CN1698377A

CN1698377A - Information access system, information providing device, information access device, information providing method, and information access method

Info

Publication number: CN1698377A
Application number: CNA2004800006178A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 伊藤彰彦; 丸山哲央; 福田和浩; 弦本隆志
Original assignee: Sony Corp
Current assignee: Sony Corp
Priority date: 2003-05-08
Filing date: 2004-04-07
Publication date: 2005-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2024-04-07
Also published as: JP4182807B2; CN100566403C; JP2004336493A

Abstract

An information search system is provided. The information search system is capable of searching a target content based on meta information provided by a broadcast station, in which a reception device makes an inquiry toward a directory service server based on a meta information reference ID accompanying meta information coming from the broadcast station so that a meta information group is derived for reference by the meta information reference ID. Also, another inquiry is made toward a content service server based on address information or a keyword of the content included in sub meta information in the meta information group so as to perform a search for any desired content.

Description

Information access system, information distributing equipment, information access device, information distributing method and information access method

Technical field

The present invention relates to information access method, information distributing equipment, metamessage distributing equipment, information receiving device and information access method.

Background technology

Usually, provide in the content service that comprises broadcast program, publication books, music and other main contents at network via for example the Internet, switch off the TV or other the information search of those main contents for having, for example, main contents such as program is issued to for example receiving equipment of PC (PC), and in receiving equipment the information about this main contents is searched for.

The information of relevant main contents or other are issued to receiving equipment as the metamessage (for example, please refer to JP-A-10-177532) about main contents.

That is issued here is concentrated as whole metamessage about the metamessage of main contents to be forwarded to receiving equipment.Therefore, for receiving, receiving equipment can't only be selected the metamessage of any desired from whole metamessage.And, if program is broadcasted, then can not change about the metamessage of the main contents of broadcast program and other.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a kind of new and improved information access method, information distributing equipment, metamessage distributing equipment, information receiving device and information access method, by this information access method, receiving equipment only receives any essential metamessage and does not receive whole metamessage, and obtains any interested content from the metamessage that is received.

Summary of the invention

In order to address the above problem, according to a first aspect of the invention, a kind of information access system is provided, and it comprises the information distributing equipment that is used to distribute content, be used to distribute the metamessage distributing equipment of metamessage of related content and the information receiving device that is used for received content.In described information access system, it is characterized in that described information distributing equipment is provided with the metamessage that relates to one or more metamessage that is used for coming with described content and sends part with reference to the identifying information that ID sends to information receiving device.Information receiving device be provided be used to receive from the metamessage of information distributing equipment with reference to the identifying information receiving unit of ID, be used to catch be included as metamessage obtain setting target obtain obtaining the information capture part and being used to generate the command component of obtaining of obtaining command information of target information, the described command information of obtaining is used for according to metamessage at least with reference to ID or obtain target information and obtain the arbitrary target metamessage.The metamessage distributing equipment comprises that metamessage extracts part, is used for extracting only a part of by the metamessage that obtains the command information indication from one or more metamessage with reference to the command information of obtaining from information receiving device.

According to the present invention, the information distributing equipment in the information access system will be used for metamessage identification when arrive opportunity metamessage is sent to information receiving device with reference to ID.Information receiving device receives this metamessage with reference to ID, and after the selection of finishing with metamessage relevant metamessage with reference to ID, with reference to ID or obtain target information, from metamessage, only extract the arbitrary target metamessage according to the selected at least metamessage that obtains use for metamessage at least.For this structure, comprise the identifying information of metamessage by formerly sending with reference to ID to information receiving device, the content relevant meta information minimum with transmission, information receiving device can receive and manage the metamessage that only needs arbitrarily, and do not receive unnecessary metamessage, thereby improve communication process effectively.

The probability determining section can so be constructed so that convenient the use as the renewal probability of determining factor corresponding to the metamessage that obtains target information.

Can so construct the identifying information that is provided for information distributing equipment and send part, so that use broadcasting wave to send out metamessage with reference to ID.

Information receiving device can be configured to also comprise: the probability determining section is used for the renewal probability of metamessage is determined; With renewal metamessage requested part, be used to generate metamessage solicited message in order to metamessage distributing equipment request metamessage.For this structure, when having upgraded the metamessage that is forwarded to information receiving device, can upgrade metamessage in real time automatically in metamessage distributing equipment side.

Whether have the renewal of upgrading probability according to the indication metamessage and determine information, the probability determining section can be configured so that to determine whether to upgrade metamessage.For this structure, be defined as nonupdatable metamessage requirement and do not upgrade the affirmation processing, upgrade the efficient of handling thereby increased.

According to the metamessage solicited message from information receiving device, the metamessage distributing equipment can be configured to comprise metamessage search part, is used for the metamessage that information receiving device is asked is searched for.

The metamessage solicited message can be configured to comprise at least the version information of metamessage.Notice that herein the version information of metamessage for example can exemplaryly illustrate renewal frequency or other.

Metamessage search part can be formed at and search for version information beyond the metamessage of being found is nearest metamessage.For this structure, if the version information of metamessage is nearest, then metamessage is considered to have the highest renewal probability, thus in information receiving device side at once checking information whether be updated or the comparison by version information.

For metamessage search part, such structure of deriving, i.e. search has the metamessage of version information of the metamessage of maximum quantity.For this structure, have the metamessage of Gao Gengxin probability by check, becoming at once, whether checking information is updated.

Metamessage search part can be configured to compare between the version information of the metamessage that is included in metamessage solicited message version information and is found.For this structure, become and whether to be updated at metamessage distributing equipment side check metamessage.This advantageously causes the minimizing of the processing load of information receiving device.

And, in order to address the above problem, according to a second aspect of the invention, providing a kind of information distributing equipment, it selects from the metamessage of metamessage distributing equipment content to be distributed to information receiving device by information receiving device.This information distributing equipment is characterised in that and comprises that identifying information sends part, and the metamessage that is used for one or more metamessage of reference of will come together with content sends to information receiving device with reference to ID.Notice that herein top information distributing equipment has almost identical with the information distributing equipment that is applied to information access system structure, therefore detailed description no longer is provided herein.

In addition, in order to solve described problem, according to a third aspect of the invention we, provide a kind of information receiving device, be used to receive the content from information distributing equipment, the metamessage distributing equipment distributes the metamessage relevant with content.This information receiving device is characterised in that and comprises: the identifying information receiving equipment is used to receive metamessage with reference to ID, so that identification is from the metamessage of information distributing equipment; Obtain the information capture part, be used to catch be included as metamessage obtain setting target obtain target information; With obtain command component, be used for generating and obtain command information, so as according to metamessage at least with reference to ID or obtain target information and obtain the arbitrary target metamessage.Notice that herein top information distributing equipment has almost identical with the information distributing equipment that is applied to information access system structure, therefore detailed description no longer is provided herein.

Obtain the index that target information can be configured to comprise at least metamessage, and described index can be configured to comprise the attribute of metamessage.

Obtain information capture part and can be configured to catch and obtain target information, wherein obtaining target is that constituent element information is as the polylith metamessage is divided into groups.Each attribute or the index that are included in the metamessage in the constituent element information can be constructed to basic identical.

Information receiving device can be configured to also comprise: the probability determining section is used for determining the renewal probability of metamessage; With renewal metamessage requested part, be used for generating in order to metamessage solicited message to metamessage distributing equipment request metamessage according to the definite result who derives by the probability determining section.

Whether have the renewal of upgrading probability according to the indication metamessage and determine information, the probability determining section can be configured and define the renewal probability that closes metamessage.

In addition,, according to a forth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of metamessage distributing equipment, be used for distributing the metamessage relevant with the content that provides by information distributing equipment to information receiving device in order to solve top problem.Described metamessage distributing equipment is characterised in that and comprises that metamessage extracts part, is used for according to the command information of obtaining that is used to obtain any target element information from information receiving device, extracts only by the metamessage that obtains the command information indication.Notice that herein top information distributing equipment has almost identical with the information distributing equipment that is applied to information access system structure, therefore detailed description no longer is provided herein.

Metamessage extract part can be configured according to obtain command information extract the metamessage that link with reference to ID with metamessage in addition only by obtaining the metamessage that command information is indicated.

Obtain command information and can be configured to comprise at least the index of metamessage, and described index can be configured to comprise the attribute of metamessage with reference to ID or metamessage.

The described command information of obtaining can be configured to comprise that as the constituent element information of obtaining target described constituent element information is only as the result that the polylith metamessage is divided into groups.For this structure, obtain metamessage that command information can be set to constituent element information with reference to the attribute of ID, constituent element information or other.

Each attribute or the index that are included in the metamessage in the constituent element information can be configured to basic identical.

The metamessage distributing equipment can also comprise metamessage search part, is used for searching for metamessage according to request from the metamessage solicited message of the renewable metamessage of information receiving device.

Metamessage search part can be configured searches for the metamessage with recent release information.Comparison between the version information of the metamessage of finding by the version information that in the metamessage solicited message, comprises and as Search Results, when the version information of the final metamessage of finding was won, metamessage search part can be configured and determine whether to have upgraded the metamessage of being found.

When the metamessage of being found was updated, metamessage extracted partly can be configured and only extracts the metamessage of being asked by the metamessage solicited message.

Metamessage extract part can be configured according to obtain command information extract the metamessage that links with reference to ID with metamessage in addition only by the metamessage of metamessage solicited message request.

In addition,, according to a fifth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of information access method, be used for the content that information distributing equipment keeps being conducted interviews by the metamessage distributing equipment that distributes the metamessage relevant with content in order to solve top problem.Described information access method is characterised in that and comprises step: the metamessage that sends one or more metamessage of reference of coming together with content is with reference to ID; The metamessage that reception is sent is with reference to the processing of ID; Except one or more metamessage, obtain the processing of obtaining target information of the Target Setting of obtaining with metamessage; With reference to ID or obtain target information and generate the processing of obtaining command information, the described command information of obtaining is used to obtain any target element information according to metamessage at least; Only from one or more metamessage, extracts part by the processing of obtaining the metamessage that command information indicates with the metamessage distributing equipment according to obtaining command information.

Extract the only processing of part metamessage can be configured come with reference to obtain command information extract be connected to metamessage with reference to beyond the metamessage of ID only by the metamessage that obtains the command information indication.

Obtain target information and can be configured to comprise the index of metamessage at least, and described index can be configured to comprise the attribute of metamessage.

Obtain target information and can be configured to comprise that described constituent element information is the result that the polylith metamessage is divided into groups as the constituent element information of obtaining target.

Described information access method can be configured to also comprise: determine the processing of the renewal probability of metamessage; With definite information request of generator as a result information processing of deriving according to the renewal probability of metamessage, described metamessage solicited message is used for to metamessage distributing equipment requirement metamessage.

Can upgrade determining of probability so that the renewal probability of metamessage is whether to have that information is determined in the renewal of upgrading probability and definite according to the indication metamessage.

Information access method can be configured to also comprise the processing of metamessage being searched for according to the metamessage solicited message.

The processing that metamessage is searched for can be configured to the metamessage that search has recent release information to metamessage.

The processing that metamessage is searched for can be formed between the version information of version information that comprises in the metamessage solicited message and the metamessage of being found and compare.

In addition,, according to a sixth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of information access system that can upgrade metamessage, comprising: the metamessage distributing equipment that is used to distribute metamessage in order to solve top problem; Be used to distribute the information distributing equipment of the content relevant with metamessage; With the information receiving device that is used for received content.Information distributing equipment is provided with identifying information and sends part, and the metamessage that is used for one or more metamessage of reference of will come together with content sends to information receiving device with reference to ID.Information receiving device is provided with the identifying information receiving unit, is used to receive metamessage from information distributing equipment with reference to ID; The metamessage storage area that is used for storage element information; Be used for determining whether metamessage is renewable probability determining section; With upgrade the metamessage requested part, be used for the definite information request of generator as a result information of deriving according to by the probability determining section, described metamessage solicited message is used for the new portion more arbitrarily to metamessage distributing equipment requirement metamessage.

The probability determining section can be configured comes whether to have the renewal of upgrading probability according to the indication metamessage and determines that information determines the renewal probability of metamessage.

In the structure of replacing, according to metamessage with reference in the attribute of the index of ID, metamessage, index at least one, can generator information request information.

The probability determining section can be configured to use corresponding to the metamessage that obtains target information of being caught as determining to upgrade probability determining cause element really.

The metamessage solicited message can be configured to comprise the version information of metamessage at least.Notice that herein the version information of metamessage can exemplaryly illustrate and for example upgrade probability or other.

The metamessage distributing equipment can be provided with metamessage search part, is used for searching for the metamessage of being asked by information receiving device according to the metamessage solicited message that is provided by information receiving device.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the information access system of embodiment is shown;

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the broadcasting station of embodiment is shown;

Fig. 3 is the figure of schematic data structure that the ECG information of embodiment is shown;

Each is the schematic diagram that the metamessage that comprises in the ECG information of embodiment is shown among Fig. 4 A and the 4B;

Fig. 5 is the figure of data schematic construction that illustrates as the result of the metamessage of grouping embodiment;

Fig. 6 is the block diagram of the schematic construction of information receiving device, directory service server and content service server that present embodiment is shown;

Fig. 7 is the figure that the schematic construction of the pivot information of present embodiment and sub-metamessage is shown;

Fig. 8 is the figure of data structure that the metamessage group of present embodiment is shown;

Fig. 9 is the figure of data structure that the EPG data of present embodiment are shown;

Figure 10 is the flow chart of schematic operation that the information access system of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 11 is the figure of the information distributing equipment that the is illustrated in present embodiment schematic operation when metamessage is sent to information receiving device with reference to ID;

Among Figure 12 A and the 12B each is the figure of structure that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 13 A each in the 13C is to schematically show the part that the metamessage of present embodiment is carried out to obtain the figure of processing;

Figure 14 is the figure of structure that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 15 A each in the 15C is the figure of structure that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 16 is the figure of schematic operation that the processing of the information access system that is applied to present embodiment is shown;

Figure 17 illustrates figure information access system, that will be displayed on the structure of the screen on the information receiving device that is applied to present embodiment;

Among Figure 18 A and the 18B each is that figure information access system, that will be displayed on the structure of the screen on the information receiving device that is applied to present embodiment is shown;

Figure 19 is the figure of schematic operation that the processing of the information access system that is applied to present embodiment is shown;

Figure 20 A each in the 22C is that figure information access system, that will be displayed on the structure of the screen on the information receiving device that is applied to present embodiment is shown;

Figure 21 is the figure of schematic operation that the processing of the information access system that is applied to present embodiment is shown;

Figure 22 A each in the 22C is that figure information access system, that will be displayed on the structure of the screen on the information receiving device that is applied to present embodiment is shown;

Figure 23 is the figure of schematic operation that the processing of the information access system that is applied to present embodiment is shown;

Figure 24 schematically shows the flow chart that renewal that the metamessage of present embodiment carries out is handled;

Figure 25 is the figure that schematically shows the processing that the screen display of the metamessage of present embodiment carries out;

Figure 26 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the information search system of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 27 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the broadcasting station of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 28 is the block diagram of the schematic construction of information receiving device, directory service server and content service server that present embodiment is shown;

Figure 29 is the flow chart of schematic operation that the information search system of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 30 is information distributing equipment that present embodiment is shown is sent to metamessage the schematic operation of information receiving device with reference to ID figure;

Figure 31 A each in the 31C is the structure chart that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown;

Figure 32 schematically shows the metamessage operating part of present embodiment to be obtained the figure of processing;

Figure 33 schematically shows the figure that repeat programme is searched for and request is handled when not arranging the repeat programme of present embodiment;

Figure 34 is the figure of data structure that schematically shows the User Information Database of present embodiment;

Among Figure 35 A and the 35B each is the figure of structure that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown; And

Figure 36 schematically shows the content search of present embodiment and the figure that request is handled.

Embodiment

Below, describe the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail.Herein, in the following description and the drawings, the random component of sharing essentially identical function and structure is provided with identical Reference numeral, therefore no longer repeats their description.

At first, by with reference to figure 1, the information access system 100 of present embodiment is described.Fig. 1 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the information access system of present embodiment is shown.

As shown in Figure 1, the information access system 100 of present embodiment at least by information receiving device 101 (101a, 101b ..., 101n), network 103 and information distributing equipment 104 constitute.Notice that herein the information receiving device 101 of present embodiment is for example corresponding to information access device of the present invention or other.

Information access system 100 for present embodiment, as possible service, information distributing equipment 104 can be distributed to information receiving device 101 with the main contents (main contents) of for example broadcast program, and information receiving device 101 can obtain a plurality of sub-content that all is associated with main contents by metamessage.Will be described later main contents, sub-content and metamessage etc. herein.

Below, the situation that the main contents that is provided to information receiving device 101 by information distributing equipment 104 is a broadcast program is provided, the information access system 100 of present embodiment is described.

Message distribution system 104 comprises that at least broadcasting station 105, directory service server 106, content service server 107 or EPG (Electronic Program Guide) service server 108 and account accumulate server 109.

Broadcasting station 105 provides various broadcast programs to information receiving device 101, and sends out as the basic EPG information of data broadcasting or other.By receiving basic EPG information, information receiving device 101 can show EPG (Electronic Program Guide).At this, will be described later basic EPG information.

Notice herein that explanation comprises that the structure in broadcasting station 105 describes the information distributing equipment 104 of present embodiment by way of example, but this exemplary configurations is only optional.For example, not that information distributing equipment 104 can comprise the ISP (ISP) that is used to use or be used to sell Games Software or other product distribution system under the situation of " broadcast program or EPG " but " Games Software ", " printed matter " etc. at main contents.

EPG service server 108 receives from the schedule information in broadcasting station 105 or other, and generates the EPG information of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) form, perhaps obtains the outside EPG information that produces.Schedule information is the information that is used for the program in the airtime arrangement and carries out program.

The EPG information of Sheng Chenging is stored in the storage area (not shown) that offers EPG service server 108 thus.Herein, EPG information comprises basic EPG information.By receiving basic EPG information, information receiving device 101 can the indicated channel tabulation, the programme content of the rendition list, current broadcast, with the programme content that is played, the programme content that has played or the like.

From EPG service server 108 basic EPG information is delivered to information receiving device 101 simultaneously, and can in the broadcasting station 105 of serving the provider, manages any other additional EPG (digital content guide) information of the sub-metamessage that for example adds sub-content to independently.Will be described later EPG information and sub-metamessage herein.Broadcasting station 105 is not unique option, and according to the COS that information distributing equipment 104 provides, can be any miscellaneous equipment yet.

Information receiving device 101 be provided with each corresponding identifying information receiving unit 102 (102a, 102b ..., 102n), comprise such as the broadcasting wave of metamessage so that receive with reference to the identifying information of ID, as by shown in the dotted arrow, and receive broadcasting wave from broadcasting station 105.Perhaps, information receiving device 101 data of carrying out information distributing equipment 104 via network 103 send and carry out the Data Receiving from information distributing equipment 104.Herein, by reception broadcasting wave like this, information receiving device 101 can show the program such as TV programme.

Notice that herein the information access system 100 of present embodiment is for example understood the situation that comprises information distributing equipment 104 separately.This example is not restrictive, and for example, each broadcasting station can comprise that a plurality of information distributing equipments 104 are in order to use.

When viewer (user) uses information access system 100, the account accumulates server 109 to have to unify mode and carries out the function of checking, and do not depend on broadcasting station 105, program or other, perhaps when the user uses information access system 100 to buy in the sons perhaps other, the account accumulates the functions that server 109 has the disappointed and clearing of note.

That is, for included account (account) accumulation server 109, the unification of the authorization information by the user, unified checking becomes possibility, and, also can unify record keeping and settlement information according to the user.

Suppose that the user wishes to buy each seed content according to sub-metamessage, this a little content can be in the changing content holder or content is distributed under the management of company.

Can unify such as keeping accounts and every kind of clearing may be served, and provide to replace and carry out checking and come according to the every kind of function that may serve of single unified user ID visit.For example, it can be realized by any given server.

Accumulate the account and to carry out user rs authentication (for example, use password) in the server 109, and only will verify that the result is forwarded to content corresponding service server 107.This has eliminated unified user ID and password has been notified to the needs in the broadcasting station 105 that is provided to information distributing equipment 104, thereby can protect user's personal information under the management of server.

To verify that with digital certificates or other form the result is forwarded to content service server 107, these digital certificates or other form do not comprise user ID or password information.Therefore, in situation about being eavesdropped by the third party, this has successfully guaranteed to resist the safety measure of altering.

Herein, the explanation situation that is not forwarded to content service server 107 is described user profile by way of example.Such example is not unique selection, and user profile can be forwarded to content service server 107 in order to use.

And, when foundation content holder's the marketing activity must disclose customer information, can use user profile effectively, described content holder is the copyright owner such as the product of video, music, Games Software etc.In the superincumbent situation, user ID is included in and is notified in the content service digital certificates before.

Carry out for the replacement of keeping accounts and settling accounts, the user uses his or her unified user ID login account accumulation server 109 to obtain unified record keeping and clearing service.

After login, from the sub-content of the product that for example provides by each different content service server 107, make a choice.For example, response command " is put into shopping basket ", the product that in basket, can keep various content services to use, and no matter content server how.Herein, " shopping basket " is shopping " bag ".

Selection by sub-content and put into the result of basket, when payment, no matter sub-content from which content service server 107 provides, and can concentrate to keep accounts and settle accounts sub-content.

