8 will be briefly described below.

When "mail service" is selected in the main menu of FIG. 8, the mail list shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. In this mail list, a list of e-mails sent to the subscribers is displayed.

Now, if the subscriber selects "Yasushi Honda" from the mail list by the remote commander 90 or the like, the designated mail is transferred from the server 20 side to the terminal device 19. FIG. 28 is an example of the display.

When the arrow (return) displayed on the upper right of the screen in the screen of FIG. 28 is operated by the remote commander 90 or the like, the mail list of FIG. 27 is returned to. Then, FIG. 29 shows a display example of the mail displayed when “Father” is further selected on the screen of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a display example of a screen displayed when the return key is operated on the display screen shown in FIG. 29 and a button in the upper right of the screen shown in FIG. 27 is pressed to imitate a letter. Shows. On this screen, you can compose emails to other subscribers. After completing the creation, enter the subject and the recipient, this email will be IP15
It is stored in the main information database 22 of the (server 20). When the recipient uses the mail service, this mail is posted on the mail list.

FIG. 31 shows a display example of a screen displayed when the item “TV program guide” is selected in the main menu of FIG. In this example, a list of television programs to be broadcast can be obtained by specifying the date and time and the channel.

In the above embodiment, the terminal device 19 has a structure different from that of the television receiver 80.
It is also possible to have an integral structure.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal device 19
Although the server 20 selects the type of subsidiary information to be transmitted to, the terminal device 19 may of course select and display it.

[0110]

According to the terminal device of the first aspect and the receiving method of the sixth aspect, the usage status of the transmission path for receiving the main information and transmitting the main information to the server is detected. Depending on the detection result, the server is requested to transfer the secondary information different from the main information, and the secondary information transferred by the server is received by the transfer request, so the transfer of the primary information is delayed. It is possible to transfer the side information to the terminal device without the need.

According to the server described in claim 7 and the transmission method described in claim 8, the use status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information and transmitting the main information with the terminal device is detected and detected. Depending on the result, a reception request is sent to the terminal device, and when the reception request causes the terminal device to enter the receiving state, secondary information different from the main information is sent, so the transfer of the main information is delayed. The secondary information can be transferred without doing so, and the server can freely set the content of the secondary information and the transfer timing.

According to the transmitting / receiving device of the ninth aspect and the transmitting / receiving method of the eleventh aspect, the server transmits the main information and requests the transfer of the secondary information different from the main information from the terminal device. The terminal device receives the main information, detects the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the server, and detects the usage status of the transmission path according to the detection result. Then, the secondary information transfer request is sent to the server, and the secondary information transferred by the server is received by the transfer request. Therefore, the secondary information is transferred without delaying the transfer of the main information. In addition, the terminal device can freely set the content of transfer of the secondary information and the transfer timing.

According to the transmitting / receiving device of the tenth aspect and the transmitting / receiving method of the twelfth aspect, the server transmits the main information and confirms the usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to / from the terminal device. Detects and sends a reception request to the terminal device according to the detection result.When the reception device causes the terminal device to enter the reception state, it transmits subsidiary information different from the main information. Is received, the secondary information reception request from the server is detected, and the secondary information is received from the server according to the detection result. The target information can be transferred, and the server can freely set the content of the secondary information and the transfer timing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the Internet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a server according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a terminal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection between a terminal device and a television receiver according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a remote commander according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal electrical configuration of a remote commander according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an advertisement display process in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a main menu in the embodiment of FIG.

9 is a diagram showing a display example when the Internet is selected in the display example of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example when NTT is selected in the display example of FIG. 9;

11 is a display example when a control panel is displayed in the display example of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of an advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7.

13 is a diagram showing a display example when new arrival information of Japan is selected in the display example of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a display example when a control panel is displayed in the display example of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of an advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7.

FIG. 16 shows a Sony Drive in the display example of FIG.
It is a figure which shows the example of a display when e is selected.

17 is a display example when a control panel is displayed in the display example of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of an advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7.

19 is a diagram showing a display example of service information and advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7. FIG.

20 is a diagram showing another display example of service information and advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing still another display example of service information and advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating another advertisement display process in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating still another advertisement display process in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the server according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an advertisement data transmission process in the embodiment of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration in the case where the software of the terminal device is provided with a line monitoring function.

27 is a diagram showing a display example when a mail list is selected in the display example of FIG.

28 is a diagram showing a display example when Yasuda Honda is selected in the display example of FIG. 27. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example when father is selected in the display example of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display example when electronic mail creation is selected in the display example of FIG. 27.