After the chooser content, when the user sends " purchase " order, the account accumulates server 109 and uses its record keeping and settlement function to come exec accounting and clearing responsively simultaneously, and transmits the result that derives by record keeping like this and clearing to content service server 107.In case receive the notice of finishing of record keeping and clearing, content service server 107 is bought under the order the user sub-content is distributed to the user.

By referring to figs. 1 to 4B, the structure of the assembly of the information search system 100 that is provided for present embodiment is described then.Fig. 2 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the broadcasting station of present embodiment is shown, and Fig. 3 is the figure of data structure that schematically shows the ECG information of present embodiment, and Fig. 4 A and 4B are the figure that schematically shows the metamessage in the ECG information that is included in present embodiment.

At first, as shown in Figure 1, the network 103 of present embodiment has been described.Network 103 is connected to information distributing equipment 104 and is used for two-way communication between them and the internet that connects by ADSL (asynchronous digital subscriber line), FTTH (optical fiber is registered one's residence) etc. typically.Connecting medium comprises by FDDI (FDDI) or other fiber optic cables, coaxial cable or the paired cable by Ethernet (trade mark) or the radio by IEEE 802.11b, and comprise satellite network or other, no matter be cable or radio.

Then, as shown in Figure 2, except the public broadcasting facility, the broadcasting station 105 of present embodiment comprises that Pgmtime arranges part 201, sub-metamessage to add part 202, the program metamessage adds part 203, metamessage with reference to ID interpolation part 204, metamessage storage area 205, information correlation part 206 and identifying information transmission part 207.

Notice that herein when the service that provides when the information access system 100 by present embodiment was " broadcasting ", information access system 100 was provided with the broadcasting station 105 of present embodiment shown in Figure 2.And main contents (main contents) supposition that is offered the viewer by broadcasting station 105 is broadcast program (program) or EPG.

The main contents of present embodiment is illustrated as program or EPG.This example is not restrictive, and for example, main contents can be Games Software, CD, printed matter, film or the like.

Pgmtime arranges the arrangement of time of the programs of part 201 by will being broadcasted station 105 broadcasting to handle to generate schedule information and other.

Sub-metamessage adds part 202 and generates sub-metamessage, and the sub-metamessage that obtains is added to the entity or the schedule information of sub-content (sub-content).Herein, sub-content is the content that comprises product, program, bag, service, Still image data, motion image data, music data or text at least individually, and is provided from content service server 107.

Sub-metamessage is the metamessage in the following classification of the pivot information that is associated with main contents (or program metamessage).Therefore, by pivot information is conducted interviews, information receiving device 101 can be expanded the sub-metamessage that accessing is associated with pivot information, can obtain the sub-content of any target thus.

The program metamessage adds part 203 and is generated as the program metamessage of pivot information, so that add the schedule information of arranging part 201 to generate by Pgmtime to.Notice that herein the program metamessage that is added to schedule information is configured basic EPG information, so that be delivered to information receiving device 101.Basic EPG information is a kind of information with the form formation of Electronic Program Guide (EPG).Herein, program metamessage or sub-metamessage are the metamessage of expression about the information of information, and the program metamessage belongs to pivot information.Pivot information will be described in the back.

Basic EPG information comprises the program metamessage, and has the structural information as program guide.When sending via network 103, basic EPG information is delivering such as the form of HTML (HTML), and when being sent out by broadcasting wave, it sends with the form as SI (information on services).

Metamessage carries out the distribution of metamessage with reference to ID with reference to ID extention 204, and adds metamessage to arrange part 201 to generate by Pgmtime schedule information and sub-metamessage with reference to ID.In order to set up corresponding between the ECG information that comprises program metamessage or sub-metamessage and the program, for example metamessage is distributed to each program with reference to ID.Therefore, by adding metamessage to the program metamessage with reference to ID and having added the sub-metamessage of schedule information to, can obtain program metamessage or sub-metamessage with reference to ID according to metamessage.

With reference to ID, information receiving device 101 obtains program metamessage or sub-metamessage by the reference metamessage, and can visit in the son relevant with broadcast program perhaps information.Herein, metamessage can be unique in broadcasting station 105 with reference to ID.

Metamessage be storage area 205 at least memory time arrangement information, sub-metamessage, program metamessage, metamessage with reference to ID or sub-content.Sub-metamessage, program metamessage, metamessage all belong to ECG information with reference to ID and sub-content, and ECG information will be described in the back.

Information correlation part 206 connects basic EGP information and metamessage each other with reference to ID, the two all is added to schedule information.By being based upon metamessage with reference to this correlation between ID and the basic EPG information, information receiving device 101 can obtain broadcast message or other, in order to be included in the identification in the broadcasting station 105 in the basic EPG information with reference to ID according to metamessage.Will be described later broadcasting station information herein.

Identifying information sends metamessage that part 207 sends basic EPG information via broadcasting wave or network 103 and be assigned to program separately with reference to ID.Send part 207 from identifying information and deliver metamessage together with reference to ID and basic EPG information.

Deliver metamessage with reference to ID in order to send part 207 via broadcasting wave from identifying information, for example, the metamessage that needs definition expression SI is with reference to the property value of the descriptor of ID or other, and this is the delivery plan of basic EPG information.

For the network 103 via for example internet sends basic EPG information, metamessage with reference to ID or the like, need be defined in information receiving device 101 sides, deliver the supported form of delivering on the mechanism etc.

Delivering form for example is HTML (HTML) form, XML (extensible markup language) form or the like.Therefore, when using html format or XML form to deliver, metamessage comprises the attribute of representation element information reference ID.

And when using html format or XML form to deliver, the basic EPG information of delivering in the form is provided with the property value of metamessage with reference to ID.

The sub-metamessage or the program metamessage that suitably will be stored in the metamessage storage area 205 are forwarded to directory service server 106.And, perhaps sub-metamessage in the son that is stored in the metamessage storage area 205 is forwarded to content service server 107.

Then, by with reference to figure 3, the ECG information of present embodiment has been described.At first, as shown in Figure 3, ECG information is made of pivot information and sub-metamessage, and pivot information and sub-metamessage all belong to metamessage.

Use ECG information to allow basic EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information to be expanded data, and allow necessary information by not only searching for any essential information that TV program but also the various contents of search on the internet are obtained as TV (TV) program searching.

EPG information comprises program metamessage, basic EPG information or sub-metamessage.Program metamessage or basic EPG information are the information that belongs to EPG information.EPG information is the electronic program guide data that is used for the TV program searching.

Use is as the ECG of expansion EPG result of information, and object search is not limited to the TV program, also can be considered to object search via network 103 retrievable various contents.Therefore, can obtain the content of the type variation of being found.

Pivot information shown in Figure 3 is a part that is provided as the metamessage of ECG information, specifically is to be added to the metamessage of main contents.Herein, main contents is the content as main contents that has information distributing equipment 104 to provide, for example, when information distributing equipment 104 comprises broadcasting station 105, broadcast program, EPG information or schedule information during main contents.When comprising DVD (digital multi-purpose disk) marketing system rather than broadcasting station 105, main contents is a DVD software etc.

And when main contents was EPG information or schedule information, the pivot information of present embodiment specifically was meant " program metamessage ".Program metamessage (for example program title, classification and performer) is a part of being served (detailed catalogue according to which service changes) by metamessage or the EPG on the internet that the SI that is used for the current broadcast electric wave (information on services) delivers.

And the sub-metamessage of Fig. 3 is a part that is provided as the metamessage of ECG information,, will be added to the metamessage of sub-content that is.Notice that herein sub-content is and main contents one or more contents that are mutually related.

Sub-content can for example be product, wrap, comprise the electronic data of moving picture and music, service etc.Herein, the sub-content of present embodiment is not limited to this example.

Program metamessage shown in Figure 3 is a part that is provided as the metamessage of ECG information, that is, and and the metamessage relevant with program.The program metamessage can for example be the program title relevant with program, classification, performer etc.

The program metamessage is categorized as the information of being delivered by SI that is used for the current broadcast electric wave or the EPG service server on the internet (detailed catalogue according to which service changes).Although the program metamessage has and the basic different data structure of EPG information, even expressing, the program metamessage is basic EPG information, content is also basic identical.

Sub-metamessage is included in the metamessage in the ECG information.The sub-content that provides from access to content server 107 is provided sub-metamessage, and this will be described later.

Sub-metamessage can for example be the address information (placement information) of sub-content, and this address information is URI (universal resource identifier), title, provides the time cycle etc. such as creator's name of author's name, sub-content, the service of sub-content.Herein, URL is included in the RUI system.

Then, by with reference to figure 4A and 4B, the program metamessage and the sub-metamessage of present embodiment described.Fig. 4 A and 4B are the figure that the schematic construction of the program metamessage of present embodiment and sub-metamessage is shown respectively.

Shown in Fig. 4 A and 4B, be included in program metamessage in the ECG information can be for example for such as " program title ", " program category ", or relevant program metamessage such as the program of " airtime " etc., with such as " title/abbreviation ", " performer's classification ", the program metamessage that the performer of " talent agency " etc. is correlated with, with the control related-program metamessage that is used to control pivot information, for example represent " the metamessage version " of the version of program metamessage, expression belongs to " the renewal probability " of metamessage with reference to the renewal probability of a plurality of program metamessage groups of ID, be used to upgrade the timing of metamessage group " upgrading regularly " with expression.

The time (broadcasting time started, off-the-air time) of " airtime " expression programming.The classification of the program that " classification " expression relevant with program will be play can for example be drama, music or amusement." title/abbreviation " expresses title or the abbreviation of the performer in the present program, and for example illustrates such as " Takuya Kimuta ", " Kimuta " or other program metamessage.

" classification " relevant with the performer expressed the classification of the performer in the program that will play now, and can schematically show these program metamessages and be " performer ", " singer ", " performing artist ", " comedian ", " artist " or the like., the program metamessage of describing present embodiment about program or performer's situation is described by way of example herein, but this example not restrictive.

And, shown in Fig. 4 A and 4B, the sub-metamessage that is included in the ECG information can for example be the sub-metamessage relevant with song, for example " title of song ", " artist name ", " record companies name ", " URL of music purchasing website " etc., the sub-metamessage relevant with the shop, for example " firm name ", " address ", Deng, the component information relevant with product, for example " name of product ", " URL of product purchase website " etc., with imploring relevant sub-metamessage, for example " URL of the website of user access request ", the relevant program metamessage of control with the sub-metamessage of control, " the metamessage version " of for example representing the version of sub-metamessage, expression belongs to " the renewal probability " of metamessage with reference to the renewal probability of the sub-metamessage group of the polylith of ID, " upgrading regularly " of the timing of the sub-metamessage group that expression is used to upgrade etc.

Note herein, illustrate that by way of example sub-metamessage describes the sub-metamessage of present embodiment with song, shop, price or (solicitation) the relevant situation of asking, but these examples are not restrictive.

Then, by with reference to figure 5, the metamessage grouping of present embodiment is described.Fig. 5 is the figure that schematically shows as the data structure of the metamessage of the present embodiment of group result.

As shown in Figure 5, the polylith metamessage of metamessage storage area 304 storage such as program metamessage, the sub-metamessages etc. of directory service server 106.As shown in Figure 5, except with metamessage with reference to the relevant polylith metamessage of ID " A-1 ", one or more metamessage can by the centralized management for the group.

Therefore, in order to visit the metamessage of the metamessage any grouping in addition that is stored in the directory service server 106, specific meta-information conducts interviews to the metamessage of targeted packets simultaneously with reference to ID and group ID permission.Herein, group ID is assigned to each metamessage with reference to ID, so or, can have the metamessage (constituent element information) of any grouping of same packets ID according to program searching by only specifying the group ID that is used to search for.

The attribute of the constituent element information 550-1 of Fig. 5 comprise be used for metamessage with reference to the metamessage version of the version of group ID " 0001 ", the expression constituent element information 550-1 of the identification of the group of ID, expression constituent element information 550-1 whether renewable renewal probability, expression be used for update group metamessage 550-1 timing renewal regularly, the broadcasting time started of expression program time that will be begun, the off-the-air time of expression program end time etc.

As shown in Figure 5, can carry out grouping with any combination in any.Particularly, except the polylith metamessage, any metamessage that will have stronger correlation is grouped in will allow that together carrying out metamessage with effective means obtains.The grouping that obtains is provided with the metamessage corresponding to the group ID of packet identification, therefore, at identical metamessage with reference to keeping uniqueness under the ID.

Can represent to upgrade the metamessage of whole metamessage groups, grouping, the metamessage of grouping not yet or other probability with the metamessage that upgrades probability correlation herein.Therefore, for example, when being "No" and when the renewal probability of metamessage for grouping is "Yes" for belonging to the renewal probability of metamessage with reference to the whole metamessage group of ID, for example, only visit is defined renewable metamessage.

Similarly, relevant with upgrading timing metamessage can be set to the metamessage or other the timing that are used to upgrade the metamessage of whole metamessage groups, grouping, divide into groups yet not synchronous.Herein, only when the renewal probability that is set to renewable metamessage is "Yes", can sets and regularly upgrade metamessage regularly.

Then, by with reference to figure 6, information receiving device 101, directory service server 106 and the content service server 107 of present embodiment described.Fig. 6 is the block diagram of the schematic construction of information receiving device 101, directory service server 106 and content service server 107 that present embodiment is shown.

Each seed content that content service server 107 storages of present embodiment are supplied to the viewer by the content supplier such as the broadcasting station.Herein, as environmental demand, for example, the entity of sub-content (sub-content) comprises that these each seed contents of expression are positioned at the information of obtaining these where or how.

As shown in Figure 6, content service server 107 comprises sub-content stores part 301, sub-metamessage storage area 302 at least, the control section (not shown) that is used for the processing of being carried out by each assembly is controlled, is used for sending the transmission part (not shown) of data and being used for receiving via network 103 the receiving unit (not shown) of data via network 103.

The sub-content that sub-content stores part 301 storages are provided by broadcasting station 105.Sub-content can be for example for video content, bag, publication, incident, programme information, the message board that is used for communicating, chatting service etc. with a unlimited user, all these can send and reception via network 103.

For example, sub-content stores part 301 also store be used for sub-sales of the contents the Web site information as sub-content.Sub-content stores part 301 storages and the special relevant Web site information of program.

In addition, except being arranged in the sub-content stores part 301 of the content service server 107 that is placed on the broadcasting station, the sub-content of present embodiment can be dispersed in other sub-content stores parts 301 that provide in the other guide service server 107 on the network 103.

The sub-metamessage that provides as ECG information can be provided sub-content.Sub-metamessage storage area 302 these seed metamessages of storage.

Because sub-content can be provided with the fact of sub-metamessage like this, information receiving device 101 can use sub-metamessage to carry out sub-content search as keyword (keyword).

Notice that herein as possible application, when the information access system 100 of present embodiment comprised a plurality of broadcasting station 105, single content service server 107 can be shared in these broadcasting stations 105.

Then, for example, the directory service server 106 of present embodiment is operating as the server that only is used for directory service.As shown in Figure 6, directory service server 106 comprises control section (not shown) that the analysis part 303, metamessage storage area 304, the metamessage that are used for analyzing by obtaining of it visit information extract part 305, metamessage search part 306, be used for the processing that each assembly is carried out is controlled, is used for carrying out transmission part (not shown) that data send and the receiving unit (not shown) that is used for carrying out via network 103 Data Receiving via network 103.

Metamessage storage area 304 sub-metamessage group of storage and pivot information sets (program metamessage group), this sub-metamessage group is the set of the sub-metamessage of polylith of the various attributes of the sub-content that changes about the type that is provided by content service server 107, as ECG information, i.e. address, title, classification, relevant name (for example performer, author), price, service provision period etc.

In addition, the program metamessage that metamessage storage area 304 storage is relevant with conventional program and have the sub-metamessage group of the correlation of setting up between them.Herein, the program metamessage can be constituted as the program metamessage group that comprises polylith program metamessage.

Metamessage storage area 304 can be applicable to according to broadcasting station 105 and programs stored metamessage, sub-metamessage or metamessage with reference to ID so that in the situation about managing.

Metamessage extracts part 305 according to obtaining the metamessage of command information in the memory of metamessage storage area 304 search at it from information receiving device 101.The metamessage of ferret out is the whole metamessage group that comprises program metamessage or sub-metamessage.

After finishing the metamessage group of search by information receiving device 101 indications, metamessage extracts part 305 corresponding arbitrarily program metamessage or sub-metamessage of extracting section only from the metamessage group, and the program metamessage or the sub-metamessage that will extract thus are forwarded to information receiving device 101, obtain command information from this information receiving device 101.

According to the metamessage solicited message from information receiving device 101,306 pairs of any renewable metamessages of metamessage search part are searched for.Herein, metamessage comprises program metamessage or sub-metamessage.

After finishing the search of metamessage according to the metamessage solicited message, metamessage search part 306 is obtained version information, this version information is included in the property value of the metamessage version in the metamessage, and the version information that will obtain thus is forwarded to information receiving device 101.In the mode of replacing, version information is not forwarded to information receiving device 101, metamessage search part 306 can compare the version information of version information that is included in the metamessage version in the metamessage solicited message and the metamessage version that is obtained, so that determine.

105 sides are edited sub-metamessage in the broadcasting station according to program, and the result is constituted as the sub-metamessage group that comprises one or more sub-metamessage.And metamessage is assigned to reference to sub-metamessage group with reference to ID.

Information receiving device 101 conducts interviews to directory service server 106 with reference to ID according to metamessage, thereby obtains the metamessage such as sub-metamessage.Herein, directory service server 106 can obtain that each information receiving device 101 conducts interviews and the visit information that generates, and the visit information that obtains for each information receiving device 101 storage.

In addition, because analysis part 303 can be analyzed thus the fact of the visit information of storage, broadcasting station 105 can generate the sub-metamessage that is considered to be suitable for user (viewer) or other according to analysis result.Herein, broadcasting station 105 also can be via the visit information of network 103 receptions from directory service server 106.

Notice that herein as possible application, when the information access system 100 of present embodiment comprised a plurality of broadcasting station 105, single directory service server 106 was shared in these broadcasting stations 105 in the middle of them.

As shown in Figure 7, the pivot information and the sub-metamessage that are stored in broadcasting station 105, directory service server 106 or the content service server 107 are described herein.Fig. 7 illustrates the pivot information of present embodiment and the schematic construction of sub-metamessage.

As shown in Figure 7, broadcasting station 105 is stored pivot information and main contents according to metamessage with reference to ID, and directory service server 106 is stored pivot information (for example program metamessage) and the sub-metamessage that is associated with reference to ID with this metamessage.

The a plurality of sub-contents of content service server 107 storages, each sub-content and sub-metamessage are interrelated.Notice that herein the information distributing equipment 104 of present embodiment is to illustrate that by way of example the situation that comprises broadcasting station 105 describes, but this example not restrictive.

In the sub-metamessage of storage, interrelated by metamessage in the directory service server 106 of Fig. 7 with reference to ID from program metamessage and sub-metamessage that content service server 107 is collected.

As previously described, when having constituent element information when being stored in the result of pivot information in the directory service server 106 or sub-metamessage at least as grouping, the group ID of the attribute of constituent element information is used to the interrelated group of being made up of pivot information or sub-metamessage.

Herein, the ID of explanation group by way of example is the group ID that the situation of the attribute of constituent element information is described present embodiment.This example is not restrictive, for example, when group ID is the attribute of metamessage, can be the index (label) of the group ID of expression constituent element information yet.

In addition, the sub-metamessage that is stored in the content service server 107 is made of one or more the sub-metamessage that comprises sub-metamessage (A), sub-metamessage (B) and sub-metamessage (C), and is for example shown in Figure 7.Each content is provided with sub-metamessage.

Information receiving device 101 conducts interviews to directory service server 106 with reference to ID according to the metamessage that is associated with program, and the sub-metamessage that is associated with reference to ID of requirement and metamessage or other.

In response to the visit of so carrying out, information receiving device 101 obtains the metamessage group that is associated with reference to ID " A-1 " with metamessage.Herein, this also can be applicable to wherein except with metamessage group that metamessage is associated with reference to ID information receiving device 101 parts obtain the situation of the metamessage of any needs.The part that will be described later metamessage is obtained.

The sub-metamessage that obtains from directory service server 106 comprises about the address information that is stored in the sub-content the content service server 107 or other.Therefore, this allows information receiving device 101 according to address information content service server 107 to be conducted interviews.

The sub-metamessage of storage is used as the keyword of the unlimited sub-content of search in the content service server 107.

As shown in Figure 7, the directory service server 106 of present embodiment and the situation that content service server 107 is stored sub-metamessage have separately been described herein.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, directory service server 106 can be stored each metamessage group of being made up of pivot information or sub-metamessage, and content service server 107 can only be stored sub-content.

Then, with reference to figure 8, the data structure of the metamessage group of present embodiment is described.Fig. 8 is the figure of data structure that the data message group of present embodiment is shown.

As shown in Figure 8, the data structure that comprises the metamessage group of polylith pivot information or sub-metamessage is the XML form.Metamessage is made up of the label that comprises element or attribute, and each attribute representation's program metamessage, basic EPG information, group ID, metamessage are with reference to ID etc.