31 is a diagram showing a display example when a TV program guide is selected in the display example of FIG.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the Internet.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a conventional display example of service information and advertisement.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing another display example of conventional service information and advertisement.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 15 IP 11 network 12 AP 13 telephone line 14, 19 terminal device 16 dedicated line 17 LAN 18 internal line 20 server device 21 control unit (requesting means, first detecting means) 22 main information database 23 advertising database 24 Network unit (first transmitting unit, second transmitting unit) 41 Main control unit (requesting unit, second detecting unit) 41c RAM (storage unit) 42,43 Expansion slot 44,45 Serial I / F 46 Sub control Part 46d RTC (second detecting means) 47 Receiving part 48 Remote commander I / F 49 Input panel (input means) 50 Panel I / F 52 Power supply part 53 Modem part (first receiving means, second receiving means) 54 audio section 55 video section (output means) 70 telephone 80 television receiver 90 remote control Sunda (input means) 200 line monitor (detector, first detector, a second
Detection means)

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

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 6, 1996

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Brief description of drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the Internet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a server according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a terminal device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection between a terminal device and a television receiver according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a remote commander according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal electrical configuration of a remote commander according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an advertisement display process in the embodiment of FIG.

8 is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display showing a display example of a main menu in the embodiment of FIG.

9 is a halftone displayed on the display showing a display example when the Internet is selected in the display example of FIG.
It is a photograph of the image .

10 is a halftone image displayed on the display showing a display example when NTT is selected in the display example of FIG.
Is a picture of.

FIG. 11 is a display on a display showing a display example when a control panel is displayed in the display example of FIG.
It is a photograph of the halftone image shown .

FIG. 12 is a disk that shows an example of the display of advertising by the process of FIG. 7
It is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on the play .

In the display example of FIG. 13 FIG. 10, and displayed on a display showing a display example in which the selection of updates to Japanese
It is a photograph of a halftone image .

FIG. 14 is a display on a display showing a display example when a control panel is displayed in the display example of FIG.
It is a photograph of the halftone image shown .

FIG. 15 is a disk that shows an example of the display of advertising by the process of FIG. 7
It is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on the play .

FIG. 16 shows a Sony Drive in the display example of FIG.
Displayed on the display showing a display example when e is selected
It is a photograph of a halftone image taken .

FIG. 17 shows a display example showing a display example when the control panel is displayed in the display example of FIG.
It is a photograph of the halftone image shown .

FIG. 18 is a disk that shows an example of the display of advertising by the process of FIG. 7
It is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on the play .

19 is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display showing a display example of service information and advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7. FIG.

20 is a copy of the halftone image displayed on the display showing another display example of the service information and the advertisement by the processing of FIG.
Is true .

FIG. 21 is a halftone image displayed on a display showing still another display example of service information and advertisement by the processing of FIG. 7.
Is a picture of.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating another advertisement display process in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating still another advertisement display process in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of another embodiment of the server according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an advertisement data transmission process in the embodiment of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration in the case where the software of the terminal device is provided with a line monitoring function.

FIG. 27 is a halftone displayed on the display showing a display example when a mail list is selected in the display example of FIG.
It is a photograph of the image .

28 is a halftone image displayed on the display showing a display example when Yasushi Honda is selected in the display example of FIG. 27. FIG.
Is a picture of.

FIG. 29 is a copy of the halftone image displayed on the display showing a display example when father is selected in the display example of FIG. 27.
Is true .

30 is a diagram showing a display example in the case where the e-mail creation is selected in the display example of FIG. 27, which is displayed on the display;
It is a photograph of an intertone image .

[Figure 31] Intermediate displaying on a display showing a display example when the user selects a TV program guide in the display example of FIG. 8
It is a photograph of a toned image .

FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the Internet.

FIG. 33 is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display showing a display example of conventional service information and advertisement.

FIG. 34 is a photograph of a halftone image displayed on a display showing another display example of conventional service information and advertisement.

[Explanation of Codes] 10, 15 IP 11 network 12 AP 13 telephone line 14, 19 terminal device 16 dedicated line 17 LAN 18 internal line 20 server device 21 control unit (requesting means, first detecting means) 22 main information database 23 database for advertisement 24 network unit (first transmitting unit, second transmitting unit) 41 main control unit (requesting unit, second detecting unit) 41c RAM (storage unit) 42,43 expansion slot 44,45 serial I / F 46 Sub-control unit 46d RTC (second detection means) 47 Reception unit 48 Remote commander I / F 49 Input panel (input means) 50 Panel I / F 52 Power supply unit 53 Modem unit (first reception unit, first 2 receiving means) 54 audio section 55 video section (output means) 70 telephone 80 television receiver 0 remote commander (input means) 200 line monitor (detector, first detector, a second
Detection means)

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Office reference number FI Technical display location H04L 12/28 H04L 11/00 310D 29/00 13/00 Z