Beyond these attributes, comprise that metamessage is "＜entire meta informationmeta information reference ID=" A-1 "〉" with reference to the label of ID, as shown in Figure 8.The label that comprises group ID and expression group is expression group "＜group group ID=" 0001 " group ID=" cast " ...〉" label.

Herein, metamessage is that the attribute that metamessage is described is by way of example described with reference to ID, group ID or other.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, for example, metamessage can be to serve as the label of index or other with reference to ID, group ID or other.

As shown in Figure 8, with the identical metamessage metamessage group relevant with reference to ID outside, even comprise the metamessage of grouping and the metamessage of grouping not yet, the grouping application is possible.

Notice that herein the data structure of the metamessage group of present embodiment is that the situation that the XML form is described is by way of example described.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, the data structure of metamessage group can be HTML (HTML) form.

Then, the information receiving device shown in Figure 6 101 in the description present embodiment.Can by broadcasting STB (set-top box), VCR, such as game machine various CE equipment, PC (PC), PDA (personal digital assistant), illustrate information receiving device 101 with the mobile device of portable phone starting or other

Information receiving device 101 is provided with identifying information receiving unit 102, network receiving unit 501, obtains command component 502, metamessage obtains/storage area 503, first analysis part 504, first content access portion 505, keyboard search part 506, second content access portion 507, display part 508, second analysis part 510, importation 511, obtain information capture part 512, probability determining section 513 and metamessage requested part 514.

Herein, the metamessage of present embodiment obtains/and storage area 503 is corresponding to request parts or other, and for example, the keyboard of present embodiment search part 506 is corresponding to preference search parts or other, for example, the display part 508 of present embodiment is corresponding to display unit or other.

Identifying information receiving unit 102 from antenna or other via broadcasting wave receive basic EPG information and metamessage with reference to ID in order to storage.Network receiving unit 501 via network 103 receive basic EPG information and metamessage with reference to ID in order to storage.

Notice that herein the information receiving device 101 of present embodiment is to illustrate that by way of example execution describes from the situation of the reception in broadcasting station 105 that data broadcasting service is provided.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, not only 105 reception metamessages also receive metamessage with reference to ID from ISP or other with reference to ID from the broadcasting station.

The information receiving device 101 of present embodiment is to illustrate that by way of example obtaining metamessage from identifying information receiving unit 102 describes with reference to the situation of ID.This example is not restrictive, as possible application, when available service is the CD sale, and when main contents such as music CD " CD ", but the metamessage that CD information reproduction receiving equipment 101 can have by reading in the extension storage district that is stored in CD obtains the function of metamessage with reference to ID with reference to ID from information distributing equipment 104.

And, for example, suppose that available service is that book publishing and main contents are the situations of printed matter, when using main information reference ID to come direct book printing or other front cover, as about metamessage with reference to may the using of ID, information receiving device 101 can obtain metamessage with reference to ID by the importation 511 such as the keyboard that offers information receiving device 101.Herein, for example, metamessage can be one dimension, two dimension or three-dimensional bar code with reference to ID.

Network receiving unit 501 receives such as the URI of directory service server 106 or other address information via network 103, and storage URI.Perhaps, can provide from the importation 511 that is provided for information receiving device 101 such as the address information of URI in order to storage.Use URI to allow information receiving device 101 visit directory service servers 106.

Herein, information receiving device 101 can be connected to network 103 by dial-up connection, ADSL/FTTH etc.

Information receiving device 101 receives the basic EPG information that will be delivered via broadcasting wave or network 103 and the metamessage that appends to each program with reference to ID.

Address information (for example URI) on information receiving device 101 managing internets corresponding to the directory service server 106 at each station.When URI is made any change, upgrade URI, thereby nearest URI always on hand.Carry out this URI renewal by upgrading the data of coming via broadcasting wave or network 103.

The basic EPG information that is provided with reference to ID by metamessage is provided for identifying information receiving unit 102 or network receiving equipment 501, and storage element information reference ID, and this metamessage is to provide by the SI that uses broadcasting wave or via network 103 with reference to ID.

When obtaining metamessage with reference to ID, in order to discern corresponding to the metamessage that receives to belong to which broadcasting station with reference to the program of ID, metamessage carried out interrelated with reference to the previous broadcasting station information (not shown) with storage of ID.

When obtaining metamessage with reference to ID, can discern program and belong to which broadcasting station by receiving broadcasting station information, becoming from SI.For example, according to the broadcast standard by ARIB (radio industry and commercial guild) definition, SI must comprise the service ID of indicating which broadcasting station.The broadcasting station information that comprises this service ID is related each other with reference to ID with metamessage.

When EPG service server 108 distributed broadcasting station information via network 103, broadcasting station information was required to deliver with the form that can discern.Below, by with reference to figure 9, the EPG data that will be delivered via network 103 are described.Fig. 9 is the figure of data structure that the EPG data of present embodiment are shown.

As shown in Figure 9, the data structure of EPG data is XML forms.The EPG data are made up of the label of the basic EPG information of expression, the label of expression broadcasting station information, the label of expression program metamessage etc.Herein, the data structure of the EPG data of present embodiment illustrates that by way of example the XML form describes.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, for example, the data structure of EPG data can be a html format.

The metamessage that comes with basic EPG information must be delivered with the broadcasting station information in which broadcasting station of expression with reference to ID.Herein, broadcasting station information is metamessage, but this example is not unique selection.

Metamessage shown in Figure 9 is that the situation that is illustrated as attribute is by way of example described with reference to ID.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, metamessage can be the label that serves as the index of representation element information reference ID with reference to ID.

As shown in Figure 9, " broadcasting station ID " represents the broadcasting station.And " broadcasting station ID " is set to " TPS " or " Bushi TV ".Herein, this example is not unique selection, and " broadcasting station ID " can be assigned with any ID that is considered to suitable.

Broadcasting station information shown in Figure 9 has and comprises the hierarchy of " broadcasting station label (＜Broadcast station 〉) " and " program label (＜program 〉) ".The metamessage of distributing to each program is defined as representing the daughter element of the element in broadcasting station (" Broadcast station ID ") with reference to ID.

For data structure shown in Figure 9, in order to obtain metamessage with reference to ID, " the broadcasting station ID " of the father's element by being referenced as hierarchy can determine which broadcasting station is responsible for.

The broadcasting station information of the other types of coming via network 103 comprises the broadcasting station information of metamessage with reference to the ID naming rule of ID of telling.With reference to ID, make definition as metamessage, thereby must comprise the text string that for example is used to discern the broadcasting station at the ID head.

By with reference to the metamessage of setting with such pre-determined text string with reference to ID, information receiving device 101 can determine which broadcasting station 105 is responsible.If this is the case, may lose the advantage of managing ID by each broadcasting station 105 independently herein.

In this view, for EPG service server 108 deliver by broadcasting station 105 separately the metamessages of name add text string and help broadcasting station identification with reference to ID (not comprising the text string that is used to discern broadcasting station 105).

When obtaining with reference to the data of ID such as metamessage, information receiving device 101 is required additionally to delete the processing of the text string that is used to discern broadcasting station 105, and metamessage is returned by that of broadcasting station 105 appointments with reference to ID.

After obtaining basic EPG information, information receiving device 101 shows the EPG display screen on display part 508.In response to the viewer be used to show be presented at the EPG display screen on the order of the relevant sub-metamessage of any suitable program, information receiving device 101 obtains corresponding sub-metamessage according to metamessage with reference to the URI of the directory service server 106 at ID and respective broadcast station 105.

Note herein, can use present embodiment directory service server 106 and content service server 107, even these are by each broadcasting station 105 independent operation.Information receiving device 101 is different between main information reference ID, sub-metamessage etc. according to broadcasting station 106, and obtains sub-content.

For example, according to the keyword of finding from the sub-metamessage that broadcasting station 105-A obtains, the sub-metamessage that can search for broadcasting station 105-B is so that the antithetical phrase content conducts interviews.By this way, the viewer can obtain sub-content, and need not note the difference in the middle of the broadcasting station 105.

And, also can use the directory service server 106 and the content service server 107 of present embodiment, even these are during by independent operations such as each program organizer, content allocators.Herein, though by independent operations such as each program organizer, content allocator these, the distribution of metamessage with reference to ID also is responsible in broadcasting station 105.

When by each program organizer or content allocator independent operation, for example, the organizer's of directory service server 106-A programs stored A metamessage is with reference to ID, sub-metamessage or other, and the organizer's of directory service server 106-B programs stored B metamessage is with reference to ID, sub-metamessage or other.

With reference to figure 6, the importation 511 that is provided for the information receiving device 101 of present embodiment is made up of designated equipment, for example mouse, trace ball, tracking plate, recording pen or joystick, keyboard or other, and all these can both receive user operation commands.These examples are not restrictive.

From the pivot information that is associated with main contents, importation 511 can only be chosen as the sub-metamessage that obtains target.Therefore, this allows the sub-metamessage of any desired obtained from the pivot information that is presented on the display part 508, and obtains the sub-content that is associated with sub-metamessage.Herein, sub-metamessage is not restrictive, and pivot information also can be selected in importation 511.

Obtaining information capture part 512 obtains and tells the target information of obtaining that is used to obtain from the target of the pivot information of importation 11 or sub-metamessage.Obtaining information object information is generated according to user operation commands by importation 511.

, obtain command component 502 and generate and obtain command information and obtain corresponding to the metamessage of pivot information or be stored in sub-metamessage in the directory service server 106 with reference to ID and/or obtain target information according to the metamessage that receives.

Obtain command component 502 and be forwarded to directory service server 106 via the command information of obtaining that network 103 will generate thus.

Metamessage obtains/pivot information or sub-metamessage that storage area 503 requires directory service server 106 to transmit to obtain command component 502 or keyword search part 506 to find, and receive sub-metamessage via network 103, so that storage.

In order to obtain sub-metamessage, sub-content etc., information receiving device 101 is provided with first analysis part 504, in order to store or to analyze viewer's preference information according to the visit information of deriving by visit directory service server 106 or other.

By keyword search, obtain/perhaps append in the son found thus of storage in the storage area 503 the sub-metamessage of this sub-content at metamessage.Second analysis part 510 is analyzed the sub-metamessage of discovery thus or the entity of sub-content, thereby generates preference information.Herein, the preference information that generates thus of store/manage.

First content access portion 505 conducts interviews via network 103 antithetical phrase metamessage storage areas 302 according to the pivot information or the sub-metamessage that obtain command component 502 discoveries, and obtains the sub-content that is associated with sub-metamessage.

Keyword search part 506 is searched for the pivot information or the sub-metamessage that are stored in the metamessage storage area 304 by the keyword or the preference information of importation 511 appointments according to the viewer.Herein, when finding pivot information or sub-metamessage, metamessage obtains/and storage area 503 obtains pivot information or the sub-metamessage of finding thus.

Notice that herein the keyword search part 506 of present embodiment is to illustrate that by way of example situation about having with obtaining command component 502 different structures describes.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, for example, obtains command component 502 and can comprise keyword search part 506.

The sub-metamessage that second content access portion 507 is found according to keyword search part 506 via network 103 and antithetical phrase metamessage storage area 302 conducts interviews, and obtain the sub-content that is associated with sub-metamessage.

Probability determining section 513 is made decision about the renewal probability of metamessage group, and this metamessage group comprises that metamessage obtains/the pivot information or the sub-metamessage of storage area 503 storage and management, perhaps the two.

When metamessage obtain/when the metamessage group of storage area 503 storage and management comprised arbitrarily in groups metamessage (constituent element information), 513 pairs of constituent element information of probability determining section were made the whether decision of update group metamessage.

When probability determining section 513 provided the definite "Yes" as a result of upgrading probability, metamessage requested part 514 generator information request information were so that obtain the metamessage group or the constituent element information of renewal from directory service server 106.

The metamessage solicited message comprises the metamessage version as the attribute of the renewal frequency of representation element information sets or constituent element information.The metamessage solicited message that will generate thus via network 103 is forwarded to directory service server 106.

Herein, the metamessage version of present embodiment is illustrated as attribute by way of example and describes.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, the metamessage version can be that it is the label of the index of metamessage version as expression.

Therefore, by the metamessage solicited message is sent to directory service server 106, and metamessage group or the constituent element information upgraded by deletion, information receiving device 101 can be by the new metamessage of deriving of more newly arriving.

Herein, above-described be wherein at metamessage in preceding situation about comprising at least under the demand that upgrade to determine information with the metamessage solicited message of a certain renewal probability generation present embodiment.This example is not unique selection, as possible application, for example, can be in response to generating the metamessage solicited message to the user command of metamessage requested part 514 via part 511.

Then, by reference Figure 10, the operation of the information access system 100 that as above constitutes in the present embodiment is described.Figure 10 is the flow chart of schematic operation that the information access system of present embodiment is shown.

(arrangement of time processing)

At first, as shown in figure 10,, arrange part 201 to carry out the Pgmtime arrangement by Pgmtime and handle (S801) for the information access system 100 of present embodiment.After the Pgmtime arrangement is determined in broadcasting station 105, produce pivot information (program metamessage) and sub-metamessage, the two is associated with program.Carry out metamessage in advance herein, and be used for program identification with reference to the identification of ID.

Then, program metamessage interpolation part 203 and sub-metamessage add the schedule information that part 202 is added to program metamessage and sub-metamessage respectively arrangement of time processing generation.

Except the relevant sub-content of program, the norator content that will be shown to the viewer is selected, and the sub-content and the metamessage that obtain are interrelated with reference to ID.In addition, by adding metamessage to the Pgmtime arrangement with reference to ID, between program metamessage or sub-metamessage, set up correlation corresponding to program.

Metamessage is linked to program metamessage and sub-metamessage with reference to ID.Therefore, example as shown in Figure 8 or other are linked to metamessage and have as belonging to the uniform data structure of metamessage with reference to the metamessage group of ID with reference to program metamessage and the sub-metamessage of ID.

By obtaining metamessage, except being linked to the metamessage group of metamessage, can also extract and partly obtain program metamessage or the component information that only needs arbitrarily with reference to ID with reference to ID.

As shown in figure 11, schedule information 800 be provided with metamessage with reference to ID 801, be linked to program metamessage 802 and the sub-metamessage 803 of metamessage with reference to ID 801.Figure 11 illustrates the figure that metamessage is forwarded to the schematic operation of information receiving device with reference to ID from the information distributing equipment of present embodiment.

In addition, as shown in figure 11,,, will be " A-1 " with reference to ID then by additional metamessage if " the program A-1 " that plays from " 20:00 " is provided with sub-metamessage or program metamessage for the schedule information 800 of broadcasting station 105-A.

By the correlation of setting up in the middle of one or more program metamessage and one or more sub-metamessage with reference to " A-1 " of ID 801-1 via metamessage, formed the metamessage group that comprises program metamessage 802-1 and component information 803-1, the two all belongs to " program A-1 ".

Program metamessage 802-1 shown in Figure 11 comprises the program metamessage of expression program title " good luck ", the program metamessage of expression program category " drama " and expression program performer's " Takuya Kimuro " program metamessage.Herein, this program metamessage 802 is included in the basic EPG information into the EPG data.

Herein, above-described be the program metamessage of wherein present embodiment comprise have program title, the program metamessage of the label of classification, performer etc.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, program title, classification or performer can be the attributes of program metamessage.

In addition, component information 803-1 shown in Figure 11 comprises the sub-metamessage of expression " special website URL " and the sub-metamessage of expression " service provision period ".Herein, above-described be the sub-metamessage of wherein present embodiment comprise have services sites URL, the situation of the sub-metamessage of the label of service provision period etc.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, special website URL, service provision period etc. can be the attributes of sub-metamessage.

" special purchase website URL " is that the expression viewer is interested in and to the URL information of its Web screen that conducts interviews " program A-1 ".Herein, as possible application, those the sub-metamessages except expression " special website URL " or " service provision period " can also add the sub-metamessage that expression " song CD " is provided.

Have in the metamessage group of metamessage with reference to ID 801-2 of " A-2 " metamessage with reference to ID being linked to, comprised program metamessage 802-2, sub-metamessage 803-2 and constituent element information 550.

With reference to the correlation of setting up between ID and this metamessage group, antithetical phrase metamessage or program metamessage conduct interviews by metamessage.Herein, directory service server 106 centralized stores metamessages are with reference to ID 801, program metamessage 802 and sub-metamessage 803.

Content service server 107 sub-metamessages 803 of storage and the whole sub-content that is associated with sub-metamessage 803.

(send and handle)

In case handle (S801) by arrangement of time, identifying information send that part 207 is transmitted basic EPG information via broadcasting wave subsequently and the metamessage that is associated with basic EPG information with reference to ID (S802).Herein, identifying information sends part 207 and can be applicable to transmit basic EPG information and the metamessage situation with reference to ID via network 103.

In addition, metamessage is not delivered to being limited property simultaneously with reference to ID when broadcast program is played, and identifying information transmission part 207 can be by adding or providing metamessage extremely to deliver metamessage in advance with reference to ID by the basic EPG information that the service of delivering of various EPG information provides with reference to ID.

Herein, above-described is that the identifying information of present embodiment sends part 207 and sends out the situation of metamessage with reference to ID and basic EPG information together.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, identifying information sends part 207 can only send out metamessage with reference to ID according to for what main contents.

As shown in figure 11, broadcasting station 105-A send out together the basic EPG information that comprises the program metamessage, for the metamessage of " A-1 " with reference to ID 801-1 and for the metamessage of " A-2 " with reference to ID 801-2.

Information receiving device 101 according to broadcasting station 105 storage and keep metamessage with reference to ID 801-1 and metamessage with reference to ID 801-2, the two is provided by identifying information receiving equipment 102 or network receiving unit 501.

Herein, do not delivered such as these various metamessages (ECG information) of the sub-metamessage of representing " special website URL ", but be retained in the directory service server 106 with basic EPG information.

Particularly, after metamessage is sent to information receiving device 101 with reference to ID, in response to the request from information receiving device 101 sides, directory service server 106 will be linked to metamessage and be sent to information receiving device 101 with reference to the sub-metamessage of ID.

In order to deliver, for example,, can metamessage be sent with basic EPG information with reference to ID via broadcasting wave by distributing metamessage with reference to the descriptor attribute value of ID conduct from the table information of SI via broadcasting wave.

Herein, the metamessage that provides is in addition described present embodiment with reference to the situation of delivering of ID identifying information transmission part 207 is provided in explanation by way of example.This example is not restrictive, and except metamessage with reference to the ID, can use arbitrary value that main contents can unique identification as metamessage with reference to ID.For example, when main contents is broadcast program, can be as value with reference to ID such as the result of the various combinations of the combination of service ID in the SI information that is included in broadcasting wave and event id as metamessage.

Then, information receiving device 101 receives basic EPG information and metamessage with reference to ID (S803), and obtains various data.Under the situation of delivering via broadcasting wave, information receiving device 101 obtains the metamessage of the basic EPG information that is included among the SI and each program with reference to ID.

When receiving basic EPG information and metamessage with reference to ID (S803), information receiving device 101 only obtains basic EPG information and metamessage with reference to ID, rather than such as other ECG information of sub-metamessage.

By with reference to figure 12A and 12B, the EPG display screen is described now, wherein demonstration is to make according to the EPG information of obtaining by information receiving device 101.Figure 12 A and 12B are the structure charts that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown.

The metamessage that information receiving device 101 keeps is sorted under the metamessage that comprises in the basic EPG information that will at first be obtained, and this metamessage should obtain from directory service server 106.

Shown in Figure 12 A, the EPG display screen shows the essential information relevant with broadcast program, for example programming time or program title according to the broadcasting station.For example, what show on it is program-related information, for example by the program title " good luck " of broadcasting station 105-A from " 20:00 " broadcasting.Herein, Figure 12 A only shows the essential information relevant with broadcast program program title in addition.

The essential information relevant with broadcast program is included in the metamessage in the basic EPG information substantially, and metamessage is as the part of program metamessage.When the viewer selects any attribute of wherein finding as display-object, what show in response is that metamessage from information receiving device obtains/property value of the corresponding metamessage that the storage area of storage area 503 extracts, classification etc., and any program is requested at screen display.

When the viewer selects the metamessage do not found in basic EPG information as display-object with, require information receiving device 101 to obtain the metamessage of program of the request of cover screen demonstration from directory service server 106.

In order to obtain metamessage,, this means the garbage that will receive big quantity if obtain the metamessage of each program fully.Like this, can only extract the metamessage of the attribute that is exclusively used in each program, and information receiving device 101 can be carried out from the part of metamessage and obtains from the metamessage group.As the result that this part is obtained, information receiving device 101 only obtains the metamessage of any needs, need show the selected properties value by showing on the EPG display screen subsequently.

Notice that herein the situation of display element information reference ID not of illustrating is by way of example described the EPG display screen of present embodiment.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, the EPG display screen can display element information reference ID.

Shown in Figure 12 A, the initial screen of display part 508 shows main contents (the EPG information of broadcast program in this example).In order to show sub-metamessage, press the various buttons that on display part 508, show and therefore to show sub-metamessage as the details relevant with main contents.Can show sub-metamessage to comprise demonstration such as the various forms of the situation of any limited information of sub-content title only.

When showing sub-content title, carry out another kind of the selection for sub-content, and press various buttons (for example, classification, performer) or other subsequently so that check its details.In this manner, show details for sub-content.

In addition, when showing pivot information (such as the program metamessage of program title) rather than the information of climax content being arranged, can show sub-contents list.If this is the case,, another seed content choice can be carried out, therefore the sub-metamessage relevant can be shown with sub-content from shown sub-contents list.

Therefore, by any relevant meta information of connected reference, become and to obtain the sub-metamessage relevant with various main contents or sub-content from the metamessage on the initial screen that is presented at display part 508.

Or, use this specified display properties, can clearly illustrate any program by changing Show Color or the flicker on screen with same alike result value.If this is the case, for example by using such fact, that is, how many programs illustrate the property value of attribute " performer " conduct " Takuya Kimuro " in the middle of the program that shows on the EPG of display part 508 display screen, and this has simplified the viewer and has found the program that he or she wishes.

Herein, except direct specified attribute value, for example, searching requirement can be " program of current broadcast " or " with the given content program that is mutually related ".

In the EPG display screen on will being displayed on display part 508, show various buttons, for example " classification " button, " performer " button or " special website " button are in order to show the program-related information such as program metamessage or sub-metamessage.By selecting button, show the relevant information of program on the display screen with display part 508 fully such as " classification " button, " performer " button and " special website " button.

For example, when " classification " buttons were selected in importation 511, search comprised the program metamessage of " classification " attribute, and on display part 508 property value of display properties " classification ".Similarly, in response to " performer " button, search comprises the program metamessage of " performer " attribute, and display attribute value " performer ".In response to " special website " button, search comprises the sub-metamessage of " special website " attribute, and display attribute value " special website ".

In addition, the independent displaying program-related information is possible on the EPG screen.Can make the broadcast program selection that is activated in order to show this program-related information according to program, to press the button.Shown in Figure 12 A, when program title " good luck " is selected in importation 511, the rectangle of black line overstriking occurs, thereby state becomes activation.Subsequently, when the another kind selection is carried out by double-click in importation 511, for example, therefore show to be linked to the metamessage group of metamessage with reference to ID.Herein, description is situation by the program-related information of double-clicking the independent displaying present embodiment.This example is not restrictive, and for example, display part 508 can comprise " relevant information " button.

Then, when the viewer used importation 511 to select " classification " buttons, the metamessage of information receiving device 101 obtained/and storage area 503 program metamessage to " classification " attribute of comprising each program in its memory searches for.Herein, the program metamessage is searched for reference to ID according to metamessage.

In case finish the search of program metamessage for being presented at program on the EPG screen, shown in Figure 12 B, " classification " of each program is displayed on the display part 508.

In addition, program-related information for each program of independent displaying, when double-clicking by importation 511 or other carries out program when selecting, metamessage obtains/and storage area 503 is according to its program metamessage and sub-metamessage being searched for reference to ID corresponding to the metamessage of selected program.

In case find to be linked to sub-metamessage or the program metamessage of metamessage, shown in Figure 12 (B), on display part 508, show to comprise the program metamessage of each program or the relevant information of sub-metamessage with reference to ID.

Herein, if obtain at metamessage/there are not corresponding program metamessage or sub-metamessage in the storage area 503, information receiving device 101 requires program metamessage or sub-metamessage to directory service server 106.Below, the processing of request metamessage is described.

Information receiving device 101 is concentrated with reference to ID according to metamessage and is obtained the metamessage group that links with reference to ID with the metamessage that is stored in the directory service server 106.And, except being linked to the metamessage group of metamessage, also can specify classification, element and attribute, thereby part is obtained the metamessage that be acquired with reference to ID.

By with reference to figure 13A to 13C and Figure 14, the processing that part is obtained the metamessage of present embodiment is described now.The metamessage that Figure 13 A each in Figure 13 C has schematically shown present embodiment partly obtains the figure of processing, and Figure 14 is the structure chart that the EPG display screen is shown.

,, when selecting " special website ", obtain information capture

part

512 and 511 receive the target information of obtaining that comprises attribute " special website " at least to shown in the 13C as Figure 13 A from the importation.Herein, attribute is not only and is included in the option that obtains in the target information, and as possible application, also can be label, element as expression program metamessage, sub-metamessage, constituent element information index or other.Except the metamessage group, only can extracting section comprise the metamessage of attribute " special website ".

Obtaining command component 502 generates and comprises that metamessage at least is with reference to ID or obtain the command information of obtaining of target information.As shown in figure 14, be forwarded to directory service server 106 (S804) by obtaining command component 502 via the command information of obtaining that network will generate thus.Obtain the information of obtaining target that command information is a representation element information herein.

In addition, information receiving device 101 determine which broadcasting station 105 corresponding to metamessage with reference to ID, and when identifying corresponding broadcasting station 105, information receiving device 101 will obtain command information according to the URI of the directory service server 106 in expression broadcasting station 105 and be forwarded to directory service server 106.

For example, obtain command information by forwarding like this, information receiving device 101 can be to directory service server 106 forward command information, tell the metamessage of only wishing to comprise " special website URL " as from the obtain target of metamessage with reference to the relevant metamessage group of ID.As shown in figure 14, directory service server 106 is only transmitted the metamessage (S805) of " special website URL " that expression and metamessage be associated with reference to ID subsequently to information receiving device 101.

In addition, information receiving device 101 can partly obtain constituent element information from the metamessage group.For example, for obtaining target, directory service server 106 can be from extracting constituent element information with metamessage with reference to the metamessage group that ID is associated, and as shown in figure 14, transmit the metamessage (S805) corresponding to information receiving device 101 by designated groups ID.

In addition, shown in Figure 13 B, information receiving device 101 will obtain command information and be forwarded to corresponding directory service server 106.By obtaining directory service server 106 that command information provides in its memory, searching for metamessage corresponding to the metamessage that obtains command information.

In case receive the metamessage that comprises attribute " special website " from directory service server 106, shown in Figure 13 C, information receiving device 101 shows the special website URL of each program on the EPG screen.

In addition, as shown in Figure 5, obtain constituent element information, comprise constituent element information 550-1 with group ID " 0001 " with the metamessage group that metamessage is associated with reference to ID " A-1 " for part.Constituent element information 550-1 concentrates the constituent element information 550 that comprises about the information of airtime.

Therefore, relevant with airtime constituent element information 550 comprises " broadcasting time started ", " off-the-air time ", " renewal probability " and " upgrading regularly " at least.This example is not restrictive, and constituent element information 550 can comprise any out of Memory.

Obtain command component 502 and obtain target information from obtaining 512 receptions of information capture part, it obtains target is the constituent element information 550 that comprises " group ID ".Then, obtain catalogue part 502 and obtain directory information according to obtaining the target information generation.

The command information of obtaining that generates thus is acquired command component 502 via network 103 and is sent to directory service server 106.Directory service server 106 search and extracting by obtaining the command information constituent element information 550 of appointment thus, and the result is forwarded to information receiving device 101 (S805).After this transmission (S805), constituent element information 550 is displayed on the display part 508 of information receiving device 101 (S806).

Therefore, replace carrying out the transmission of each metamessage that repeatedly provides, directory service server 106 can be concentrated and send the polylith metamessage, thereby improves data transmission efficiency.

Herein, directory service server 106 not only can from metamessage group that metamessage is associated with reference to ID search have mutually the constituent element information 550 of ID on the same group, but also can search in the whole metamessage group from be stored in directory service server 106.

, to 15C, describe the EPG display screen by reference 15A herein, demonstration is to make according to the basic EPG information of being obtained by information receiving device 101 on this display screen.Figure 15 A illustrates the structure chart of the EPG display screen of present embodiment to each of 15C.Herein, as another embodiment that the part of above-described metamessage is obtained, describe the whole of metamessage and obtain.

Shown in Figure 15 A, the EPG display screen show with such as the relevant essential information of the program of program title.For example, demonstration is such as the program-related information of broadcasting station 105-A from the program title " good luck " of " 20:00 " broadcasting.

Herein, above-described is that the EPG display screen of present embodiment shows that " with reference to ID:A-1 " is as the situation of metamessage with reference to ID.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, for example the EPG display screen can not show that this metamessage is with reference to ID.

The EPG display screen shows " relevant information " button.For activating the broadcast program of selecting, become and to press this " relevant information " button.In case shown in Figure 15 A, receive basic EP information and metamessage with reference to ID, in rectangle, received " with reference to the ID:A-1 " of representation element information reference ID " A-1 " for the black line overstriking of program title " good luck ".

(request is handled)

When the viewer pressed button such as " relevant information " button with a certain selected program, information receiving device 101 was according to responsively discerning corresponding broadcasting station 105 with the corresponding metamessage of selected program with reference to ID.

After the corresponding broadcasting station 105 of identification, information receiving device 101 conducts interviews to directory service server 106 according to the URI of directory service server 106 in expression broadcasting station 105, and the sub-metamessage (S804) that is associated with reference to ID of requirement and selected metamessage.

Shown in Figure 15 A, if the viewer asks to show the information that is associated with " good luck " that then " good luck " is the program of " broadcasting station 105-A ", and metamessage is " A-1 " with reference to ID.

Therefore, as shown in figure 16,101 pairs of directory service servers corresponding with broadcasting station 105-A 106 of information receiving device conduct interviews.After making visit like this, information receiving device 101 is transmitted and is obtained the sub-metamessage (S804) that directory information is associated with reference to ID " A-1 " with request and metamessage.

Then, directory service server 106 obtains the sub-metamessage that is associated with corresponding element information reference ID or other metamessage group, and via network 103 the metamessage group is forwarded to information receiving device 101 (S805) subsequently

Sub-metamessage or other (S806) that provides from directory service server 106 is provided on the EPG display screen information receiving device 101.Herein, when only the metamessage of any needs will be presented on the EPG display screen, that is, and when information is limited in advance when showing, but also application message receiving equipment 101.

Shown in Figure 15 B, directory service server 106 has this metamessage related with " A-1 ", promptly performer " Takuya Kimuro ", " special website URL ", " http: // ... " or buy website " the service provision period is up to 2003/6/30 ".

Shown in Figure 15 C, when the metamessage group that comprises pivot information or sub-metamessage during from directory service server 106, information receiving device 101 obtains whole metamessage group in order to show on the captions part 1201 of EPG display screen.

Shown in the captions part 1201 of Figure 15 C, via information receiving device 101, the user can only obtain the metamessage relevant with his or she programs of interest (ECG information).The metamessage group that shows on display part 508 is considered to illustrate about the viewer information of his or her interest, and directory service server 106 can keep this visit information.

Moreover the analysis part 303 of directory service server 106 has the function of obtaining or analyzing from the visit information of information receiving device 101, therefore can understand the interested level of viewer to each program.

In the access time of directory service server 106, the viewer can allow to use his or her profile information, such as Cookie (Cookie) information that is stored in the information receiving device 101, thereby directory service server 106 can come classification access information according to viewer group.

When comprising that sub-metamessage or other metamessage group are in being stored in directory service server 106, can be stored in the information receiving device 101 with same format.Perhaps, if desired, it can be converted into database format and be used for storage in information receiving device 101.Again or, if desired, information receiving device 101 can be converted to the metamessage group database format that is used in information receiving device 101 storage, and integrated management information is obtained the metamessage group that has difference in the middle of the source.

Herein, the captions part 1201 of Figure 15 C shows via the EPG display screen, and therefore for some broadcasting stations the EPG display screen be hidden thereafter.Therefore, as shown in figure 17, EPG display screen and captions part 1201 can be by independent displaying on display part 508, thus the risk that can avoid covering the EPG display screen.The sequence of operations of the information access system 100 of present embodiment so, shown in Figure 10 finishes.

Information receiving device 101 storages of present embodiment or the processing of analysis viewer preference information are then described, as another operation of information access system shown in Figure 10 100.

Comprise from the broadcasting station sub-metamessage that 105 directory service server 106 receives or other metamessage group in the database of information receiving device 101 centralized management in information receiving device 101.

In the access time of directory service server 106, information receiving device 101 adds the metamessage such as the sub-metamessage that is obtained to the database (not shown), and stores access frequency or other in the metamessage identical category respectively.In addition, the actual information of making content purchase or other are told in information receiving device 101 storage.

Information receiving device 101 management is for example about the information of the metamessage (not shown) of viewer's preference information.Use this metamessage, make viewer's preference analysis or individual character diagnosis for the entity of content about preference information.Show for the content on the display part,, be considered to very attracting any content and be provided with higher priority in order to show (recommendation) according to the result.

What then describe is the operation that 101 pairs of the information receiving devices of present embodiment conduct interviews from the sub-content such as the metamessage group of on hand sub-metamessage.

At first, by referring to Figure 18 A and 18B and Figure 19, describe according to the operation of in the sub-metamessage of present embodiment, finding that conducts interviews according to URI antithetical phrase content.

Shown in Figure 18 A, when carrying the information that comprises URI in advance from the metamessage group of directory service server 106, by direct selection it, the viewer can conduct interviews to the sub-content of any correspondence in the content service server 107.

In order to visit sub-content, shown in Figure 18 A, " good luck " on the EPG display screen that is presented at information receiving device 101 or other are made the program selection, and by pressing " relevant information " button such as the importation 511 of mouse.

Notice that herein the EPG display screen of present embodiment is to illustrate that by way of example demonstration " with reference to ID:A-1 " describes with reference to the situation of ID as metamessage.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, the EPG display screen can not show that this metamessage is with reference to ID.

The line that surrounds when the rectangle of program title " good luck " with the black line overstriking and so be transfused to part 511 and enter state of activation, and when this rectangle is double-clicked in importation 51, on captions part 1201, show the special website that comprises program title, actor information or URL.Herein, " special website " can show that addresses of items of mail replaces URL.

Then, when the viewer is chosen in " the special website " that shows on the captions part 1201, and select " relevant information " button subsequently, 101 pairs of content service server 107 by the URL of " special website " appointment of information receiving device conduct interviews.

When " the special website " of demonstration on the captions part 1201 shown in Figure 18 A and Figure 18 B selected in importation 511, the first content access portion 505 of information receiving device 505 extracted the URL that is included in " the special website " stored.

As shown in figure 19, first content access portion 505 obtains/reads in the metamessage group of metamessage with reference to ID of ID 801-1 the memory of storage area 503 the have attribute metamessage of " special website " from the metamessage with information receiving device 101, and extract subsequently property value " http: // ... ".

Then, as shown in figure 19, according to top URL (http: // ...), first content access portion 505 conducts interviews via 103 pairs of content service server 107 of network.

As shown in figure 19, content service server 107 will be forwarded to information receiving device 101 by the special site information of forming corresponding to Web screen or other of URL via network 103.

In case receive the special purchase site information from content service server 107, information receiving device 101 is display message on the EPG display screen shown in Figure 18 B just.

By the special site information that on display part 508, shows, can obtain as Figure 18 B exemplary illustrate such as the product of song in order to sell.For product purchase, press " purchase " button of screen display and will carry out.Description is pressed record keeping and the settlement process after " purchase " button in the back.

Because comprising the sub-metamessage of URL is the fact that 105 sides generate in the broadcasting station, the broadcasting station can easily make any scheduled station of information receiving device 101 random access.Herein, the information receiving device 101 of visiting website like this is considered to show probably the interest to the content in this website.

By referring to Figure 20 A to 20C and Figure 21, the operation of visiting sub-content according to the keyword in the sub-metamessage that is included in present embodiment is then described.

Use is as the property value or the index from the metamessage group of directory service server 106 of being included in of keyword, information receiving device 101 can be in the directory service server 106 that is connected to network 103 or content service server 107 search and its son that will be played the relevant program metamessage of program (perhaps not those of broadcast) perhaps.

Except metamessage, any one in programme information, constituent element information and the sub-metamessage represented in index.For example, index is corresponding to the label that is set at Fig. 8 example or other metamessage.Herein, classification is not limited to this example, and as possible application, it can whole what main contents that relates to of representation element information.

Shown in Figure 20 A, for example, when selecting " good luck " from the EPG display screen and when double-click it importation 511, information receiving device 101 will be shown to captions part 1401 with reference to the relevant metamessage of ID " good luck " with metamessage.

Herein, explanation shows that " with reference to ID:A-1 " describes the EPG display screen of present embodiment with reference to the situation of ID for metamessage by way of example.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, the EPG display screen can not show that so metamessage is with reference to ID.

Captions part 1401 shows " program title ", " classification ", " performer ", " special purchase website " etc.For show with captions part 1401 in " Takuya Kimuro " relevant sub-content of showing as " performer ", select shown " Takuya Kimuro ", press " keyword search " button then.

As shown in figure 21, use " the Takuya Kimuro " that so select as keyword, information receiving device 101 is in directory service server 106 or content service server 107 search metamessage groups for each broadcasting station that is connected to network 103.Herein, when information receiving device 101 was not stored the URI of the directory service server 106 that is used for each broadcasting station, the directory service server 106 that is stored the broadcasting station of searching in order to metamessage for its URI was asked.

And, except the keyword " Takuya Kimuro " of appointment, also can use have a strong correlation with " TakuyaKimuro " abbreviation title " Kimuro " as keyword in order to search.Herein, interrelated table (not shown) before defined between " Kimuro " and " Takuya Kimuro " and had strong correlation.When information receiving device 101 does not carry the necessary this metamessage of search, from directory service server 106, carry out part and obtain.

As the result who so searches for, if there is metamessage, show clearly by changing title on the EPG display screen that will be displayed on the program metamessage that is associated with this metamessage or other color with property value " Takuya Kimuro " or " Kimuta ".

And so the program metamessage of finding (basic EPG information) may be displayed in the tabulation after storage.From the tabulation of demonstration like this, can further show details according to program.

Information receiving device 101 conducts interviews via 103 pairs of directory service servers 106 of network with reference to ID 801-1 or other according to metamessage.After like this visit, information receiving device 101 is made request so that such as the metamessage group searching of sub-metamessage to directory service server 106.

Information receiving device 101 conducts interviews via 103 pairs of content service server 107 of network according to the URL that for example finds in " special website ".After so visiting, information receiving device 101 requires the corresponding arbitrarily metamessage of content service server 107 search.Herein, if do not obtain URL like this, then information receiving device 101 does not conduct interviews to content service server 107.

After receiving this searching request, directory service server 106 or content service server 107 are at first searched for the metamessage group that comprises the keyword " Takuya Kimuro " from information receiving device 101, and only extract subsequently and comprise the metamessage that is used for " Takuya Kimuro " that part obtains.Herein, the keyword of present embodiment for example is Takuya Kimuro, but this is not restrictive.

Shown in Figure 20 B, by search key " Takuya Kimuro ", 107 pairs of sub-metamessage groups that are associated with " product " " books " of the content service server of broadcasting station 105-A are searched for.107 pairs of sub-metamessage groups that are associated with " product " " CD " of the content service server of broadcasting station 105-B are searched for, and extract and to comprise the sub-metamessage that is used for the keyword that part obtains.

Sub-metamessage or other the metamessage that to so find from content service server 107 or directory service server 106 via network 103 are forwarded to information receiving device 101.

Then, shown in Figure 20 C, the display part 508 of information receiving device 101 shows that sub-metamessage is as Search Results.Herein, when not finding the sub-metamessage of this correspondence, display part 508 does not show whatever.

Shown in Figure 20 C,, can buy the sub-content of any correspondence such as product by pressing " purchase " button that is presented on the display part 508.Herein, above-described is the situation that display part 508 for example only shows " purchase " button.Such example is not restrictive, and as possible application, for example display part 508 can show that " website change " button or other are in order to visit other network address.

And according to the URL of the sub-metamessage of discovery like this, after the antithetical phrase content conducted interviews, information receiving device 101 can be made further search to the sub-metamessage that appends to content.

And after conducting interviews according to the URL antithetical phrase content in the sub-metamessage that is included in discovery like this, perhaps sub-metamessage was so that generate preference information once more in second analysis part 510 was analyzed and is somebody's turn to do.

According to the preference information that so regenerates, information receiving device 101 extracts keyword subsequently once more so that further search for the sub-metamessage that appends to content.

Above being similar to, ferret out is sub-content, program metamessage or other, by these, can search for program related-program metamessage or other from program correlator content with opposite way.

Can singlely provide or a plurality of keyword that is provided for searching for.By selecting a plurality of keywords, ferret out can be narrowed down to bigger degree.For example when the keyword that is used to search for was " TakuyaKimuro " and " drama ", display result only comprised the sub-content relevant with " drama of Takuya Kimuro ".

For the keyword input interface that is exclusively used in the input equipment 511 that is provided for information receiving device 101, the not only keyword of deriving from the metamessage that is presented at display part 508 (for example " TakuyaKimuro "), and user (viewer) is input or key feeding key words arbitrarily

Therefore, import by keyword, perhaps pivot information that shows on display part 508 by importation 511 or other selection visit about the sub-metamessage of pivot information or other, become and to carry out the search of variety of way, comprise other program of search from any appointed program, search for other program relevant, from the sub-content of any appointment, search for other sub-content and other program of search from specify sub-content with appointed program.

By with reference to figure 22A to 22C, and Figure 23 then is described in the operation that conducts interviews according to preference information antithetical phrase content under the management of information receiving device 101 of present embodiment.

According to above-described preference information, information receiving device 101 is carried out keyword search., and analyze this result and generate preference information by visit directory service server 106 or other result who derives by accumulation.

Shown in Figure 22 A, in the EPG display screen, supress " recommendation " button or other.In case supress " recommendation " button, under the management of first analysis part 504 or second analysis part 510, the preference analysis engine part (not shown) of information receiving device 101 extracts the keyword that the user is most interested in according to preference information.