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A terminal device that is bidirectionally connected to a server that provides an information service via a network and that receives main information provided from the server, the first receiving unit receiving the main information. And a first detection unit that detects a usage status of a transmission path that transmits the main information to and from the server, and a sub unit different from the main information according to a detection output from the first detection unit. A terminal device, comprising: requesting means for making a transfer request of secondary information to the server; and second receiving means for receiving the secondary information transferred by the server in response to the transfer request. 2. A storage device for storing the subsidiary information, and an output device for outputting the subsidiary information stored in the storage device to a display device. Terminal device according to. 3. The output means, when the first detection means detects that the main information is transmitted to and from the server, the output means stores the secondary information stored in the storage means. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein information is output to the display device. 4. The input means for performing a predetermined input is further provided, and when the input is substantially not made for a predetermined time or longer, the output means is the secondary information stored in the storage means. Is output to the display device. 5. A second detection means for detecting that a predetermined time has elapsed is further provided, and the output means is responsive to the detection output of the second detection means, and the output means stores the sub-data stored in the storage means. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the subsequent information is output to the display device. 6. A receiving method for receiving main information provided from the server with a receiving terminal that is bidirectionally connected to a server that provides an information service via a network, comprising: receiving the main information; The usage status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the server is detected, and in accordance with the detection result, a transfer request for subsidiary information different from the main information is made to the server, and the transfer request is made. The receiving method, characterized in that the subsidiary information transferred by the server is received by the method. 7. A server that is bidirectionally connected to a terminal device that uses an information service via a network and that transmits main information to the terminal device, and a first transmission unit that transmits the main information. Detection means for detecting the use status of the transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the terminal device, request means for making a reception request to the terminal device according to the detection output of the detection means, and the reception request According to the second aspect, the server further comprises second transmitting means for transmitting the subsidiary information different from the main information when the terminal device is in the receiving state. 8. A transmission method of a server, which is connected to a terminal device using an information service via a network and transmits main information to the terminal device, wherein the main information is transmitted between the terminal device and the terminal device. In the use state of the transmission path for transmitting the main information in, in response to the detection result, the reception request to the terminal device, by the reception request, if the terminal device is in the receiving state, the main A transmission method characterized in that secondary information different from information is transmitted. 9. A transmission / reception device comprising: a server that provides an information service; and a terminal device that is bidirectionally connected to the server via a network and that receives main information provided by the server, the server being a server. A first transmission means for transmitting the main information, a first detection means for detecting a transfer request of the secondary information different from the main information from the terminal device, and a detection by the first detection means A second transmitting unit that transmits the subsidiary information according to the output, wherein the terminal device transmits the main information between the first receiving unit that receives the main information and the server. Second detecting means for detecting the usage status of the transmission path to be transmitted; requesting means for requesting the server to transfer the subsidiary information in response to a detection output from the second detecting means; On request the server And a second receiving means for receiving the secondary information transferred by the transmitter / receiver. 10. A transmission / reception device comprising: a server that provides an information service; and a terminal device that is bidirectionally connected to the server via a network and receives main information provided by the server. A first transmitting means for transmitting the main information, a first detecting means for detecting a use state of a transmission path for transmitting the main information between the terminal device, and a detecting means for detecting the first detecting means. Requesting means for making a reception request to the terminal device according to the output, and second transmission for transmitting subsidiary information different from the main information when the terminal device is in the reception state by the reception request. Means, the terminal device includes a first receiving unit that receives the main information, a second detecting unit that detects a reception request for the subsidiary information from the server, and the second detecting unit. From the means And a second receiving unit that receives the subsidiary information from the server according to the detection output of the transmitting / receiving apparatus. 11. A transmission / reception method of a transmission / reception device, comprising: a server that provides an information service; and a terminal device that is bidirectionally connected to the server via a network and receives main information provided by the server. The server transmits the main information, detects a transfer request of subsidiary information different from the main information from the terminal device, and transmits the subsidiary information according to the detection result, The terminal device receives the main information, detects a usage status of a transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the server, and requests the server to transfer the secondary information according to the detection result. And receiving the subsidiary information transferred by the server according to the transfer request. 12. A transmission / reception method of a transmission / reception device, comprising: a server that provides an information service; and a terminal device that is bidirectionally connected to the server via a network and that receives main information provided by the server. The server transmits the main information, detects a use status of a transmission path for transmitting the main information to and from the terminal device, and makes a reception request to the terminal device according to the detection result, When the terminal device is in a receiving state by a reception request, it transmits subsidiary information different from the main information, the terminal device receives the main information, and the subsidiary information from the server Is received, and the subsidiary information is received from the server according to the detection result.