Herein, above-described is that the EPG display screen of present embodiment shows that " with reference to ID:A-1 " is as the situation of metamessage with reference to ID.This is not restrictive, and as possible application, the EPG display screen can not show that such metamessage is with reference to ID.

The preference analysis engine of present embodiment partly can be applicable to be provided at first analysis part 504, second analysis part 510, information receiving device 101 or visits situation in the server of recognizing network 103.

The visit that generates when as shown in figure 23, information receiving device 101 bases are obtained metamessage generates and generates preference information.The preference information of Sheng Chenging is stored in first analysis part 504 thus.

In case press " recommendation " button shown in Figure 22 A, the preference analysis engine of information receiving device 101 is just according to being considered to cause that the preference information of user interest extracts keyword.

After so extracting keyword, the execution priority branch is equipped with indication viewer's interest.As shown in figure 23, the ★ quantity of distributing to " Takuya Kimuro " and " music " is big more, and it is higher that this is considered to interest priority.Therefore, " Takuya Kimuro " and " music " all are the keywords that is used to search for.

Information receiving device 101 conducts interviews via the directory service server 106 or the content service server 107 of network 103 to each broadcasting station 105.After so visiting, information receiving device 101 is made the searching request for the metamessage group corresponding with keyword.

Herein, if information receiving device 101 is not stored the URI of the directory service server 106 in each broadcasting station 105, then the directory service server 106 of this URI is stored in information receiving device 101 search.

Shown in Figure 22 B, by " Takuya Kimuro " and " music ", the sub-metamessage group relevant with " product " " books " found in the keyword search of the content service server 107 of broadcasting station 105-A, and the content service server 107 of broadcasting station 105-B is found the sub-metamessage relevant with " product " " CD ".

Sub-metamessage or other the metamessage that to find thus via network 103 from content service server 107 or directory service server 106 are forwarded to information receiving device 101.

Then, shown in Figure 22 C, the sub-metamessage that the display part 508 of information receiving device 101 shows as Search Results.Herein, if do not find so sub-metamessage, the then message that on display part 508, occurs telling so or do not have whatever.

Shown in Figure 22 C, by pressing " purchase " button on the display part 508, information receiving device 101 can experience the sub-content purchase such as product.

And, the information access system of use present embodiment, the metamessage that uses information receiving device 101 visit directory service servers 106 to derive by the user for the viewer mates his or her preference probably.

Therefore, the information access system of present embodiment has the function of each information receiving device 101 being carried out preference analysis according to the metamessage of deriving by the information receiving device 101 of visit directory service server 106.Yet owing to require to select the EPG display screen, the metamessage that is obtained only is intended to show and the relevant metamessage of basic EPG information that covers whole EPG display screen sometimes.If this is the case, then for example obtain the metamessage of deriving and always do not mate viewer's preference by part.

In this point, when such information was used as the initial information that is used for preference analysis, not only former state was used this information, also carried out weight allocation according to metamessage.For example, in order on the EPG display screen, to show as detailed information, the mode that the metamessage of at first selecting and obtain is weighted is carried out weighting more than other ground, and, can be less than other ground to only for showing by searching for the metamessage weighting that Search Results that other metamessage arbitrarily derives obtains according to this metamessage.

(unified checking/clearing)

Then, for example, result as the viewer's who uses keyword sub-content search, under situation about finding on the content service server 107 corresponding to the sub-content of this keyword, the sub-content that presses the button " purchases " to be presented on the display part 508 of information receiving device 101 will allow any product of wishing of central merchandising from a plurality of content service server 107.

In order to realize this central merchandising, the information access system 100 of present embodiment comprises that the account accumulates server 109.Information receiving device 101 is at first accumulated server 109 to the account and is conducted interviews, thereby unified user ID and password input account are accumulated server 109.

Unified user ID is as the ID of unified a plurality of content service server 107 for the result of their shared use.Therefore, use single unified user ID will allow information receiving device 101 to buy the sub-content that is stored in a plurality of content service server 107.

Afterwards, information receiving device 101 uses unified user ID and password login account accumulation server 109.From being arranged in the sub-contents list of content service server 107, select the sub-content of wishing arbitrarily.

More specifically, for the sub-content of selecting to wish arbitrarily, the sub-content that information receiving device 101 request account accumulation apparatus 109 will be wished is arbitrarily put into its " basket " and is selected in order to be registered as possible purchase.

Suppose responsively when information receiving device 101 is selected the sub-content of hope, information receiving device 101 wishes that the account accumulates the sub-content of server 109 registrations and selects as possible purchase from being positioned at the sub-content that the sub-contents list purchase of other content service server 107 is arbitrarily wished arbitrarily.

For repeatedly being registered in sub-content in the basket as what may buy selection, user's give an order " purchase ".More specifically, for example, press " purchase " button that is presented on the display part 508 by importation 511.

In case request " purchases ", then according to the sub-content sum in the basket, the account accumulates server 109 execution to have and is provided for the clearing that the account accumulates the record keeping/settlement function of server 109.

This clearing are to carry out according to the content service server 107 of being responsible for sub-Content Management.In case finish clearing, the account accumulates server 109 checkout result (finishing notice) is forwarded to each content service server 107.

According to checkout result, content corresponding service server 107 offers the user with sub-content.Herein, for some checkout result, content service server 107 can not offer the user with sub-content.For example, consider because the situation of the clearing failure that Sorry, your ticket has not enough value causes.

And for alternatively by keeping accounts and settling accounts the remaining sum of removing sub-content, during any reasonable time, the account accumulates server 109 will represent that money transmission result's balance data is forwarded to content service server 107.

(metamessage upgrades and handles)

By reference Figure 24, then description is upgraded processing as the metamessage of the operation of the information access system 100 of present embodiment.Figure 24 is that the metamessage that schematically shows present embodiment upgrades the flow chart of handling.

There is this possibility, that is, will upgrades the detailed catalogue of the metamessage of managing by the directory access server 106 in each broadcasting station in the time of suitably.Therefore, the timing during according to the metamessage that receives when information receiving device 101 from directory access server 106, metamessage can at length change.

The metamessage that comprises the timing that is used for upgrading metamessage group or metamessage can be included in corresponding metamessage group preceding, thereby information receiving device 101 can always obtain nearest metamessage by the timer access directory access server 106 when upgrading the metamessage group.Below, for prime information group or metamessage the renewal processing that will be carried out is described.

Metamessage group under directory service server 106 management comprises the metamessage of the attribute that comprises " metamessage version ", should " metamessage version " to Shaozheng representative and metamessage with reference to the be mutually related version of metamessage group of every unit of ID.Herein, perhaps, can be the metamessage (version metamessage) that comprises the mark of representation element information version.

And, with metamessage with reference to ID every unit that is mutually related, metamessage group under directory service server 106 management has the metamessage that comprises such as the element/property of " renewal probability ", " renewal probability " at length represents whether can upgrade the metamessage group, if exist to upgrade probability, then " upgrade regularly " expression and have what frequency/at interval.

Being mutually related with reference to ID with metamessage, the unit is exemplary to be comprised by pivot information or is linked to the whole of metamessage group that metamessage constitutes with reference to sub-metamessage, constituent element information and single metamessage of ID or the like.

Therefore, can offer each metamessage group or each constituent element information with comprising attribute, the renewal probability of metamessage version or upgrading metamessage regularly.And attribute can be included in each metamessage.

Herein, when upgrading the details of metamessage, change the metamessage version, thereby upgrade the version of metamessage, for example, the value of metamessage version increases progressively 1.

At first, as shown in figure 24, use the information access system 100 of present embodiment, Pgmtime is arranged part 201 to carry out the Pgmtime arrangement and is handled (S901).Herein, the Pgmtime arrangement of present embodiment is handled (S901) and is had and Pgmtime arrangement shown in Figure 10 processing (S801) structure much at one, therefore no longer provides its detailed description.

Afterwards, in case the deadline arranges to handle (S901), identifying information transmission part 207 is sent basic EPG information and is mutually related metamessage with reference to ID (S902) with basic EPG information via broadcasting wave subsequently.Herein, the metamessage like this of present embodiment has with metamessage shown in Figure 10 with reference to ID transmission processing (S902) handles (S802) structure much at one with reference to the ID transmission, therefore no longer provides its detailed description.

Then, information receiving device 101 receives metamessage from broadcasting station 105 with reference to ID (S903).Can illustrate metamessage by following situation about illustrating and upgrade processing.

Information receiving device 101 receive metamessages with reference to ID after, when the button pressed such as " details " button that on the EPG display screen, shows, activate the EPG display screen by selecting appointed program.

When the button pressed such as " information change " button, on display part 508, show details by " details " button of pressing in the EPG display screen.

For with broadcast program recording-program making to message handler 101, for example, need to comprise that recorded program Production Time of broadcasting time started and off-the-air time is set to metamessage.Such recorded program Production Time is can be because of some former thereby change, if this situation then must be set the recorded program Production Time of once setting once more.

Illustrate the default metamessage of information receiving device 101 automatic inspections and whether be changed or do not reset thus the recorded program situation of Production Time, perhaps information receiving device 101 needs the situation of nearest metamessage.

As shown in figure 24, along with pressing of " details " button,, carry out the metamessage request and handle (S904) perhaps along with the automatic inspection of information receiving device 101.When the importation 511 of request make by to(for) metamessage, the metamessage that is provided for information receiving device 101 obtains/storage area 503 with reference to metamessage obtain/metamessage memory area in the storage area 503 checks with metamessage whether carried metamessage with reference to the ID metamessage group that is mutually related, and whether this metamessage is acquired (S905).

Herein, for make metamessage obtain/storage area 503 checks the existence of metamessages easily, obtain at metamessage/memory area that is used for storage element information of storage area 503 can provide the metamessage sign of the existence of representation element information or metamessage group.

At the acquisition time of metamessage group or metamessage, for storage element information sets or metamessage in the sort of memory area, metamessage obtains/and storage area 503 is set at the metamessage sign with sign.

Therefore, in case the request metamessage, metamessage obtains/and storage area 503 can determine immediately whether metamessage exists by reference metamessage sign.

Herein, above-described is the metamessage sign of present embodiment of exemplary cases set to(for) each metamessage or metamessage group.This example is not restrictive, for example, can set the metamessage sign for each constituent element information.If this is the case, making setting makes group ID be used as the basis of checking the metamessage sign.

And, suppose all not obtain with metamessage with reference to the ID metamessage group that is mutually related, but only part is obtained group and project, comes the specific meta-information sign according to group ID, classification, attribute, entry name or label.

If do not obtain metamessage (S905) yet, then information receiving device 101 uses metamessage to obtain the metamessage group (S906) that comprises from the corresponding metamessage of directory service server 106 with reference to ID.Under the situation of not obtaining the metamessage group, can only extract essential metamessage arbitrarily herein, from the metamessage group that part is obtained.

If information receiving device 101 has obtained metamessage (S905), then carry out subsequently and confirm to handle (S907), confirm whether the metamessage that obtains thus has renewal probability (S907).

This inspection about the affirmation of upgrading probability handle (S907) be by with reference to beyond the metamessage group under the metamessage that is obtained, comprise that the metamessage of attribute " renewal probability " carries out.Inspection is handled (S907) about the affirmation of upgrading probability and is carried out by the probability determining section 513 that offers information receiving device 101.Herein, be under the situation of a part of constituent element information, at the metamessage that is obtained by confirming to handle (S907) with reference to carrying out from the metamessage with attribute " renewal probability " of constituent element information.

If attribute " renewal probability " illustrates "No" (S907) for upgrading probability, then in fact use to be stored in metamessage and to obtain/the metamessage that obtains in the storage area 503.

If attribute " renewal probability " illustrates "Yes" for upgrading probability, then probability determining section 513 determines that the metamessage that is obtained is the metamessage that can be updated, and send it to metamessage requested part 514 subsequently, generate and upgrade confirmation in order to check whether the information of being obtained really is updated.

After receiving the renewal confirmation, metamessage requested part 514 generates the metamessage solicited message according to the affirmation information check metamessage version that is upgraded subsequently.The metamessage solicited message comprises the metamessage that the is assigned to metamessage property value (version information) with reference to ID and the metamessage version that is used to check at least.Herein, when upgrading metamessage, it is fixed in order to change that directory service server 106 upgrades version information at every turn.

Herein, the metamessage that comprises the attribute of metamessage version is not an only option, and as possible application, can use the label by representation element information version to constitute metamessage yet.

To be forwarded to directory service server 106 by the metamessage solicited message that metamessage requested part 514 generates via network 103.

After the metamessage solicited message that receives from information receiving device 101, with reference to ID, the metamessage that is provided for directory service server 106 is searched for the metamessage of searching for the attribute with metamessage version in the metamessage group of part 306 in being stored in metamessage storage area 304 according to the metamessage that is set to the metamessage solicited message.

Herein, the metamessage of present embodiment search part 306 is not only applicable to search for the situation of the metamessage with metamessage version property in the metamessage group, and is applicable to that search has the situation of the metamessage of metamessage version property in constituent element information.If this is the case, then from the metamessage solicited message of information receiving device 101 except metamessage with reference to also comprising group ID or other ID.

Finish after search has the metamessage of metamessage version property, metamessage search part 306 is obtained version information (S908), and this version information is the property value of metamessage version.

Version information is the information of the renewal frequency of representation element information.For example, be shown as " V01 " as the result's who once upgrades metamessage version information, the version information that upgrades the result of metamessage as twice is shown as " V02 ".Notice that herein the version information of present embodiment is not limited to illustrate the renewal frequency of metamessage, and show the transmission frequency of metamessage and print frequency of issue frequency and metamessage thereof or the like.

Metamessage search part 306 is forwarded to information receiving device 101 via network 103 with the version information that is obtained.Herein, before version information was forwarded to information receiving device 101, the metamessage of present embodiment search part 306 can compare the version information from metamessage receiving equipment 101 with the version information that obtains by search.By this way, result as a comparison, if metamessage is confirmed as being updated, then metamessage search part 306 can be forwarded to information receiving device 101 according to original state with metamessage, metamessage group or the constituent element information of upgrading.

After receiving version information, the metamessage requested part 514 that is provided for information receiving device 101 with the version information of the metamessage that receives be stored in metamessage obtain/version information of the metamessage that obtains in the storage area 503 compares (S909).

As version information like this result relatively, if any two parts of version informations are identical, for example, from the version information of directory service server 106 and the version information that is stored in the information receiving device 101 " V02 " is shown all, then needn't do the request that makes new advances to the metamessage group, because metamessage is not updated for information receiving device 101.

Therefore, under the situation that the renewal of not carrying out metamessage is handled, information receiving device 101 uses according to original state and is stored in metamessage and obtains/the metamessage that obtains (S910) in the storage area 503.

And, if any two parts of metamessage versions are inequality,, this means that the metamessage group that is stored in the directory service server 106 is updated if be nearest especially by upgrading therefore continually from the version information of directory service server.Therefore, information receiving device 101 obtains the metamessage group (S911) that the metamessage identical with the metamessage that is obtained is associated with reference to ID once more.

In order to obtain metamessage group like this once more, command component 502 generations of obtaining that are provided for information receiving device 101 are obtained command information in order to obtain corresponding metamessage group once more.Herein, processing is forward structurally almost handled identically with obtaining of above-mentioned metamessage, therefore is not described in detail., be not only applicable to obtain once more the situation of whole metamessage group herein, also be applicable to the situation of obtaining constituent element information once more, obtain the situation or the like of each metamessage once more.

Be the metamessage group of obtaining once more in case receive from directory service server 106, metamessage obtains/and storage area 503 is updated to the metamessage group in the memory metamessage group (S912) that receives.Therefore, version information also is updated.

When the metamessage of present embodiment is updated (S912), the metamessage group was rewritten before upgrading.This is not restrictive, can storage update before and information afterwards in order to backup.

In the superincumbent situation, also stored the update time of metamessage group, and when upgrading metamessage, the metamessage group can be shown as details at every turn.As application, after passing through, reproduces broadcast program in the exemplary cases of the broadcast program that writes down arbitrarily at information receiving device 101, and can be with relative mode, as show arbitrarily the content of metamessage group before along with the real-time broadcast of passing of recovery time.Information to be stored at that time comprises the update time (or from broadcasting the relative time of beginning) of metamessage and upgrades detailed catalogue (metamessage).In order to reproduce the program of any record, it is carried out reference.

Perhaps, along with passing of time, information receiving device 101 can show automatically that the metamessage that is stored in about the time (update time) obtains/information in the memory area of storage area 503, perhaps when the viewer presses " show in detail " button or other, can be responsively with reference to pressing the details of time corresponding to the button in the memory area that is presented on the display part 508.

Notice that herein in the above example, the timing of upgrading the processing of metamessage is must be by being when metamessage is obtained in operation that user's viewer makes.Except the sort of example, information receiving device 101 can automatically perform renewal inspection by metamessage renewal processing before has been set at information receiving device 101.

If store renewable metamessage group, then information receiving device 101 is with reference to the metamessage group of the metamessage with attribute " renewal regularly ".

Property value at the metamessage with attribute " renewal regularly " is set to the regularly situation of " 30 minutes " of upgrading, for example, information receiving device 101 is according to version information or checked directory service server 106 in other per 30 minutes, is linked to the update mode of metamessage with reference to the metamessage group of ID so that check.

Can set renewal regularly with absolute time or from the relative time of broadcasting beginning, if this is the case, concentrate the metamessage that upgrades by information receiving device 101 reservations in the timing of aiming at by the broadcasting station.The description that metamessage upgrades the sequence of operations in handling finishes.

Except the renewal timing of control broadcasting station side on the basis of such metamessage group, information receiving device 101 sides, it is possible upgrading the timing setting of checking for metamessage.As exemplary process, renewal inspection is set to for information receiving device carried out in per 15 minutes, and carried out inspection broadcasting station 105 sides in the timing except upgrading regularly.And, for the metamessage group, by program making in order to 3 minutes before broadcasting time started of program of record, can carry out to upgrade and check.Therefore, though broadcasting time started or other changes, for example, and by checking the metamessage group at any time, can the handling procedure expansion.Herein, the metamessage group is not restrictive, can be constituent element information yet.Above-described is to have in order to upgrade the situation of metamessage under the management of directory service server of the metamessage version property of checking.This is not restrictive, and the metamessage with metamessage version property for example can be arranged in another server or other.If this is the case, the metamessage with metamessage version property comprises that metamessage is with reference to ID.Replace the metamessage group with constituent element information, also can comprise the metamessage that comprises the attribute of organizing ID.

(real-time update)

Then, under the situation that basic EPG information is delivered via the SI of broadcasting wave, for the information access system 100 of present embodiment, only metamessage is delivered with basic EPG information with reference to ID.

Sub-metamessage or other are not delivered with basic EPG information, and are stored in the directory service server 106 that is connected to network 103.Sub-content also is stored in the content service server 107.

By specifying the metamessage that comes with basic EPG information uniquely with reference to ID, and thus will be by upgrading by the interior perhaps sub-metamessage of reference (directory service server 106, content service server 107), becoming when the viewer wishes to obtain metamessage always to provide nearest information.

As shown in figure 25, exemplary corresponding to visit 1801, information receiving device 101 obtains the sub-metamessage that expression " is bought nearest CD " http://abc.com " " from directory service server 106.

As another example, along with

visit

1802,101 pairs of information receiving devices are stored in sub-content " last CD " the Sakura ﹠amp in the content service server 107; Rope " " http://abc.com " " conduct interviews.

Along with visit 1803, will be identical with visit 1801 by the sub-metamessage that information receiving device 101 obtains.Along with visit 1804, because sub-content is updated, so information receiving device 101 can be visited nearest sub-content (" CD " crow " " http://abc.com " recently ").

Along with visit 1805, because the sub-metamessage that is stored in the directory service server 106 is updated, so information receiving device 101 can obtain nearest sub-metamessage (" new program hold site " http://new.com ").

Along with visit 1806, because the sub-content that is stored in the content service server 107 is updated, so information receiving device 101 can conduct interviews to nearest sub-content (" new program subject matter song CD presell " " http://new.com " ").

Be updated as fruit content or sub-metamessage, this has eliminated to EPG service server 108 and has transmitted sub-content, sub-metamessage or other the needs that upgrade.

Therefore, this has eliminated the needs that following processing is carried out in broadcasting station 105, and described processing is such as handling for the renewal of the schedule information that correspondingly passes through renewal sub-content, sub-metamessage or other generations.And, upgrade sub-content, sub-metamessage or other will can not influence SI information, and can use SI information according to original state.

As above-described application, illustrate " expanded application of program recording program making ".Come under the situation of executive logging program making according to basic EPG information at information receiving device 101 that can the program recording program making, use metamessage that information access system 100 provides via broadcasting station 105 sides with reference to ID the program metamessage of corresponding broadcast program and the programme information of representing by basic EPG information uniquely.

Herein, actual available basic EPG information can not be set up and the clear and definite correlation that will be broadcasted the program of broadcasting at station 105.

The situation of hypothetical record program making herein " professional basketball " program.Information receiving device 101 understands according to basic EPG information or other, and the metamessage of " professional basketball " program is with reference to ID yes " B-1 ".

And information receiving device 101 uses metamessages to fetch sub-metamessage of any correspondence or other keyword from directory service server 106 with reference to ID " B-1 " as reed.Herein, the metamessage such as sub-metamessage comprises that the expansion of expression program is possible extension flag (not shown) as attribute.

When setting extension flag, information receiving device 101 according to conventional with reference to the metamessage " B-1 " (for example, per 10 minutes) that is stored in the directory service server 106.

Opening entry when information receiving device 101 arrived when the time of program program making, and during writing down, reference is stored in the metamessage in the directory service server 106 according to routine.

Such as the metamessage of the sub-metamessage that similarly is used for reference, except extension flag, comprise time started or concluding time after changing writing time as attribute.

If the airtime is expanded or changes, then broadcasting station 105 real-time update are provided for the time started or the concluding time of the program metamessage that is kept by directory service server 106.

If the recording time information that is provided for such as the metamessage of program metamessage is updated, then information receiving device 101 for example can carry out the automatic expansion processing of writing time.Herein, the writing time that is provided for metamessage not only under the situation that the program that recorded program is made is expanded by real time altering, and under the situation that program has been broadcasted before the program that recorded program is made is expanded by real time altering.

For program recording and storage, information receiving device 101 that can program recording also store basic EPG information and corresponding to the metamessage of the program of basic EPG information with reference to ID.

When the viewer presses above-mentioned " relevant information " button and obtains any information relevant with recorded program, according to corresponding to the metamessage of this program with reference to ID, information receiving device 101 is to the relevant arbitrarily metamessage of directory service server 106 visiting demands.

Unless metamessage is invalid with reference to the Expiration Date of ID, otherwise information receiving device 101 can obtain metamessage such as sub-metamessage from directory service server 106 via network 103.

The content that is arranged in the metamessage group of directory service server 106 can be by real-time update.Therefore, information receiving device 101 can obtain the metamessage with different content according to the timer access to directory service server 106.

Even can be changed from the interior perhaps sub-content of the metamessage of appointed program reference, use identical metamessage with reference to ID, information receiving device 101 can obtain metamessage or the sub-content that has been updated.

The information access system 100 of present embodiment is characterised in that for each broadcasting station 105 can distinguish administrative directory service server 106 and content service server 107.

For this structure, under the management in broadcasting station 105, between metamessage, do not observe correlation.Therefore, within the scope of metamessage, the information access system 100 of present embodiment can be operated in each broadcasting station 105 under its management.

And, replacing beginning suddenly each broadcasting station 105 of operation information access system 100, broadcasting station 105 can begin operation information access system 100 with date and time irrelevant any time.

Although the metamessage that requirement comes administrative institute to obtain by the identification to each broadcasting station 105, information receiving device 101 can be changed it with the form of any appropriate.Therefore, the metamessage that obtains by a plurality of broadcasting stations 105 or other can be managed or use to information receiving device 101 concentratedly, and information receiving device 101 can conduct interviews to the sub-content that is stored in a plurality of content service server 107.

Replace whole metamessage, information distributing equipment 104 only distributes any smallest element information reference ID and basic EPG information, and the metamessage group that is associated with reference to ID from the request forwarding of information receiving device 101 and metamessage of response.Therefore, this helps to reduce data volume of delivering and the data volume of accumulating in information receiving device 101, improved treatment effeciency.And, the content of any desired can be offered information receiving device 101.

When information distributing equipment 104 when perhaps other offer information receiving device 101 in son, carry out this providing according to the viewer's who belongs to information receiving device 101 preference.Thereby information distributing equipment 104 can have no effectively advertising message to be offered lavishly information receiving device 101.

According to metamessage, information receiving device 101 can easily be searched in the son relevant with metamessage perhaps other.When like this search, information receiving device 101 can obtain in the son that is stored in a plurality of information distributing equipments perhaps other according to the metamessage of deriving by a plurality of information distributing equipments 104.

By the visit to information distributing equipment 104 that information receiving device 101 is made, information distributing equipment 104 can obtain visit information when receiving metamessage.

With reference to ID, information receiving device 101 can be always receives nearest sub-content, sub-metamessage or other from information distributing equipment 104 according to metamessage.

Below, by reference Figure 26, the information search system 3100 of present embodiment is described.Figure 26 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the information search system of present embodiment is shown.

As shown in figure 26, the information search system 3100 of present embodiment at least by information receiving device 3101 (3101a, 3101b ..., 3101n), network 3103 and information distributing equipment 3104 form.Herein for example, the information receiving device 3101 of present embodiment is corresponding to information access device of the present invention.

For the information search system 3100 of present embodiment, as available service, information distributing equipment 3104 will offer information receiving device 3101 such as the main contents (main contents) of broadcast program.And information receiving device 3101 is searched in order to any other main contents relevant with top main contents that obtain or via metamessage and the relevant sub-content of main contents.Will be described later main contents, sub-content, metamessage or other herein.

Below, illustrating main contents is the situation that is used for being provided to from information distributing equipment 3104 broadcast program of information receiving device 3101, describes the information search system 3100 of present embodiment.

Information distributing equipment 3104 comprises that at least broadcasting station 3105, directory service server 3106, content service server 3107 or EPG (Electronic Program Guide) service server 3108 and account accumulate server 3109.Herein for example, the directory service server 3106 of present embodiment is corresponding to metamessage distributing equipment of the present invention.

Broadcasting station 3105 is to the various broadcast programs of information receiving device 3101 broadcasting, and sends out as the basic EPG information of data broadcasting or other.By receiving basic EPG information, information receiving device 3101 can show EPG (Electronic Program Guide).Will be described later basic EPG information.

Notice that herein explanation comprises that the situation in broadcasting station 3105 describes the information distributing equipment 3104 of present embodiment by way of example, but this example not restrictive.For example, it can be applicable to when main contents is not " broadcast program or EPG " but " Games Software ", " printed matter " and comprises ISP (ISP) or be used to sell Games Software or other product distribution system when information distributing equipment 3104.

EPG service server 3108 receives from the arrangement of time in broadcasting station 3105 (schedule) information separately or other, and generates the EPG information of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) form.Perhaps, it receives the outside EPG information that produces.Schedule information is the information that is used for the program in the airtime arrangement and carries out program.

And the EPG information of Sheng Chenging is stored in the storage area (not shown) that is provided for EPG service server 3108 thus.Herein, EPG information comprises basic EPG information.By receiving basic EPG information, information receiving device 3101 can the indicated channel tabulation, the programme content of the rendition list, current broadcast, with the programme content that is played, programme content of having play or the like.

From EPG service server 3108 basic EPG information is concentrated to be delivered to information receiving device 3101, and any other of managing the sub-metamessage that for example adds sub-content in for the broadcasting station 3105 of serving the provider independently adds ECG (digital content guide) information.Will be described later ECG information and sub-metamessage herein.Broadcasting station 3105 is not unique option, and according to the COS that information distributing equipment 3104 provides, can be any miscellaneous equipment yet.

Information receiving device 3101 be provided with each corresponding identifying information receiving unit 3102 (3102a, 3102b ..., 3102n), be used to receive and comprise such as the broadcasting wave of metamessage with reference to the identifying information of ID, as by shown in the dotted arrow, and receive broadcasting wave from broadcasting station 3105.Perhaps, information receiving device 3101 data of carrying out information distributing equipment 3104 via network 3103 send and carry out the Data Receiving from information distributing equipment 104.Herein, by reception broadcasting wave like this, information receiving device 3101 can show the program such as TV programme.

Notice that herein the information access system 3100 of present embodiment is for example understood the situation that comprises information distributing equipment 3104 separately.This example is not restrictive, and for example, each broadcasting station can comprise that a plurality of information distributing equipments 3104 are in order to use.

When viewer (user) uses information access system 3100, the account accumulates server 3109 to have to unify mode and carries out the function of checking, and do not depend on broadcasting station 3105 or program, perhaps when the user uses information access system 3100 to buy in the sons perhaps other, the account accumulates server 3109 to have and keeps accounts and the function of clearing.

That is, accumulate server 3109, allow unified checking by the authorization information of unifying the user for included account, and, also can unify to keep accounts and settlement information according to the user.Herein, according to carrying out this unification as the result's who unifies a plurality of user ID unified user ID.

Suppose that the user wishes to buy each seed content according to sub-metamessage, this a little content can be distributed under the management of company changing content holder or content.

Accumulate the account and to carry out user rs authentication (for example, use password) in the server 3109, and only will verify that the result is forwarded to content service server 3107 separately.This has eliminated unified user ID and password has been notified to the needs in the broadcasting station 3105 that is provided to information distributing equipment 3104, thereby can protect user's personal information under the management of server.

The checking result who is forwarded to content service server 3107 is that this form does not comprise user ID or password information with digital certificates or other form.Therefore, in situation about being eavesdropped by the third party, this has successfully guaranteed the safety measure of not altered.

Herein, the explanation situation that is not forwarded to content service server 3107 is described user profile by way of example.Such example is not unique selection, and user profile can be forwarded to content service server 3107 in order to use.

Carry out for the replacement of keeping accounts and settling accounts, the user uses his or her unified user ID login account accumulation server 3109 to obtain unified record keeping and clearing.

After login, from the sub-content of the product that for example provides by content service server 3107 separately, make a choice.For example, response command " is put into shopping basket (basket) ", the product that in basket, can keep various content services to use, and no matter content server how.Herein, " shopping basket " is shopping " bag ".

Selection by sub-content and put into the result of basket, when payment, no matter sub-content from which content service server 3107 provides, and can concentrate to keep accounts and settle accounts sub-content.

After the chooser content, when the user sends " purchase " order, the account accumulates server 3109 and uses the disappointed and settlement function of its notes to come concentrative implementation to keep accounts and settle accounts, and the result who derives by record keeping like this and calculating is forwarded to content service server 3107.In case receive the notice of finishing of record keeping and clearing, content service server 3107 is bought under the order the user sub-content is distributed to the user.

By reference Figure 26, the structure of the assembly of the information search system 3100 that is provided for present embodiment is described then.Figure 27 is the block diagram of schematic construction that the broadcasting station of present embodiment is shown.

At first, as shown in figure 26, the network 3103 of present embodiment has been described.Network 3103 is connected to information distributing equipment 3104 in order to the two-way communication between them, and the internet that connects by ADSL (asynchronous digital subscriber line), FTTH (optical fiber is registered one's residence) etc. typically.Connect that medium comprises the pair cable of FDDI (FDDI) or other fiber optic cables, coaxial cable or Ethernet (trade mark) or by IEEE 802.11b, and comprise satellite network or other, no matter be cable or radio.

Then, as shown in figure 27, except the public broadcasting facility, the broadcasting station 3105 of present embodiment comprises that Pgmtime arranges part 3201, sub-metamessage to add part 3202, the program metamessage adds part 3203, metamessage with reference to ID interpolation part 3204, metamessage storage area 3205, information correlation part 3206 and identifying information transmission part 3207.

Notice that herein the service that the information search system 3100 of present embodiment provides is " broadcasting ", information search system 3100 is provided with the broadcasting station 3105 of present embodiment.And main contents (main contents) supposition that is offered the viewer by broadcasting station 3105 is broadcast program (a plurality of program) or EPG.

Main contents of the present invention in the present embodiment is illustrated as program or EPG.This example is not restrictive, and for example, main contents can be Games Software, CD, printed matter, film or the like.

Pgmtime arranges part 3201 to handle and generate schedule information and other by the programs that will be broadcasted station 3105 broadcasting being carried out arrangement of time.

Sub-metamessage adds part 3202 and generates sub-metamessage, and the sub-metamessage that obtains is added to the entity or the schedule information of sub-content (sub-content).Herein, sub-content is the content that comprises product, program, bag, service, Still image data, motion image data, music data or text at least individually, and is provided from content service server 3107.

Sub-metamessage is the metamessage of classification under the pivot information that is associated with main contents (or program metamessage).Therefore, by pivot information is conducted interviews, information receiving device 3101 can be expanded the sub-metamessage that accessing is associated with pivot information, can obtain the sub-content of any target thus.

The program metamessage adds part 3203 and is generated as the program metamessage of pivot information, so that add the schedule information of arranging part 3201 to generate by Pgmtime to.Notice that herein the program metamessage that is added to schedule information is configured basic EPG information, so that be delivered to information receiving device 3101.Basic EPG information is a kind of information with the form formation of Electronic Program Guide (EPG).Herein, program metamessage or sub-metamessage are the metamessage of expression about the information of information, and the program metamessage belongs to pivot information.Pivot information will be described in the back.

Basic EPG information comprises the program metamessage, and has the structural information as program guide.When being sent out via network 3103, basic EPG information is delivering such as the form of HTML (HTML), and when being sent out by broadcasting wave, it is issued with the form of SI (information on services).

Metamessage carries out the distribution of metamessage with reference to ID with reference to ID extention 3204, and adds metamessage to arrange part 3201 to generate by Pgmtime schedule information and sub-metamessage with reference to ID.In order to set up corresponding between the ECG information that comprises program metamessage or sub-metamessage and the program, for example metamessage is distributed to each program with reference to ID.Therefore, by adding metamessage to the program metamessage with reference to ID and having added the sub-metamessage of schedule information to, can obtain program metamessage or sub-metamessage with reference to ID according to metamessage.

With reference to ID, information receiving device 3101 obtains program metamessage or sub-metamessage by the reference metamessage, and can visit in the son relevant with broadcast program perhaps information.Herein, metamessage can be unique in broadcasting station 3105 with reference to ID.

Metamessage be storage area 3205 at least memory time arrangement information, sub-metamessage, program metamessage, metamessage with reference to ID or sub-content.Sub-metamessage, program metamessage, metamessage all belong to ECG information with reference to ID and sub-content, and ECG information will be described in the back.

Information correlation part 3206 connects basic EGP information and metamessage each other with reference to ID, the two all is added to schedule information.By being based upon metamessage with reference to the such correlation between ID and the basic EPG information, information receiving device 3101 can obtain broadcast message or other, in order to discern the broadcasting station 3105 that is included in the basic EPG information with reference to ID according to metamessage.

Identifying information sends metamessage that part 3207 transmits basic EPG information via broadcasting wave or network 3103 and be assigned to program separately with reference to ID.Send part 3207 from identifying information and deliver metamessage together with reference to ID and basic EPG information.

Deliver metamessage with reference to ID in order to send part 3207 via broadcasting wave from identifying information, for example, the metamessage that needs definition expression SI is with reference to the property value of the descriptor of ID or other, and this is the delivery plan of basic EPG information.

For the network 3103 via for example internet sends basic EPG information, metamessage with reference to ID or the like, need be defined in the form of delivering that information receiving device 3101 can support.

In order to deliver, be provided with the property value of metamessage with reference to ID corresponding to the basic EPG information of delivering form with html format or XML form.

At any time, sub-metamessage or the program metamessage that is stored in the metamessage storage area 3205 is forwarded to directory service server 3106.And, perhaps sub-metamessage in the son that is stored in the metamessage storage area 3205 is forwarded to content service server 3107.

Then, by reference Figure 28, descriptor receiving equipment 3101, directory service server 3106 and content service server 3107.Figure 28 is the block diagram that the schematic construction of the information receiving device 3101 of present embodiment and directory service server 3106 and content service server 3107 is shown.

Content service server 3107 storages of present embodiment will be offered viewer's main contents or each seed content by the content supplier such as the broadcasting station., press the environment needs herein, for example, the entity of sub-content (sub-content) comprises whether each seed content of expression is positioned or how obtains the information of this a little content.

As shown in figure 28, content service server 3107 comprise sub-content stores part 3301, sub-metamessage storage area 3302 at least, be used for to the processing execution control that will be carried out by each assembly the control section (not shown), be used for carrying out transmission part (not shown) that data send and the receiving unit (not shown) that is used for carrying out Data Receiving via network 3103 via network 3103.

Sub-content stores part 3301 storages are from the sub-content in broadcasting station 3105.Sub-content for example can be video content, bag, publication, incident, programme information, be used for message board that the user with indefinite number communicates, chatting service or the like, and they all can send and receive via network 3103.

Sub-content stores part 3301 is also stored the Web site information of for example sub-content, sub-sales of the contents.The special Web site information relevant of sub-content stores part 3301 storages with program.

And, except being arranged in the sub-content stores part 3301 of the content service server 3107 that is placed on the broadcasting station, the sub-content of present embodiment can be dispersed in other sub-content stores parts 3301 that are provided for other guide service server 3107 on the network 3103.

Sub-content can be provided with as ECG information and the sub-metamessage that comes.The sub-metamessage of these sub-metamessage storage area 3302 storages.

Because sub-content can be provided with the fact of sub-metamessage, information receiving device 3101 can use the search of carrying out sub-content as the sub-metamessage of keyword (keyword).

Herein, the sub-content stores part 3301 of present embodiment is also stored main contents and other except sub-content, and sub-metamessage storage area 3302 is also stored pivot information and other except sub-metamessage.

Notice that herein the sort of application can be used for the information search system 3100 of present embodiment, it comprises that a plurality of broadcasting stations 3105 share the central single content service server 3107 in broadcasting station 3105.

Then, for example, the directory service server 3106 of present embodiment is operated as the server that is exclusively used in directory service.As shown in figure 28, directory service server 3106 comprises the analysis part 3303 that is used to analyze the visit information that obtains arbitrarily, metamessage storage area 3304, metamessage extracts part 3305, metamessage search part 3306, notice outstanding message administrative section 3307, metamessage receiving unit 3308, request response part 3309, reservation receiving unit 3310, be used for control section (not shown) to the processing execution control that will be carried out by each assembly, be used for carrying out the transmission part (not shown) that data send via network 3103, with the receiving unit (not shown) that is used for carrying out Data Receiving via network 3103.

Metamessage storage area 3304 sub-metamessage group of storage and pivot information sets (program metamessage group), this sub-metamessage group is the set about the sub-metamessage of polylith of various attributes, described various attribute comprise address, title, classification, relevant name (for example, performer, author), price, service provide the period or from content service server 3107 as various types of sub-contents of ECG information etc.

In addition, the program metamessage that metamessage storage area 3304 storage is relevant with conventional program and have the sub-metamessage group of the correlation that is based upon between them.Herein, the program metamessage can be configured to comprise the program metamessage group of polylith program metamessage.

Metamessage storage area 3304 can be applicable to the program metamessage, sub-metamessage or the metamessage that are used to manage according to the broadcasting station 3105 storage situation with reference to ID.

Metamessage search part 3305 is according to searching for program metamessage or sub-metamessage from the Query Information of information receiving device 3101 in metamessage storage area 3304.Be that the program metamessage of ferret out or sub-metamessage are to be stored in metamessage group in the directory service server 3106, and no matter metamessage with reference to ID.

If can't the search information receiving equipment program metamessage or the sub-metamessage of 3101 indications, then metamessage search part 3305 is sent to attribute search part 3306 with Query Information.If finish search, corresponding metamessage group will be forwarded to information receiving device 3101.Herein, even finish search, metamessage search part 3305 also can be sent to Query Information attribute search part 3306.

The metamessage of present embodiment search part 3305 can be from the metamessage group of finding thus extracting section essential program metamessage or sub-metamessage arbitrarily only, and the program metamessage that will extract thus or sub-metamessage be forwarded to obtain command information from information receiving device 3101.

According to the Query Information from

metamessage search part

3305,3306 search of attribute search part have the attribute with the metamessage of or like attribute basic identical by the metamessage of information receiving device 3101 appointments.

Notice that herein the attribute search part 3306 of present embodiment is not limited only to the attribute search of metamessage, and as possible application, can search for the index (perhaps label) of expression such as the type of the metamessage of program metamessage.

After the search of finishing the metamessage group with basic identical or like attribute according to Query Information, attribute search part 3306 is forwarded to metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 with the metamessage group.In optional mode, can extract essential metamessage arbitrarily from the metamessage group, in order to be sent to metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308.

Communication outstanding message administrative section 3307 storing communication outstanding messages, and the outstanding message of should communicating by letter is sent to transmission part (not shown).

Metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 will be forwarded to information receiving device 3101 from the metamessage group that metamessage is searched for part 3305 or attribute search part 3306 via network 3103.

3105 roots are edited sub-metamessage according to program in the broadcasting station, and the result are configured to comprise the sub-metamessage group of one or more sub-metamessage.And, distribute metamessage with reference to ID in order to reference to sub-metamessage group.

Information receiving device 3101 conducts interviews to directory service server 3106 with reference to ID according to metamessage, thereby obtains the metamessage such as sub-metamessage.Herein, the visit information that directory search service server 3106 produced in the time of can obtaining each information receiving device 3101 and conduct interviews, and the visit information that storage obtains is in order to each information receiving device 3101.

And because analysis part 3303 can be analyzed the visit information of storage thus, broadcasting station 3105 can generate the sub-metamessage that is considered to be applicable to user (viewer) according to analysis result.Herein, broadcasting station 3105 also can be via the visit information of network 3103 receptions from directory service server 3106.

Notice that herein as possible application, the information search system 3100 of present embodiment can comprise that a plurality of broadcasting stations 3105 share the central single directory service server 3106 in a plurality of broadcasting stations 3105.

The information receiving device 3101 of present embodiment shown in Figure 28 then, is described.Information receiving device 3101 can for example broadcast mobile device that STB (set-top box), VCR, the various CE equipment such as game machine, PC (PC), PDA (personal digital assistant), portable phone begin, and other.

Information receiving device 3101 is provided with identifying information receiving unit 3102, network receiving unit 3501, Query Information sends part 3502, metamessage obtains/storage area 3503, first analysis part 3504, first content access portion 3505, password search part 3506, second content access portion 3507, display part 3508, second analysis part 3510, importation 3511, Query Information generating portion 3512, solicited message generating portion 3514, notice receiving unit 3515, with program making part 3516.

Herein, for example, the metamessage of present embodiment obtains/and storage area 3503 is corresponding to request unit or other, for example, the password of present embodiment search part 3506 is corresponding to preference searcher or other, and for example, the display part 3508 of present embodiment is corresponding to display unit or other.

Identifying information receiving unit 3102 via broadcasting wave from antenna or other receive basic EPG information and metamessage with reference to ID in order to storage.Network receiving unit 3501 via network 3103 receive basic EPG information and metamessage with reference to ID in order to storage.

Notice that herein the information receiving device 3101 of present embodiment is to illustrate that by way of example execution describes from the situation that the broadcasting station 3105 that data broadcasting service is provided receives.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, not only can receive from broadcasting station 3105 only can also receive metamessage with reference to ID from ISP or other.

The information receiving device 3101 of present embodiment is to illustrate that by way of example obtaining metamessage from identifying information receiving equipment 3102 describes with reference to the situation of ID.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, when available service is the CD sale, with when main contents such as music CD " CD ", but the metamessage that CD information reproduction receiving equipment 3101 can have by reading in the extension storage district that is stored in CD obtains the function of metamessage with reference to ID with reference to ID from information distributing equipment 3104.

And, for example, suppose that available service is that book publishing and main contents are printed matters, and work as books or other front cover and directly be printed with the situation of metamessage with reference to ID, as with metamessage with reference to relevant may the using of ID, information receiving device 3111 can obtain metamessage with reference to ID by the importation 3511 such as the keyboard that is provided for information receiving device 3101.Herein, for example, metamessage can be the bar code of one dimension, two dimension, solid with reference to ID.

Network receiving unit 3501 receives such as the URI of directory service server 3106 or other address information via network 3103, and stores this URI.Perhaps, can provide from the importation 3511 that is provided to information receiving device 3101 such as the address information of URI in order to storage.The visit that the use of URI allows 3101 pairs of directory service servers of information receiving device 3106 to carry out.

Herein, information receiving device 3101 can be connected to network 3103 by dial-up connection, ADSL/FTTH etc.

Information receiving device 3101 the basic EPG information that provides via broadcasting wave or network 3103 is provided and is added to the metamessage of each program with reference to ID.

Address information (for example URI) on information reference equipment 3101 managing internets corresponding to the directory service server 3106 at each station.When URI is made any variation, upgrade URI, thereby nearest URI always on hand.This URI renewal is to realize by upgrading the data of coming via broadcasting wave or network 3103.

Identifying information receiving equipment 3102 or network receiving unit 3501 receive and are provided with the basic EPG metamessage of metamessage with reference to ID, and storage element information reference ID, and this metamessage uses broadcasting wave or network 3103 to provide with reference to ID by SI.

For when obtaining metamessage with reference to ID identification corresponding to the metamessage that receives with reference to the broadcasting station under the program of ID, metamessage with reference to ID with in order to the storage broadcasting station information (not shown) interrelated.

Obtaining metamessage with reference to ID from SI, can discern the affiliated broadcasting station of program by receiving broadcasting station information, becoming.For example, according to the broadcast standard by ARIB (radio industry and commercial guild) definition, SI never can comprise the service ID of representing which broadcasting station.Comprise that the sort of service ID and metamessage are interrelated with reference to the broadcasting station information of ID.

Then, by reference Figure 29, the as above operation of the information search system 3100 of structure is described in the present embodiment.Figure 29 is the flow chart of schematic operation that the information search system of present embodiment is shown.

(arrangement of time processing)

At first, as shown in figure 29,, arrange part 3201 to carry out the Pgmtime arrangement by Pgmtime and handle (S3801) for the information search system 3100 of present embodiment.After the Pgmtime arrangement was determined in broadcasting station 3105, pivot information (program metamessage) was relevant with program with sub-metamessage.Herein, carry out in advance metamessage with reference to the distribution of ID in order to program identification.

Then, program metamessage interpolation part 3203 and sub-metamessage interpolation part 3202 add program metamessage and sub-metamessage by carrying out the schedule information that the arrangement of time processing produces respectively to.

Beyond program correlator content, selection will be displayed to viewer's norator content, and sub-content and the metamessage selected thus are interrelated with reference to ID.And by adding the metamessage corresponding to program to schedule information with reference to ID, the program metamessage is associated with sub-metamessage.

Metamessage is linked to program metamessage and sub-metamessage with reference to ID.Therefore, example as shown in Figure 8 or top other are connected to metamessage and will have with sub-metamessage with reference to the program metamessage of ID and belong to metamessage with reference to the same unified data structure of the metamessage group of ID.

By obtaining metamessage,, can extract only essential arbitrarily program metamessage or sub-metamessage and obtain in order to part being connected to beyond the metamessage group of metamessage with reference to ID with reference to ID.

As shown in figure 30, schedule information 3800 is provided with metamessage ginseng piece ID 3801, is linked to program metamessage 3802 and the sub-metamessage 3803 of metamessage with reference to ID 3801.Figure 30 illustrates the figure that metamessage is forwarded to the schematic operation of information receiving device with reference to ID from the information distributing equipment of present embodiment.

Herein, by with reference to figure 31A to 31C, the EPG display screen is described now, show to be on it to make according to the basic EPG information of obtaining by information receiving device 3101.Figure 31 A is the figure of structure that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown to 31C.

The metamessage that information receiving device 3101 keeps is sorted under the metamessage that is included in the metamessage in the basic EPG information and should obtains from directory service server 3106 that will at first obtain.

Shown in Figure 31 A, the EPG display screen shows the essential information relevant with broadcast program, for example airtime or program title according to the broadcasting station.For example, shown on it is program-related information, for example the program title " test billionaire SP " that will be begun to play at " 20:00 " by broadcasting station 3105-A.

Herein, Figure 31 A only shows the essential information relevant with broadcast program program title in addition.This is of course not restrictive, and can show actor information or other.

As Figure 31 A to shown in the 31C, the above-described situation that is the metamessage of broadcast program above the EPG display screen of present embodiment shows with reference to ID.This example is not restrictive, and as possible application, for example the EPG display screen can not show that the sort of metamessage is with reference to ID.

When the metamessage group that comprises pivot information or sub-metamessage during from directory service server 3106, information receiving device 3101 obtains whole metamessage group and is used for showing on the captions part 31201 of EPG display screen.

As shown in the captions part 31201 of Figure 31 A, if find any programs of interest, the user can search for any repeat programme by pressing " search of replaying " button, for example program title " test billionaire SP ".Herein, described repeat programme is not restrictive, and can make search for any related-program and related content (goods) (sub-content) such as particular program and edit version program.

And, shown in captions part 31201, if find any programs of interest, by pressing " recorded program is made (recording programming) " button, the user can make the program of information receiving device 3101 recorded program titles for " test billionaire SP ".

For example, if the line that program title " test billionaire SP " rectangle surrounds is transfused to part 3511 black line overstrikings and therefore enters state of activation, if and rectangle then shows the specific position that comprises program title, actor information or URL by importation 3511 double-clicks on captions part 31201.Herein, " specific position " can show addresses of items of mail rather than URL.

Then, after viewer (user) pressed " search of the replaying " button that shows on the captions part 31201, information receiving device 3101 was responsively visited directory service server 3106, so that search for any repeat programme " test billionaire ".Herein, " search of replaying " button or " recorded program making " button that is presented on the captions part 31201 can be displayed on in the rectangle that each program provides on the EPG display screen.

With reference to Figure 29 and 32, describe the repeat programme search of present embodiment and handle.Herein, Figure 32 is that the part that schematically shows present embodiment is obtained the figure of processing, if repeat programme is arranged then this repeat programme operating part to be obtained processing in order to replay

As previously described, handle (S3803) afterwards at metamessage with reference to the reception of ID, by EPG display screen, program searching display screen, programs recommended screen etc. as a result, if the program that the viewer notes having title shown in Figure 32 " test billionaire special topic " (for example, miss it, and wish to watch it once more, although a bit seen but still wished to start anew watching from certain), then can arrange to search for to the propagation time of program.

In order to search for, press Figure 31 A after " the replay search " button shown in the 31C in importation 3511, Query Information generating portion 3512 generates and comprises and search for metamessage that program (main contents) is associated with reference to the Query Information of ID " A-5 " with have and be linked to the program metamessage of metamessage with reference to the replay attribute of ID " A-5 ".

Herein, shown in figure 32, have title " test billionaire special topic " and metamessage and for the initial program ID (property value of replay attribute) of replay " nothing " is shown with reference to the program of ID " A-5 ".If a certain value is set at the property value of the program that the user that is used to replay formulates, then this property value is set at Query Information herein.

Shown in figure 32, if selected " test billionaire's special topic (replay) ", and it is searched for so that replay, then the property value of Chong Boing is " A-5 ", therefore " A-5 " is set at Query Information.

In order to require the arrangement of time search of replaying, the Query Information that Query Information transmission part 3502 will generate thus via network 3103 is forwarded to directory service server 3106.Herein, except metamessage with reference to ID.Query Information comprises such as program title and performer's property value and the property value that is used to replay.

Then, in case reception Query Information, with reference to ID or the property value that is set to Query Information that is used to replay, search has the metamessage group (S3804) for " A-5 " of " property value that is used to replay " to the metamessage of directory service server 3106 search part 3305 in the polylith metamessage under its management according to metamessage.

As Search Results, if there is the metamessage group (S3805) of the metamessage that comprises property value with the identical appointment that is used to replay, just, when arranging repeat programme, metamessage transmissions/receiving unit 3808 to 3101 forwardings of message pick-up part about the information of respective program (metamessage is with reference to ID and the metamessage group that is associated with it) (S3806).Herein, in order to send, can be from the metamessage group that will be provided for information receiving device 3101 the only essential metamessage of extracting section.

Shown in figure 32, have the repeat programme of metamessage in order to search for reference to the program " test billionaire special topic " of ID " A-5 ", because the property value of replay attribute (the initial program ID that is used to replay) is " nothing " this fact, metamessage is used as search key with reference to ID " A-5 ", is used to search for have the property value that is used to the replay metamessage group for " A-5 ".

Shown in figure 32, having found to have metamessage " tests billionaire's special topic (replay) " with reference to ID for the program of " A-25 " and has the program " test billionaire special topic edit version " of metamessage with reference to ID " A-55 ", and as Search Results, metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 will be forwarded to information receiving device 3101 with reference to the metamessage of ID corresponding to the metamessage of finding thus.

Herein, if the property value that is used to replay is not searched for according to search key, for example, when not finding identical value, metamessage search part 3305 is sent to attribute search part 3306 with Query Information, thereby attribute search part 3306 can have the metamessage group of same or similar property value according to the property value search of some other metamessages that are set to Query Information.

For example, if Query Information is set at the attribute of metamessage, then is used as search key and searches for the metamessage group such as the property value of program title with program title or other.

When the property value of program title is search key, and when search key is set to " test billionaire special topic ", what search is the search key and the property value of metamessage, the ground demonstration 90% of described metamessage example or more similitudes (coupling) (search test billionaire special topic V2 or other).Perhaps, use search key, illustrate such a case, i.e. search is provided with the property value such as the metamessage of " later release ", " part 2 ", " edit version " or " specific versions " (search test billionaire's edit version or other).Can be for example be key table (not shown) or the situation of input or the attribute situation that is set to metamessage in advance in other such as the keyword of " later release ", " part 2 ", " edit version " or " specific versions " herein.

Therefore this allows the basic identical or similar program of program of 3306 search of attribute search part and information receiving device 3101 appointments, and enables the program of any desired under various requirement.

And by replacing carrying out search, attribute search part 3306 can reduce the processing load of directory service server 3106 if metamessage search part 3305 can not be searched for, thereby advantageously improves the search treatment effeciency.

Herein, aforesaid is such exemplary cases, i.e. the metamessage of present embodiment search part 3305 and attribute search part 3306 independent formations.This is not restrictive, and for example they can be constituted as the part with metamessage search part 3305 and attribute search part 3306.

As the result of search like this, when information receiving device 3101 receives metamessage group about repeat programme, display element information sets on the EPG of display part 3508 display screen.And, if having, information receiving device 3101 checks function predetermined or that recorded program is made, the program specification of making by importation 3511 or other, program making part 3516 are carried out for the program that is arranged for replaying and are watched predetermined or recorded program is made (S3807).

Therefore, when the time of appointment arrived, information receiving device 3101 shows on display part 3508 checked the video predetermined or program that recorded program is made, perhaps program recording is arrived DVD, VCR etc.

Shown in Figure 31 B, be scheduled to or the recorded program making display of search results on display part 3508 herein, in order to check.Display part 3508 will for example tell the replay date of the program title of the message of " find replay arrangement of time " and discovery to show together.

Then, " checking predetermined " button or " recorded program making " button that the item that uses importation 3511 to be chosen in the repeat programme of any desired as the user go up to show, such as the command response of " checking predetermined " or " recorded program making " enter the program making part 3516 that is provided for information receiving device 3101.

The program making part 3516 of information receiving device 3101 is correspondingly carried out according to the metamessage of the program of importation 3511 indication and is checked predetermined or recorded program is made.

Herein, certain is a bit gone up need not be such as showing on 3508 on the display screen under the situation that the user that confirms screen confirms to handle, and can be carried out from the order of the repeat programme of search present embodiment by information receiving device 3101 to begin the handling process that/recorded program predetermined to browsing made.

Under the superincumbent situation, user's only be used to replay program of search is selected, and sends the order of the arrangement of time search that is used to replay, and if as a result of correspondingly find repeat programme, then automatically perform and watch predetermined or recorded program is made.Therefore, this has reduced the operational ton that the user side will carry out, and information receiving device 3101 can be checked predetermined or the recorded program making with the effective and efficient manner execution.Herein, be used to automatically perform and check that this focusing on predetermined or that recorded program is made can be preestablished information receiving device 3101, for example focus on and normal process between select.

By reference Figure 29 and 33, then describe the repeat programme search/request of present embodiment and handle.Herein, Figure 33 schematically shows the figure that repeat programme is searched for and request is handled when not arranging repeat programme in the present embodiment.

As previously described, handle (S3803) afterwards at metamessage with reference to the reception of ID, describe as the front, by EPG display screen, program searching display screen, programs recommended screen etc. as a result, if the program that the viewer notes having title shown in Figure 32 " test billionaire special topic " (for example, misses, wishes to watch once more, but although a bit seen wishing from beginning watching from certain), can make search for the replay arrangement of time of this program.

In case selection program, according to the property value (ID) that illustrates for " the initial program ID that is used to replay " of the metamessage attribute under the program of selecting thus (main contents), perhaps the metamessage under the main contents is with reference to ID, and metamessage search part 3305 receives Query Information in order to search metamessage group.Herein, if there is not such ID to be set to " the initial program ID that is used to replay " (property value that is used to replay), then metamessage is used as search key with reference to ID.

Result as search like this, if metamessage search part 3305 and attribute search part 3306 boths can not find corresponding metamessage, then send the part (not shown) and tell for the message of not finding repeat programme as the program of Search Results to information receiving device 3101 forwardings.

This message that does not detect repeat programme of telling is forwarded via network 3103, and is received by the notice receiving unit 3515 that is provided to information receiving device 3101.Notice receiving equipment 3513 will tell the forwards that does not detect repeat programme to the display part 3508 then.

Shown in Figure 31 C, in case so receive message, the display part 3508 that is provided for information receiving device 3101 shows on the EPG display screen tells the message that does not detect repeat programme.

And shown in Figure 31 C, when importation 3511 or other were pressed " request is replayed " button, solicited message generating portion 3514 generated solicited messages in order to require the selected program of replaying.

After generating solicited message, solicited message generating portion 3514 forwards it to directory service server 3106 (S3808) via network 3103 then.Therefore, according to the solicited message from a plurality of users, broadcasting station 3105 can determine whether " replay " or " not replaying ".The user can press " request replay " button ask to replay program of any desired.

The solicited message generating portion 3514 that is provided for information receiving device 3101 to directory service server 3106 send for example require the program replayed such as the metamessage of " A-5 " with reference to ID and with the solicited message (S3808) of the request message setting that requires to replay.

Herein, if after determining the program of replay user appointment, information receiving device 3101 is wished to receive to replay and is determined notice, and then solicited message comprises and being used for such as the user profile of the User Recognition of his or she addresses of items of mail, user ID etc. or other.Whether the user can inquire about, wish to receive definite notice of replaying when sending solicited message so that check him or she, and described result can be used as whether require user ID determining cause element really.

In case receive solicited message, be provided for the request response part 3309 additional requests (S3809) of directory service server 3106 for respective program from metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308.Herein, after certain one-period, the ballot number by solicited message request like this is counted.Count request ballot for each metamessage that is provided for each program altogether with reference to ID, and each solicited message is voted when arriving.

When the solicited message that is received comprises user profile such as user ID, request response part 3309 will determine that notice waits for that user profile is forwarded to notice outstanding message administrative section 3307.

Notice outstanding message administrative section 3307 will wait for that user's user profile stores database into about determining notice, and store the User Information Database that obtains.Therefore, each user profile is during from request response part 3309, and notice outstanding message administrative section 3307 stores user profile into User Information Database.

By reference Figure 34, the data structure of the User Information Database like this of present embodiment is described.Figure 34 is the figure that schematically shows the User Information Database of present embodiment.

As shown in figure 34, User Information Database 31500 is made up of with reference to ID and notice purpose information the metamessage of user ID, request detailed catalogue, target program.

Use user ID to verify whether it is the information receiving device 3101 that is allowed to visit directory service server 3106.Therefore, when login, information receiving device 3101 is forwarded to directory service server 3106 with user ID and password.

Except user ID, for example can be that user's metamessage is with reference to ID.User's metamessage is not the ID that is managed by directory service server 3106 with reference to ID, but is accumulated the ID of server 3109 management by the account.Use this user's metamessage to allow the account to accumulate a plurality of user ID of server 3109 centralized management, thereby can manage polylith user profile concentratedly with reference to ID.

The metamessage of target program is to be set to metamessage from the solicited message of information receiving device 3101 with reference to ID with reference to ID.Notice purpose information is to do the customizing messages of putting up a notice to information receiving device 3101.Herein, the notice purpose information of present embodiment is not limited to addresses of items of mail, and this announcement information can be a telephone number etc.

As shown in figure 34, when user's metamessage is " U-1 " with reference to ID, for example, only by any predetermined information being stored into the User Information Database 31500 in accumulate any other servers of server 3109 such as the account, this information can be managed independently such as User Information Database 31510.

As shown in figure 33, as solicited message is added and the result (S3809) of counting request ballot by receiving, if a certain program wins the ballot of predetermined number or such as more ballots (S3810) of 10000, the request that then is provided for directory service server 3106 to any book server that is provided for broadcasting station 3105 (for example responds part 3309, the individual who is responsible for arrangement of time can this server checks its content) provide such information, this information to tell program to win predetermined number or more ballot.

If the information of telling program to win predetermined number or more ballot comprises metamessage and is required to be linked to metamessage with reference to the metamessage of ID etc. with reference to ID.Except the ballot of predetermined number,, can set arbitrary number herein, for each program that provides by broadcasting station 3105.

Then, if request ballot surpasses predetermined number, then for example, broadcasting station 3105 considers that when arranging whether the time arrange repeat programme.Perhaps, when book server received the information of telling program to win predetermined number or more ballot, the replay arrangement of time such as the pre-provisioning request of airtime can automatically be determined to satisfy in broadcasting station 3105.

If the replay arrangement of time is confirmed as so result of consideration, then the common arrangement of time processing of the metamessage of any necessity is added in broadcasting station 3105, for example, for directory service server 3106, forwarding is perhaps exported the metamessage such as program metamessage or sub-metamessage about retransmitting the information of definite program.

As shown in figure 33, from information receiving device 3101, have after metamessage handles as repeat programme with reference to the program elapsed-time standards arrangement of ID " A-5 " (title " test billionaire special topic "), the result will be a program shown in Figure 32, and it for example has metamessage with reference to ID " A-25 " (title " test billionaire's special topic (replay) ").With program metamessage input broadcasting station 3105, the title of the repeat programme after described program metamessage such as arrangement of time is handled and broadcast date, sub-metamessage or other.

Then, in case receive and the relevant information of the program of determining to replay (replay and determine information), request response part 3309 sends it to metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 and notice outstanding message administrative section 3307.Notice outstanding message administrative section 3307 is extracted notice purpose information according to the metamessage of user ID and target program with reference to ID from User Information Database 31500, and will be provided with subsequently user ID definite announcement information, notify destination information or other to be forwarded to metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308.

In case receive from definite announcement information of notifying outstanding message administrative section 3307, metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 adds definite announcement information (S3811) to definite notice of replay that information receiving device 3101 forwardings definite by replaying (for example the metamessage of the program of arrangement replay is with reference to ID or metamessage) are derived.Can change transmission means, for example E-mail, FAX or message according to the type of information receiving device 3101 herein.

When information receiving device 3101 receives the definite notice of replay, display part 3508 shows to replay on the EPG display screen determines notice, and program making part as previously described, 3516 is carried out such as checking processing (S3812) predetermined or that recorded program is made in the mode of the situation that is similar to the replay arrangement of time.

Herein, if the request count results does not surpass the ballot (S3810) of predetermined number, then make the affirmation (S3813) whether counting passes through the deadline date not yet,, then receive solicited messages continuously for program from information receiving device 3101 if before the time limit in the end.

For the program that does not surpass the predetermined number ballot, even in the preset count deadline date, the reception of directory service server 3106 turn-off request information, if desired, the data of can abstaining from voting or export it to another zone (S3814).Thus, handle relevant serial EO with the repeat programme search and the request of present embodiment.

As previously described, handle the processing (S3808) of the repeat programme that (S3804) find thus to request and check that predetermined/recorded program makes processing (S3812) from repeat programme search, as possible application, information receiving device 3101 can not show on display part 3508, for example according to processing, certain that is used for handling a bit receives the affirmation response screen (not shown) that the user confirms in place.

In the repeat programme of present embodiment and request were handled, the user only carried out program and selects, and gave an order to information receiving device 3101 and to search for repeat programme.As the result of search like this, if find repeat programme, the program making part 3516 that then is provided for information receiving device 3101 automatically performs watches predetermined or recorded program is made with repeat programme.Therefore, this can improve from repeat programme search and begins to watching treatment effeciency predetermined or that recorded program is made.

This focusing on can be considered to information receiving device 3101 according to the characteristic of handling, perhaps can under particular requirement, be performed, for example, the user can be provided with the configuration information of information receiving device 3101 or other, thereby the user provides and allows the permission that focuses on.

In the repeat programme and request processing of present embodiment, the storage area of having described numerical ability and relevant information belongs to the situation of directory service server 3106.This is not restrictive, and for example, can comprise such as any other servers of the book server that is provided for broadcasting station 3105 and adding and the numerical ability of the ballot that counting is made by solicited message and be used for storage area such as the relevant information of User Information Database.Under the situation beyond numerical ability is positioned at directory service server 3106, directory service server 3106 will be sent to the external server with numerical ability from the request of receiving equipment.

In the repeat programme of present embodiment and request are handled, described arrangement of time handle determine repeat programme after directory service server 3106 will replay and determine to notify the situation that is forwarded to information receiving device 3101.This is not restrictive, and as possible application, being provided for information receiving device 3101 or other affirmation part (not shown) can be according to visiting directory service server 3106 such as once a day routine, and can obtain to replay and determine notice.At this moment, information receiving device 3101 is prepared to be used to store the storage area (not shown) of the metamessage of the program that is requested to replay with reference to ID, and makes when replaying request at every turn, and the metamessage of the program that storage is asked thus is with reference to ID., become and to make inquiry automatically with reference to ID according to this metamessage directory service server 3106.

Repeat programme search and request for present embodiment are handled, repeat programme is not unique selection, and can search for various programs such as " continuously version request ", " version request of having edited " and " not good (NoGood) collects request " in order to request.

In the superincumbent situation, definition initial program (initial program) ID that is used to replay not only, for example, can be pre-defined such as the initial program ID of the another kind of type of the program series of continuous version (part 2).Perhaps, with initial program ID, define the management method of " replay " or " version of having edited " conduct " programme attribute " in addition.Therefore,, become and not only to search for any repeat programme, can also search for and relevant any programs such as version, special version such as editor for program searching.

The display part 3508 display menu screens of the information receiving device 3101 of present embodiment, this menu screen comprises that not only " search of replaying " or " request of replaying " also comprises " editor's the version search " or " editor's version request " of the version that is used for the program searching editor, and the button of their correspondences.Query Information corresponding to this can be forwarded to directory service server 3106.

Described up to now is that wherein main contents is the example of program, and any main contents beyond the program can be applicable to processing much at one.Below, with reference to figure 35A and 35B and Figure 36, describe the sub-content search and the request of present embodiment and handle.Each is the figure of structure that the EPG display screen of present embodiment is shown among Figure 35 A and the 35B, and Figure 36 schematically shows the content search of present embodiment and the figure that request is handled.

Shown in Figure 35 A, display part 3508 shows the EPG display screen.As previously described, the rectangle of clicking any suitable program on the EPG display screen that is used for program searching activates this screen, and double-clicks it show captions part 31201 on display part 3508.

Shown in Figure 35 A, captions part 31201 shows the program metamessage such as " program title (title) ", " classifications " or " performer (personage) ", and such as the sub-metamessage of " relevant publication " or " service provision period ".

Shown in Figure 35 A, captions part 31201 shows the program metamessage that comprises program title and property value " test billionaire SP ", comprises the program metamessage of classification and property value " test " and comprise the performer and the program metamessage of property value " Mono Minta ".Also show the sub-metamessage that comprises relevant publication and property value " billionaire's dictionary " on it and comprised the service provision period and the sub-metamessage of property value " up to 2003/6/30 ".

And, on captions part 31201 the relevant publication of sub-metamessage and closely locating of property value " billionaire's dictionary ", show " needing more details " button.Use importation 3511 to press " for details " and will allow search and obtain the more detailed information (metamessage group) relevant, for example, whether have any relevant publication (sub-content) with sub-content.

By using information receiving device 3101, the user can be by showing such as details, search, recommending or from other various means of EPG display screen, search for or obtain the details about perhaps sub-content in the son relevant with a certain program (main contents).

As shown in figure 36, hypothesis search herein has the situation of metamessage with reference to the metamessage group of ID " A-5 ", be provided for the Query Information generating portion 3512 generated query information of information receiving device 3101, this Query Information comprise metamessage with reference to ID " A-5 ", title " test billionaire special topic ", comprise that its attribute is the instruction (ferret out instruction) or the like of the metamessage of relevant publication.

For sub-content search, Query Information sends part 3502 will be forwarded to directory service server 3106 by the Query Information that Query Information generating portion 3512 generates via network 3103.Herein, the purpose of this transmission of Query Information comprises each URI of the directory service server 3106 in the information receiving device 3101.

When directory service server 3106 receives this Query Information, metamessage search part 3305 according to metamessage with reference to ID or in Query Information, find search for the polylith metamessage of being responsible for the corresponding element information sets.

As the result of this search, if find the metamessage group of appointment thus in the metamessage group, then metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 is forwarded to information receiving device 3101 with the metamessage group relevant with program., will be forwarded to beyond the metamessage group of information receiving device 3101, can extracting section only relevant with sub-content metamessage week is with transmission herein.

As shown in figure 36, metamessage search part 3305 Search Results of deriving is about having the metamessage group of metamessage with reference to the title " test billionaire SP " of ID " A-5 ".Therefore, metamessage search part 3305 extract relevant publication " billionaire's dictionary " with about metamessage, in order to be sent to metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 such as relevant publication (date issued " uncertain ").

Herein, as previously described, if in the Search Results that the metamessage search part 3305 of present embodiment is derived, do not find the metamessage group, then for example, metamessage search part 3305 is sent to attribute search part 3306 with Query Information, and attribute search part 3306 these metamessage groups of search.

For example, as mentioned above, if " the ferret out instruction " found in Query Information has the attribute of relevant publication, then go back except handling relevant publication, attribute search part 3306 can be searched for any like attribute such as " associated video " and " dependent game " from the metamessage group.Herein, this attribute that is similar to relevant publication can be imported key table (not shown) or other in advance, and attribute search part 3306 can be searched for the metamessage group with reference to this key table.

Therefore, attribute search part 3306 can be searched for the basic identical or similar program of program (main contents) or such as the sub-content about the video and the books of program.

If attribute search part 3306 is successfully found corresponding metamessage group, then be similar to the Search Results of deriving by metamessage search part 3305, metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 is forwarded to information receiving device 3101 with the metamessage of metamessage group or extraction arbitrarily.

Shown in Figure 35 B, metamessage is displayed on the EPG display screen with reference to the Search Results of ID " A-5 ".If the EPG display screen represents that be " uncertain " date issued of relevant publication (sub-content), then importation 3511 presses the button " inquiry reception notification ".When determining the date issued of publication, to press in response to this button, the solicited message generating portion 3514 that is provided for information receiving device 3101 is from the definite notice of directory service server 3106 receptions about date issued.Then, generate solicited message so that be sent to directory service server 3106.

Solicited message comprises metamessage at least with reference to ID and notice request, and for example, and to shown in the 35B, solicited message comprises that metamessage is with reference to ID " A-5 ", relevant publication " billionaire's dictionary ", as the notice etc. date issued of notice request as Figure 35 A.

In case reception solicited message, metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 are sent to request response part 3309.By solicited message being sent to request response part 3309, solicited message is transfused to the User Information Database under 3307 management of notice outstanding message administrative section.Herein, the user notification database has and the essentially identical structure of above-described database, therefore no longer provides further description herein.

When determining the date issued of sub-content, and when upgrading " date issued " of the sub-metamessage relevant with sub-content under content service server 3107 management, the sub-metamessage that comprises the property value of date issued is forwarded to the request that is provided to directory service server 3106 and responds part 3309.

Request response part 3309 will comprise the sub-metamessage from the property value of the date issued of content service server 3107 be sent to metamessage transmissions/receiving unit 3308 and notify outstanding message administrative section 3307 both.

According to responding the metamessage of part 3309 with reference to ID from the user ID of User Information Database 31500 with from request, notice outstanding message administrative section 3307 is extracted the notice destination information, and will comprise that definite announcement information of user ID and notice destination information is forwarded to metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308.

In case receive definite announcement information from notice outstanding message administrative section 3307, metamessage transmission/receiving unit 3308 to determine announcement information add metamessage with reference to ID, comprise the sub-metamessage of property value of date issued or other, in order to be sent to information receiving device 3101.According to the type of information receiving device 3101, can change the transmission means, for example E-mail, FAX or message herein.

When information receiving device 3101 received sub-metamessages or other, display part 3508 showed that on the EPG display screen unit notifies or other.Be provided with at information receiving device 3101 under the situation of sub-content purchase reservation capability, program making part 3516 can be carried out the purchase predetermined process that is used for pre-stator content in response to the order from importation 3511 before date issued.

In response to the order from importation 3511, program making part 3516 generates the purchase predetermined information that is used for pre-stator content, and forwards it to directory service server 3106 via network 3103.

When the predetermined part 3310 of accepting that is provided for directory service server 3106 receives when buying predetermined informations, the predetermined part 3310 of accepting is added user's purchase database (not shown) under predetermined receiving unit 3310 management to buying predetermined information.

And the predetermined part 3310 of accepting will be bought predetermined information and be forwarded to the account and accumulate server 3109.

Herein, if user's purchase data of present embodiment be User Information Database 31500 or accumulate User Information Database 31510 under server 3109 management the account, then user's purchase data of present embodiment is applicable.

After adding the purchase predetermined information to the user purchase database, when coming for predetermined sub-content date issued, directory service server 3106 to content service server 3107 give an order with according to user's purchase database to 3101 fens gamete contents of information receiving device.By this way, information receiving device 3101 can be bought sub-content.

Herein, when directory service server 3106 when content service server 3107 is sent this order, checking that with normal mode the account accumulates after server 3109 finishes sub-content record keeping/settlement process, directory service server 3106 is given an order with a minute gamete content to content service server 3107.Thus, the description of handling about the sub-content search and the request of present embodiment finishes.

Note herein, will be accumulated server 3109 exec accountings/settlement process by the account of present embodiment being described in detail later.

And, in the sub-content search and request processing of present embodiment, for the duration of the processing that requires to notify the sub-content release date to the predetermined processing of sub-content purchase, information receiving device 3101 can for example not show the process of the screen (not shown) that is used to inquire that the user confirms on display part 3508.

The user only carries out sub-content choice, and requires the notice on (request) sub-content release date.As a result, when determining date issued, can buy predetermined automatically.This has reduced the quantity of the operating procedure that the user should carry out, and can improve the treatment effeciency of information receiving device 3101.

And, in the sub-content search of present embodiment and request are handled, above-described be if when making search with metamessage group that sub-content is associated date issued not rule notify the situation of determined date issued.This notice of date issued is not unique selection.For example, can carry out similar processing for any other details such as price and title.That is, the definite notice that is provided for information receiving device 3101 can for example be that date of publication is determined to notify, price is determined notice or other, and comprises the update notification of pivot information that is associated with main contents or the sub-metamessage that is associated with sub-content.

When wishing to give viewer (user) that the sub-content of any appointment is provided,, can carry out advertisement with effective means by dwindling viewer (user's) preference when broadcasting station 3105 and information distributing equipment 3104.

Information receiving device 3101 can easily be searched for its content and seem attracting any main contents or sub-content, and therefore can search the arbitrary target content with garbage.At this moment, information receiving device 3106 uses information that a plurality of broadcasting stations 3105 the derive basis as the content that visits broadcasting station 3105 management.

Each broadcasting station 3105 is administrative directory service server 3106 and content service server 3107 individually.Even each broadcasting station 3105 is not registered to the information search system of present embodiment, also can the active information search system, and will carry out later interpolation.

Basic EPG information served by EPG or other distribution company centralized collection in order to deliver.Perhaps, the broadcasting station can be near (close) and any other the additional ECG information of management.

This has eliminated the needs of submitting data to EPG service assignment company to, thereby can minimise data upgrade required processing.And the detailed variation of under the management of directory service server 3106 or content service server 3107 the program metamessage being made can not influence broadcasting wave (SI information).

For information receiving device 3101 obtains metamessage and relevant information about details, for directory service server 3106 is conducted interviews, the information distributing equipment 3104 of metamessage (mainly being broadcasting station 3105) can obtain the visit information of deriving thus.If whole metamessage is stored in information receiving device 3101 in order to handle, then can not obtain this metamessage, herein, unless information receiving device 3101 is carried out transfer of data clearly.

Even upgrade metamessage and the sub-content that can be related to by a certain program and the content of main contents along with passing of time, the always identical metamessage of the information that information receiving device 3101 will receive is with reference to ID.

This permission always regularly provides nearest information in the visit of being made by information receiving device 3101.Be similar to the situation of real-time broadcasting, can handle information about the program of any record.

3105 sides in the broadcasting station can control attribute and the service provision period of metamessage with reference to ID, various metamessages.

Information distributing equipment 3104 can be with the repeat programme of effective and efficient manner search by the program of information receiving device 3101 appointments.And information receiving device 3101 can solicited message distributing equipment 3104 these programs of replay.

And, if the program that arrangement is used to replay, if perhaps at the temporary transient program replayed of being identified for recently after uncertain of program, then information distributing equipment 3104 with this result notification to information receiving device 3101, thereby can improve the reliability of information receiving device 3101 broadcast programs.

Information distributing equipment 3104 can suitably regularly will be forwarded to information receiving device 3101 such as the notice on repeat programme date arbitrarily.Therefore, after initial broadcast stops program, can be immediately the replay arrangement of time of program be forwarded to information receiving device 3101.

As previously discussed, according to the present invention, information distributing equipment is only delivered metamessage with reference to ID rather than whole metamessage group, and transmits the metamessage group that is associated with reference to ID with metamessage on demand.This can reduce the data volume of delivering and will be stored in data volume in the information receiving device, advantageously improves treatment effeciency, and the content of any desired is provided to information receiving device.

As previously discussed, according to present embodiment, information distributing equipment 3104 can be searched for the arbitrary target content with effective and efficient manner from the content of information receiving device 3101 appointments.

Similarly, although, the invention is not restricted to these examples by the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings.It will be understood by those of skill in the art that under the situation that does not deviate from the technical scope that claim of the present invention asks for protection, can design a large amount of other modifications and variations, and these modifications and variations one fix within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. the information access system that can distribute program metamessage and content has been set up correlation between program metamessage and content, it is characterized in that comprising:

Transmit block is used for program metamessage and metamessage are sent to information receiving device with reference to ID from information distributing equipment;

Receiving-member is used to receive from the program metamessage of information distributing equipment and metamessage with reference to ID;

The request parts are used for according to the metamessage that is received by receiving-member with reference to ID to information distributing equipment request content metamessage;

Distribution member is used in response to the request of being made by the request parts content metamessage being distributed to information receiving device; With

Display unit is used to show the content metamessage that obtains from information distributing equipment.

2. information access system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described receiving-member via network program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

3. information access system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: described receiving-member via broadcasting wave program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

4. information access system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: the content metamessage that receives with reference to ID according to metamessage comprises the address information of content substance.

5. information access system according to claim 3 is characterized in that also comprising the first content access component, is used for according to the address information of content substance content being conducted interviews.

6. information access system according to claim 5 is characterized in that also comprising first analysis component, is used to analyze the preference information from the content of first access component visit.

7. information access system according to claim 6 is characterized in that: come search content according to described preference information.

8. information access system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: use the keyword about program to come the setting content metamessage.

9. information access system according to claim 8 is characterized in that also comprising the second content access component, is used for according to keyword the content about keyword being conducted interviews.

10. information access system according to claim 9 is characterized in that also comprising second analysis component, is used to analyze the preference information from the content that is found by the search parts according to keyword.

11. information access system according to claim 10 is characterized in that: described search parts also comprise the preference search parts that are used for according to the preference information search content.

12. the information distributing equipment that can distribute program metamessage and content has been set up correlation between program metamessage and content, it is characterized in that comprising:

Transmit block is used for program metamessage and metamessage are sent to information receiving device with reference to ID;

Receiving-member is used for receiving from information receiving device with reference to ID according to metamessage the request of information word information; With

Transmit block is used for reference to ID the content metamessage being sent to information receiving device according to metamessage.

13. information distributing equipment according to claim 12 is characterized in that: described transmit block sends program metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID via network.

14. information distributing equipment according to claim 12 is characterized in that: described transmit block sends program metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID via broadcasting wave.

15. an information access device is characterized in that comprising:

Receiving-member is used for program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID;

The request parts are used for coming the request content metamessage according to metamessage with reference to ID; With

Display unit is used for after receiving displaying contents metamessage.

16. information access device according to claim 15 is characterized in that: described receiving-member via network program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

17. information access device according to claim 15 is characterized in that: described receiving-member via broadcasting wave program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

18. information access device according to claim 15 is characterized in that also comprising the first content access component, is used to visit the address information of the content substance that is included in the content metamessage.

19. information access device according to claim 18 is characterized in that also comprising first analysis component, is used to analyze the preference information that the address information by the accessed content entity obtains.

20. information access device according to claim 19 is characterized in that also comprising the search parts, is used for coming search content according to preference information.

21. information access device according to claim 15 is characterized in that also comprising the second content access component, is used for visiting content according to the relevant keyword that is included in the content of content information.

22. information access device according to claim 21 is characterized in that also comprising second analysis component, is used for the preference information of analyzing molecules according to the content of keyword visit.

23. information access device according to claim 22 is characterized in that also comprising preference search parts, is used for coming search content according to preference information.

24. the information access method that can distribute program metamessage and content has been set up correlation between program metamessage and content, it is characterized in that comprising:

Program metamessage and metamessage are sent to information receiving device with reference to ID from information distributing equipment;

From information distributing equipment program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID;

According to the metamessage that receives with reference to ID to information distributing equipment request content metamessage;

The content metamessage is distributed to information receiving device; With

The content metamessage that demonstration is obtained from information distributing equipment.

25. information access method according to claim 24 is characterized in that: via network program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

26. information access method according to claim 24 is characterized in that: via broadcasting wave program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

27. information access method according to claim 24 is characterized in that: the content metamessage that receives with reference to ID according to metamessage comprises the address information of content substance.

28. information access method according to claim 27 is characterized in that: the address information according to content substance visits described content.

29. information access method according to claim 28 is characterized in that: from the content analysis preference information of visit.

30. information access method according to claim 29 is characterized in that: search for described content according to preference information.

31. information access method according to claim 24 is characterized in that: use the keyword relevant to come the setting content metamessage with program.

32. information access method according to claim 31 is characterized in that: search for the content relevant with keyword according to described keyword.

33. information access method according to claim 32 is characterized in that: analyze preference information from the described content that finds according to keyword.

34. information access method according to claim 33 is characterized in that: search for described content according to described preference information.

35. an information distributing method is characterized in that:

Program metamessage and metamessage are sent to information receiving device with reference to ID;

According to described metamessage with reference to the request of ID from information receiving device received content metamessage; With

With reference to ID the content metamessage is sent to information receiving device according to described metamessage.

36. information distributing method according to claim 35 is characterized in that: send program metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID via network.

37. information distributing method according to claim 35 is characterized in that: send program metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID via broadcasting wave.

38. an information access method is characterized in that:

Program receiving metamessage and metamessage are with reference to ID;

Make request according to metamessage with reference to ID to the content metamessage; With

Receive and show described content metamessage.

39., it is characterized in that according to the described information access method of claim 38: via network program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

40., it is characterized in that according to the described information distributing method of claim 38: via broadcasting wave program receiving metamessage and metamessage with reference to ID.

41. according to the described information access method of claim 38, it is characterized in that: visit is included in the address information of the content substance of content metamessage.

42., it is characterized in that: analyze the preference information that the address information by the accessed content entity obtains according to the described information access method of claim 41.

43., it is characterized in that: come search content according to preference information according to the described information access method of claim 42.

44., it is characterized in that according to the described information access method of claim 38: according to be included in the content metamessage in the relevant keyword of content visit described content.

45., it is characterized in that: analyze preference information according to the content of keyword visit according to the described information access method of claim 44.

46. according to the described information access method of claim 45, it is characterized in that: search for described content according to described preference information.